Zanzibar island is heaven on earth. We have been lucky enough to travel to many beaches destinations around the world yet, Zanzibar beaches are on the top of the list.
But to make sure you have the best possible experience, you should also know where to stay in Zanzibar. You don’t want to go to a place which is good but maybe it does not feel safe, or which is not in the best location.
To help you find the best hotel where to stay in Zanzibar, we have collected a list with the 9 best options for all budgets.
If you also need more information about Zanzibar, you can read our complete travel guide to Zanzibar.
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The 9 Best Places Where To Stay In Zanzibar.
Where to stay in Zanzibar on a budget.
Lost & Found Zanzibar, Stone Town.
Lost & Found Zanzibar has a good combination of everything. It is really well located, is clean, one of the cheapest options, and feel comfortable and safe.
They have only dorm rooms, that is why is so cheap. But, having said so, the beds have curtains and is pretty new, so it is really a top hostel.
The area also has lovely cafe’s and restaurants around, and the can help you organize any tour you want and transportation.
They have free WiFi and rooms with air conditioning. Popular points of interest nearby include Peace Memorial Museum, The Zanzibar Curio shop and St Joseph’s Roman Catholic Cathedral.
Demani Lodge, Paje
Located in Paje, The Demani Lodge has been one of our favourites hostels ever.
This impressive place offers all the commodities you can possibly need. They have an outdoor pool and a great restaurant. There is also a wonderful garden and a bar.
They can also help you in organizing any tours and activities, including fishing, diving, and windsurfing.
Although the access to the beach is pretty close, this hostel is not located in the main area of Paje. You can get to the main area of Paje by a pleasant 20 minutes walk through the beach, which is one of the largest Zanzibar beaches. Honestly, this should not be a big deal since this place already offers all you need, and once you see it, you will not want to leave!
Makofi Guesthouse, Nungwi
Good vibes, beautiful location tasty food- Makofi is another of those places with all you need.
It is by the sea, which makes it an affordable beach hotel. The sandy beach of Nungwi is probably the best of all Zanzibar beaches, and Makofi makes it easy for you to stay on a budget.
Rooms are clean and comfortable, it has a really chill out vibes, and features a BBQ with great value and products.
We cannot think about a better place where to stay in Zanzibar with this value for money.
Where to stay in Zanzibar mid-range.
Coco Reef Lodge, Kizimkazi.
This is an eco-friendly option in a natural environment. In Coco Reef Lodge, a balcony with sea views is offered in each unit. They also have a private bathroom with a shower and a private terrace with terrific sunset views.
This is the place where to stay in Zanzibar if you want to watch the dolphins. But you should really investigate and think about it before you do. This is due to watching dolphins is becoming a real dolphin hunting.
Other than that, and if what you want is a peaceful place in a lovely location by the beach, this is a great place.
PalumboKendwa, Kendwa.
PalumboKendwa is probably one of the best quality-price accommodation where to stay in Zanzibar.
The gorgeous hotel features a covered balcony, each room is air-conditioned and have a TV with satellite channels. The beds are draped in mosquito nets and the room has a refrigerator. Fitted with a shower, the private bathroom also comes with complimentary toiletries. The swimming pool is massive and is absolutely gorgeous.
They have a restaurant on site and another one at the beach.
Although this property is not directly at the beach, they have a free shuttle to take you there and back from there, which is pretty awesome!
Kendwa beach is maybe the most touristic area of Zanzibar, but the beach there is really to die for.
Nur Beach Resort, Jambiani.
Offering an outdoor pool and views of the sea, Nur Beach Resort is situated in Jambiani. The rooms are beautiful, clean and modern, and have a private bathroom. This hotel is an excellent choice where to stay in Zanzibar for those who like it quiet and private.
The resort has a year-round outdoor pool and a private beach area, and guests can enjoy a meal at the restaurant. A terrace or patio are featured in certain rooms.
This resort has water sports facilities and bike hire and car hire are available. A number of activities are offered in the area, such as snorkeling, diving, and cycling.
Top resorts where to stay in Zanzibar
Zuri Zanzibar, Kendwa.
This is the kind of paradise resort you think of when going to this kind of places.
Situated in Kendwa Beach Zuri Zanzibar offers accommodation with a private beach area and free WiFi. The property boasts an outdoor swimming pool, garden, terrace, and a bar.
All the rooms have air conditioning and have a seating area while some have pool views and a garden view. They are absolutely gorgeous with good attention to detail. There is also a restaurant, located within the property specializes in Middle Eastern cuisines.
Snorkeling is among the activities that guests can enjoy near Zuri Zanzibar. Coral Reefs Snorkel is a 9-minute walk from the resort.
Zanzi Resort, Kama.
Zanzi Resort is situated on the shore of the Indian Ocean, 9.3 miles from the historic town of Stone Town and a 30-minute drive from the Zanzibar International Airport.
The resort is very private, with only 13 villas in total. Each spacious villa and bungalow offers an intimate environment. Ocean-front villas have a private patio with a pool, a lush tropical garden, and a gazebo draped in mosquito nets. The bungalows are located in the garden area with access to the main swimming pool.
Guests can choose to have breakfast, lunch, and dinner in their private villa or bungalow, in the restaurant, or on the beach.
In addition, free bicycles are available and excursions can be arranged at the tour desk.
Is one of the people favourites Zanzibar beach resorts for many reasons as you can see. There is almost nothing you cannot do in here. Question is, will you ever want to leave?! :)
Baraza Resort and Spa Zanzibar, Paje.
If you are one of the lucky persons (read as hard worker) who can afford this impressive resort, by all means, go for it!
With Swahili design and Zanzibari furnishings, Baraza Resort and Spa Zanzibar is an all-inclusive resort located in Bwejuu. The resort features a restaurant, bar and guests can unwind at the Frangipani spa.
The spacious villas feature classic and elegantly traditional décor, each complete with a private plunge pool and a large terrace with 2 sun loungers. Each villa offers a living room with a Sultan’s lounge bed and a walk-in dressing room.
The resort also boasts a kids club, tennis court, PADI Dive center and fitness center. You can enjoy a stroll along the stretch of white sand beach.
It is in a great location, a quiet area with not many tourists. What sets Baraza apart from other places is the service, which is delightful.
Hotel La Gemma dell’Est, Nungwi.
Ok, I might have left the best one for the last.
Hotel La Gemma dell’Est is set in tropical gardens and waterfalls located on the northwestern shores of Zanzibar. It features a fully equipped water sports centre, a spa, and 4 restaurants! The restaurants are good, especially the Sea Breeze.
It also offers modern rooms. This hotel is what everybody dreams about for a vacation in Zanzibar. The location of the hotel is great, and the view can’t be better! The only downside is that this hotel is one of the favorite options for tourists.
Moreover, guests can relax around the salt-water pool or enjoy a relaxing massage in the spa. For active guests, there is a tennis court and an open-air gym available.
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Conclusion
Whichever hotel you choose where to stay in Zanzibar, you cannot go wrong with the hotels on this list.
It is truly a unique destination with still many hidden gems.
For us, this has been one of our favourites places in the world, and that is not just a bold statement!
And you, have you been to Zanzibar yet or have any other suggestions?
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