Large bedroom with sitting area, distinct traditional furnishings. Rooftop garden with stunning views.

Extreme steep stairs throughout the hotel create accessibility issues, especially if you have any mobility concerns. The bed modification made it creaky and less enjoyable. Some room cleanliness issues, like hair left on the bathroom floor, detracted from the experience.

Breakfast in your own private turret with stunning views of Stone Town is unbeatable! The rooftop dining experience, complete with delicious traditional dishes and live musicians, truly brought the vibe of Zanzibar alive. The staff were incredibly welcoming and ensured every need was met, making for a fab stay.

While the character of the beautiful old building shines through, some maintenance issues flickered, like a wonky shower and creaky staircases. It's worth watching your step if you're less mobile, but it still has its old-school charm.

Request a private turret for breakfast for breathtaking views over Stone Town. Be mindful of the steep stairs as they can be a challenge during your stay.

I had a boss time! The rooftop dining was spot on, music from a lovely women's band, and views of Stonetown were just magical. Only downside was the street noise from nearby bars, but that's part of being in the heart of it all, innit?

The spacious double room featured traditional furnishings and modern comforts, providing a very comfortable stay. Breakfast and dinner showcased delicious traditional dishes, particularly enjoyable on the rooftop with stunning views. The staff were always friendly and efficient, eager to assist with any requests. some maintenance issues were noticeable, such as outdated fixtures and occasional noise from the streets, which slightly detracted from the overall experience.

Stunning rooftop views
Unique room decor
Accommodating staff
Delicious rooftop dining

Steep stairs to navigate
Technical issues in the room
Poorly lit areas

The private turret for breakfast offers breathtaking views over the city, and dining on the rooftop is a highlight, especially with the ambiance created by live traditional music. The character of the historic building adds to the experience, immersing you in the local vibe.

Be prepared for steep stairs that make moving around a workout—great for the legs, not so much if you have mobility issues. The rooms could use a bit of love—no hairdryer, and some cleanliness oversights like hair in the bathroom detracted from the comfort. The bed felt a bit creaky, and the outdated fixtures could use a refresh. Plus, the internet service was unreliable at times, which can be frustrating when you're trying to stay connected.

A unique experience with a charming ambiance

I had an amazing time at this quirky hotel! The private turret for breakfast was a standout, offering stunning views over Stone Town. The character of the building truly takes you back in time, although it comes with quite a few steep stairs that might be challenging for some. A bit of attention to detail in maintenance could make this place even better.

Charming ambiance, extraordinary rooftop dining, exceptional staff support – a truly memorable getaway.

great ambiance but maintenance needed

My room was exceptionally comfortable, featuring beautiful, authentic decorations. The rooftop garden restaurant offered breathtaking views of the city and delightful live traditional music. I particularly enjoyed the sea view from there, which added an extra layer of magic to my stay.

Some areas could use better maintenance, as attention to detail seems overlooked.

Breakfast in the private turret offered breathtaking views, enhancing the experience. navigating the steep stairs presented some challenges, and occasional cleanliness issues were evident, such as hair left in the bathroom. While the rooftop dining experience was a highlight with talented musicians, some outdated fixtures need attention for an improved stay.

i had an amazing stay at the emerson! the rooftop dining was unforgettable, featuring talented musicians playing traditional zanzibarian music. my previous visit to stone town didn’t compare to this experience as the staff's warm hospitality truly made this trip special.

poor lighting in the room.