Zanzibar House

3.5 star property
3.5-star beachfront B&B with scuba diving

Choose dates to view prices

Zanzibar House

Photo gallery for Zanzibar House

Triple Room, Garden View | View from room
Exterior
Minibar, in-room safe, individually furnished, desk
Business center
Lobby sitting area

Overview of Zanzibar House

Reviews
9.0

Wonderful

Popular amenities

  • Hot TubHot TubHot Tub
  • PoolPoolPool
  • On private beach
  • SpaSpaSpa
  • Parking includedParking includedParking included
  • Free WiFiFree WiFiFree WiFi

Check out the area

Map
Matemwe, Matemwe
  • Popular LocationMuyuni Beach9 min walk
  • Popular LocationPwani Mchangani Beach5 min drive
  • Popular LocationMnemba Island23 min drive
  • AirportZanzibar (ZNZ-Zanzibar Intl.)71 min drive

Room options

Economy Room, 1 Queen Bed, Garden View

  • 172 sq ft
  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Queen Bed

Triple Room, Garden View

  • 344 sq ft
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 King Bed and 1 Twin Bunk Bed

Double Room, Ocean View

  • 269 sq ft
  • Ocean view
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

Similar properties

About the neighborhood

Matemwe

On the beach.You'll be within half a mile (1 km) of Muyuni Beach and 2 miles (3 km) of Pwani Mchangani Beach with a stay here. Also, Mapenzi Beach is within 3 miles (5 km) and Kiwengwa Pongwe Forest is within 6 miles (10 km).

What's nearby

  • Muyuni Beach - 9 min walk
  • Pwani Mchangani Beach - 5 min drive
  • Kigomani Beach - 11 min drive
  • Mapenzi Beach - 14 min drive
  • Mnemba Island - 23 min drive

Getting around

  • Zanzibar Intl. Airport (ZNZ) - 71 min drive

Restaurants

  • Spice Restaurant - 11 min drive
  • Mohammed’s restaurant - 9 min drive
  • The Green & Grill - 8 min drive
  • The Jetty - 11 min drive
  • Villa Kiva Garden Restaurant - 7 min drive

About this property

Zanzibar House

3.5-star beachfront B&B with scuba diving
Simply walk outside to feel the sun on your face at the white sand beach. Lie back and work on your tan with relaxing beach amenities like umbrellas and sun loungers. After a day at the beach, enjoy amenities at Zanzibar House like an outdoor pool, a spa tub, and a sauna.

Along with a restaurant and a coffee shop/cafe, there's a snack bar/deli on site. You can enjoy a drink at one of the bars, which include a poolside bar and a bar/lounge. Public spaces have free WiFi. This beach bed & breakfast also offers a garden and a terrace. Self parking is free.

This 3.5-star Matemwe bed & breakfast is smoke free.

  • 1 building
  • 7 guestrooms or units
  • 2 levels
  • Meeting rooms
  • Built in 2012
  • Deli
  • Beach lounge chairs
  • Towels for the beach
  • Umbrellas for the beach
  • Poolside lounge chairs
  • Business facilities
  • Coffee in lobby
  • Self-service laundry
  • Staff is multilingual
  • Storage area for luggage
  • Front-desk safe
  • Tour and ticket information
  • Concierge
  • Game room or arcade
  • Pool or billiards table
  • Library
  • Terrace
  • Garden
  • BBQ grill(s)
  • No smoking on site
  • Bar or lounge
  • Bar by the pool
  • Dining venue
Zanzibar House offers 7 air-conditioned accommodations with minibars and safes. Rooms open to furnished balconies. These individually furnished accommodations include desks. Satellite television is provided.

Bathrooms include showers, bathrobes, slippers, and complimentary toiletries. This Matemwe bed & breakfast provides complimentary wireless Internet access. Additionally, rooms include coffee/tea makers and hair dryers. Housekeeping is provided daily.

