Maru Maru Hotel

3.0 star property

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for Maru Maru Hotel

Rooftop terrace
Outdoor pool, pool umbrellas, sun loungers
Building design
Point of interest
Standard Twin Room, 2 Twin Beds, Non Smoking, Air conditioning | Minibar, in-room safe, individually decorated, individually furnished

Reviews

8.8 out of 10
Excellent

Popular amenities

  • Pool
  • Spa
  • Parking included
  • Free WiFi
  • Restaurant
  • Air conditioning

Explore the area

View in a map
Gizenga Street, Shangani, Zanzibar Town, Zanzibar, 394-400
  • Place, Forodhani Gardens
    ‪2 min walk‬
  • Place, Old Fort
    ‪2 min walk‬
  • Place, Slave Market
    ‪5 min walk‬
  • Airport, Zanzibar (ZNZ-Zanzibar Intl.)
    ‪11 min drive‬

Room options

Deluxe Room, 1 Queen Bed, Non Smoking, Air conditioning

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful
(7 reviews)
  • 195 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Queen Bed

Deluxe Double Room, 1 King Bed, Non Smoking, Air conditioning

9.2 out of 10
Wonderful
(7 reviews)
  • 247 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

Standard Twin Room, 2 Twin Beds, Non Smoking, Air conditioning

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(6 reviews)
  • City view
  • 195 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 3
  • 2 Twin Beds

Family Room

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(1 review)
  • 387 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Twin Beds and 1 King Bed OR 1 King Bed and 1 Twin Bunk Bed

You may also like

About the neighborhood

Zanzibar Town

Located in Stone Town, Maru Maru Hotel is next to popular attractions like Old Fort and Forodhani Gardens. This 51-room, 3-star hotel has a restaurant, an outdoor pool, and free in-room WiFi. Centrally located in Zanzibar Town, the hotel is connected to the convention center and also a short walk from Hamamni Persian Baths and Shangani Beach.

What's nearby

  • Forodhani Gardens - 2 min walk - 0.1 miles
  • Old Fort - 2 min walk - 0.1 miles
  • Shangani Beach - 2 min walk - 0.1 miles
  • Christ Church Cathedral - 3 min walk - 0.2 miles
  • Slave Market - 5 min walk - 0.3 miles

Getting around

  • Zanzibar Intl. Airport (ZNZ) - 28 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Forodhani Park - ‬4 min walk
  • ‪Lukmaan Restaurant - ‬5 min walk
  • ‪House of Karafuu - ‬1 min walk
  • ‪Secret Garden - ‬3 min walk
  • ‪Livingstone Beach Restaurant - ‬4 min walk

About this property

Maru Maru Hotel

Guests of Maru Maru Hotel have access to an outdoor pool, a gym, and a rooftop terrace. There's free parking, and an airport shuttle (available 24 hours) for USD 20 per vehicle one-way. The front desk is staffed 24 hours a day to help with tours/tickets and luggage storage. Other amenities at this beach hotel include free WiFi in public areas, meeting rooms, and a conference center.
24-inch LCD TVs come with cable channels and DVD players, and guests can stay connected with free WiFi. Bathrooms have free toiletries and slippers. Minibars, coffee makers, and free newspapers are also available.
Recreational amenities at the hotel include an outdoor pool and a fitness center.

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 deep-tissue massages, Swedish massages, facials, and body wraps. A variety of treatment therapies are provided, including aromatherapy.

Similar properties

Property amenities

Internet

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

Parking and transportation

  • Free offsite parking
  • Street parking available
  • 24-hour roundtrip airport shuttle on request for a surcharge
  • Area shuttle (surcharge) up to 5 km
  • Ferry terminal shuttle (surcharge)
  • Shopping center shuttle (surcharge)
  • Limo/town car service
  • Free self parking on site
  • Limited onsite self parking
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking available

Food and drink

  • Daily buffet breakfast available 7:00 AM to 10:00 AM for a fee: USD 15 for adults and USD 12 for children
  • A bar/lounge
  • A coffee shop/cafe
  • A restaurant
  • Coffee and tea in common areas
  • Couples/private dining
  • Private picnics
  • Snack bar/deli

Restaurants on site

  • Coffee Lounge
  • Terrace Lounge
  • Terrace Restaurant

Things to do

  • Art gallery
  • Evening entertainment
  • Gym
  • Outdoor pool
  • Playground

Family friendly

  • Babysitting (surcharge)
  • Children's dinnerware
  • DVD player
  • High chair
  • Laundry facilities
  • Mini-fridge
  • Outdoor pool
  • Playground
  • Snack bar/deli

Conveniences

  • 24-hour front desk
  • ATM
  • Free newspapers in lobby
  • Laundry facilities
  • Luggage storage

Guest services

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

Business services

  • 3 meeting rooms
  • Conference center (500 square feet of space)

