Best hotels and hostels in Zanzibar Archipelago

The delightful Mangrove Lodge is owned by a Zanzibari-Italian couple; their gentle style imbues the whole place, from the palm-thatched lounge overlooking the bay to the spacious bungalow rooms in the lush...

This long-standing Kendwa classic has something for everyone, from basic bandas (thatched-roof huts) with shared bathrooms to luxurious bungalows with private plunge pool right on the beach, via several...

Upendo offers luxurious villas and an excellent bar-restaurant (meals US$8 to US$25) that's also open to nonguests. Villas have between one and four bedrooms, with nice touches like coffee machines and fans...

On Nungwi's quieter eastern side, near the lighthouse, Mnarani is on a low cliff with a lovely waterside terrace with the beach just below. It's relaxed and efficient, with friendly staff and small rooms in...

At the far southern end of Jambiani village, Red Monkey is a small hotel with around 10 spacious rooms – some in bungalows, others in a two-storey building – overlooking the beautiful beach. If you're feeling...

In a quiet spot on a small island off the coast of Pemba this lodge epitomises the word 'remote'. Overlooking the empty beach and ocean beyond are just five rooms in bungalows raised on wooden decks. There's also...

With its stained-glass windows, wooden latticework balustrades, tinkling fountains and soft-hued colour scheme, Emerson Spice is one of the most stylish and atmospheric hotels in Stone Town. Created from a...

A long-standing and popular place with friendly and relaxed staff, the Kiponda has simple but clean rooms (all with fan, some with air-con) on three floors. Breakfast is served on the top-floor terrace, which is...

This delightful place has 10 rooms, with breezy coral stone bungalows set in a small patch of natural vegetation, each with louvre doors that open onto a deck overlooking the beach. The friendly (and slightly...

A new addition to Jambiani's hotel scene, Zanzistar is simply delightful. Its small size and attentive management makes it feel homey and exclusive at the same time. Rooms have cool and uncluttered decor, and...

With its austere stairwells and utilitarian furniture (including inventory numbers) the Archipelago has the air of a government rest house – which it was – but now it's privately run and the best hotel in town....

In a grand old building just behind the Old Fort and House of Wonders, this hotel has historic credentials. Spaced over several floors around two courtyards, rooms combine traditional touches with modern...

This gorgeously designed place is nestled in luxuriant green gardens on a rocky bluff at the northern end of the village, almost opposite Mnemba Island. Fourteen independent cottages have bright colour schemes,...

This hotel is simply brimming with character. Two adjacent historic buildings have been restored in a fantastical Arabian Nights style; each of the 15 rooms is uniquely and decadently decorated, with traditional...

Set on a secluded peninsula, Fumba Beach Lodge has 26 spacious cottages set in expansive grounds, with some overlooking the sea (about US$15 per person extra) producing an ambience that's a great mix of safari...

With only 6 bedrooms and an open-plan living area like a lounge on the beach, Mango Beach House is a small and sociable place. Rooms are simple but neat with artful decor and colourful fabrics, while the garden...

On the northern end of Kendwa beach, this is a very large and luxurious all-inclusive resort (called simply 'Gemma' by the locals) with around 130 rooms all with private veranda and sea view. Facilities include...

The unassuming Pongwe Beach Hotel has 20 bungalows among the palms on a deep arc of bleached white sand. Most rooms are sea facing (three are garden view), spacious and breezy, and deliberately have no air-con,...

This lodge is a wonderfully relaxing place, under new management since 2016, with double rooms in high-roof bungalows, plus a six-bunk dorm. The restaurant serves a set menu (nonguests US$15) and the beach deck...

Low-key, peaceful, friendly and well managed, this small lodge overlooks a quiet beach about 1km southeast of Kizimkazi Mkunguni. Rooms are in bungalows or palm-thatch huts with safari-tent-style zipped doors....