Emerson on Hurumzi

3.5 star property

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Photo gallery for Emerson on Hurumzi

Breakfast, lunch and dinner served
Lobby sitting area
Classic Double Room (Blue) | 1 bedroom, in-room safe, individually decorated, individually furnished
Terrace/patio
Classic Double or Twin Room (Rose) | 1 bedroom, in-room safe, individually decorated, individually furnished

Reviews

9.2 out of 10
Wonderful

Popular amenities

  • Breakfast included
  • Free WiFi
  • Restaurant
  • Bar
  • Laundry
  • Room service

Explore the area

View in a map
Hurumzi St, Zanzibar Town
  • Place, House of Wonders
    ‪2 min walk‬
  • Place, Old Fort
    ‪5 min walk‬
  • Place, Forodhani Gardens
    ‪7 min walk‬
  • Airport, Zanzibar (ZNZ-Zanzibar Intl.)
    ‪13 min drive‬

Room options

Signature Room (Zenana)

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful
(2 reviews)
  • City view
  • 474 sq ft
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds
  • Free WiFi

Classic Room (Seyyed)

  • City view
  • 517 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed
  • Free WiFi

Classic Double Room (Blue)

  • City view
  • 517 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed
  • Free WiFi

Classic Double or Twin Room (Rose)

  • City view
  • 517 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed
  • Free WiFi

Classic Double Room (Tour)

  • City view
  • 517 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed
  • Free WiFi

About the neighborhood

Zanzibar Town

Located in Stone Town, Emerson on Hurumzi is next to popular attractions like House of Wonders and Hamamni Persian Baths. This 10-room, 3.5-star hotel has free breakfast and a restaurant, along with free in-room WiFi.

What's nearby

  • House of Wonders - 2 min walk - 0.1 miles
  • Christ Church Cathedral - 3 min walk - 0.2 miles
  • Old Fort - 5 min walk - 0.3 miles
  • Slave Market - 5 min walk - 0.3 miles
  • Forodhani Gardens - 7 min walk - 0.4 miles

Getting around

  • Zanzibar Intl. Airport (ZNZ) - 25 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Forodhani Park - ‬4 min walk
  • ‪Lukmaan Restaurant - ‬4 min walk
  • ‪House of Karafuu - ‬3 min walk
  • ‪Livingstone Beach Restaurant - ‬6 min walk
  • ‪Secret Garden - ‬2 min walk

About this property

Emerson on Hurumzi

Guests staying at Emerson on Hurumzi enjoy free WiFi in public areas, laundry facilities, and a garden. Airport transportation is made easy with an airport shuttle (available 24 hours) for USD 25 per vehicle one-way. Front-desk staff can assist with luggage storage and concierge services. This hotel also has a porter/bellhop.
Guests can stay connected with free WiFi. Stretch out in the soaking tub. Sitting areas, free local calls, and ceiling fans are also standard.
The recreational activities listed below are available either on site or nearby; fees may apply.

Similar properties

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • No onsite parking available
  • 24-hour roundtrip airport shuttle on request for a surcharge

Food and drink

  • Free continental breakfast available daily 7:00 AM to 10:00 AM
  • A bar/lounge
  • A coffee shop/cafe
  • A restaurant

Restaurants on site

  • Art Gallery & Café
  • Tea House Restaurant

Things to do

  • Art gallery
  • Bicycle storage
  • Evening entertainment

Family friendly

  • Laundry facilities

Conveniences

  • Laundry facilities
  • Limited-hour front desk
  • Luggage storage

Guest services

  • Concierge services
  • Housekeeping (daily)
  • Porter/bellhop
  • Tour and ticket assistance

Outdoors

  • Beach towels
  • Garden
  • Outdoor furniture

Accessibility

  • No elevator

More

  • 5 floors
  • At least 80% organic food
  • Built in 1870
  • Comprehensive food waste policy
  • Designated smoking areas
  • Eco-friendly cleaning products used
  • Local artist showcase
  • Local culture and ecosystem education
  • Locally sourced food prioritized
  • Locally-owned and organized tours and activities
  • Mosquito nets
  • No plastic coffee stirrers
  • No plastic drinking straws
  • No plastic soft drink bottles
  • No plastic water bottles
  • Non-plastic drinking straws available
  • Reusable cups
  • Reusable tableware
  • Some LED lighting used
  • Some profits reinvested in community and sustainability
  • Traditional architecture
  • Vegan dining options
  • Vegetarian breakfast available
  • Vegetarian dining options
  • Waste recycling policy

