There is absolutely more to Zanzibar than just exploring the island and its numerous attractions. Your overall experience depends on the quality of accommodation you choose. Of course, there are several accommodation options, and it is up to you to select whichever suits you best.
Accommodations include beach condos, rental homes, resorts, and hotels. Amongst these options, hotels are the most popular and also the most sought-after. It is advisable to book a hotel room, particularly if you are visiting the place for the very first time.
There are many fantastic hotel establishments on Zanzibar island, and these hotels are in great locations too. However, it might take some time before you find out which one is best for you after checking the services and amenities it provides. This will cost you valuable time.
To save time and stress, I have compiled a list of the Best Hotels in Zanzibar. In addition, this list will include enough details that you need to know about your accommodation and how to go about it. Also, I will provide information on how to locate the property and easily access it.
List of Best Hotels in Zanzibar
1. Hotel Riu Palace Zanzibar
Renovated in 2019, Hotel Riu Palace is one of the best hotels in Zanzibar at any time of the year. This Inclusive hotel is open all year round to locals and tourists worldwide. Hotel Riu Palace is located directly on Nungwi Beach, also providing stunning ocean views to enjoy.
Nungwi is a small fishing village with an attractive coastline on the northern end of Unguja, Zanzibar’s main island. The hotel meets the highest standards of excellence, luxury, and perfection, ensuring guests have a unique experience during their stay.
Hotel Riu Palace is the perfect location for guests who would love to explore the island and its nearby attractions easily. The hotel maintains proximity to Stone Town, Karume International Airport, and many other beautiful parts of the island.
In addition, Hotel Riu Palace features 200 well-furnished rooms with free WiFi and many other amenities. Guests can visit the Spa for facials and body massages and keep up with their fitness routine at the hotel gym. Other amenities include outdoor pools, restaurants, and bars.
Address: Nungwi Rd, Nungwi, North Coast Zanzibar 73107, Tanzania
Website: Hotel Riu Palace
2. Melia Zanzibar
Sometimes referred to as Melia Hotel and Resort, this five-star island hotel is one of the leading international hotel establishments in Zanzibar. It is located on the island’s northeast coast, giving guests premium access to its fine sands and breathtaking ocean views. This is an experience you don’t want to miss.
The property is built on an expansive estate, over 40 acres, with some of the best amenities for a fun-filled vacation in Zanzibar. In addition, Melia Zanzibar features a 300-meter-long stunning beach of white powdery sands and warm sea waters overlapping its banks.
Melia Zanzibar is also a resort and features a natural coral reef, allowing guests to enjoy the waters while exploring its depths. I’d recommend this upscale hotel for every kind of guest, including couples, business travelers, families, and many others. There is always something for everyone.
Address: 29V9+P7, Kiwengwa Zanzibar TZ, Kiwengwa 00200, Tanzania
Website: Melia Zanzibar
3. Dongwe Club
Many travelers who visit Zanzibar have made Dongwe Club their favorite accommodation, and the reason for this is not far-fetched. This resort provides a blend of value, comfort, and convenience, which is basically what every traveler visiting a hotel would ask for.
In addition, to these basic provisions, Dongwe Club is also ideal for romantic travelers who wish to experience priceless moments. If you wish to visit the island for your honeymoon or a romantic getaway with your partner, I can assure you that Dongwe Club is one of the best places to settle.
The resort offers everything to be called “a home away from home,” giving you the freedom to express yourself without limits. Rooms and suites at Dongwe Club feature refrigerators, minibars, and free WiFi access, allowing you to stay up to date and share your beautiful moments with friends on Instagram.
Furthermore, the resort offers room service, which is available at any time of the day or night. On a sunny afternoon, you can make your way to the nearby beach and come back to relax at the hotel’s outdoor pool in the evening. During your stay, you can check out nearby restaurants in the area.
Address: RG9H+6W6, Dongwe, Tanzania
Website: Dongwe Club
4. Hotel Riu Jambo
Even though it just opened its doors in June 2022, Hotel Riu Jambo has grown so fast to be among the best hotels in Zanzibar. It is located on Nungwi beach, just like Hotel Riu Palace Zanzibar, one of the finest coastlines on the island. A getaway on this beach is something you don’t want to miss.
