Reviews of Dhow Palace Hotel
Wildlife sightings and reviews
40 independent comments and wildlife information from our travellers who have visited Dhow Palace Hotel and kindly agreed to share their thoughts. They do not necessarily represent the views of Expert Africa
"Interesting hotel centrally located"
It ought to be made clearer in the brochure that it is a no alcohol hotel, although there were plenty of hotels and bars nearby." See all these reviews: 7n in Zanzibar; 6n in Tanzania
"Great Location"
Having stayed here before, I think I prefer the rooms in the old part of the building (we were in the new bit)." See all these reviews: 11n in Tanzania; 4n in Zanzibar
"Dhow Palace Hotel"
"Dhow Palace Hotel"
The staff did notice that it was my wife's birthday and brought a cake up to our room which was a delightful touch." See all these reviews: 6n in Tanzania; 6n in Zanzibar
"Dhow Palace Hotel review"
"Single Rooms shoudl be avoided !!!!"
Sadly the three single rooms the rest of our group had were on the ground floor, small, dark, dingy and generally didn't feel at all secure. When we enquired about those in these moving an immediate "sorry the hotel is full" fell from the receptionists lips almosy before we'd even finished talking. I suspect that the single rooms are often complained about and as such Expert Africa should really book doubles for single travellers and inform them they do not recommend the the single rooms,
Room 11 which a female friend was in had a window that opened out onto a flat roof with a doorway opposite and people coming and going all the time. She felt so unsettled my better half slept in her room that night and she shared with me, he confiemed the next morning the comings and goings went on into the early hours. Its not a particularly expensive hotel and EA do themselves a disservice by allowing the hotel to place single traveller clients in these rooms. Otherwise though its a good base for Stonetown as long as you get a good double room on an upper floor.
Overall Stonetown is an eclectic, shabby, interesting place to spend a night but I wouldn't linger more than one. We did spend a delightful last night high in the rooftops at the Cafe at Emerson Spice Hotel the food and service fantastic and a great view of the town and out to sea." See all these reviews: 5n in Tanzania; 3n in Rwanda; 1n in Zanzibar
"Dhow Palace Hotel"
It's worth telling guests that the hotel won't accept credit cards for any extras (meals. laundry etc) and their exchange rate for dollars is poor." See all these reviews: 6n in Tanzania; 6n in Zanzibar
"Dhow Palace stay"
We didn't have a very good meal in the rooftop restaurant and ( not surprisingly) there was noone else there! When we went to book, with plenty of notice, as advised by reception, they seemed unprepared.
Breakfast was served downstairs in the juice bar area and rather haphazardly laid out in quite a small area. Wasn't very appealing." See all these reviews: 6n in Tanzania; 1n in Zanzibar
"Dhow Palace Hotel review"
The rooster woke me up at the earliest light which was before 5 every morning. We were not sure about the quality of the food in the hotel so we did not stay for lunch or dinner. The internet-connected computer in the lobby area is a good convenient feature.
There is very limited space for hanging up clothes and no cloth line for drying hand-washed clothes." See all these reviews: 9n in Tanzania; 9n in Zanzibar; 3n in Zimbabwe
"Dhow Palace Hotel review"
The hotel is essentially two buildings conjoined, surrounding a pretty courtyard and a great cooling swimming pool [very much appreciated in the heat of the day!]. Rooms are of various sizes and configurations, and we were showed several before making our choice [a nice touch]. The rooms are small, but fairly well appointed, with some nice, authentic furniture, and a comfortable bed and en-suite bathroom.
There is a great roof terrace from where you can watch the sun set [a much nicer location than the bar of the Africa House Hotel - crammed every day with coach parties from the nearby resorts all bussed in to have one drink and watch the sun go down]
Sadly, meals at the Dhow Palace can't be recommended - the menu is a mix of simple European dishes, which were not particularly appealing.
Overall, this is a comfortable place to spend a couple of days in Stone Town." See all these reviews: 4n in Tanzania; 2n in Zanzibar
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Other lodges in Stone Town
Alternative places to stay in this same area.
Zanzibar Coffee House
The Zanzibar Coffee House is a small quiet hotel tucked away in the back streets of Stone Town, with lovely, simple rooms.
Serena Inn
Now trumped by the nearby Park Hyatt, the Serena Inn, in its historic building, was formerly Stone Town's only international-style hotel.
Zanzibar Palace Hotel
The Zanzibar Palace Hotel is a highly regarded boutique hotel with very personal service and just nine rooms, all of them Zanzibari in style.
Beyt al Salaam
The Beyt al Salaam is a pleasant, boutique hotel with only six rooms and atmospheric and stylish Zanzibari décor.
Emerson Spice
Emerson Spice is a beautiful small hotel in the heart of Stone Town with individually designed rooms adorned with gorgeous fabrics.
Kholle House
Kholle House offers an atmospheric Stone Town stay in a historic building, and is very good value for money.
Jafferji House
Jafferji House is a converted old house that blends modern facilities with traditional style. The ten, unique rooms are show great attention to detail.
Swahili House
Swahili House is a traditionally styled boutique hotel furnished to a high standard with a convenient location in the centre of Stone Town.
Tembo Hotel
The Tembo Hotel is a good-value, family-friendly hotel right on the seafront in Stone Town, with 36 rooms and a good-sized swimming pool.
Emerson on Hurumzi
Emerson on Hurumzi was Stone Town's first boutique hotel, featuring antique furniture, unique, stylish rooms and a superb rooftop restaurant.
Mbweni Ruins Hotel
Mbweni Ruins Hotel is very convenient if you want to stay on the beach, but very close to Stone Town, or visit Chumbe Island.
Maru Maru Hotel
In the heart of Stone Town, Maru Maru combines contemporary style and creature comforts with a Zanzibari twist.
Park Hyatt
The Park Hyatt Zanzibar is a high-quality example of this group, with excellent facilities and service.
Kisiwa House
Kisiwa's central location in the heart of Stone Town's Shangani area makes it a great base to explore this fascinating town.
Seyyida Hotel
The Seyyida is a characterful old hotel near the seafront in Stone Town, with the rare bonus of a swimming pool.
