Maru Maru Hotel

This hotel is widely celebrated for its stunning rooftop terrace, offering panoramic views of Stone Town and breathtaking sunsets, making it a memorable feature for many guests. Its central location in the heart of Stone Town is also a significant draw, positioning guests perfectly for exploring the historic area. The hotel is particularly well-suited for sightseers and couples seeking a romantic getaway, as well as families due to its spacious rooms and convenient access to local attractions. Guests frequently commend the hotel's overall cleanliness and the helpfulness of its staff. To enhance your stay, consider requesting a room away from the rooftop area if you are sensitive to noise, and be sure to take advantage of the hotel's prime location for easy access to the waterfront and local markets.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel features a popular rooftop area that includes a swimming pool, a bar, and a restaurant, all offering impressive views of the city and sea. While the pool is described as small, it provides a refreshing escape, though some guests noted a lack of fresh towels at times. A fitness center is available, but some reviews indicate it may not be well-maintained or have working equipment, and lacks its own shower facilities. The hotel's architecture is frequently praised for its beautiful Arabic-style design and charming interior courtyards. Wi-Fi is generally available, though some guests experienced inconsistent or weak signals, particularly in their rooms. An elevator is present, adding to guest convenience, though there were isolated reports of it being out of service.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guests generally find the rooms to be clean and well-maintained, with many describing them as spacious and comfortable. The beds are often highlighted for their comfort, and rooms are typically equipped with mosquito nets, which are appreciated. Air conditioning is available and generally effective, though some guests reported issues with it not cooling properly or having minor leaks. Bathrooms are noted as being spacious and well-appointed, though a few guests mentioned minor issues like mold in the shower grout or non-functioning drainage. A recurring concern is noise, with many guests reporting disturbances from live music on the rooftop, staff kitchen activities, and general street noise, especially in rooms located directly below the rooftop or facing busy areas. Some rooms also experienced too much light entering through transom windows.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel's breakfast receives mixed but generally positive feedback, often praised for its variety and the inclusion of fresh fruits, local options, and an omelette station. Many guests enjoyed the Indian food selections available. However, the coffee served at breakfast, often instant, was a point of disappointment for some. The rooftop restaurant is a significant highlight, offering delicious food, a pleasant atmosphere, and stunning views, particularly at sunset. Specific dishes like biryani, chicken curry, and seafood are frequently recommended. Most guests found the food quality to be good, though some experienced inconsistent quality, with a few reporting dishes that were not fresh or caused discomfort. The bar on the rooftop is popular for its happy hour and cocktails, though some found the large glass cocktails to be overpriced.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel boasts an excellent central location in the heart of Stone Town, making it incredibly convenient for exploring the area on foot. Guests appreciate its proximity to major attractions such as the Old Fort, Forodhani Park, and the ferry terminal, all within easy walking distance. The surrounding area is vibrant, with numerous shops and restaurants easily accessible. The waterfront and beach are also just a short walk away, providing opportunities for leisurely strolls and enjoying the coastal ambiance. While the immediate vicinity is bustling, guests generally feel safe exploring the narrow lanes of Stone Town from this central base.

Staff & Service
The hotel staff generally receives high praise for being friendly, helpful, and welcoming. Many guests highlight the efficiency of the check-in process and the staff's willingness to assist with requests, such as arranging transport or providing packed breakfasts for early departures. Housekeeping is consistently described as doing a very good job, ensuring rooms are spotless. However, feedback on restaurant staff and management is mixed; while some guests found them attentive and professional, others reported instances of slow service, unmotivated or unfriendly attitudes, and perceived a lack of responsiveness to issues. There were also isolated concerns regarding management's interactions with staff and handling of guest complaints.

Additional Information
Guests should be aware that the hotel frequently features live music on its rooftop in the evenings, which, while contributing to the ambiance, can be quite loud and audible in some rooms until late at night. This may impact those seeking a very quiet stay. There have been isolated reports of billing discrepancies, including instances where guests were asked to pay for items they did not consume, such as a half-eaten can of chips, or experienced issues with double charging for their stay. While these appear to be isolated incidents, they highlight the importance of reviewing bills carefully. The hotel's traditional Zanzibari architecture and interior design are often noted as unique and charming aspects of the property.