I spent the end of 2012 and start of 2013 is this magnificent, comfortable and beautifully renovated hotel. It was the holiday I needed amongst friends that I made in the enchanting setting of Stone Town. The hotel is centrally located, close to the main attractions in Stone Town. It has a gorgeous morning view, the rooms are beautifully decorated and the staff are the most courteous and friendly I have ever met. I had only booked three nights but ended up staying for 5 and spending a wonderful new year amongst friends. It is really magic to be in a hotel that feels like home. Thank you Sylvano, Graciella, Luiza, Sania, Sabastian and all my friends. I hope I can come back soon!

As a newly wed couple, my husband and I went to Zanzibar and spent 11 nights at Mashariki for our honeymoon. We absolutely loved everything about this hotel. The design of the hotel is wonderful in capturing the feeling of a thousand and one nights. It is very well restored and beautifully furnished. The staff were super friendly and very helpful, and the owners who happened to be there during our stay were wonderful and attentive to our needs. Unfortunately I got sick with the flu and the hotel arranged for a doctor to come since I hardly left the room in 3 days. They were all very caring and would even call our room to make sure I was ok. They were all our little family during our stay and we created such wonderful bonds with the owners and staff. The hotel is super clean with modern toilets (which is very important in third world countries). The hotel is located close to a market, several restaurants, and a park all within walking distance. Be aware that Stone Town is a bit noisy in terms of the people talking loudly outside, so when in your room there are times when you will hear children screaming or loud salesmen. Nevertheless it's a wonderful experience to get away from the materialistic world of today. My husband and I plan on visiting again in the future and look forward to staying at Mashariki once again. Thank you to the Mashariki family for making our honeymoon one we will never forget.

We had one night at this overpriced and average hotel and I would not recommend it to anyone. We chose to stay here for 2 reasons..one was the glowing tripadvisor reviews and the other was the bed size that was advertised on Booking.com (a very large double bed and when you hover over that it says 181-210cm ie a UK king size). Plus when you are paying almost $300 a night you expect a certain standard. We stayed in 6 or 7 hotels or safari camps in Africa and this by far the worst experience of service and expectations not met.

First up, you will be dropped off by taxi about 4 minute walk from the hotels front door... you walk up these dodgy back lanes. Its like a bomb has gone off...rubble everywhere etc...while this is not the fault of the hotel, it doesnt lead to a good first impression.

The staff don't speak great English so when you have a problem or express a concern they are unable to comprehend what the problem is or what you are asking. Our first issue about the size of the bed (as opposed as what was advertised on booking.com) was not addressed. The hotel felt empty (i think there was only 1 other couple staying) which was due to the riots that have been going on in Stone Town, but they were still unable to address our unhappiness about the incorrect advertising of the bed size and understand the complaint OR how to resolve it. Because of this the quality of service you can expect is quite poor. The staff are also NOT helpful..they will watch you "lug" bags up and down the stairs from the front desk and not run to assist you. If I was staying in a backpackers hostel and paying less than $100 a night that would be fine...but this is meant to be a 4-5 star hotel and $300 a night...

I was expecting something "palatial" or like a Palace...and it certainly was a great dissapointment. After the entrance via "rubble" , Be prepared to walk up alot of stairs - The rooms are small, they are not stunning and not spacious as some of the other reviewers have said. There are not curtains over all the windows allowing light in and no way to stop that..and cheap fitttings for everything...(it certainly didnt "charm me" and the decor was not stunning or beautifully renovated or "special" in any way...at best a 3 star hotel experience...but for the price well over priced. It has lead me to think that some of these TA reviews are not genuine reviews and we were mislead.

The breakfast was very average...2 choices of fruit (pineapple and papaya) 3 average cereals and hot breakfast..Again the issue of English came up ...My breakfast order for an cheese, tomato and mushroom omelette came as a cheese omelette with grilled tomato and what looked like tinned champignon on the side. Not a big deal...but for something that is billed as "5 star and luxurious" it certainly wasnt that!.

My advice...is do not stay in Stone town....its not a nice place..lots of people lurking around...riots, police killed, tear gas etc...if you "have" to see Stone town..then do a day trip...that will be enough....I couldnt wait to leave this hotel or Stone town.

A good option for a Stone Town stopover, this hotel is beautifully renovated in a minimal style while still preserving the Stone Town character. The comfortable rooftop bar / restaurant offered spectacular sunset views and our breakfast there was enjoyable the following morning. WiFi signal was good and the staff friendly and helpful. Recommended.