Outdoors

  • Garden
  • Pool loungers
  • Pool umbrellas
  • Rooftop terrace

Spa

  • Aromatherapy
  • Body scrubs
  • Body wraps
  • Deep-tissue massages
  • Facials
  • Manicures/pedicures
  • Swedish massages

Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • Accessible airport shuttle
  • Elevator
  • Tile flooring in public areas
  • Wheelchair accessibility
  • Wheelchair accessible (may have limitations)
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking
  • Wheelchair-accessible path to elevator
  • Wheelchair-accessible restaurant
  • Wheelchair-width doorways

More

  • 3 buildings
  • 4 floors
  • Banquet hall
  • Built in 2012
  • Mosquito nets
  • No plastic water bottles
  • Smoking not allowed
  • Traditional architecture

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • Free toiletries
  • Private bathroom
  • Slippers
  • Towels provided

Entertainment

  • 24-inch LCD TV with cable channels
  • CD player
  • DVD player

Food and drink

  • Champagne service
  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Electric kettle
  • Free bottled water
  • Limited room service
  • Mini-fridge
  • Minibar

More

  • Air conditioning
  • Desk
  • Desk chair
  • Free daily newspapers
  • Individual decor
  • Individual furnishings
  • Iron/ironing board on request
  • Laptop workspace
  • Phone
  • Safe

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 2:00 PM; Check-in end time: anytime
Early check-in subject to availability
Early check-in is available for a fee
Minimum check-in age: 18

Check-out

Check-out before 11 AM
Contactless check-out available
Late check-out subject to availability
A late check-out fee will be charged
Express check-out available

Special check-in instructions

This property offers transfers from the ferry terminal and airport (surcharges may apply); to arrange pick-up, guests must contact the property 48 hours prior to arrival, using the contact information on the booking confirmation
Front desk staff will greet guests on arrival at the property
For any questions, please contact the property using the information on the booking confirmation
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Access methods

Staffed front desk

Pets

  • This property doesn't allow pets or service animals

Children and extra beds

  • Rollaway/extra beds are available for USD 30.0 per day

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

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 buffet breakfast: approximately USD 15 for adults and USD 12 for children
  • Airport shuttle fee: USD 20 per vehicle (one-way, maximum occupancy 3)
  • Early check-in is available for a fee (subject to availability)
  • Late check-out is available for a fee (subject to availability)
  • Rollaway bed fee: USD 30.0 per day

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
Safety features at this property include a carbon monoxide detector, a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, a first aid kit, and window guards
  • Check-in: 2:00 PM—-anytime
  • Check-out: 11 AM
  • Minimum check-in age: 18
The front desk is open 24 hours a day, and checking out is easy with express services. 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.
  • 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. 
  • Onsite safety features include a carbon monoxide detector, a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, a first aid kit, and window guards.

Additional information about polices, regulations, and more:

  • Reservations need to be made in advance for massage services and spa treatments. Contact the hotel at the phone number listed on your booking confirmation.
  • Registered guests are the only ones allowed in guestrooms.
  • No cribs or infant beds are available.

Property is also known as

Hotel Maru
Maru Hotel
Maru Maru Hotel Zanzibar Island/Stone Town
Maru Maru Hotel
Maru Maru Hotel Zanzibar Town
Maru Maru Zanzibar Town
Maru Maru Hotel Hotel
Maru Maru Hotel Zanzibar Town
Maru Maru Hotel Hotel Zanzibar Town

Frequently asked questions

Is free cancellation available at Maru Maru Hotel?

Maru Maru Hotel provides free cancellation on some room rates. For specific requirements, look at the cancellation policy on Orbitz.

How much does it cost to stay at Maru Maru Hotel?

As of Mar 29, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Maru Maru Hotel on Apr 7, 2026 start from $83, 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.

What's there to see around Maru Maru Hotel?

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

Is there parking available at Maru Maru Hotel?

Yes, self parking is offered for free at the hotel. Though parking is limited, accessible parking is also available.

Is there a spa available at Maru Maru Hotel?

Spa services at the hotel include deep-tissue massages, Swedish massages, body wraps, and aromatherapy.

Does Maru Maru Hotel feature a casino at the property?

No, Maru Maru Hotel doesn't have a casino.

Will I find an indoor pool at Maru Maru Hotel?

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

Is Maru Maru Hotel good for couples?

There are many amenities for couples at this hotel, including Champagne service as well as an outdoor pool and a bar.

Are there hot tubs at Maru Maru Hotel?

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

Does Maru Maru Hotel have a restaurant that serves breakfast?

Yes, Maru Maru Hotel serves buffet breakfast for a surcharge each morning at Terrace Lounge.

Will Maru Maru Hotel allow pets to stay for free?

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

Are there connecting rooms at Maru Maru Hotel?

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

How close is the airport from Maru Maru Hotel?

The closest major airport to Maru Maru Hotel is Zanzibar Intl. Airport (ZNZ), which is 5.1 mi away (28 minutes by car).

