Staycation Zanzibar

Choose the coast

Stone Town and Zanzibar City

The city hotels in this collection are on Zanzibar's main island alongside the beach-resort options. Choose Stone Town when you want a city setting, heritage surroundings and restaurants near your hotel. The Zanzibar City guide narrows the comparison to that area.

Compare the exact address: Zanzibar Serena lists Kelele Square, Tembo House lists Forodhani Street, Maru Maru lists Gizenga Street and Mizingani lists Mizingani Road in the Malindi district. A waterfront hotel, rooftop terrace and courtyard hotel offer different breaks even within the city.

For a pool break, check the property and rate rather than assuming every heritage hotel has a pool. For a special room or terrace, compare the actual room category. Confirm how to reach the entrance with your luggage and any accessibility needs before booking.

Other Zanzibar Town locations

Madinat Al Bahr lists Mbweni Street, Hotel Verde lists Malawi Road and Golden Tulip Zanzibar Airport lists Airport Road in Kiembe Samaki. These properties belong in the wider island comparison but should not be mistaken for the same Stone Town setting. Compare the route to the activities you plan, the facilities you expect to use and any transfer charges.

Nungwi

Riu Palace Swahili is an adults-only all-inclusive choice for travellers prioritising beach time and resort facilities. Compare the room tier, plan inclusions and transfer time.

Kiwengwa

TUI BLUE Bahari is a family-friendly resort choice, while Diamonds Mapenzi Beach offers a more compact all-inclusive feel and Tembo Kiwengwa has distinctive pool-access rooms. East-coast tides affect when the sea is easy to swim in.

Matemwe

The Mora Zanzibar suits guests who want a suite-focused resort, spa time and access to Mnemba-area excursions. The hotel is far from Stone Town, so plan transfer and activity days.

Dongwe and Paje

Breezes in Dongwe is a half-board beach stay; compare the current rate and its meal inclusions. Zanzibar White Sand in Paje suits guests who want villa privacy near a lively kite-surfing beach. Check tide and swimming conditions in both areas.

Compare the real trip cost

Choose travel dates and compare the final total with taxes, meal plan, drinks, airport or ferry transfer and cancellation. Half board, full board and all inclusive cover different things at each property. A room rate alone is not a verified discount. See current hotel offers for named promotions with published terms.

For a shorter break, a nearer hotel with breakfast or transfer included can offer better value than a cheaper room with expensive extras. For a longer beach stay, compare any hotel-direct package with your booking platform after including meals, transport and cancellation conditions.

Before you book

• Read the recent guest reviews and their total, not just the score.
• Check the exact room category, sea view, private pool and accessibility needs.
• Confirm meal and beverage inclusions, especially at all-inclusive resorts.
• Ask about beach tides, swimming and seasonal seaweed for your chosen coast.
• Check transfer time and charges from Zanzibar City, the airport or ferry.
• Verify the offer's minimum stay, blackout dates and final payment terms on the hotel's own site.

Zanzibar staycation questions

Is Stone Town included in a Zanzibar staycation search?

Yes. This island collection includes city hotels and beach resorts. Use the separate Zanzibar City collection when you want to focus on the town rather than the coast.

Should I choose a city hotel or a beach resort?

Choose by the setting and facilities you intend to use. A city stay can centre on the hotel and nearby restaurants; a resort break can centre on beach, pool and meal-plan facilities. Compare the exact address and transfer arrangements.

How does Top Rated work?

A listing must have a recorded Expedia guest score of at least 9.0/10 and at least ten reviews. A high score with fewer reviews, an unavailable score or a score from another provider does not meet this filter.

Does a blank offers filter mean everything is sold out?

No. It means no listing qualifies under the recorded offer rules at that point. Open the exact hotel's booking page with your dates to check room availability and current rates.

What should I check before a short island break?

Confirm the room category, meals, pool or beach facilities, cancellation deadline and road or ferry arrangements. Compare the complete cost for your dates rather than a room-only headline price.