Seafood Dinner at the Rooftop Terrace

Totally recommend this hotel. The position is right on the beach with fabulous views and sunsets. Close to everything you’d want to see and visit around Stonetown. The rooms were spacious and had all we needed. The staff in all areas were exceptional and friendly, and went over and above on all accounts. Restaurants had great food and variety, that we ended up coming back to eat and drink there often. We visited the day spa and can say that was extremely enjoyable and relaxing as well. If we returned, we would be more than happy to stay here again.

Our stay was just wonderful. The staff could not have been more helpful. They were always happy, only too pleased to help, and extremely efficient. The facilities were clean and the staff were keen to engage and give advice on shopping, tours, food or anything else you wanted to know. We would like to make a special mention of Johannes who could not have been more helpful and gave us great advice and made arrangements with fixed (very reasonable) prices for us. Ameir, the Guest Services Manager, was fantastic and also was a great help to us. Highly recommended.

Incredible hoteloverall, We absolutely loved staying at the Serena hotel. The staff could not do enough for you. So very friendly and helpful and went over and above on all occasions. The position was perfect over looking the ocean and near restaurants and stone town generally. Rooms spacious and had all we needed. Restaurant food, drinks and staff were so lovely, that we ended up coming back to eat and drink there often. We did have day spa treatments also, and again truly relaxing and worthwhile. Overall, exceptional experience. We would come back definitely.

Positive: Incredible position overlooking the ocean and stunning sunsets. Close to all activities and restaurants around and nearby Stonetown. Staff were extremely friendly and helpful at all times. Restaurants and food were great and lovely position. Day spa was amazing also. Totally recommend.

Beautiful Place to Relax after Safari Seeing the ocean through our balcony was a lovely treat after the dust of safari. The decor and design of the hotel was luxurious. Food was delicious. Staff were caring and helpful. What a treat!!

If you are ever in Stonetown, THIS is the hotel where you should be situated. AMAZING views of the Indian Ocean, incredible staff who provided a delicious beverage when you arrive, wondering location in relation to downtown, and delicious food. It was an absolute dream staying here! 

The hotel is located at the water’s edge in Stone Town. The hotel has both charm and elegance with architecture that reflects the local Muslim culture. We found the staff very friendly and attentive and willing to assist with dining recommendations, scheduling transportation and arranging activities. When we return, this is definitely the place we are staying.

Fabulous clean comfy hotel with a luxury feel. We had a wrap around sea and pool view room which was great to watch the boats coming in. Had everything in the room we needed. Mosquitoe net over large comfy bed, bathroom with all toiletries. Beautiful and clean. Food was good with good selection. Fab cocktails with a choice of two restaurants. Pool area clean and welcoming. Security present to keep beach boys at bay. ( think that was only downside of stone town was the constant persistent of people trying to sell you everything and anything) hotel position excellent to explore stone town and to get excursions from. Staff all helpful and happy. Zanzibar was definitely the land of smiles. I would recommend getting a guide to show you around as so many little streets.

The bed was perfect and our room had a nice view of the pool and ocean. The staff, Rabia, Yunus, and Yussuf Big to name only a few were great. A perfect place to stay for 4 days before our safari.

Positive: This is possibly my favourite hotel worldwide. It’s luxurious in a relaxed tropical way, and felt homely and welcoming. The location is incredible - it’s so close to the sea and there’s always something to see. The swimming pool is large and the sunbed space never felt overcrowded. We had a gorgeous first floor room with a balcony and a hammock. The service is impeccable and the staff really friendly and helpful (shout out to Big Joe who was just brilliant!). The bed was large and really comfortable and we appreciated the mosquito net. The bathroom came with all the usual touches (and I actually needed the sewing kit this time!). The position within the town is fantastic- we pottered around Stonetown a lot and it was very easy for taxis and boat trips.

I recently stayed at the Serena Hotel in Zanzibar and had the best experience from start to finish. The view from my room was magnificent. The room was clean throughout my stay. One of the highlights was the act of replacing face towels once I used all of them, and my experience in some places. Once I used the towels, I had to ask to get a replacement, and also as a welcome gesture, I received a fruit platter. It made me feel genuinely welcomed and well cared for. Every part of the experience reflected the hotel’s commitment to comfort and hospitality. I would highly recommend the Serena Hotel to anyone looking for a luxurious and peaceful getaway. I can’t wait to return!

A fantastic hotel and a true slice of paradise. Located right on the seafront in old Stone Town, it offers stunning sunset views across the Zanzibar channel and beautifully designed outdoor seating areas perfect for relaxing. The staff are exceptionally friendly and attentive, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere throughout our stay. Rooms are well-appointed, spotlessly clean, and serviced daily to a high standard. Food is very good with a range of options - and breakfast is really good. Without a doubt, this is a place we would love to return to!

The Zanzibar Serena was a lovely place to stay in Stone Town. It's a gorgeous historic building with amazing pool overlooking the sea. the staff were all lovely and friendly and helpful. It's in a good location. The rooms are spacious, well equipped and clean. We ate breakfast and dinner in the restaurant and the food was very nice. A great place to stay.

This is a wonderful hotel. It is always great to be near the water but this hotel is also charming in its design (reflecting the local history) and situated right in Stonetown. However, it is mainly the staff that makes staying in the hotel such a great experience. They were universally friendly and helpful - from front of house to restaurant. All were genuinely motivated to make my experience of Zanzibar an excellent one. Thank you to all.

Wonderful stay at Zanzibar Serena Hotel My son and I have just returned form a wonderful holiday in Zanzibar. The most important part of that was our stay at the Serena Hotel. The friendliness and efficiency of all the staff we came across made it such a pleasure. The location of the hotel is, of course, superb but the bedrooms themselves and the food were also excellent. Thank you all very much indeed.

We stayed at the Serena Hotel in Zanzibar in June and had a wonderful experience. From the moment we arrived, we were warmly welcomed with fresh pineapple juice. The staff were all incredibly cordial and helpful throughout our stay. A special thanks to Zena, who went out of her way to make sure our rooms were perfectly situated. Highly recommend this hotel for a comfortable and memorable stay in Zanzibar!

Positive: Excellent location and exceptional service. It’s located within the stone town and has amazing ocean views. Also has access to a small beach. The food is their restaurant is great for days when you don’t feel like going out. Breakfast in the morning is elaborate with buffet style options as well as an omelette station. The staff is excellent and very helpful in anything you need. We stayed here a few days and enjoyed our stay very much. If we ever visit Zanzibar again, we’d likely prefer staying here. Negative: Liked everything!.

This is one of the best hotels I have stayed in, the staff are enthusiastic and professional, particularly Big Joe, who was a ''rock when we had to sot out airline flights. The food was excellent and the local tours provided were really good. The accommodation was first rate and the evening turndown provided some re-assurance about mozzies.