Reviews of Zanzibar Coffee House
Wildlife sightings and reviews
65 independent comments and wildlife information from our travellers who have visited Zanzibar Coffee House and kindly agreed to share their thoughts. They do not necessarily represent the views of Expert Africa
"Full of character and charm!"
The location is excellent and we really enjoyed being at the very heart of StoneTown. The roof Top terrace is a lovely sanctuary and we enjoyed escaping up there once we needed a break from the hustle and bustle. Service was very good and the room was spotless.
We would highly recommend The Coffee House when staying in Stone Town." See all these reviews: 10n in Zanzibar; 6n in Tanzania
"Zanzibar Coffee House review"
"Zanzibar Coffee House review"
The rooftop terrace is very special for drinks (help yourself from a fridge and record in a book) and especially a delicious breakfast looking out on the rooftops.
The room was huge and very atmospheric but beware the stone steps to the bathroom - I have a very painful stubbed big toe!" See all these reviews: 6n in Tanzania; 6n in Zanzibar
"Great Coffee"
If you are a Cats Protection subscriber you will hate it.
The Coffee House is an overnight hostlery for people flying out or shipping in.
It's clean, central and very noisy." See all these reviews: 3n in Tanzania; 1n in Zanzibar
"Zanzibar Coffee House review"
In the evening Siti not only sprayed insect repellant and closed the mosquito net around the bed, she also left ylang-ylang flowers on my pillow, filling my dreams with sweetness.
The open top floor room where breakfast is served is a joy and can be used any time (I particularly liked it for sunset).
The location of the Coffee House, deep in the warren of the old town streets meant that I got hopelessly lost one night and that bags needed to be carried some distance from the car that dropped me off, but it also gave the place great atmosphere and a sense of being in the community rather than in the more touristy area. Stone Town is small, so nothing is very far from anything else anyway.
I also recommend the cheese and date crepes for lunch." See all these reviews: 11n in Zanzibar; 4n in Tanzania
"Great coffee, not the best location though"
Nice touches were a honeymoon cake on our arrival (delicious, we felt bad that we couldn't eat it all) and a self-service fridge full of beer and soft drinks (great after that stressful and hot trip back through the alleys!). The room (Macchiato) was a bit pokey but was very clean (no insects, first place in Tanzania we could say that). There is a safe, but you need to bring your own padlock (which we had).
Breakfast on the roof was nice (excellent bread) but could have been more varied. It didn't seem to make sense that smoking wasn't allowed on the roof when it was in the coffee house downstairs. Staff did a decent job re helping us with our bags and cleaning the room, but weren't overly friendly. We were particularly unimpressed at being questioned over how much beer we had taken from the fridge when we had paid for this each morning - it didn't take long to convince her of our honesty but it left a nasty taste and staff should really have been communicating better with each other.
ZCH is definitely a good coffee place - the best I'd drunk all holiday - but more of a guest house than a hotel. We have no regrets about staying here but don't think it is a good place for honeymooners - somewhere out of the labyrinth (probably near the seafront) would be better, if probably more expensive." See all these reviews: 7n in Zanzibar; 2n in Tanzania
"Zanzibar Coffee House review"
Breakfast on the roof was a real highlight and the colonial decor had wonderful individual touches." See all these reviews: 7n in Zanzibar; 5n in Tanzania
"Zanzibar Coffee House review"
All in all, clean and practical B&B leaving options for own dining arrangments in the evening." See all these reviews: 9n in Zanzibar; 7n in Tanzania
"Zanzibar Coffee Hse well placed for exploring"
(The only reason I'm not waxing lyriclally is that we didn't particularly like Stone Town! It was even more run down than we expected - I think we had envisaged a few more "Merchant Houses" & a bit more exoticism but it looks as though nothing has been painted or touched since Livingstones' day! However, we did enjoy wandering through the local market area away from the tourist centre, which was more interesting & had 2 superb meals at the House of Spice!)" See all these reviews: 7n in Tanzania; 6n in Zanzibar
"Lovely atmosphere and great location"
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.
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.
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.
Park Hyatt
The Park Hyatt Zanzibar is a high-quality example of this group, with excellent facilities and service.
Maru Maru Hotel
In the heart of Stone Town, Maru Maru combines contemporary style and creature comforts with a Zanzibari twist.
Seyyida Hotel
The Seyyida is a characterful old hotel near the seafront in Stone Town, with the rare bonus of a swimming pool.
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.
