Zanzibar Serena Hotel

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KayAnderson62

5/5Tripadvisor· 3 months ago

The Serena Hotel is on a quiet beach directly next to the Hyatt. The hotel retains its historic charm but has all the amenities of an upscale experience. It was exceptionally clean, good air conditioning & wifi, comfortable bed, delicious breakfast, beautiful pool. It's next to excellent beach restaurants if you desire options outside the hotel and shopping is close by. The street is off by itself & very clean & quiet. It takes just a few minutes to walk to the daily evening street food vendors & tented tourist shops on the pier. I highly recommend this hotel, which is reasonably priced, expecially given the amenities.

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Andrew Shapland

5/5Google· 4 weeks ago

Serena Hotel Zanzibar! There are essentially two wonderful choices of hotel on the shores of the Indian Ocean in Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site: the Park Hyatt Zanzibar and the Zanzibar Serena Hotel. Visiting both is quite an experience in itself. The Park Hyatt incorporates the historic Mambo Msiige building, while the Serena occupies wonderfully atmospheric historic buildings on the Stone Town waterfront, with fascinating connections to Zanzibar’s early telecommunications history. Both offer fantastic views across the Indian Ocean, accompanied by those wonderfully warm trade winds that are so much a part of Zanzibar. The suites at the Park Hyatt are certainly more contemporary and updated; however, for me, the Serena’s authenticity, history and old-world character give it the edge — although a gentle, sympathetic refurbishment in places would make it even better. What really makes the Serena special, though, is the team. They remember your name, they are warm and natural without ever being overbearing, and there is a genuine charm to the service. The property is impeccably clean, and the rooms are beautifully presented: fresh, crisp white linen, evening turndown service and traditional mosquito nets complete the experience. The air-conditioning could perhaps do with a little attention, but that is a very minor point in the bigger picture. There is something about the Serena that reminds me of the Hill Club in Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka — wonderfully nostalgic and full of character, but here, right beside the Indian Ocean! A huge and heartfelt thank you to the entire Serena team for looking after me so wonderfully and making my two-day break, whilst in Dar on business, such an enjoyable and memorable one. Your warmth, kindness and natural hospitality are what make this very special hotel come alive. Thank you, Serena Zanzibar — I leave with very happy memories and look forward to returning! 🙏🙏🙏

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eharding75

5/5Tripadvisor· a month ago

Myself and my 14 year old stayed here for three nights to explore Stone Town. A lovely welcome and great staff team there to help. Really interesting historical building and ideally placed on sea front and to walk easily and explore, plus access to other bars and restaurants. Gorgeous pool overlooking the sea to relax at with pool service. We organised to go to Prison Island and our boatman dropped us back right on the shore! We enjoyed our stay here very much and adores Stone Town. We would highly recommend.

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Martina Bakilana

3/5Google· a month ago

I first stayed at Serena with my husband years ago — fourteen years, to be exact — and we loved it. It was one of those places we always spoke fondly of. This time was different. My friend was in Africa for a wedding and wanted to see Zanzibar as well, so we decided to stay here together. Some things haven’t changed. The architecture is still beautiful, the woodwork is genuinely amazing, and the ocean view is just as great as I remembered. The staff were wonderful — attentive, warm, exactly what you’d hope for. But other things have changed, and not for the better. The food, even just for snacks, felt overpriced for what it was. And then there was the triple room. We booked a triple room, which is advertised at a specific price. But once the hotel added three people staying in it, the hotel kept adding charges — despite the room already being marketed and priced as a triple. It left me wondering: if the room is priced as a triple, but you still charge more per additional person, who is that price actually for? A single guest booking a triple room to stay by themselves? To be fair, pricing doesn’t have to favor the guest — hotels are running a business. But it does need to be fair. If a room is advertised as having three beds, that should be the cost of the room. Why add a charge per additional guest on top of a price that was already set for three people? The pricing structure didn’t make sense to me, and no one could really explain it in a way that did. I’ve recommended this hotel to so many people over the years. I don’t think I’ll be doing that going forward — not because of the property itself, which is still beautiful, but because the value doesn’t match the price anymore. For what a triple room costs per night here now, it just isn’t worth it. It’s strange to watch a place you loved change in ways that make you hesitate to return. The bones of what made it special are still there. But something about the experience — and the pricing — has shifted, and not in the guest’s favor.

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Trip.com Member

4.5/5Trip.com· a year ago

Room, Balcony, View from the room and Restaurant is really nice. But only one thing they need to improve in their reception customer service. Room I signed when I check in and Room I really received was different. They changed the room without notice. I asked why they said it's same room inside. But it was totally different. Changed room has no privacy at all. We have to close the window during the stay. And I asked for late check out when I check in. They told me to check last day in the morning. In last day, I asked again for 2hrs late check out. They refused my request even didn't check the system. Just say NO. I am very disappointed with their attitude. And when I checked the site there were plenty room left. As everyone knows Zanzibar is the holiday place. Most of 5 star hotels in holiday place, they run check out time very flexible due to flight time. No deserve to have 5 stars in customer service.

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reallyitchyfeet

3/5Tripadvisor· 3 months ago

We found the Zanzibar Serena to be perfectly located in Stonetown. The building is beautiful, right next to the sea with a pool and lovely terrace.|The rooms are airy with AC with amazing views of the beach and pool. They are very clean - however the shower head could do with an upgrade. It was a bit pathetic.|Our door opened onto an outside walkway overlooking the street and it did get quite noisy.|However, the service in the bar and restaurant was awful. We were never asked if our food was ok, not offered a pudding and getting a drink whilst eating was nigh-on impossible. We had given our room number when we ordered dinner, but when we came to leave we were told to sit back down until they had had the 'chits' signed. The staff were rude and bordered on aggressive. We later found out that they wanted to get us to sign the receipts because that's how tips are added. They didn't get one!!|All-in-all we wouldn't go there again. It is definitely not 5 star.

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ΒΑΣΙΛΙΚΗ ΚΑΚΑΓΙΑΝΝΟΠΟΥΛΟΥ

4/5Google· 2 months ago

We came from Greece. We didn't stay at the hotel but we went there for coffee and food. Coffee latte that tasted good. Really nice place. Very helpful staff and nice food. I would recommend it

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Passenger06728840169

4/5Tripadvisor· 2 months ago

While looking for a good beachfront dining spot, the Serena kept appearing in recommendations, and now I understand why. From the moment I arrived, I received a very warm welcome from Hashima (I hope I've got the spelling right). His hospitality immediately made me feel comfortable. He recommended a table near the pool where I could fully enjoy the view, and that recommendation made all the difference. I ordered the Garden Salad and the Crème Brûlée, both of which were delicious and beautifully prepared. But honestly, the food was not only part of the experience. The sound of the ocean waves, the refreshing sea breeze, and the stunning view created a perfect atmosphere. I watched the sunset while traditional dhows cruised back and forth across the Indian Ocean. It was one of those moments that makes you stop scrolling, stop thinking, and simply take it all in. If you're looking for a special beach restaurant experience in Stone Town, I highly recommend visiting Zanzibar Serena, even if you're not a hotel guest.