The unique rooms - many with balconies or open-air baths - are all magnificently furnished with original Zanzibari antiques and swathed in luscious, richly coloured fabrics
Features
- Historical Tours
- Architectural Tours
- Cultural Activities
- Watersports nearby
- Beautiful beaches nearby
- Festivals
| 236 Hurumzi - Stone Town, Zanzibar, Tanzania | |
Sustainability Scorecard
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From $110 USD p/dbl
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good for you
Among the minarets, Hindu temples, and church spires of Zanzibar's capital, the elegant tower of 236 Hurumzi marks an iconic spot on the skyline of this ancient city. The second tallest building in Stone Town, Zanzibar's historic centre and a World Heritage Site, the hotel has been restored to its former glory as the residence of one of the richest men in the Swahili Empire. Each of the unique rooms - many with balconies or verandas, others with open-air baths - are all magnificently furnished with original Zanzibari antiques of varied origins and swathed in luscious, richly coloured fabrics - you'll feel like you're caught up in your very own tale of the 1001 Arabian Nights.
As a base for exploring all Zanzibar has to offer, both its history, its incredible mix of cultures and the natural splendour that surrounds it, 236 Hurumzi offers you a chance to experience the rich cultural and architectural traditions of this East African island.
good for zanzibar
The building was in grave disrepair when the hotel's owners took over the restoration. Fortunately, they've resisted the temptation to add more beds by dividing up the large bedrooms and the original rooms have been sensitively restored. A new building has also been added in keeping with the neighbouring architecture. The result is a national heirloom ideal for visitors who want to really experience elegance and comfort while thoroughly immersing themselves in the life and culture of the city.
Highs
- The rooms are truly beautifully unique.
- This is really a once-in-a-lifetime kind of place.
- Being in the town, you can really experience the buzz and excitement of the streets below
Lows
- While this hotel is gorgeous, it's not quiet. You'll hear the call to prayer from the neighbouring mosques and all the life of the streets but isn't that why you're here?
- The stairs are great exercise if you're fit but elderly or disabled guests should be aware that there's no elevator at the hotel.
Rooms
236 Hurumzi includes nine rooms and seven capacious suites. All rooms and suites are cooled with ceiling fans - all the suites also include air conditioning, as do most rooms except the East, North and West rooms. The suites are all in the new building, constructed and decorated in traditional Zanzibar style and in harmony with the old town's architecture.
The Tour Suite is a winner packed full of antique furnishings that evoke memories of a bygone era when Zanzibar was a hub of trade for all East Africa. Soak up the views from the balcony windows and from your own private tower top tea house, or soak in the suds of the large stone bath tucked away under the teakwood stairs.
Situated off the second floor veranda is the stunning Suite Blue. Boasting marble floors, twenty-foot ceilings and painted glass and coloured windows, this palatial room is decked out in a gentle blue hue. Within the sleeping quarter, which is separated from the comfortable lounge by an intricately carved teakwood screen, stands Zanzibar's oldest bed. Admire the mystic symbols carved into the wooden headboard or lay back and stare up at the dramatic batik trimmed netting floating above you. The lounge area is perfect for relaxing featuring a comfy sofa, writing desk and chairs and the bathroom is perfect for reclining - in the deep stone tub that is.
The Keep Suite is made up of four distinct sections - the bedroom, the veranda parlour, the veranda garden, and the castle keep for which it is named. A beautiful carved door leads to the spacious two-room Suite Rose, whose master bedroom boasts an elegant lounge area with a crystal chandelier and grandfather clock, while the windows offer a western view of the bustling Swahili community of Peace of Love Square. The magnificent antique brass bed is inlayed with mother of pearl and draped with dramatic netting. The second room has a large sofa which doubles as a second bed, while a writing desk provides a comfortable space to fill postcards or the travel diary.
Suite Sultan Seyyed features a richly appointed sitting room with a regal teakwood credenza, ornately carved wooden windows and bordeaux red drapes, making this regal space worthy of the Sultan who gave Zanzibar its red flag. Through an ample archway lies the bedroom area with a beautiful brass bed, and en suite bathroom with its stone bath. This large, light and airy room has rows of windows along both the east and west walls, offering a sea breeze.
