I will start by saying I believe we may have had the best room in the Hotel - Room 51.
Serena Inn is located right in stone town, walking distance to all that stone town has to offer, markets, beach, restuarants. The Hotel itself has old world charm and the architecture is exactly what we imagined stone town to be like. Our room was an absolute delight, a large 4 poster bed with mosquito net, nice bathroom, an L shaped balcony which provided 2 seperate otdoor seating areas, one with a hammock which I lived in! The view from the balcony was over the sea and the pool area, we sat out and with so many small boats going past we never tired of the view. The pool was a relaxing, quiet oasis. Breakfast was OK, but included in the price, for other meals we ate out, found a great little cafe/restuarant right by Memories of Zanzibar that I would love to review but can't remember the name of it, but we ate there 3 times it was so good.
Cons : Bed hard (but we found it the same all over Eastern Africa)
You must climb stairs to get to upper floors and a bit of a maze, but worth it to have the
room we had.

A beautiful hotel, it's like stepping into a paradise of days gone by. Lovely attention to detail and some of the friendliest hotel staff I've ever met and I've been to a good few. Excellent choice for what ever you want!

Zanzibar Serena Inn combines a fine athmosphere and pleasant service. The hotel staff is very service minded and we enjoyed our stay thoroughly. Restaurants OK - not remarkable, but with OK choice. Go for the seafood. We will be back!

Hotel is at the heart of Stone Town.Walking distance to authentic narrow streets of the Town and near to the sea; good for taking fisherman and local sail boats' pictures. Hotel belong to Aga Han foundation, quite clean, friendly services. Stayed 1 night only before departing to a nearby island.