This lovely hotel is not for the unfit or those who cannot function without a lift (elevator). The rooms are reached by a long and steep stairs. The restaurant is set on the open roof. You can see the whole of stone town from there. The rooms are old fashioned and delightful. I felt like I had returned to a... more

We brought our families here for a thank you meal as we were getting married a few days later in Zanzibar. As soon as we arrived the, incredibly friendly, showed us to our seats. Drinks were ordered and we sat, relaxed and enjoyed the view. We all ordered different things and everyones food was amazing! Amongst one of the favourites... more

The staff memeber who greeted us was very friendly and, once the luggage arrived, carried it all up some incredibly steep stairs to our rooms. My room, although simply furnished, was beautiful and afforded views of the Stone Town roof tops. The AC was a welcome surprise, too! The restaurant was fantastically situated on the roof top and is a... more

We stayed at 236 hurumzi but had dinner and lunch at the Swahili House restaurant which was recommended to us by a local friend. Food was amazing, freshly made to order. Highlights include lobster ravioli and zanzibari bouillabaise. Great service with well trained and knowledgable staff. Hotel rooms looked spacious but very plain. Definitely more character at 236 hurumzi (try... more

Impossible to reach by taxi and difficult to find on foot. Deluxe(!) room had not a single shelf, drawer, rail or hook on which to place or hang clothes so obliged to live out of a suitcase. Restaurant service unbelievably bad; very pleasant staff but untrained and, in some cases, perhaps untrainable. Two positives: room had air conditioning which worked... more

After our terrific trip through Tanzania and Sansibar we stayed two nights in Swahili House. We enjoyed the rest of our holidays in this old, very well restored house with unique rooms and friendly staff in the middle of the old town. From the roof restaurant we had a fantastic view over the town and an exellent ,very delicious dinner.... more

Located in the heart of Stonetown's narrow streets Swahili House offers an oasis of spacious air conditioned rooms and a delightful roof top restaurant. The eclectic management team comprising a Belgian boss, Dutch deputy, Scouse chef and local waiters made us extremely welcome. We wish we'd stayed there longer. The steep stairs have their own charm but are not for... more

When we arrived we were given a very warm welcome, escorted up flights of stairs (not for the faint hearted) to the roof top terrace for a chat and a welcome drink. We discussed our needs for the following morning early start (5.45a.m. pick up) and agreed that we would like a wake up call at 5.15 and breakfast would... more

My husband and I stayed with a group of 18 in the hotel. We had an excellent 3 night stay. Rooms are a pleasure, clean and well taken care of. The hotel is a former princesses palace and it is furnished in style. The rooftop restaurant has a great view and serves good food, even for a group of 19!... more