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Mbweni Ruins & Gardens

4.0 star property
Family-friendly beachfront location with outdoor pool

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for Mbweni Ruins & Gardens

Breakfast, lunch, dinner served; international cuisine, ocean views
Exclusive Double Room | Desk, laptop workspace, free WiFi, bed sheets
Exclusive Double Room | Terrace/patio
Exterior
Quadruple Room, 2 Bedrooms | Desk, laptop workspace, free WiFi, bed sheets

Reviews

8.6 out of 10
Excellent

Popular amenities

  • Pool
  • Breakfast available
  • Spa
  • Parking included
  • Room service
  • Air conditioning

Explore the area

Map
Mbweni, Zanzibar Town
  • Slave Market
    ‪9 min drive‬
  • Nakupenda Beach
    ‪9 min drive‬
  • Forodhani Gardens
    ‪10 min drive‬
  • Zanzibar (ZNZ-Zanzibar Intl.)
    ‪6 min drive‬

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Room options

View all photos for Junior Suite, 1 Bedroom, Non Smoking, Sea View

Junior Suite, 1 Bedroom, Non Smoking, Sea View | Desk, laptop workspace, free WiFi, bed sheets

Junior Suite, 1 Bedroom, Non Smoking, Sea View

  • Ocean view
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Exclusive Double Room

Exclusive Double Room | Desk, laptop workspace, free WiFi, bed sheets

Exclusive Double Room

  • Ocean view
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Quadruple Room, 2 Bedrooms

Quadruple Room, 2 Bedrooms | Desk, laptop workspace, free WiFi, bed sheets

Quadruple Room, 2 Bedrooms

  • Ocean view
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 King Bed and 1 Twin Bunk Bed

About the neighborhood

Zanzibar Town

Mbweni Ruins & Gardens places you within a 10-minute drive of popular sights such as Slave Market and Old Fort. This 13-room, 4-star hotel has an outdoor pool along with free in-room WiFi and free self parking.

What's nearby

  • Slave Market - 9 min drive - 4.7 miles
  • Nakupenda Beach - 9 min drive - 4.9 miles
  • Old Fort - 10 min drive - 4.9 miles
  • Forodhani Gardens - 10 min drive - 5.1 miles
  • Zanzibar Ferry Terminal - 10 min drive - 5.1 miles

Getting around

  • Zanzibar Intl. Airport (ZNZ) - 10 min drive

Restaurants

  • Cape Town Fish Market
  • ‪Jahazi Cafe - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪Ccm Social Hall - ‬7 min drive
  • ‪Lukmaan - ‬9 min drive
  • ‪Zanzibar Coffeehouse - ‬9 min drive

About this property

Mbweni Ruins & Gardens

Family-friendly beachfront location with outdoor pool
At Mbweni Ruins & Gardens, guests have access to an outdoor pool, free WiFi in public areas, and spa services. There's free parking, and an airport shuttle (available 24 hours) for TZS 35000 per vehicle one-way. The front desk has multilingual staff that can help with dry cleaning/laundry, tours or tickets, and luggage storage. Other amenities at this beach hotel include a terrace, laundry facilities, and wedding services.
Guests can stay connected with free WiFi. Bathrooms have hair dryers, bidets, and slippers. Balconies or patios, electric kettles, and ceiling fans are also standard.
Recreational amenities at the hotel include an outdoor pool.

The recreational activities listed below are available either on site or nearby; fees may apply.

Guests can pamper themselves by indulging in the onsite spa services. Services include facials, body scrubs, body treatments, and manicures and pedicures. A variety of treatment therapies are provided, including aromatherapy.

Languages

English, Italian, Swahili

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Property amenities

Internet

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

Parking and transportation

  • 24-hour roundtrip airport shuttle (surcharge)
  • Free area shuttle up to 6 km
  • Free self parking on site

Food and drink

  • Daily cooked-to-order breakfast available 7:30 AM to 10:30 AM for a fee: TZS 35,000 for adults and TZS 25,000 for children
  • A restaurant
  • Couples/private dining
  • Private picnics
  • Snack bar/deli

Restaurants on site

  • Mangrove Bar
  • Raintree Restaurant
  • Sundowner Bar

Things to do

  • Outdoor pool

Family friendly

  • Free area shuttle
  • In-room babysitting (surcharge)
  • Laundry facilities
  • Outdoor pool
  • Snack bar/deli

Conveniences

  • Hair salon
  • Laundry facilities
  • Limited-hour front desk
  • Luggage storage
  • Safe at front desk
  • Vending machine