The North Room boats beautiful latticework in African hardwood that enclose the room from the open veranda with its splendid view of the Indian Ocean and Zanzibar Stone Town. The large stone tub with shower is enclosed with lattice screens and tropical plants, leaving a view of the sky for a romantic evening bath.
Floating above Stone Town is the South Room, accessible only by a wooden bridge from the top floor veranda. The room is air-conditioned and features a lattice enclosed veranda and a semi-open bathroom with a view of the sky.
The East Room catches the morning sun, making it perfect for early risers. Beautiful African hardwood latticework separates the veranda that wraps around the room on two sides, and the spacious sitting area enjoys cooling breezes and a lovely view.
The top floor West Room has an intimate atmosphere, enclosed by hardwood latticework on two sides while the veranda presents a spectacular view of the Indian Ocean and sunsets over the Sultan's ceremonial palace and the African mainland beyond. The kidney-shaped en suite stone bath has room for two.
Quite possibly the grandest hotel room in Zanzibar, the Ballroom was, as its name suggests, a room for grand occasions. With two beds and room to spare, this air-conditioned room is excellent for families with small children or for those who just want to indulge in grandeur and an en suite with an enormous sunken bath.
The Gallery is named for the many hand-painted windowpanes in the bathroom, with images of peacocks, clove trees, and other local flora and fauna illuminated by the equatorial sun. The room is air conditioned.
The violet-hued Lavender Room features an elegant antique brass bed and its own large stone bathe en suite, with air conditioning.
The Crystal Room, with its mirrors and chandeliers boasts two antique double beds, making it perfect for a group of friends. Its newly restored balcony allows plenty of people-watching over the Zanzibar street scenes below. Air conditioned, with a large en suite stone bath.
The Zenana Room, with its two rooms, is suitable for a family or for those guests seeking a private lounging area. High windows face east and a newly restored balcony looks over the street. The bathroom has a large stone tub and the rooms are air conditioned.
Kipembe is Swahili for corner, and this cosy room is tucked into the rooftops and upper floors on the inner second floor court veranda balcony. There’s a bedroom, ante room, and bathroom with a shower, all air conditioned.
Food
The Kidude café and restaurant on the hotels' ground floor features light meals, sandwiches, desserts, drinks, as well as morning coffee and afternoon tea with delicious baked goods. The dinner menu is inspired by the cuisines of Zanzibar's old trading partners in the old Slave Trading Countries from the Indian Ocean, Arabia, Africa, to the Caribbean and Cajun cuisine of the Americas. Open from 10:00 am to around 10:00 pm.
The hotel's Tower Top restaurant is one of the city's highlights, with its picture-perfect spot for watching the sun go down over the old town's rooftops and the Indian Ocean beyond.
Arab-style pillows and small tables make for an exotic dining experience, with the Hindu Temple chimes and the call to prayer from the local mosques providing a fitting sound track.
A typical menu for the Prix Fixe meal ($25 from Mon-Thur and $30 Fri-Sun with live entertainment, drinks excluded – children under 12 half price) includes appetizers of local vegetables, seafood and small canapés, a soup or salad, a main course of fish or chicken with vegetables and spice-scented rice and, finally, dessert with tea or coffee. Vegetarians can easily be accommodated, with prior notice to the chef, and reservations are essential.
Features & Facilities
The hotels' gift shop sells fine jewellery in gold, white gold, and silver, Tanzanite and precious and semi-precious gemstones, and a selection of African handcrafts, art, as well as souvenir items.
Local Info & Activities
There are many tour operators doing business in Zanzibar - some more reliable than others. The hotel will help you to contact independent, local tour operators and make sure you get a well-informed guide.
There are tours to suit a range of interests - hike through the rainforest or take the "spice tour" which takes in various historical sites and their role in Zanzibar's spice industry, as well as the history of East African slavery and the struggle to end it. There are also walking tours of Stone Town, with its rich history and architecture. All of these can be arranged through the hotel.
Zanzibar and the small islands around it offer lots of opportunity to experience nature, from hiking to snorkelling in coral reefs and in some places, scuba diving.
The Festival of the Dhow Countries is held in Old Town in July of each year and includes an International Film festival as well as music, dance and other cultural events - it's a great time to visit Zanzibar.
