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Emerson Spice Hotel

3.5 star property

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Photo gallery for Emerson Spice Hotel

Room (Violetta) | 1 bedroom, individually decorated, individually furnished
2 restaurants; lunch and dinner served
2 restaurants; lunch and dinner served
Room (Belle) | 1 bedroom, individually decorated, individually furnished
2 restaurants; lunch and dinner served

Reviews

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional

Popular amenities

  • Free WiFi
  • Air conditioning
  • Bar
  • Laundry

Explore the area

View in a map
Stone Town, Zanzibar Town
  • Place, Forodhani Gardens
    ‪3 min walk‬
  • Place, Slave Market
    ‪5 min walk‬
  • Place, Old Fort
    ‪5 min walk‬
  • Airport, Zanzibar (ZNZ-Zanzibar Intl.)
    ‪10 min drive‬

Room options

View all photos for Design Twin Room (Mimi)

1 bedroom, individually decorated, individually furnished

Design Twin Room (Mimi)

  • Sleeps 2
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for Room (Belle)

Room (Belle) | 1 bedroom, individually decorated, individually furnished

Room (Belle)

  • City view
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Queen Bed
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for Room (Violetta)

Room (Violetta) | 1 bedroom, individually decorated, individually furnished

Room (Violetta)

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(2 reviews)
  • City view
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Queen Bed
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for Room (Semele)

Room (Semele) | 1 bedroom, individually decorated, individually furnished

Room (Semele)

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(3 reviews)
  • City view
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Double Bed
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for Room (Camille)

Room (Camille) | 1 bedroom, individually decorated, individually furnished

Room (Camille)

  • City view
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Queen Bed
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for Design Twin Room (Mimi)

Design Twin Room (Mimi) | 1 bedroom, individually decorated, individually furnished

Design Twin Room (Mimi)

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(11 reviews)
  • City view
  • 344 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 2 Large Twin Beds
  • Free WiFi

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About the neighborhood

Zanzibar Town

Located in Stone Town, Emerson Spice Hotel is next to Shakti Temple and Christ Church Cathedral. This 10-room, 3.5-star hotel welcomes guests with conveniences like 2 restaurants, free breakfast, and 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
  • Forodhani Gardens - 3 min walk - 0.2 miles
  • Slave Market - 5 min walk - 0.3 miles
  • Old Fort - 5 min walk - 0.3 miles

Getting around

  • Zanzibar Intl. Airport (ZNZ) - 21 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Forodhani Park - ‬6 min walk
  • ‪Lukmaan Restaurant - ‬4 min walk
  • ‪Livingstone Beach Restaurant - ‬7 min walk
  • ‪House of Karafuu - ‬4 min walk
  • ‪Secret Garden - ‬1 min walk

About this property

Emerson Spice Hotel

A local mainstay since 1870, Emerson Spice Hotel offers free WiFi in public areas, a terrace, and laundry facilities. 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 securing valuables, luggage storage, and tours or tickets. Additional amenities include a garden and a porter/bellhop.
Guests can stay connected with free WiFi. Bathrooms offer deep soaking tubs and free toiletries. Other standard amenities include ceiling fans and wardrobes or closets.
The recreational activities listed below are available either on site or nearby; fees may apply.

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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
  • 2 restaurants
  • A bar/lounge

Restaurants on site

  • Rooftop restaurant
  • Secret Garden

Things to do

  • Bicycle storage

Family friendly

  • Laundry facilities

Conveniences

  • Guidebooks
  • Laundry facilities
  • Limited-hour front desk
  • Luggage storage
  • Safe at front desk

Guest services

  • Housekeeping (daily)
  • Porter/bellhop
  • Tour and ticket assistance
  • Turndown service

Outdoors

  • Beach towels
  • Garden
  • Outdoor furniture
  • Terrace

Accessibility

  • No elevator

More

  • 1 building
  • 5 floors
  • At least 10% of profits reinvested in community and sustainability
  • At least 80% lighting from LEDs
  • At least 80% of food locally-sourced
  • At least 80% organic food
  • Biodegradable coffee stirrers available
  • Biodegradable drinking straws available
  • Built in 1870
  • Comprehensive food waste policy
  • Comprehensive recycling policy
  • Designated smoking areas
  • Eco-friendly cleaning products used
  • Local artist showcase
  • Local culture and ecosystem education
  • Locally-owned and organized tours and activities
  • No plastic coffee stirrers
  • No plastic drinking straws
  • No plastic soft drink bottles
  • No plastic water bottles
  • Reusable cups
  • Reusable tableware
  • Traditional architecture
  • Vegan dining options
  • Vegetarian breakfast available
  • Vegetarian dining options

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Bedsheets provided
  • Blackout drapes

Bathroom

  • Deep soaking bathtub
  • Free toiletries
  • Hair dryer (on request)
  • Partially-open bathroom
  • Shampoo
  • Shower/bathtub combination
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Food and drink

  • Free bottled water
  • Limited room service

More

  • Air conditioning
  • Ceiling fan
  • Electrical adapters
  • Individual decor
  • Individual furnishings
  • Laptop workspace
  • 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

Front desk staffed during limited hours

This property doesn't offer after-hours check-in

Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Renovations and closures

The property is closed between April 21 and May 20.

