Description
The Zanzibar Serena Inn is flanked by an exotic mix of sultan's palaces, Portuguese forts, ancient dhow harbours, and bright bazaars. It is a haven of tranquillity and opulence amongst the bustle of one of Africa's most ancient and most enchanting towns. A member of the prestigious Small Luxury Hotels of the World, the inn has been styled to represent the epitome of Swahili style, ethnic elegance and Arabic opulence.
The Serena is the only hotel in Stone Town offering the level of facilities expected of an international hotel. The hotel comprises two historic seafront buildings which house the 52 individually styled air-conditioned rooms and suites. Rooms have a strong Arabian influence and have balconies with stunning views of the sea. The restaurant overlooks the waterfront and the spacious bar terrace is an ideal place from which to watch the sun set. Stone Town itself has a strong Arabic influence which adds to the town’s exoticism and it is well worth spending a day wandering its narrow, winding side streets during a stay on Zanzibar.
Guide price
£1,925 Per person
£1,925 Guide price is per person based on two sharing in a Deluxe Garden View Room for 7 nights on a bed and breakfast basis, and includes flights, air taxes and transfers.
Accommodation
There are a range of rooms; 41 standard rooms, 6 prime rooms and 4 suites. Four-poster, net draped beds dominate, offset by delicate side tables, vanity units and louver doors giving onto balconies, some of which feature massive free-standing hammocks. Each room is adorned with arched niches, antique plates and brass lamps; and featuring traditionally carved furniture with basket weave and ceramic inlay.
Childcare
Whilst there are no specific child care facilities, children are most welcome at The Zanzibar Serena Inn. Food and meal times can easily be adjusted to suit the younger guests. There are a wide range of family-friendly room options; children's dining; baby-sitting, and plenty of adventure, sports and educational entertainment for children of all ages.
Facilities
The Zanzibar Serena Inn offers a wide selection of rooms and suites: all with AC, satellite TV and WiFi.
There are a variety of places to eat or drink; All-day Baharia Restaurant, Mdele Coffee Shop, Masahani Bar and Terrace Seafood Restaurant. The hotel has a lovely swimming pool and pool deck, plus treatment rooms and there is a business centre, travel desk, taxi service, gift Shop, news-stand and travel requisites kiosk.
Activities
With immediate access to Stone Town, Zanzibar Serena Inn can offer spice tours and visits to the Sultan’s baths, slave caves and slave market. It is also possible to arrange diving on one of the world’s most renowned dive sites and guests can also arrange Dhow trips and idyllic island escapes as well as
Dolphin, turtle and humpback whale watching. Another highlight of staying here are the Swahili feasts with Taarab music.
Services
The Zanzibar Serena Inn offers diversity and professionalism with full conference and business facilities. The Serena group also pride themselves in a fantastic wedding planning facility. They can arrange everything from the wedding to the honeymoon whether it be on a white sand beach beside the Indian Ocean or traditional safari style under canvas in the wilderness.
When to travel
Tanzania is a large country, with a varied climate. Generally, the long rains run from March to May - the temperature is warm and the humidity is high. June to October is the long dry season, and the short rains are in November and December, much lighter than the long rains. January and February are again dry (the short dry season) so this is another good time to visit.
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Best time to visit
Good time to visit
Average time to visit
Not applicable
Location and directions
Stone Town, Zanzibar, Tanzania
Stone Town, Zanzibar, Tanzania
How to get there
9.5hr international flight, to Dar es Salaam and then 20min domestic flight to Zanzibar. Zanzibar's International airport is 7km south of Zanzibar Town and the journey takes 15 minutes by taxi from the hotel.