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • Deep soaking bathtub
  • Hair dryer (on request)
  • Private bathroom
  • Shampoo
  • Shower/bathtub combination
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Food and drink

  • Free bottled water
  • Limited room service

More

  • Ceiling fan
  • Connecting rooms available
  • Desk
  • Free local calls
  • Individual decor
  • Individual furnishings
  • Laptop workspace
  • Phone
  • Safe
  • Separate sitting area
  • Water-efficient toilets

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 1:00 PM; Check-in end time: 10:00 PM
Minimum check-in age: 18

Check-out

Check-out before 10:00 AM

Special check-in instructions

This property offers transfers from the airport (surcharges may apply); guests must contact the property with arrival details before travel, using the contact information on the booking confirmation
The front desk is open daily from 7:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Guests must contact the property in advance for check-in instructions; front desk staffed during limited hours
This property doesn't offer after-hours check-in
To make arrangements for check-in please contact the property at least 24 hours before arrival using the information on the booking confirmation
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Access methods

Front desk (limited hours)

Pets

  • This property doesn't allow pets

Property payment types

Important information

Fees

You'll be asked to pay these charges at the property:

  • A tax is imposed by the city: USD 4.00 per person, per night
  • An effective city/local tax rate of 12.00 percent will be charged
  • Deposit is payable by bank transfer and is due within 24 hours of booking the reservation.

These are all of the charges provided to us by the property.

Optional extras

These fees and deposits will be charged at check-in, check-out, or the time of service.

  • Airport shuttle fee: USD 25 per vehicle (one-way)

This list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits might not include tax and are subject to change.

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
Guests must contact this property in advance to reserve cribs/infant beds
This property accepts credit cards; cash is not accepted
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, and a first aid kit
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children; if you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room
  • Check-in: 1:00 PM—-10:00 PM
  • Check-out: 10:00 AM
  • Minimum check-in age: 18
The front desk is available during limited hours. For convenient arrivals and departures, you can take advantage of the airport shuttle (available 24 hours), which is offered for a fee.

We should mention

Details about charges, deposits, or other important information:

  • This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession.
  • This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children. If you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room.
  • Charges for extra guests may apply and vary depending on the property's policy.
  • A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges, as well as a government-issued photo ID, may be required at check-in.
  • Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in and can't be guaranteed. Certain requests may come with additional charges.
  • No parking is available onsite.
  • Guests must contact this property in advance to reserve cribs/infant beds.
  • This property accepts credit cards. Cash is not accepted. 
  • Onsite safety features include a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, and a first aid kit.

Additional information about polices, regulations, and more:

  • Connecting or adjoining rooms can be requested, but all rooms are subject to availability. Contact the property using the phone number on your booking confirmation.
  • There are no elevators.
  • No cribs or infant beds are available.
  • No rollaway or extra beds are available.

Property is also known as

Emerson on Hurumzi Hotel
Emerson on Hurumzi Zanzibar Town
Emerson on Hurumzi Hotel Zanzibar Town

Frequently asked questions

What is there to do near Emerson on Hurumzi?

This hotel is situated in Stone Town, just steps from House of Wonders and Beit el-Sahel (Palace Museum), and within a short walk of Old Fort. You'll also find Forodhani Gardens and Slave Market less than a mile away.

How much does it cost to stay at Emerson on Hurumzi?

As of Jun 19, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Emerson on Hurumzi on Jun 27, 2026 start from $205, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

Will I be able to park at Emerson on Hurumzi?

No, this hotel doesn't offer parking.

Does Emerson on Hurumzi feature a casino?

No, Emerson on Hurumzi doesn't have a casino.

Is there an indoor pool at Emerson on Hurumzi?

No, there is no indoor pool at this hotel.

