Zanzibar Serena Hotel

The hotel offers a truly unique and memorable experience, distinguished by its historic charm and authentic Zanzibari atmosphere, providing a captivating glimpse into the past. Its signature feature is its prime oceanfront location, offering spectacular views and direct access to the beach, making it an ideal choice for sightseers eager to explore Stone Town's attractions and couples seeking a romantic getaway. The property is also well-suited for families, thanks to its spacious accommodations and a generally secure environment. Guests consistently highlight the hotel's attentive staff, excellent pool, and comfortable rooms. To maximize your stay, consider requesting a room with a balcony or verandah overlooking the ocean for breathtaking sunsets, and be prepared for the traditional architecture which incorporates many stairs.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel features a highly praised swimming pool that is consistently described as large, clean, and attractive, providing a refreshing oasis for guests to relax and unwind. This amenity is a significant draw, offering a pleasant escape from the city's hustle. However, a notable aspect of the property's design is the absence of an elevator, meaning guests must navigate numerous stairs to access different floors and rooms. This can be challenging for some visitors, particularly those with mobility concerns or heavy luggage. Reviews indicate that there are ongoing noisy works related to the installation of an elevator, suggesting that the hotel is addressing this accessibility issue. Beyond the pool, specific details about other major facilities like a fitness center or spa were not widely mentioned in guest feedback.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guest feedback on room comfort and condition is mixed but generally positive. Many guests found the rooms to be spacious, comfortable, and clean, often appreciating their "Old World" or traditional aesthetic. The presence of a balcony or verandah offering stunning ocean views is a frequently highlighted positive feature, enhancing the overall experience. Air conditioning is reported to function effectively, contributing to a comfortable stay. However, some guests noted that the rooms appeared tired, old-fashioned, or in need of refurbishing, with a few describing them as dark or depressing. While generally quiet, isolated incidents of noise from unannounced events or ongoing works were mentioned, though these seem to be exceptions rather than the norm.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel's dining experience receives considerable attention, particularly the breakfast, which is overwhelmingly praised. Guests describe it as excellent, plentiful, delicious, and extensive, offering a wide variety of options to start the day. The quality and selection of the breakfast spread are consistently highlighted as a major positive. While the overall restaurant food is generally considered good, some guests found the evening dining options to be less impressive compared to the breakfast, occasionally leading them to explore nearby eateries. However, the responsiveness of the chef to specific requests was appreciated. The pool bar service was noted by some guests as being slow, suggesting an area for improvement in beverage service.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel boasts an excellent central location in the heart of Stone Town, making it incredibly convenient for guests to explore the area on foot. Its proximity to numerous attractions, including historical sites and the local market, is a significant advantage, allowing for easy sightseeing. Many good restaurants are also within easy walking distance, providing ample dining choices. Direct access to the beach from the hotel is a major draw, offering beautiful ocean views and a unique connection to the waterfront. However, some guests noted the presence of litter in the sea near the hotel. For transportation, taxis are readily available right outside the hotel, facilitating travel to further destinations.

Staff & Service
The staff at the hotel consistently receives high praise for their exceptional friendliness, helpfulness, courtesy, and attentiveness, with many guests feeling genuinely cared for and treated like family. Their willingness to assist with organizing tours, providing local information, and accommodating requests is frequently highlighted as a standout aspect of the service. However, there were some instances of check-in delays and issues with bill accuracy upon checkout, with a few guests reporting being asked for additional payments after departure. A recurring concern for some guests was the lack of recognition for loyalty program memberships or expected benefits like welcome amenities. Additionally, some younger staff members were perceived as needing to improve their English proficiency and sense of urgency in service delivery.

Additional Information
Many reviews indicate that the property, despite its inherent charm and traditional aesthetic, is perceived as old or tired and in need of a major renovation to align with contemporary luxury standards. Some guests felt that the hotel's current condition did not fully meet a five-star rating when compared to European luxury establishments, suggesting a need for modernization. Issues with loyalty program benefits and a lack of recognition for repeat guests were noted by several visitors, impacting their overall satisfaction. On a positive note, the hotel is consistently commended for its high security measures, providing guests with a strong sense of safety and peace of mind throughout their stay. An excellent massage service is available, offering a relaxing and well-regarded amenity. However, some guests experienced low water pressure in their rooms, and there were isolated reports of unannounced events with loud music occasionally causing disturbance.