Access methods

Front desk (limited hours)

Pets

  • This property doesn't allow pets or service animals

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 high chair
This property accepts credit cards, debit cards, and cash
Noise-free guestrooms cannot be guaranteed
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 high chair.
  • This property accepts credit cards, debit cards, and cash.
  • Onsite safety features include a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, and a first aid kit.

Additional information about polices, regulations, and more:

  • Registered guests are the only ones allowed in guestrooms.
  • There are no elevators.
  • No rollaway or extra beds are available.
  • Noise-free rooms can't be guaranteed.

Property is also known as

Emerson Spice Hotel Hotel

Emerson Spice Hotel Zanzibar Town

Emerson Spice Hotel Hotel Zanzibar Town

Frequently asked questions

What is there to do within easy reach of Emerson Spice Hotel?

This hotel is situated in Stone Town, just steps from House of Wonders and Slave Market, and within a short walk of Old Fort. You'll also find Shangani Beach and Forodhani Gardens less than a mile away.

How much does it cost to stay at Emerson Spice Hotel?

As of May 23, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Emerson Spice Hotel on May 25, 2026 start from $135, 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.

Is there parking available at Emerson Spice Hotel?

No, this hotel doesn't offer parking.

Does Emerson Spice Hotel feature a casino?

No, Emerson Spice Hotel doesn't have a casino.

Is there an indoor pool at Emerson Spice Hotel?

No, there is no indoor pool at this hotel.

Is Emerson Spice Hotel a good place to stay for couples?

There are many amenities for couples at this hotel, including a garden-view restaurant and a bar/lounge plus some guestrooms feature in-room massages.

Does Emerson Spice Hotel have a hot tub?

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

Does Emerson Spice Hotel feature a restaurant that includes a breakfast menu?

Yes, Emerson Spice Hotel has 2 restaurants, and serves free continental breakfast each morning.

Does Emerson Spice Hotel allow pets to stay free of charge?

No, pets and service animals aren't allowed at Emerson Spice Hotel.

Does Emerson Spice Hotel have connecting rooms available?

No, this hotel doesn't feature connecting guestrooms.

What is the closest airport to Emerson Spice Hotel?

The closest major airport to Emerson Spice Hotel is Zanzibar Intl. Airport (ZNZ), which is 4.8 mi away (21 minutes by car).

Are there rooms with balconies at Emerson Spice Hotel?

Yes, some guestrooms at this hotel offer a furnished balcony where guests can enjoy city and courtyard views.

Emerson Spice Hotel Reviews

Reviews

9.8

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 98 out of 116 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 15 out of 116 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 3 out of 116 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 116 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 116 reviews

9.6/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Staff & service

9.2/10

Amenities

9.4/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Judith

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
The hotel’s decor and ambience were absolutely lovely. I had a beautifully spacious room with a balcony. The rooftop provides a wonderful venue for breakfast and dinner. The hotel arranged a transfer from the airport- very helpful as the hotel is located in the midst of Stone Town’s maze of lanes.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026

10/10 Excellent

Judith

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
This is a beautiful hotel. Each room is beautifully decorated and spacious. Air conditioning plus a ceiling fan makes the room comfortable for sleeping. My room had a lovely balcony overlooking a garden. The internal courtyard makes the hotel very quiet. The rooftop is lovely for breakfast and dinner or the Secret Garden within the hotel compound is also lovely for a meal. The hotel is within easy walking distance of the seafront.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2026

10/10 Excellent

Iren

Traveled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
My room was a work of art with unique furnishings and exquisite detail
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026

10/10 Excellent

lesley jane

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Beautiful building, great staff. Fantastic room (Violetta)
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

emile

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
We had a wonderful stay and couldn’t have asked for a better welcome. The staff were very friendly and accommodating, we arrived very early in the morning and were pleasantly surprised when they offered us breakfast and allowed us to check in early. The property itself is stunning: a beautiful historical building that has been thoughtfully and tastefully decorated. Our room was spacious, elegant, and very comfortable. The location is also great, in a pretty and vibrant street and just a few minutes away from the night market and the sights. Highly recommended!
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025

10/10 Excellent

saorlaith

Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026

10/10 Excellent

Bo-Yu

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
It is one of the best hotel I've ever stayed. Excellent room, staff, services. The hotel and the rooms are in traditional Zanzibar architecture style, which gave me great experience. Staff is considerate and detail oriented. The dinner at the rooftop is wonderful. One minor downside is the shower had low water pressure due to my room was in the top floor. Sometimes I had to wait for 1-2 minutes until the water came, which was not good when taking shower. The staff said there will be a major work to add a pump. Hope it will be better after it's done.
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

sandra

Traveled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The rooms were decorated well and was very clean. Staff was so friendly and helpful. Loved the rooftop for breakfast and the location was perfect.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

