Mashariki Palace Hotel

The Eastern Palace, once the domicile of the Sultan’s religious councillor, and now restored beyond its former magnificence.

The Mashariki Palace Hotel is the perfect spot for those looking for refined hospitality in a historical setting.

The 18 rooms are all unique, the hotel being converted from the wing of the old palace. Each has it’s unique and stylish features, either original or added.  The ground floor looks into the courtyard and has high ceilings, several have balconies, some have sea views, some have a living area or mezzanine floor, but all are enclosed in this original ancient palace with cool, thick walls, Arabian beds, stucco decoration and carved doors, bringing you the essence of old Zanzibar with a twist of modern chic.

The three general room categories are named after the three original areas of the old Stone Town, Forodani: the seafront, Shangani: the residential area, and Darajani: the market and bazaars.

5 Darajani-Superior rooms: between 20-30 sqm meters with typical Zanzibar features and details.
7 Shangani-Prime rooms: more spacious, between 30-45 sqm, and have either a small suite area or a courtyard balcony.
6 Forodhani-Deluxe rooms: some with sea views, mezzanine design, terraces or spectacular high ceilings.

All rooms include breakfast until 11 a.m. and are equipped with air conditioning, mosquito net, spring box mattress, hair dryer, internal phone, minifridge, laptop safe, flat screen tv, free wifi wireless internet access, anti-panic door lock and complimentary tea and coffee facilities.

Daily, in the tea lounge, the pastry chef offers a selection of savouries and tea cakes to enjoy with Zanzibar traditional morning coffee selection or afternoon spiced teas.  An “al fresco” lunch or “starlight” dinner is available on request, as is laundry service, extra bed and babysitting service.

Guests can relax on the sea view terrace overlooking the old town, with mosques, churches and temples and hubbub below or cast their eyes past the tropical seafront gardens to the sparkling blue Indian Ocean.  In the Kusi Bar, enjoy a choice of Tapas with a glass of chilled fizz or your favorite drink.

This is a delightful little hotel that has been reburbished to a high standard whilst retaining original charm.  We would recommend this as a good place to stay if you wish to explore Stone Town without blowing the budget.