Reviews of Kholle House
Wildlife sightings and reviews
19 independent comments and wildlife information from our travellers who have visited Kholle House and kindly agreed to share their thoughts. They do not necessarily represent the views of Expert Africa
Annabel
Somerset
"Kholle House "
2 nights Arrived 1 Feb 2022
"Kholle House was once the home of an Omani Princess, now restored by a Frenchman whose daughter, Anna, is the current manager.
It's a really charming oasis in Stone Town. The decor combines the chic with the exotic, something hard to do and pull off, but it's been done with aplomb. There are many quiet indoor areas to read or have a drink, plus a covered area in the garden, small tables and chairs and more seats/a sofa beside the pool. It wasn't particularly hot when I was there but even so the pool was really welcome when I got home after hours of wandering and getting lost in town.
My room was long and narrow, so not much room either side of the bed but that somehow contributed to the atmosphere, as did lovely touches like the good linen, cut glass and votives. And the air-conditioning and wi-fi!
The staff were charming and very keen.
The chef is young and probably too ambitious. He has fantastic ingredients to hand, but over complicates things, particularly at dinner.
I loved Zanzibar, but realistically I'm not likely to return. If I did, I wouldn't stay anywhere else in Stone Town." See all these reviews: 7n in Kenya; 2n in Zanzibar
It's a really charming oasis in Stone Town. The decor combines the chic with the exotic, something hard to do and pull off, but it's been done with aplomb. There are many quiet indoor areas to read or have a drink, plus a covered area in the garden, small tables and chairs and more seats/a sofa beside the pool. It wasn't particularly hot when I was there but even so the pool was really welcome when I got home after hours of wandering and getting lost in town.
My room was long and narrow, so not much room either side of the bed but that somehow contributed to the atmosphere, as did lovely touches like the good linen, cut glass and votives. And the air-conditioning and wi-fi!
The staff were charming and very keen.
The chef is young and probably too ambitious. He has fantastic ingredients to hand, but over complicates things, particularly at dinner.
I loved Zanzibar, but realistically I'm not likely to return. If I did, I wouldn't stay anywhere else in Stone Town." See all these reviews: 7n in Kenya; 2n in Zanzibar
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location:
Excellent
Service:
Excellent
Activities:
Good
Rooms:
Good
Food:
Average
Facilities:
Good
Miss A
Harrogate
"Kholle House Review"
1 night Arrived 17 Jan 2018
"Nowhere in the trip notes does it advise me that Kholle House does not take credit cards and all items must be paid for in cash. Whilst this was not a problem it was a surprise.
Expert Africa had NOT advised Kholle House that I am Coeliac and required a gluten free diet (despite having said so in my trip notes). This came as a major surprise to them and caused many problems as they had no conception of the requirements and constraints..
They were kind enough to let me leave my main case with them whilst I was away in Chumbe Island for 2 nights. However, when I got back the manager was on her day off and asleep and not to be disturbed. So when I got back around 1030 (the room was not ready for at least another hour which did not help) I did not get my case until 1700. Whilst they did apologise very nicely that was not the point and I was stunned that I could not get my case for 6 hours.
My main day for relaxation was a Sunday. it started well then I found that the management had let 6 local kids in to enjoy the pool. This was a disaster for me - everything got soaked! I retreated to the lovely roof lounge but it most certainly was not what I had envisaged!
Lovely hotel and friendly staff but I will not stay there again.
Did not wander into Stone Town as the hotel is tucked away and I would have got lost! All the little alleys are very confusing and rather intimidating. No maps etc available." See all these reviews: 5n in Zanzibar; 1n in Kenya
Expert Africa had NOT advised Kholle House that I am Coeliac and required a gluten free diet (despite having said so in my trip notes). This came as a major surprise to them and caused many problems as they had no conception of the requirements and constraints..
They were kind enough to let me leave my main case with them whilst I was away in Chumbe Island for 2 nights. However, when I got back the manager was on her day off and asleep and not to be disturbed. So when I got back around 1030 (the room was not ready for at least another hour which did not help) I did not get my case until 1700. Whilst they did apologise very nicely that was not the point and I was stunned that I could not get my case for 6 hours.