Guest services

  • Concierge services
  • Dry cleaning/laundry service
  • Housekeeping (daily)
  • Multilingual staff
  • Proposal/romance packages
  • Tour and ticket assistance
  • Wedding services

Outdoors

  • Beach loungers
  • Beach towels
  • Beach umbrellas
  • Garden
  • On the beach
  • Pool loungers
  • Terrace

Spa

  • Aromatherapy
  • Body scrubs
  • Facials
  • In-room massages
  • Manicures/pedicures

Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • No elevator
  • Well-lit path to entrance

More

  • 10 buildings
  • 2 floors
  • Banquet hall
  • Built in 1994
  • Mosquito nets
  • Smoke-free property

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • Bidet
  • Hair dryer
  • Private bathroom
  • Shampoo
  • Slippers
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Food and drink

  • Electric kettle
  • Free bottled water
  • Limited room service

More

  • Access via exterior corridors
  • Air conditioning
  • Ceiling fan
  • Desk
  • Electrical adapters
  • Laptop workspace
  • Phone

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 7:00 AM; Check-in end time: 11:00 PM
Early check-in subject to availability
Early check-in fee: TZS 37500
Late check-in subject to availability
Late check-in fee: TZS 37500 for check-in between midnight and 6:00 AM
Minimum check-in age: 18

Check-out

Check-out before 11 AM
Late check-out subject to availability
Late check-out fee: TZS 128000

Special check-in instructions

This property offers transfers from the airport (surcharges may apply); to arrange pick-up, guests must contact the property 24 hours prior to arrival, using the contact information on the booking confirmation
The front desk is open daily from 7:00 AM - 11:00 PM
Front desk staffed during limited hours
If you are planning to arrive after noon please contact the property in advance using the information on the booking confirmation
For any questions, please contact the property using the information on the booking confirmation
Guests planning to arrive outside of normal check-in hours must contact this property in advance to arrange check-in.

Renovations and closures

The property is closed between June 1 and June 17.

Access methods

Front desk (limited hours)

Pets

  • Service animals exempt from fees

Property payment types

Important information

Fees

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

  • A tax is imposed by the city: TZS 13103.85 per person, per night

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.

  • Fee for cooked-to-order breakfast: approximately TZS 35000 for adults and TZS 25000 for children
  • Airport shuttle fee: TZS 35000 per vehicle (one-way, maximum occupancy 4)
  • Airport shuttle fee per child: TZS 33300.00 (one-way), (from 7 to 16 years old)
  • Early check-in fee: TZS 37500 (subject to availability)
  • Late check-in fee: TZS 37500 for check-in between midnight and 6:00 AM
  • Late check-out fee: TZS 128000 (subject to availability)
  • Credit card charges are subject to a surcharge

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
This property accepts credit cards; cash is not accepted
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
This property affirms that it follows the cleaning and disinfection practices of Commitment to Clean (Marriott)
Please note that cultural norms and guest policies may differ by country and by property; the policies listed are provided by the property
  • Check-in: 7:00 AM
  • Check-out: 11 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. Driving? This property offers free parking.

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.
  • This property accepts credit cards. Cash is not accepted. 
  • This property affirms that it follows the cleaning and disinfection practices of Commitment to Clean (Marriott).

Additional information about polices, regulations, and more:

  • Reservations need to be made in advance for massage services. Contact the hotel at the phone number listed 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

Mbweni
Mbweni Hotel Zanzibar
Mbweni Ruins
Mbweni Ruins Hotel
Mbweni Ruins Zanzibar
Mbweni Zanzibar
Ruins Hotel
Zanzibar Mbweni
Zanzibar Mbweni Ruins Hotel
Protea Hotel Mbweni Ruins
Protea Mbweni Ruins Zanzibar
Protea Mbweni Ruins
Mbweni Ruins & Gardens Hotel
Protea Hotel Zanzibar Mbweni Ruins
Mbweni Ruins & Gardens Zanzibar Town
Mbweni Ruins & Gardens Hotel Zanzibar Town
Jungle Paradise Beach Resort Spa Mbweni Ruins
Protea Hotel by Marriott Zanzibar Mbweni Ruins

Frequently asked questions

Are free cancellation options available at Mbweni Ruins & Gardens?

Mbweni Ruins & Gardens provides free cancellation on certain room rates. If you'd like to learn more, take a look at the cancellation policy on Orbitz.

How much does it cost to stay at Mbweni Ruins & Gardens?

As of Jun 15, 2025, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Mbweni Ruins & Gardens on Jun 16, 2025 start from $164.92, excluding 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.

What's there to see around Mbweni Ruins & Gardens?