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

Languages

English, French, Italian, Swahili

Property amenities

Family friendly

  • Arcade/game room
  • Laundry facilities
  • Outdoor pool
  • Snack bar/deli

Internet

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

Parking and transportation

  • 24-hour roundtrip airport shuttle (surcharge)
  • Cruise terminal shuttle (surcharge)
  • Free self parking on site

Food and drink

  • A bar/lounge
  • A coffee shop/cafe
  • A poolside bar
  • A restaurant
  • Coffee and tea in common areas
  • Snack bar/deli

Things to do

  • Arcade/game room
  • Bicycle rentals
  • Billiards/pool table
  • Fishing
  • Library
  • Outdoor pool
  • Sauna
  • Scuba diving
  • Snorkeling
  • Spa tub

Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • Upper floors accessible by stairs only

Room amenities

Entertainment

  • TV with satellite channels

Bathroom

  • Bathrobes
  • Free toiletries
  • Hair dryer
  • Private bathroom
  • Shower
  • Slippers
  • Towels

Outdoor space

  • Furnished balcony

Food and drink

  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Electric kettle
  • Limited room service
  • Minibar

More

  • Air conditioning
  • Ceiling fan
  • Desk
  • Individual furnishings
  • Safe

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 2:00 PM; Check-in end time: 10:00 PM
Minimum check-in age: 18

Check-out

Check-out before 11 AM

Special check-in instructions

This property offers transfers from the cruise terminal, 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
There is no front desk at this property
The host will greet guests on arrival
This property doesn't offer after-hours check-in
For more details, please contact the property using the information on the booking confirmation

Renovations and closures

The property is closed between April 20 and June 30.

Access methods

Host will greet you

Pets

  • Pets and service animals are not allowed at Zanzibar House

Children and extra beds

  • Children are welcome.
  • Rollaway/extra beds are available for USD 70.0 per night.

Property payment types

Important information

Optional extras

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

  • Airport shuttle fee: USD 90 per vehicle (roundtrip)
  • Rollaway bed fee: USD 70.0 per night

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

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 rollaway/extra beds
This property accepts credit cards; cash is not accepted
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary according to property policy.
A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges and government-issued photo identification may be required upon check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in. Special requests can't be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.
    This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession. Guests must contact this property in advance to reserve rollaway/extra beds. This property accepts Visa and Mastercard. Cash is not accepted.

We should mention

  • Reservations are needed for massage services and spa treatments. For reservations, contact the bed & breakfast before arrival using the contact information on the booking confirmation.
  • Pets and service animals are not allowed on site.

Property is also known as

Zanzibar House
Zanzibar House B&B
Zanzibar House Matemwe
Zanzibar House B&B Matemwe
Zanzibar House Matemwe
Zanzibar House Bed & breakfast
Zanzibar House Bed & breakfast Matemwe

Frequently asked questions

How close is Zanzibar House to the airport?

Zanzibar House is 30.8 mi (71-min drive) away from the Zanzibar Intl. Airport (ZNZ) airport, the closest popular airport to the property.

How much does it cost to stay at Zanzibar House?

As of Apr 25, 2024, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Zanzibar House on Apr 26, 2024 start from $131.48, 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.

Does Zanzibar House have an airport shuttle?

Zanzibar House offers an airport shuttle 24 hours a day, for a charge of USD 90 per vehicle, roundtrip.

How close is Zanzibar House to the beach?

This bed & breakfast is on a private beach. Don't forget your sunscreen!

Does Zanzibar House offer free breakfast?

Zanzibar House does not offer free breakfast.

Is there a casino at Zanzibar House?

No, there is no casino at this bed & breakfast.

What time is check-in at Zanzibar House?

Check-in start time: 2:00 PM; Check-in end time: 10:00 PM.

Is there free parking at Zanzibar House?

This bed & breakfast offers free self parking.

Does Zanzibar House have a pool?

Zanzibar House features an outdoor pool.

Does Zanzibar House have a restaurant?

Yes, there is a restaurant on site.

Does Zanzibar House have a spa?

This bed & breakfast doesn't have a spa, but it does offer beach massages, mani/pedis, and aromatherapy.

How close is Zanzibar House to downtown Matemwe?

Zanzibar House is 1.8 mi away from Matemwe.