Christopher

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Special place. The staff outstanding. A few remarkable days at this wonderful historic 'hotel'.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Patricia

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

Beautiful Hotel

Amazing stay. From the warm welcome and services. Truly enjoyed the food in the Secret Garden and rooftop.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Piero, Vasto

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Melinda

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

Really nice historic hotel

My sister and I stayed here for a few nights when arriving in Zanzibar. Our flight plans got brought forward and the hotel was great in bringing forward our airport pick up. A staff member met us in the traffic area and carried our bags to the hotel, making sure we were following too. It really was nice to be in the heart of Stone Town. We stayed in Mimi which is one of the top rooms, so lots of stairs to get there. Room was huge, light and airy. We had a problem with hot water for the shower but once we notified the staff it was quick to be resolved. Beds were comfortable. Turn down service was a lovely touch. Breakfast was wonderful and served at the roof top restaurant, which has a nice view over Stone Town. Also a great spot for sundowner drinks. We didn't try the set menu dinner there. We ate dinner at the onsite restaurant which was nice. They had a beach bag with towels which came in handy. We also liked the group tipping rather than needing to constantly tip. We'll return here if back in Zanzibar and recommend to others.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Michael and Heather

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Janice

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Karen

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
We had a fantastic experience staying here! The staff went above and beyond to accomodate our needs. They let us keep our luggage there before check in time with no extra charge, and they gave us a room upgrade to one of the best rooms (the Katherine Hepburn room), which was a really nice surprise. The staff were all super friendly and helpful. When we decided to have dinner in the Secret Garden Restaurant on a night when there was music, we complained that we had to pay extra for the music, and the manager was so kind. He didn't make us pay, and arranged for us to eat upstairs where it was quieter. We later realized that the music cost was explained in our welcome letter, so we appologized and paid for it the next day and the manager was so nice.The whole place was spotlessly clean, the bed was very comfortable and the room and the hotel were beautifully decorated. I loved the extra touches like the handmade scented soaps and the flowers in the room. We loved the balcony that was off of our room and asked if we could eat breakfast there instead of going downstairs. The servers forgot about us and we had to wait extra long for our food, but it was worth it! We can't say enough about how much we enjoyed staying at this hotel. We would definately stay here again and even though it's a little bit pricier than other hotels, it's totally worth it. We would highly recommend to others.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

6/10 Okay

Oluwafunmilayo

Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

6/10 Okay

GloriaLissa, Teaneck

Disliked: Amenities, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Sandra

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Incredibly historic building with unique individually decorated rooms! Perfect location for walking around Stonetown. Delicious breakfast served on rooftop! Request Belle room if you don't want a lot of stairs. It has a huge balcony along the front of the building so it's fun to see tourists stop and take photos!
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Trina

Traveled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I really enjoyed my stay here at The Emerson Spice Hotel. The rooms are clean and decorated nicely keeping the old feel of this historic building. I liked the old fashioned door style of the Camile Room. Which doesn’t use keycards like most hotels. You use a huge big padlock 🔐 to secure the door. All the staff were very nice and friendly. The only thing you need to be aware of is there is no elevator. All stairs only, so be prepared to get some stair exercises during your stay. LOL! 😃
Stayed 4 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

David

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jamie

Traveled with partner, Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
From the moment we walked in, this place was fantastic! We were promptly greeted and we were being shown to our rooms within a few minutes. Our room (Camille) was great! We thoroughly enjoyed the windows and balconies and people watching the street below. The room was spacious and the bed was comfy. Dinner upstairs was wonderful...although the stairs were steep (but the views were lovely). The food was inventive and delicious and the service was top notch. Highly recommend. We also had food and drinks at the Secret Garden and that was also quite nice. I expected the included breakfast to be buffet style but was pleasantly surprised that it was a beautiful made to order breakfast with delicious coffee. Shuttle to the airport was quick and easy. Would definitely stay here again when in Stone Town.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

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

Everything amazing!

Amazing, great people, great food, great hotel. Rooms are beautiful, comfy, clean!
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2025

8/10 Good

saunia

Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

heike

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

Exceptional

This small hotel is in the middle of Stone Town, and it is beautiful. The staff are attentive, without being intrusive, the manager is so professional and knowledgeable, and the standard of comfort is of the highest order. Breakfast was served on the roof terrace and consisted of a wonderful selection of fruit followed by eggs and a pastry. We had the taster menu one evening, and it was exceptional. This is a very special hotel, and we had an unforgettable stay.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Janet

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Fantastic place in heart of old Stonetown. Beautiful unique rooms, fantastic food in a rooftop restaurant with an an amazing view, and and a very helpful staff.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2024

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