My main day for relaxation was a Sunday. it started well then I found that the management had let 6 local kids in to enjoy the pool. This was a disaster for me - everything got soaked! I retreated to the lovely roof lounge but it most certainly was not what I had envisaged!
Lovely hotel and friendly staff but I will not stay there again.
Did not wander into Stone Town as the hotel is tucked away and I would have got lost! All the little alleys are very confusing and rather intimidating. No maps etc available." See all these reviews: 5n in Zanzibar; 1n in Kenya
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Average
Location:
Poor
Service:
Good
Activities:
Poor
Rooms:
Good
Food:
Poor
Facilities:
Average
Feedback Response
We are sorry for the experience that this traveller had during her stay at Kholle House. As noted on our website, Kholle House does not currently accept credit cards, however we apologise if this had not been clearly communicated. Expert Africa takes our travellers dietary requirements very seriously, and we always clearly communicate these to the relevant hotels. Kholle House confirmed that they understood her dietary requests, and that she was served a gluten free diet during her stay. We are sorry if she felt that there had been a miscommunication here.
Kholle House have a check in time of 12:00, two hours afters after this traveler arrived at the hotel. All guests have access to the communal areal, including the lounge, pool and verandah at all points, and unfortunately she was required to wait for 45-minutes whilst her room was being prepared. We are sorry for the inconvenience she experienced. Kholle House apologised for the delay in returning her bag to her, and this is not typical practice for the hotel.
We are sorry that her day of rest was disturbed by children playing in the swimming pool. Kholle House confirmed that these were the children of hotel guests, and not local residents. The use of the hotel pool is solely for the use of hotel guests. It is unfortunate that this was not the relaxing setting she was hoping for, however the hotel can not restrict how the pool is used by its guests.
Kholle House have a check in time of 12:00, two hours afters after this traveler arrived at the hotel. All guests have access to the communal areal, including the lounge, pool and verandah at all points, and unfortunately she was required to wait for 45-minutes whilst her room was being prepared. We are sorry for the inconvenience she experienced. Kholle House apologised for the delay in returning her bag to her, and this is not typical practice for the hotel.
We are sorry that her day of rest was disturbed by children playing in the swimming pool. Kholle House confirmed that these were the children of hotel guests, and not local residents. The use of the hotel pool is solely for the use of hotel guests. It is unfortunate that this was not the relaxing setting she was hoping for, however the hotel can not restrict how the pool is used by its guests.
"Senior Africa Specialist | East Africa"
The H family
Fulham
"Kholle House review"
2 nights Arrived 11 Sep 2016
"Charming small hotel, very characterful and furnished beautifully. Helpful and accommodating staff.
The small swimming pool was very welcome after exploring Stone Town and it was lovely sitting up in the roof top area as the sun went down." See all these reviews: 6n in Zanzibar; 3n in Tanzania
The small swimming pool was very welcome after exploring Stone Town and it was lovely sitting up in the roof top area as the sun went down." See all these reviews: 6n in Zanzibar; 3n in Tanzania
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location:
Excellent
Service:
Excellent
Rooms:
Excellent
Food:
Excellent
Facilities:
Excellent
Mr & Mrs D
Surrey
"A wonderful architectural building"
2 nights Arrived 17 Jul 2015
"We had two nights at Kholle House, and the accommodation was excellent. Beautiful rooms with interesting brick built bath, and enviable water pressure. Nicely air conditioned rooms, interesting mattress and beautifully made beds daily. Very close to the mosque, so be prepared for 4 o'clock awakenings.
Nicely located on the edge of Stone Town, but an easy walk into the central hubbub. Turn left or right out of the House and wander aimlessly amongst the narrow streets, greeted by very friendly locals, young or old.
We were there for the last day of Ramadan, and also for the start of Eid which was great to witness.
Unfortunately the staff at Kholle House were indifferent bordering on rude and unfriendly. The only place where my Swahili was ignored and possibly ridiculed. It seemed an effort for them to serve us breakfast, and their attitude was generally apathetic. We asked for refreshments on arrival and this was awkwardly and begrudgingly delivered to our room.