Are there rooms with balconies that I can book at Maru Maru Hotel?

No, there aren't any guestrooms with balconies at Maru Maru Hotel.

Maru Maru Hotel Reviews

Reviews

8.8

Excellent

Rating 10 - Excellent. 297 out of 586 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 226 out of 586 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 41 out of 586 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 15 out of 586 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 7 out of 586 reviews

9.4/10

Cleanliness

8.6/10

Staff & service

8.6/10

Amenities

9.0/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

6/10 Okay

Arie Jan

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Our Air conditioner in room 5 was terrible. For room 2 there was no mosquito net for the roll away bed and my daughter was made fun of for being ‘scared’ of mosquitos. We stayed the 17-18 and 24-25 and our first stay was great. The second one, not as nice. We did feel the Christmas Cheer and that was great.
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025

10/10 Excellent

Donald

Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2025

8/10 Good

Melanie

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
My second time staying at Maru Maru- overall it offers bang for buck with location and room size. There will be hiccups with slowness of staff- for example my laundry order was delayed but I had to call 3 times until I was finally told it was delayed. Junior level Wait staff and front desk reception need more training in international hospitality. For example a smile from a customer is often met with an expression of dread. Would I book again? Yes because I know what to expect and the rates are competitive for similar properties in the area. Bathroom size is very generous as well as windows in the room.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2025

10/10 Excellent

Maureen

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
the two ladies that came to clean my room and put a net on my bed were kind and courteous. they were also hands on and swift
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

Harry

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The staff were excellent. This will forever be my hotel of choice when I come to the island
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2025

8/10 Good

BRIGITTE

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Lhôtel est bien placé dans la vieille ville, pas très loin de la mer et des attractions touristiques principales. La chambre était spacieuse, la literie confortable et le service impeccable. Malheureusement, elle donnait sur une cour intérieure très bruyante vers 6 H du matin lorsque les employés commençaient leur service..
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

shahab

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

Rooms not noise isolated, otherwise good

All good except rooms noise isolation is non-existing.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2025

2/10 Terrible

riaz

Traveled with family
Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very dirty room. Found a usedcodom underneath the bad bed where I took of my shoes. Upstairs the food was good but cold. I’m all very tired property staff was very unroffesional.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Ruth

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Maru Maru Hotel staff were very kind and willing to help. The location of this hotel is beyond convenient; a great location if you decide the stone town tour and prison island tour. I absolutely love that you can turn on heat for your water. I only have positive things to say about my stay here. The restaurant on the rooftop was also amazing; a great selection of food and cocktails. The venue itself was gorgeous- it has a very safe and reassuring feeling.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Donald

Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

8/10 Good

Karen, Dulles

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Good location but the street is busy and noisy late into the night. Lovely roof top but dining was limited. Lighter fare for lunch would have been nice. Staff was nice, professional and helpful. Transport to and from airport was easy to arrange. WIFI was great and all over the property. At arrival, there was trash from the last customer in my trash cans, and tissues behind the side tables. Things to note: there are lots of stairs and half stairs. the power to the room is with a room key so when you leave power is off, this means no charging of phones, or AC.
Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Ayaz

Traveled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Beautiful hotel, very comfortable, elaborate breakfast, incredibly hospitable staff
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2025

8/10 Good

Nimet

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Nice property and friendly staff
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Shaheroz

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great overall facility for great holidays
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025

8/10 Good

Melanie

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
I loved everything. However, Manager of the restaurant is a bit rude
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025

8/10 Good

Sandra Lynn, Brooklyn

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Maru Maru is a classic Stonetown hotel I've stayed at several times. The expansive rooftop pool and restaurant with sunset/sea views is lovely. Staff are responsive and helpful. Rooms are adequate.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Martin

Traveled with family and small children
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Stayed here with wife and 2 kids in August 2025. Fantastic property in the middle of the action in Stone Town. Staff was attentive to every little detail, great rooftop restaurant: breakfast was delicious, the sunset was stunning and great supper menu. definitely recommend this hotel
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Loma

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

8/10 Good

SiDeuk

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

10/10 Excellent

rosalie

Liked: Amenities
Excellent experience. The internet super good and roof top is shaded and perfect placer to do some work that we had to do. Working on vacation feel. Great food. Only tip: ask for inward facing room to avoid occasional street noise at night.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

4/10 Poor

Fasika

Location is good , but they kept asking about the local tax after i took care off it . Annoying .
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

8/10 Good

Amir

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Our room was above the reception area. Wifi at reception was good but we were unable to access WiFi in our rooms despite attempts of the staff to assist us.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Marion

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
It is well situated and gives you a true sense of being in Stonetown. The dining options were not that plentiful though.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

6/10 Okay

Omar Cassim

Traveled with partner, Traveled with family
Room was okay. Bed not too comfy. Everything was satisfactory
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

AMIT

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025