Mbweni Ruins & Gardens

Family-friendly beachfront location with outdoor pool

Choose dates to view prices

Where to?

Dates

July 2025

August 2025

On the beach, sun loungers, beach umbrellas, beach towels

Quadruple Room, 2 Bedrooms | 1 bedroom, desk, laptop workspace, free WiFi

Overview
Rooms
Location
Policies

Excellent

Popular amenities

Pool
Breakfast available
Spa
Parking included
Room service
Air conditioning

Explore the area

Mbweni, Zanzibar Town

Slave Market
‪9 min drive‬
Old Fort
‪10 min drive‬
Forodhani Gardens
‪10 min drive‬
Zanzibar (ZNZ-Zanzibar Intl.)
‪6 min drive‬

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Room options

Junior Suite, 1 Bedroom, Non Smoking, Sea View

Ocean view
Sleeps 3
1 King Bed

Exclusive Double Room

Exceptional

Ocean view
Sleeps 3
1 King Bed

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 Mbweni Ruins. 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
Old Fort - 10 min drive - 4.9 miles
Shangani Beach - 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 concierge services, securing valuables, and luggage storage. Other amenities at this beach hotel include a terrace, laundry facilities, and a hair salon.

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

Similar properties

Pool
Spa
Free airport shuttle
Kids pool

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

10 buildings
2 floors
Banquet hall
Built in 1994
Mosquito nets
Smoking not allowed

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

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 Jul 16, 2025, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Mbweni Ruins & Gardens on Jul 17, 2025 start from $222.9, 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.

Is there parking available 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, body treatments, massages, and mani/pedis.

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.

Does Mbweni Ruins & Gardens have a hot tub?

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

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.

Are there connecting rooms at Mbweni Ruins & Gardens?

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

8.6

Excellent

8.8/10

Cleanliness

9.0/10

Staff & service

7.6/10

Amenities

8.0/10

Property conditions & facilities

9.0/10

Eco-friendliness

10/10 Excellent

William or Ann Marie

Traveled with family

Jan 5, 2025

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

Oct 27, 2024

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service

It was okay

Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Janet

Traveled with group

Oct 19, 2024

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

Oct 18, 2024

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

Oct 16, 2024

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

Oct 10, 2024

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities

Excellent manger and staff

Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Walter, covington

Sep 14, 2024

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

Sep 7, 2024

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

Aug 11, 2024

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

Jul 18, 2024

Stayed 1 night in Jul 2024

2/10 Terrible

Anthony, Menifee

Traveled with family and small children

Jul 3, 2024

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

Mar 11, 2024

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

Mar 4, 2024

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

Feb 6, 2024

Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2024

8/10 Good

Bradley, EDMONTON

Traveled with partner

Nov 7, 2023

Good

Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2023

10/10 Excellent

z

Nov 1, 2023

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

Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2023

6/10 Okay

Manirakiza

Oct 14, 2023

Stayed 1 night in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Jane

Traveled with partner

Jun 13, 2023

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

Mar 20, 2020

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

Mar 4, 2020

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

Mar 2, 2020

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

Feb 23, 2020

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

Feb 20, 2020

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

Feb 15, 2020

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

Jan 27, 2020

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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Book today, save on your next hotel stay

Room options

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

Junior Suite, 1 Bedroom, Non Smoking, Sea View

View all photos for Exclusive Double Room

Exclusive Double Room

View all photos for Quadruple Room, 2 Bedrooms

Quadruple Room, 2 Bedrooms

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About the neighborhood

Zanzibar Town

What's nearby

Getting around

Restaurants

About this property

Mbweni Ruins & Gardens

Languages

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Property amenities

Internet

Parking and transportation

Food and drink

Restaurants on site

Things to do

Family friendly

Conveniences

Guest services

Outdoors

Spa

Accessibility

More

Room amenities

Bedroom

Bathroom

Food and drink

More

Policies

Check-in

Check-out

Special check-in instructions

Renovations and closures

Access methods

Pets

Property payment types

Important information

Fees

Optional extras

You need to know

We should mention

Property is also known as

Frequently asked questions

Mbweni Ruins & Gardens Reviews

Reviews

Excellent

8.8/10

9.0/10

7.6/10

8.0/10

9.0/10

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

William or Ann Marie

William or Ann Marie

6/10 Okay

Teresa

Teresa

10/10 Excellent

Janet

Janet

8/10 Good

Victor