My family stayed in this fantastic hotel, regrettably only for 1 night at the end of a week on Zanzibar. We had been booked into another hotel but when we read the reviews we switched, and are very glad we did so. From the moment we arrived in the calm, and coolness of the hotel reception which is decorated in neutral earthy colours, we knew we had made the right choice for the night.

We were greeted by Farooq, who I think is the manager, and who gave us a bit of history of how the old palace had been restored and a guided tour of the premises. The refurb has been carried out in such a tasteful manner and in total harmony to its surroundings and history.

We were taken to rooms 21 and 22 I think and had our own shared landing sun lounging area and as many amenities as one could try to immagine for a 4-5 star hotel.

Once we had ventured out and visit some of the many sights and atractions Stonetown has to offer, and been stifled by the heat, the crowded labrynth of narrow streets and alley ways it was an absolute pleasure to return to the hotel. We felt as though we had arrived back in some sort of oasis, and this was only enhanced by adjourning to the rooftop bar / terrace for a cocktail whilst watching the crowds gathering in Fodorahni Gardens, the Dows sailing past on the coast and a spectacular sunset beyond.

As stated earlier our only regret with our stay at the Mashariki Palace was that we were staying for only 1 night. If in Stonetown, I would really loved to have stayed another night. It is the only city in the world where I have ever felt like I had entered into a new world when I left the streets and walked through the doors of a really special hotel.

The mashariki palace is absolutely stunning the decor is simply beautiful and the location is perfect! My room is large with every facility in perfect working order. The staff are very helpful, courteous and friendly. The rooftop restaurant has an amazing view and the food is just as amazing!
I would recommend this hotel and I intend to return

The things we loved: the architecture, the views from the terrace, our room facing old narrow residential streets in Stone Town, the food, the location and most of all the Manager and Staff's hospitality. I'm not sure if the Manager is the same, but he took the time to tell us all about the hotel, the area as well as helped us get hooked up with our next destination outside of Stone Town. I was amazed at the pampered treatment we received! Great find, great place and great management.

We stayed here for three nights recently at the conclusion of our holiday in Tanzania. And what a fantastic hotel this was! This achingly beautiful hotel resides in a renovated palace complex that once belonged to the Sultan of Zanzibar. One can best fully appreciate the palpable history and romance to this hotel on the roof top bar, cocktail in hand and to the background of the call to prayer from distant minarets. Amazing rooms that takes you back to another place and time. Staff are helpful and knowledgeable and willing to make the extra effort to make your stay memorable. A special thanks to the manager that arranged for an escort to our restaurant during the recent protest at the edge of Stonetown.