This hotel is located in Zanzibar Town, close to Slave Market, Shangani Beach, and Old Fort. You'll also find Nakupenda Beach and Forodhani Gardens within a short drive.

Will I be able to park at Mbweni Ruins & Gardens?

Yes, self parking is offered for free at the hotel.

Is a spa located at Mbweni Ruins & Gardens?

Spa services at the hotel include aromatherapy, mani/pedis, body scrubs, and massages.

Does Mbweni Ruins & Gardens have a casino at the property?

No, Mbweni Ruins & Gardens doesn't have a casino.

Will I find an indoor pool at Mbweni Ruins & Gardens?

No, this hotel doesn't have an indoor pool; however, there is an outdoor pool.

What amenities will couples enjoy at Mbweni Ruins & Gardens?

This beachfront hotel offers many amenities for couples, including in-room massages as well as an outdoor pool and an ocean-view restaurant.

Are there hot tubs at Mbweni Ruins & Gardens?

No, this hotel doesn't have a spa tub.

Does Mbweni Ruins & Gardens feature a restaurant that includes a breakfast menu?

Yes, Mbweni Ruins & Gardens serves a cooked-to-order breakfast for a surcharge each morning at Raintree Restaurant.

Will Mbweni Ruins & Gardens allow pets to stay for free?

No, pets aren't allowed at Mbweni Ruins & Gardens though service animals are welcome.

Does Mbweni Ruins & Gardens have connecting rooms?

No, there aren't connecting guestrooms at this hotel.

How close is the airport from Mbweni Ruins & Gardens?

The closest major airport to Mbweni Ruins & Gardens is Zanzibar Intl. Airport (ZNZ), which is 1.9 mi away (10 minutes by car).

Are there rooms with balconies that I can book at Mbweni Ruins & Gardens?

Yes, every guestroom at Mbweni Ruins & Gardens comes with a balcony with some featuring ocean or garden views.

Does Mbweni Ruins & Gardens have a wedding venue?

If wedding bells are in your future, take advantage of the wedding venue at Mbweni Ruins & Gardens.

Mbweni Ruins & Gardens Reviews

Reviews

8.6

Excellent

Rating 10 - Excellent. 72 out of 149 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 55 out of 149 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 13 out of 149 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 5 out of 149 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 4 out of 149 reviews

8.8/10

Cleanliness

9.0/10

Staff & service

8.0/10

Amenities

8.0/10

Property conditions & facilities

9.2/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

William or Ann Marie

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
This is a cute old hotel complex that is right on the beach. They have a neat restaurant overlooking the beach from a platform.
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2024

6/10 Okay

Teresa

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
It was okay
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Janet

Traveled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This is a fantastic property set in the ruins of an old school. Rooms clean and comfortable. Wonderful outdoor dining area with delicious food and a small private beach. So relaxing and close to airport and Stonetown. A highlight of our stay in Zanzibar.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2024

8/10 Good

Victor

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Property was good and good location on beach and near the airport. Only issue was I was given the lobby WI-FI password which only worked in the lobby area. I later found out there is another WI-FI that works in my room and common areas. Also the restaurant was very lacking of many of the items I tried to order. Perhaps it was just a bad time and they had not gotten supplies in.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2024

8/10 Good

Oren

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

great beach

The hotel is in a very nice jungle area, it fitted us as we wanted to stay near stonetown/airport for the night but did not like the places in the city - this one certinantly has that resort feeeling - beach right out the resort, beautfull sunset etc..its not your typical luxary resort.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Walter, covington

Business traveler
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Excellent manger and staff
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Walter, covington

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Excellent management and staff the new manager is fantastic
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2024

4/10 Poor

Nadja

Liked: Cleanliness
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
The name is program: ruins and garden. When you enter the first thing you see is the ruin ( literally speaking) the staff is very friendly, The entrance is very muddy and even with the taxi hard to access. We were led to the new part of the hotel. Theroom had hardly any furniture, the cupboard and drawers very damp and almost falling apart. The rooms smmelled fungy. We booked a room for one grown up and two teenagers and there was only one double bed, no safe in the room. Since we only stayed one night we didn’t ask for neither. The garden has jungle flair. The sand beach and the ocean were beautiful. The restaurant was located a pit higher up like a big tree house and from there you can have an amazing view over the ocean - which really made up for the room. Food and drinks were also good.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Neil

Traveled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Historic setting of a beach-side property located away from the city centre. The extremely personable and enthusiastic new Manager has an attitude, qualities and resume that deserve to make this hotel a major success.
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jean Paul

