Emerson on Hurumzi
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Hotel Details
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Emerson on Hurumzi · Zanzibar, Tanzania
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Expert Review: Emerson on Hurumzi
Emerson on Hurumzi, a Michelin Key Selected property in Zanzibar, Tanzania, consistently garners high praise for its enchanting blend of history, unique design, and exceptional service, offering an authentic and memorable Stone Town experience.
1. Overall Rating & Sentiment
Emerson on Hurumzi is overwhelmingly rated as excellent, with a general consensus of being a "magical" and "unique" hotel that transports guests back in time. It holds a "very good" rating of 8.4 based on 244 reviews and a staff rating of 9.3 on Booking.com. Guests frequently describe it as a beautiful, charming, and atmospheric boutique hotel that stands out from generic accommodations.
2. Key Highlights
Guests consistently laud the hotel's distinctive character, particularly its beautiful old architecture and intricate decor. The rooftop Tea House Restaurant is a major highlight, celebrated for its stunning sunset views over Stone Town and the Indian Ocean, delicious cuisine, and live traditional Taarab music. The staff's attentiveness and friendliness also receive widespread commendation. Its central location within Stone Town is another key draw, providing easy access to local attractions. The hotel itself is a beautifully restored home of one of the richest men in the Swahili Empire, Mr. Tharia Topan, adding to its historical allure.
3. Room Quality
The rooms at Emerson on Hurumzi are individually furnished and designed to evoke antique splendor, packed with eclectic traditional furnishings. Each room is described as stylish and magical, combining antique elegance with colorful African fabrics and colonial furnishings. Comforts include air conditioning, private bathrooms, work desks, seating areas, and free WiFi. Many rooms feature unique elements such as balconies or verandas, and some even boast open-air bathtubs or showers. Thoughtful touches like locally produced soaps, natural insect repellent, and glass bottles of fresh drinking water are provided. While offering immense character, some guests note that due to its historic design, city sounds (like calls to prayer) can be heard, which can be part of the authentic experience.
4. Dining Experience
The dining experience, particularly at the rooftop Tea House Restaurant, is a significant draw. It offers a set 3-course menu that celebrates Zanzibari cuisine fused with oriental Persian and Omani influences. Dinner is typically served promptly at 7 PM, but guests are encouraged to arrive by 6 PM for sunset cocktails and breathtaking views. Traditional Taarab performances by musicians from the Dhow Countries Music Academy often accompany dinner, adding to the atmospheric setting. Breakfast is a continental spread, often including a large plate of fruit and eggs. The hotel also offers Roshani, a private dining room on the third floor for up to 15 guests, with seating on cushions at low tables. Emerson on Hurumzi's Tea House is noted for being better suited for those who prefer vegetarian or non-seafood options, unlike its sister hotel, Emerson Spice.
5. Service & Staff
The service at Emerson on Hurumzi consistently receives stellar reviews. Staff are described as "wonderful," "attentive," "considerate," "friendly," and "helpful". Guests highlight their professionalism and efficiency, noting that the team is ready to assist with anything from booking day trips to laundry. They are praised for going "the extra mile" to make guests feel valued and cared for.
6. Location & Accessibility
The hotel boasts a "fabulous" and "prime" location in the heart of Stone Town, Zanzibar City. It's ideally placed for exploring, just a short walk from attractions like Forodhani Gardens, Stone Town Beach, the House of Wonders, and Hamamni Persian Baths. The hotel is approximately 7 kilometers from Zanzibar International Airport, and airport shuttle service is available for a fee of USD 25 per vehicle one-way. However, due to the historic nature of the building, there are no elevators, and guests should be prepared for steep wooden stairs to access rooms and the rooftop restaurant.
7. Value & Pricing
Emerson on Hurumzi is considered to offer great value for money, with an average price of around $174 per room, compared to the average of $198 for a hotel room in Zanzibar. The fixed-price 3-course dinner at the Tea House Restaurant is approximately $40 per person, excluding drinks.
8. Common Complaints
The most frequently mentioned "complaint" or point of consideration is the lack of an elevator and the presence of steep stairs throughout the historic building. This might be challenging for guests with mobility issues. Additionally, while adding to the authenticity, the sounds of Stone Town, including calls to prayer, can be heard in the rooms, which some light sleepers might find disruptive, though earplugs are sometimes offered.
Sources
Google Reviews
723 reviews
Recent Guest Reviews
Tony Burns
A historic building perfectly positioned with many amazing rooms. We were lucky to be put into 'The Gallery' which had been recently renovated and was fantastic. Lots or original furniture, really felt like you were 'stepping back in time'. Bathroom was spacious and clean. All the staff were happy, smiley and couldn't do enough for you. We booked an extra night as it wS such a nice place to be. Hi...
Hannah Vig
We stayed in the north blue room and it was really a magical space - transports you back to what it must have been like when Zanzibar was ruled by the sultans. You could hear the Muslim call to prayer and the Hindu bells quite well which I felt added to the feeling of being somewhere exotic. Front desk staff was incredibly warm and welcoming and spoke very, very good English. (Which obviously shou...
Soleye Onasanya
Views here, great. Food here, great. They drink with honey, dates, and milk was addictive. The staff here really know about everything they’re serving and the live music elevated the experience. Without a doubt a cannot miss if you are in Stone Town.
Response from the owner
Thank you for taking the time to share your experience. We’re delighted you enjoyed the food, drinks, live music, and service. Your kind words mean a lot to our team, and we’re honored to be considere...
Zahra
Rooftop dinner: $40 per head (drinks excluded). Other than the Swahili wedding experience (i.e. seating arrangement, Taarab music), the food lacked flavor. Service: other than two racially discriminating staff members which quite frankly, ruined the experience for me, we ended the night with one considerate waiter. Worth the buck? No.
Lyndsey Pants
What an amazing place. Due to a flight cancellation we got not only to spend an extra night in this amazing hotel, but also the privilege of seeing three of their amazing rooms. On arrival we were told that we could either do all 3 nights in a different room to the one which we had booked, or do two in the original room and then the last in another room. We were then shown the options and got to c...
Response from the owner
Thank you very much for sharing your experience with us. We’re so pleased to hear that you enjoyed our rooftop dinner, the beautiful setting and helpful service from our team. We always strive to make...
F.C.
Wandering through Stone Town, Zanzibar feels like stepping into a living history book—one written in coral stone, carved wooden doors, and the slow rhythm of the Indian Ocean breeze. The narrow alleys twist and unfold with stories of sultans, traders, explorers, and poets. Every corner reveals something new: the echo of a distant call to prayer, the scent of cloves and coffee, children playing in ...