Sustainability
Starting in 1991 investors Thomas Green and later Emerson Skeens convinced the local authorities to lease them the severely dilapidated 236 Hurumzi site in order to restore it to its former glory in the manner of a hotel. The main restoration began in 1994 and continues today in the way of minor revisions and maintenance.
Beyond having restored a magnificent building, 236 Hurumzi contributes to its local community, supporting AIDS local HIV/AIDS organizations. And providing AIDS awareness training to its staff, as well as distributing free condoms. The hotel sponsors numerous local events that help support charities and local development.
The hotel employs a regular staff of more than forty and casual staff of another twenty, all local people, as well as keeping a regular performing schedule for three local dance troupes.
Getting There
Zanzibar City is a two-hour ferry trip or a half-hour flight from the Tanzanian capital of Dar es Salaam.
Visit our Transport section for flights, hybrid car rentals and train bookings.
Rates & Bookings
Rates are based on double occupancy per night and include breakfast.
A US$30 charge is added for an extra person/bed, available for selected rooms / suites only.
All rooms contain a safe, but none has a TV, mini-bar or telephone.
- Kipembe room US$110 (2007) US$120 (2008)
- All other rooms US$165 (2007) US$185 (2008)
- Keep Suite US$200 (2007) US$250 (2008)
- All other Suites US$200 (2007) US$225 (2008)
236 hurumzi - room chart
All the rooms are unique in terms of design, views and room layout. We are giving you as much information as possible so that you can choose the perfect room for you!
kipembe room
2nd floor, view of inner gardens. Ceiling fan and aircon. 1 double only, no extra beds allowed.
south room
3rd floor, view of Sea and Town. Verandah. Ceiling Fan and Aircon. Double only, no extra beds allowed.
north room
3rd floor, view of sea and Town. Verandah. Ceiling Fan only. Double only, no extra beds allowed.
east room
3rd floor, view of sea and town. Lounge room and verandah. Ceiling Fan only. Contains 1 double and 1 single bed.
west room
3rd floor, view of sea and town. Verandah. Ceiling Fan. 1 double only, no extra beds allowed.
gallery room
2nd floor, view of rooftops. Ceiling Fan and aircon. 1 double only, no extra beds allowed.
lavender room
2nd floor, no view. Ceiling Fan and aircon. 1 double only, no extra beds allowed.
crystal room
1st floor, view of street. Ceiling Fan and aircon. 2 double beds.
zenana room
1st floor, view of street. Ceiling Fan and aircon. 2 bedrooms, 1 double and 1 single bed.
ballroom suite
2nd floor, view of town and streets. Large balcony and lounge room. Ceiling fan and aircon. 1 bedroom with 1 double and 1 single bed - extra bed also allowed.
suite blue
2nd floor, view of town and streets. Lounge room. 1 double, extra bed allowed. Ceiling fan and aircon.
suite la rose
2nd floor, view of town and streets. Lounge room. 1 double, extra bed allowed. Ceiling fan and aircon.
suite seyyed
3rd floor, view of sea and town. Lounge room. Ceiling fan & aircon. 1 double room, extra bed allowed.
suite pavilion
3rd floor, view of sea and town. Verandah and small tower top. Ceiling fan and aircon. 1 huge double bed. No extra beds allowed.
suite tour
3rd floor, view of sea and town. Verandah and tower top. Small balcony. Lounge room. Ceiling fan and aircon. 1 double bed, extra bed allowed.
the keep suite
3rd floor, view of sea and town. Lounge room. Verandah and tower top. Ceiling fan and aircon. 1 huge double bed. No extra beds allowed.
booking & cancellation policy
- 100% payment is required in order to secure a booking.
- If a cancellation is made 7 days before the arrival date, then a cancellation fee of 10% of booking is charged (however, the hotel reserves the right to increase the cancellation fee if it cannot sell the room, which is an unlikely outcome).
- If a cancellation is made 7-1 days prior to arrival date, then 50% of booking is charged.
- A same day cancellation or within 24 hours of arrival, incurs a 100% booking charge.
Want to avoid cancellation fees? Visit our Insurance section for information on travel insurance.