The hotel offers over 300 majestic rooms featuring state-of-the-art facilities for a comfortable and fun-filled vacation. In addition, these rooms come with complimentary WiFi allowing their occupants to get easy and fast access to the internet.
Hotel Riu Jambo is built following a traditional style incorporating the different cultures popular on the island. Well known for its natural beauty, this upscale hotel is an ideal destination for premium relaxation. Amenities include four outdoor pools, also including a kids’ pool.
While at Hotel Riu Jambo, you can engage in several interesting activities like kayaking, diving, and paddle diving, amongst others. These activities are also one of the best ways to get along with other guests and locals too easily. After a long day, remember to book a spa session for the pampering you deserve.
Address: Hotel Riu Jambo, Nungwi Road
Website: RIU Jambo
5. TUI BLUE Bahari Zanzibar
Bring your dreams of spending the next holiday in a tropical paradise to life at TUI BLUE Bahari Zanzibar. This hotel is located directly on the picturesque Kiwengwa beach, which is quite popular on the island. It is surrounded by gently swaying palm trees, with the sweet voices of birds chirping.
This 5-star hotel is a great place to be for your romantic vacation, especially if you love natural settings. If you are looking forward to a fun-filled and relaxing beach day with the family, TUI BLUE Bahari Zanzibar provides easy access to the beautiful coastline of Kiwengwa.
Furthermore, the hotel features four restaurants serving a variety of delicacies and three bars where you can show up anytime and sip your favorite cocktail. After a long day exploring the resort and nearby attractions, remember to pamper yourself in the BLUE Spa, with the best spa facilities.
Of course, Zanzibar is filled with so many interesting highlights, and staying at TUI BLUE is one of the best ways to keep up with them. In addition, the best time to visit TUI BLUE is after taking a safari holiday on the mainland.
Address: Pwani Mchangani Zanzibar TZ, 0000, Tanzania
Website: TUI BLUE Bahari Zanzibar
6. The Z Hotel Zanzibar
Located on the island’s northern end, The Z Hotel is the most secluded in Zanzibar. However, this boutique hotel has all it takes for guests to enjoy their stay and want to come back. The hotel offers a mix of contemporary design with traditional Zanzibari features.
The Z Hotel boasts elegance and comfort in a cool and relaxing environment. This is a place you don’t want to miss out on. Even though the location is often deserted, it is ideal for guests who want quality private time with their romantic partners.
In addition, the hotel provides easy access to posh beaches and breathtaking views of the Indian Ocean. The views from its luxurious rooms are one of a kind! All rooms and suites at the hotel feature floor-to-ceiling glass doors and windows, allowing access to the balconies for soothing views.
Address: Nungwi Beach, Zanzibar City, Tanzania
Website: The Z Hotel Zanzibar
7. Zanbluu Beach Hotel
One of the most popular things to enjoy at the Zanbluu Beach Hotel is water sports, which draws a lot of attention from time to time. A stat at Zanbluu defines one at Zanzibar even if you don’t step out of your residence. In short, this space represents the essence of the island.
The smells, colors, culture, and every other thing synonymous with the people of Zanzibar are represented in this upscale hotel. It is recommended for tourists traveling to Zanzibar for the first time. The hotel features cozy rooms, classy restaurants, and easy access to its beautiful coastline.
Address: Kiwenga, Kiwengwa, Tanzania
Website: Zanbluu Beach Hotel
Final Words
Undoubtedly, Zanzibar is one of the most beautiful islands in the world, and one of the best ways to enjoy its vibe is by securing the best accommodation possible. The island is known for its extreme beauty, the richness of culture, water sports, and many others, making it a great tourist attraction.
If you are considering a trip to Zanzibar soon, you must prioritize your accommodation for the best experience. The hotels on this list are known for their charm to guests, and you’d never regret spending your island getaway at any of them.