Zanzibar House Reviews

Reviews

9.0

Wonderful

Rating 10 - Excellent. 40 out of 64 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 18 out of 64 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 4 out of 64 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 1 out of 64 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 1 out of 64 reviews" "

9.2/10

Cleanliness

9.2/10

Staff & service

6.0/10

Amenities

9.4/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

6/10 Okay

Verified traveler

Traveled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Unfortunately our experience was not as nice as we had hoped. As two women in their 20s and 30s we felt that we were at times treated as children. We were informed by a male staff member that we were “not allowed” to eat breakfast at the table overlooking the ocean, even though the owner specifically informed us of this option the day prior (likely because he did not want to walk the extra distance.) Our ‘Garden View’ room was a view of the parked vehicles in front of the hotel. The room also lacked any storage space or shelves for suitcases and belongings, leaving our 4 bags blocking the door due to lack of any space. Breakfast had no fresh coffee, only instant, and ended abruptly—when I returned on the hour to refill my tea, I was told breakfast ended and the female staff would not bring back the tea kettle for hot water. I informed the owner I was gluten free on arrival, but no arrangements were made. This meant my breakfast options were limited to a fruit cup and eggs. Sauna/hammam must be requested in advance, as we were told it was “off”. The staff did not offer to turn on when we asked about it. In conclusion, beautiful hotel but not a beautiful experience.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2021

2/10 Terrible

MA, Canada

Disliked: Staff & service, amenities
This is the worst hotel experience we have had after travelling for many years across many continents. The management is poor. The owner could often be overheard berating and yelling at his staff in front of hotel guests. When issues such as a broken pool filter, slow wifi, or power outages came up, his response was to shrug and say, “This is Africa, what can you expect?” The menu at the hotel restaurant is a set menu consisting of seafood and meat dishes. As vegetarians, we found it difficult to eat here and ended up going to a hotel down the beach (Mandhari Villa - highly recommend) for dinners. We booked a “garden view” room and it was up a set up steep stairs on top of the guard house at the entrance to the hotel, completely separated from the main hotel building. Our privacy was not maintained and we had a knock on our door from housekeeping at 9pm despite not calling them for anything. There are multiple cats on the property that seem to be pets of the owners, and they wander through the lobby/restaurant/pool area at all times. The towels were not changed daily despite us having to pay an extra surcharge for a second person. This led us to wonder what the extra charge was going towards. The restaurant and pool staff however are very nice and attentive. They are working under poor management conditions and still keep a smile on their faces. All in all we would absolutely never recommend this hotel to any family or friends.
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2020

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Beautiful place; nice and helpful owners, tasty food. The beach is peaceful...but fyi, has serious tides and seaweed. But there are a few lovely spots to float around at. It is an easy day trip to other more swim-happy beaches and about an hour to Stonetown. This is a place to go an relax. But options through hotel or beach dudes are plentiful if you want activities.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2018

10/10 Excellent

Caitlin

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Our host Maximo was great! Food was spectacular. Service was decent.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2018

8/10 Good

Becca

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Beautiful, well-decorated property. Relaxing atmosphere with plenty of lounge chairs, daybeds and tables on a beautiful beach. The four-course dinners were leisurely and tasty. The staff was very welcoming.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2017

8/10 Good

Kira

Liked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Lovely
My stay was pleasant from arrival till departure. Everyone was nice and accommodating. Thank you and Happy Holidays. To anyone out there looking for “a feel at home” this is the place to stay.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2017

10/10 Excellent

Loren

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
The best hotel we stayed in in Zanzibar
We stayed in 5 hotels while making our way around Zanzibar and really enjoyed 4 of them. Of the 4, this one really was the best, a cut above in every respect -- fantastic atmosphere, gorgeous property, great management and staff. As you drive down the horrible dirt road that leads from the highway to the property, you'll think you must have made a wrong turn. But you haven't -- keep going.
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2017

10/10 Excellent

Kelly

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
My "Zanzibar House" in Matemwe
The whole place is amazing. Unlike the 50+room hotels this is a smaller establishment which adds to the peaceful beach front atmosphere. It's in a great location to go south for a day trip to the spice farms, caves, or fishing communities. Or go North to Membe Island for diving/ snorkling or Nungwi for a big party. Extremely warm artistic decor and the food was fantastic.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2017

10/10 Excellent

The Travel Guru, Los Angeles

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
A Hidden Gem
Zanzibar House is an exceptional place and a beautiful experience. Georgia treated me like family from the moment I arrived. The location is inspirational, meditative and a place to disconnect from the stresses of the world. Thank you.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2017

10/10 Excellent

agata

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stay in Zanzibar house
We had lovely time in Zanzibar House. The place is clean and nicely decorated. Owners are amazing. Everyday we were spoilt by great Italian food. Staff are friendly and helpful.We had very memorable experience. Highly recommended!