Is Emerson on Hurumzi a good place to stay for couples?

Couples staying at this hotel will appreciate amenities like a deep soaking bathtub as well as a garden-view restaurant and a bar/lounge.

Does Emerson on Hurumzi have a hot tub?

No, there isn't a spa tub at this hotel.

Does Emerson on Hurumzi have a restaurant that serves breakfast?

Yes, Emerson on Hurumzi serves free continental breakfast at Tea House Restaurant each morning.

Does Emerson on Hurumzi allow pets to stay for free?

No, pets aren't allowed at Emerson on Hurumzi.

Does Emerson on Hurumzi have connecting rooms available?

Yes, this hotel has connecting rooms you can book for your group event or vacation.

Where is the closest airport to Emerson on Hurumzi?

The closest major airport to Emerson on Hurumzi is Zanzibar Intl. Airport (ZNZ), which is 5 mi away (25 minutes by car).

Can I book a room with a balcony at Emerson on Hurumzi?

Yes, some guestrooms at this hotel offer either a balcony and a deck/patio where guests can enjoy ocean and city views.

Emerson on Hurumzi Reviews

Reviews

9.2

Wonderful

Rating 10 - Excellent. 26 out of 34 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 4 out of 34 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 34 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 2 out of 34 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 1 out of 34 reviews

9.4/10

Cleanliness

9.2/10

Staff & service

8.0/10

Amenities

9.0/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

scott

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
A magical, historical hotel. We felt privileged to stay there. All staff were wonderful as was the food and rooftop dining experience. A great spot to walk around and discover Stone Town.
Stayed 4 nights in Jan 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Leila

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Breakfast was good!
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Vanessa

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Expert and attentive staff. Beautiful historic building. Roof top restaurant set menu was divine experience at sunset.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025
Verified

8/10 Good

Luis

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Quaint historic building right in stone town. Staff is great a dinner at the rooftop is really nice.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

WILLIAM

Liked: Cleanliness, room comfort

See you in 26 ❤️

My favorite hotel in Zanzibar, By far
Stayed 6 nights in Sep 2025
Verified

6/10 Okay

kristin

Hotel with a unique, cool interior. Missing a safe and refrigerator in the room. There was a problem with the water supply in the shower, the water ran out in the middle of the shower. Experienced the same with the faucet in the sink. Also felt there was a bit of visibility into the shower area from the other buildings around.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Nelda

Liked: Staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Beautifully unique rooms. Super friendly and kind staff. Definitely recommend the dinner on the rooftop. Everything was amazing!
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2023
Verified

8/10 Good

Stephen

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Stayed there in 1994, so almost exactly 30 years ago. Same charm, but a little more run down. Our sense was that it showed the consequence of not having a strong manager on site. Little things were a bit amiss and staff could probably use some training in customer relations appropriate to a place with Emerson's storied history and its cost
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2024
Verified

4/10 Poor

Rashmi

Liked: Cleanliness
Disliked: Amenities, property conditions & facilities
The hotel is located in Stone town. There is significant noise from call to prayers. The room is large and furnished with period furniture. The stairs are high. There is no elevator and the hotel staff is helpful in taking the luggage up the stairs. The breakfast is served from the top terrace of the hotel which has a nice view of the ocean. However the quality of the food could be significantly improved (plate of fruit, mediocre egg - avoid the omelette, two small triangles of wheat bread) juice, tea/French press coffee. The water in the faucets is not potable. On the second day we asked for an additional bottle of water twice and it was never delivered. The staff is very friendly. There were fresh flowers in the room.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Paige

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

A Hidden Gem in Stone Town – delivered 5 stars.