I know it was Ramadan, but if you are running a guest house and accommodating non-muslims, Western beliefs should still be respected, especially when the guest is paying.
Architecturally the building has been beautifully restored. The swimming pool was an added bonus, and beautifully clear and well managed. The 360 degree views of Stone town from the roof top area were stunning and it is just a shame that we didn't feel able to relax and enjoy our stay as the staffs' religious views were overwhelmingly made clear, and we didn't seem welcome." See all these reviews: 12n in Tanzania; 2n in Zanzibar
Nicely located on the edge of Stone Town, but an easy walk into the central hubbub. Turn left or right out of the House and wander aimlessly amongst the narrow streets, greeted by very friendly locals, young or old.
We were there for the last day of Ramadan, and also for the start of Eid which was great to witness.
Unfortunately the staff at Kholle House were indifferent bordering on rude and unfriendly. The only place where my Swahili was ignored and possibly ridiculed. It seemed an effort for them to serve us breakfast, and their attitude was generally apathetic. We asked for refreshments on arrival and this was awkwardly and begrudgingly delivered to our room.
I know it was Ramadan, but if you are running a guest house and accommodating non-muslims, Western beliefs should still be respected, especially when the guest is paying.
Architecturally the building has been beautifully restored. The swimming pool was an added bonus, and beautifully clear and well managed. The 360 degree views of Stone town from the roof top area were stunning and it is just a shame that we didn't feel able to relax and enjoy our stay as the staffs' religious views were overwhelmingly made clear, and we didn't seem welcome." See all these reviews: 12n in Tanzania; 2n in Zanzibar
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Average
Location:
Good
Service:
Poor
Rooms:
Excellent
Food:
Good
Facilities:
Good
Mr R
Northampton
"Kohl House review"
3 nights Arrived 8 Jul 2015
"Stylish hotel - good decor and nice food. Good service.
A little on the rustic side perhaps, but very authentic (with welcome addition of AC!)" See all these reviews: 8n in Zanzibar
A little on the rustic side perhaps, but very authentic (with welcome addition of AC!)" See all these reviews: 8n in Zanzibar
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Good
Location:
Good
Service:
Good
Activities:
Good
Food:
Excellent
Facilities:
Good
Mr & Mrs C
Golden CO
"Overnight in Stone Town"
1 night Arrived 29 Jun 2015
"The Kholle House was very functional for our needs and the rooms were definitely fitting with the local culture. We had only a short time to spend in Stone Town, arriving in the early afternoon and departing for the airport at 3:30 am. The hotel staff was very accommodating with our early departure, even providing a light breakfast.
I arranged a guided city tour through the hotel concierge. Good thing, or we would have been completely lost. As it was, we were just overwhelmed. The sights, sound and smells of the local market. The weight of the historic slave market. The narrow, winding streets, some only as wide as a sidewalk. The call to prayer booming from the loud speakers atop the many mosques. The heat and humidity. The beckoning of shop keepers. The chaos.
I am grateful for the experience, but I am glad it was only one day. I was eager to return to the tranquility of the bush." See all these reviews: 9n in Zambia; 7n in Tanzania; 6n in Botswana; 3n in Zanzibar; 2n in South Africa
I arranged a guided city tour through the hotel concierge. Good thing, or we would have been completely lost. As it was, we were just overwhelmed. The sights, sound and smells of the local market. The weight of the historic slave market. The narrow, winding streets, some only as wide as a sidewalk. The call to prayer booming from the loud speakers atop the many mosques. The heat and humidity. The beckoning of shop keepers. The chaos.
I am grateful for the experience, but I am glad it was only one day. I was eager to return to the tranquility of the bush." See all these reviews: 9n in Zambia; 7n in Tanzania; 6n in Botswana; 3n in Zanzibar; 2n in South Africa
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Good
Location:
Good
Service:
Good
Rooms:
Excellent
C Plowdog
Sydney
"The triumph of style over substance"
1 night Arrived 15 Sep 2014
"Looked good, beautiful building but it didn't really work."