Stayed 1 night in Jul 2024

2/10 Terrible

Anthony, Menifee

Traveled with family and small children
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
This facility is completely inaccessible to persons with walking disabilities.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2024

6/10 Okay

Italo

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Disliked: Staff & service
Staff is not properly trained to serve international customers. All the rest is fine, but quality of service could improve a lot in terms of food and drinks. I also think stuff should manage a good level of English, which was lacking.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Elizabeth

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

Good choice close to airport

The staff were friendly and very helpful. The rooms were beautiful and comfortable with interesting wood furniture. Overall, nice, clean and enjoyable. Massage was great. More sophisticated and relaxed than Stone Town and close to the airport. The restaurant is good but prepare for taking it pole, pole.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2024

8/10 Good

Deograsias

Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2024

8/10 Good

Bradley, EDMONTON

Traveled with partner
Good
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2023

10/10 Excellent

z

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2023

6/10 Okay

Manirakiza

Stayed 1 night in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Jane

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
We only stayed one night but it was so relaxing and lovely.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2023

6/10 Okay

Sofia

Traveled with family
Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Great staff

GREAT staff. Room was shockingly damp, musty, spotted and worn. We could not understand how Marriott could be affiliated with this hotel.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2020

10/10 Excellent

Susan

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

A gem in Zanzibar

The grounds are beautiful and the location excellent. When our flight from Arusha was diverted and we arrived at night without our luggage, the night manager sent robes, slippers and a dental kits to our room. The restaurant stayed open late so we could get a bite to eat and a much appreciated glass of wine. The next day the front desk was helpful in contacting the airline to track our lost luggage which finally arrived by 1 pm. Shuttle to Stone Town is helpful. While the rooms show a little wear wear and tear, overall the hotel is well cared for. Despite the flight and luggage issue we enjoyed relaxing and exploring Zanzibar after our 12 day safari.
Stayed 4 nights in Feb 2020

10/10 Excellent

sonja

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

a relaxed hide-away from the bustle of Stone Town

a relaxed hotel with very helpful and friendly staff
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2020

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
What a terrific Hotel off the beaten path but with transportation to Stone Town. The staff was incredible and most helpful in ironing out tours for us and providing excellent service in the restaurant. Every need was looked after and the included breakfast was diverse and delicious.. The hotel is on the water and the breeze (so important in Zanzibar) keep conditions pleasant. It was both a great place to relax and "chill" (if one can use that word in Zanzibar) and a a base for tours of the area. No hesitation recommending this one!
Stayed 5 nights in Feb 2020

4/10 Poor

Lisa

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

Mosquito heaven

My hotel room smelled damp. There weren't enough surfaces to put anything on so my open suitcase ended up on the floor. I didn't realise until 3 days later that the air conditioning unit has been dripping onto my suitcase which now had a puddle under it. There were a lot of biting insects inside and outside and a large dead cockroach under the bed. The hotel staff made a big deal of spraying insecticide in the room every evening but it's not great breathing in a lot of insecticide so waiting outside for a bit helps. Unfortunately I had to wait outside with the swarms of mosquitoes that the insecticide was supposed to be protecting me against. There was a large mosquito net spread over my huge bed which was great. However it would be even more helpful if they got rid of the pond with stagnant water just a few metres from my bedroom door ( I was on the ground floor ). The pond was presumably a breeding ground for those mosquitoes. Another point is that breakfast and dinner was in the outside restaurant, I was still trying to fend off the mosquitoes there. It would be nice if they could clean my room and squirt insecticide around it while I was in the restaurant rather than when I was in my room. The restaurant food was nice. The large amount of cats in the outdoor restaurant provided the entertainment - a least 2 cats sat under every table, hissing and spitting at each other while we ate. The redeeming feature of this hotel was the proximity to the beach and the sea.
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2020

10/10 Excellent

Deborah, Toronto

Business traveler
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
A small hotel (14 rooms) with amazing historic atmosphere, set in the ruins of a 19th century school for freed slaves. The place is serene. The beach is scenic, swimmable when the tide is not too low, and kept very clean by the hotel. It is a very unique place for those who want peace, quiet and relaxation. It is a bit remote from Stone Town, but they do run a free shuttle. The staff are super friendly and efficient.
Stayed 4 nights in Feb 2020

8/10 Good

June, Toronto

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I like that it was part of the Mwendi Ruins. I liked the staff very much - each of them were terrific! I did not like that the pictures the Marriott uses for the rooms is not up to date. Thus what I thought we booked was not what we received. It was still fine however not as lovely as I had wished for. The staff explained that the room I booked was under construction. This is Marriott's responsibility to have a current website.
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2020

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