The Swahili House is a restored, fine 19th century Indian merchant’s house, which had become a rather run-down hotel in the late 20th century.
The new hotel opened in January 2009 and it's right in the centre of old Stone Town, close to the market. Its big plus is the huge rooftop area with a bar, restaurant and plenty of room to lounge.
Where else can you enjoy breakfast on a sunny morning with the sights and sounds of Stone Town wafting up from below?
In late afternoon, enjoy a cocktail at the bar and see the sun set over the Stone Town rooftops.
At night, the restaurant serves a wide range of food, including fresh fish and seafood, Eastern and Mediterranean dishes, all flavoured with Zanzibar spices, and accompanied by a bottle from their extensive wine cellar. The hotel has five floors, and a rickety Zanzibari staircase, but - wonder of wonders - the owners got permission to install a lift!
Normally, the planning authorities do not countenance such modern additions. So it does not have to be a trudge up to the roof terrace.
Accommodation
There are 22 rooms, decorated in traditional antique Swahili style, although the curtained beds have European-size mattresses, and all rooms have air-conditioning as well as fans. Many rooms have open bathrooms with a large stone bath in which you can relax and recover after your foray into Stone Town. There are three room categories.
The Sultan Suites are large (45 sqm) and have balconies; the suites are smaller, at 33 sqm, and some have balconies; the deluxe rooms are about 20 sqm without balconies.

Tours staying at this accommodation
Zanzibar Island Highlights
This three-centre Zanzibar trip takes you to some very special properties on the south west coast - Fumba Beach Lodge, Unguja Lodge and Swahili House, in the centre of Stone Town.Highlights are the diving and snorkelling at both Fumba and Unguja, the transfer between beach lodges by dhow and the unique Arabian influence of Stone Town's old quarter.This trip is all about romance and rediscoveri...
Zambezi and Zanzibar Family Adventure
The remote Lower Zambezi National Park makes an excellent combination with the exotic beaches of Zanzibar. The Lower Zambezi offers game drives, guided walking, boat trips, canoeing, fishing lots to keep young minds entertained. The first night on Zanzibar will be in the capital to enjoy the culture and history before heading for the long white beaches....
The Swahili House

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