See all these reviews: 8n in Tanzania; 1n in Zanzibar
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Average
Location:
Good
Service:
Poor
Rooms:
Good
Food:
Average
Mr & Mrs CD
London
"Stone Town hotel"
1 night Arrived 22 Jul 2014
"The hotel was friendly and quirky because of its history. We were only in Stone Town for one night so this suited us fine.
Good location near the sea front and a short walk to the main attractions." See all these reviews: 7n in Zanzibar; 5n in Tanzania
Good location near the sea front and a short walk to the main attractions." See all these reviews: 7n in Zanzibar; 5n in Tanzania
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Good
Location:
Good
Service:
Good
Rooms:
Good
Food:
Average
Facilities:
Average
MS R & Mr D
Bristol
"Kholle House city centre"
4 nights Arrived 4 Mar 2014
"Kholle House was a perfect location for us - towards the edge of the old town, rather than in the midst of the warren of streets/alleyways, meant that w could always find it without getting stressed out, even late at night. The swimming pool also provided welcome relief from the heat and meant we could relax even during the urban part of our holiday.
Our room (number 24) was at the top of the building which gave us access to cooler breezes, and easy access to both roof terraces. The last set of steps up to the third floor were particularly steep and I think guests should be warned of that in advance (witnessed an older couple really struggling to climb the stairs).
Our main disappointment was that even though we had booked their honeymoon package the fact that we were on our honeymoon was never once mentioned nor acknowledged. Having said that, the staff were helpful when we needed to find a pharmacy. Overall I would say staff were 'helpful' rather than 'attentive'." See all these reviews: 9n in Zanzibar
Our room (number 24) was at the top of the building which gave us access to cooler breezes, and easy access to both roof terraces. The last set of steps up to the third floor were particularly steep and I think guests should be warned of that in advance (witnessed an older couple really struggling to climb the stairs).
Our main disappointment was that even though we had booked their honeymoon package the fact that we were on our honeymoon was never once mentioned nor acknowledged. Having said that, the staff were helpful when we needed to find a pharmacy. Overall I would say staff were 'helpful' rather than 'attentive'." See all these reviews: 9n in Zanzibar
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Good
Location:
Good
Service:
Average
Rooms:
Good
Food:
Average
Facilities:
Good
Ms C
Vista
"Quaint Kholle House"
2 nights Arrived 22 Feb 2014
"This was a small, cozy hotel located right in Stone Town which is a converted old residence of a sultan's daughter. I loved the old touches such as the old tiles.
Thank god they had a/c in our room as the weather was quite hot and humid in February. Zanzibar provides an interesting history of the influence of various European countries over time and the sad look at it's role in the slave trade. Shopping can be fun at the little shops but the narrow streets are stiflingly hot.
I would go to Memories of Zanzibar and Zanzibar Gallery on Kenyatta Road for a nice selection and good prices. Drinks at sunset at the Serena was magnificent with the Dhows in the foreground. You'll impress your friends with amazing photos of that scene!" See all these reviews: 5n in Tanzania; 4n in Rwanda; 2n in Zanzibar
Thank god they had a/c in our room as the weather was quite hot and humid in February. Zanzibar provides an interesting history of the influence of various European countries over time and the sad look at it's role in the slave trade. Shopping can be fun at the little shops but the narrow streets are stiflingly hot.
I would go to Memories of Zanzibar and Zanzibar Gallery on Kenyatta Road for a nice selection and good prices. Drinks at sunset at the Serena was magnificent with the Dhows in the foreground. You'll impress your friends with amazing photos of that scene!" See all these reviews: 5n in Tanzania; 4n in Rwanda; 2n in Zanzibar
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location:
Good
Service:
Good
Rooms:
Good
Holiday styles & special interests in Zanzibar
From birdwatching breaks to walking holidays, find great ideas for your trip in Zanzibar.
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.
Dhow Palace Hotel
The Dhow Palace is a very good-value, mid-range hotel, full of Swahili character, and the pool makes it appealing to families.
Emerson Spice
Emerson Spice is a beautiful small hotel in the heart of Stone Town with individually designed rooms adorned with gorgeous fabrics.
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.