I was completely blown away by this charming, one-of-a-kind hotel in Stone Town that far exceeded its 2-star rating in every possible way. What was meant to be a simple stay turned into one of the most memorable experiences of our trip. The hotel is not just a place to sleep—it’s a piece of history. Converted from a monument once owned by the British, tied to the abolition of slavery, it now stands as a semi-attached three-building hotel filled with character and soul. The architecture is absolutely captivating, full of old-world charm with a touch of Zanzibar magic. Our room was magnificent, spacious, and unlike anything you’d find in today’s trendy, cookie-cutter hotels. The bathroom, too, had its own distinct style—refreshingly unique and reflective of the local design rather than the sterile sameness of modern chains. Every corner of the hotel is decorated with thoughtful, culturally rich details that give it life and authenticity. The staff? Incredible. Truly some of the warmest, most helpful people we’ve encountered. They went above and beyond, not only in their hospitality but in arranging tours for us at very reasonable prices—we even cross-checked them online and found their rates to be more than fair. And then there’s the rooftop restaurant. Hands down one of the best places to eat in Stone Town, and for good reason. Overall, this hotel may only be rated two stars, but it delivered a five-star experience from start to finish. 10/10 would recommend.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Bo

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Personalen fantastisk
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

AKARI

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
ストーンタウンの中心というロケーションで、朝から晩まで遊べます。 歴史ある建物でお城のよう。ホテル自体の雰囲気も楽しめます。 スタッフのサービスもしっかりとしていました。 ぜひまた宿泊したいです。
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025
Verified

8/10 Good

Siv

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Rent og pent og svært hyggelig personale.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Claudia Yessica

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Me gustó mucho este hotel

Me encantó el hotel, está hermoso, te transporta al pasado, en excelente ubicación, personal muy amable; lo recomiendo mucho!
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2023
Verified

4/10 Poor

Jean-Marc

Disliked: Staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
La localisation est très centrale; ceci dit, Stone Town est très petit donc il y a plusieurs hôtels bien localisés.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jesse

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Beautiful hotel and the staff were friendly and helpful. Went in with high expectations and this stay exceeded them all!
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2021
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Perfekter Aufenthalt in Stone Town!

Rundum ein gelungener Aufenthalt! Das Team ermöglicht einem jeden Wunsch und organisiert alles was man braucht! Frühstück ist super lecker und schön gesund! Wir kommen auf jeden Fall wieder!
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2021
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Sarah

Liked: Staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Séjourner à l'Emerson est un véritable voyage dans le temps. L'hôtel est authentique et tout est choisi avec beaucoup de soin. C'est vraiment une expérience à vivre : la chambre entourée de fenêtre, la baignoire spacieuse, le lit à baldaquin ... Le petit déjeuner est excellent, tous les espaces de vie commune de l'hôtel sont très agréables. Le staff est disponible et professionnel, il saura vous guider sur votre séjour à stone town. Nous avons également diner sur le rooftop. C'est une expérience à ne pas manquer, le lieu est exceptionnel, des musiciens animaient le diner, j'y retournerai sans hésiter. Peut-être prévoir des bouchons d'oreille pour dormir.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2021
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jessica

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
A beautiful hotel with lovely service! The only issue is it can be quite loud at night but definitely would stay again if back in
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2020
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Christopher

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

She willlove you

I would recommend for a couple. The service and rooms are spectacular. Location is in the center on Stone Town and be sure to catch the sunset from the roof with a drink.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2020
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jade and Nick

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Perfect, hope to return

Exceptional hotel with very personal service. The room was beautiful, clean, well appointed with attention to detail. I loved the locally handmade soaps and towels! The rooftop restaurant was amazing!
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2020
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Luca

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Posto fantastico!

Una delle migliori scelte se soggiornate a stone town! Caratteristico, particolare, non scontato! Camere enormi e ben curate, personale gradevole e disponibile, terrazza panoramica swahili style bellissima! Unica nota negativa proprio la cena sulla terrazza che se rapportata al pezzo ci è sembrata non all’altezza, comunque vale la pena solo per L atmosfera e c’è da dire che noi non amiamo particolarmente la cucina locale.
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2020
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jim

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
We thoroughly enjoyed our stay at Emerson on Hurumzi. The rooms are fun and lavishly decorated, which added a unique and memorable component to the stay. The hotel also has excellent dining options such as a traditional tea-ceremony at the rooftop teahouse, and sunset dinner and cocktails at the rooftop restaurant. We would recommend Emerson on Hurumzi to anyone visiting Stone Town, and would happily stay there again!
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2019
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Joachim

Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Freddie

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, room comfort
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025