STONE TOWN HOUSE — Hotel in Shangani

I am sorry but I just did not like this place and am still quite shocked at the great reviews. I really wanted to like it. So here goes. |Pros: Not too expensive and central to most major Zanzibar City attractions. A few friendly staff. ||Cons: If you have bad knees or other mobility issues--don't do it! The stairs leading to the dorms are very steep and narrow and this can be too much if you have luggage or just going in and out. |There were lots of mosquitoes. The AC in my room did not work, the room was sweltering, leaving me forced to switch to the other side of the dorm. |The guy at the front desk refused to come up to my room to inform me that the people from an early morning tour needed me to leave earlier than planned and I ended up missing the first part of the tour. |There is a choice of a female only dorm, but you will be sharing the bathrooms with men, and you never know when one will be around when you need it. |If you can get a second level room, I would say go for it but of course you will not know where your room assignment will be until you are checked in. ||Next time in ZC I would definitely seek other...

First time in Zanzibar and can honestly say, it has been one of my best trips I have ever made. I stayed at this simple yet lovely small hotel which is right in the heart of Stone Town. Easy walking distance to everything around, Forodhani, Old Town, restaurants and the sea which surrounds the island. The customer service was exceptional, Hazim, Arafah, Amina, the evening lady at Reception (forgot her name) and the other cleaning staff including the night shift personnel all made me feel at home. I was a bit sceptical to stay at the beginning as I intended to stay at their sister hotel called Stone Town House Bed and Breakfast but day after I warmed up to these amazing bunch of staff whom I felt I had known for years. They made me so comfortable that I chose not to move elsewhere. So I stayed put for my 12 days here at the island. I thoroughly enjoyed the walks in and around the area and would most definitely come back again. Thank you, Mr. Masoud and Judi (owners) you have not only got a truly warm yet simple place to stay but incredible staff who without a shadow of doubt add value to your...

First time in Zanzibar and can honestly say, it has been one of my best trips I have ever made. I stayed at this simple yet lovely hotel which is located right in the heart of Stone Town. Easy walking distance to everything around, Forodhani, Old Town, restaurants and the sea which surrounds the island. The customer service was exceptional, Arafah, Hazim, Amina, the evening lady at reception (forgot her name) and the other cleaning staff including the night shift personnel all made me feel at home. I was a bit sceptical to stay at the beginning as I intended to stay at their sister Bed and Breakfast hotel called Stone Town House but a day after I warmed up to these amazing staff members whom I felt I had known for years. They made me so comfortable that I chose not to move elsewhere. So I stayed put for my 12 days stay. I enjoyed the walks around the area and would definitely come back again. Thank you, Mr. Masoud and Judi (owners) you have not only got a truly warm place to stay but incredible staff who add value to your...