Shaba Boutique Hotel, Zanzibar ➤ Reviews, Rooms & Prices 2025

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Key details

About the Hotel

Kiponda Street, Stone Town, Zanzibar, Tanzania

Shaba Boutique Hotel is a bed and breakfast hotel situated in a historic building in the heart of Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The hotel has received a TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence for its exceptional accommodations and service. It serves as a gateway for guests exploring the vibrant local culture, offering convenient access to the nearby Forodhani Food Market. The hotel is designed to provide a unique experience, combining the essence of Swahili architecture with modern amenities.

Location

Situated just 0.5 miles from the beach and 6 miles from Abeid Amani Karume International Airport, the hotel enjoys a prime location in the heart of Stone Town. Guests can easily access local markets, shops, and restaurants within walking distance of the hotel. The area is tranquil despite being centrally located, making it an ideal base for visitors looking to explore Zanzibar's unique blend of African and Arabic influences.

Rooms

Each guestroom at Shaba Boutique Hotel is uniquely styled, reflecting the traditional charm of Stone Town. Room types include suites, deluxe rooms, and standard rooms, catering to various needs and budgets. All accommodations feature amenities such as air conditioning, ceiling fans, mosquito nets, and complimentary Wi-Fi. Guests can expect thoughtful touches like premium bedding and safe deposit boxes to enhance their stay.

Eat & Drink

The hotel's proximity to numerous dining establishments allows guests to experience a diverse range of cuisines including Indian, Italian, and local dishes. The Forodhani Food Market is only 0.5 miles away, where guests can enjoy freshly prepared local meals. Additionally, the hotel’s terrace restaurant enables patrons to savor local and international dishes while enjoying city views. The House of Spices, part of the hotel's offerings, features a wine bar and multiple tea rooms.

Leisure & Business

Shaba Boutique Hotel provides amenities such as a rooftop terrace with city views and bicycle rentals for guests looking to explore the area. The hotel also features professional therapists who offer holistic spa treatments with a focus on sustainability and wellness. With easy access to local attractions and activities, guests can enjoy the vibrant culture of Zanzibar during their stay.

“This charming hotel is perfectly situated in the heart of Stone Town, making it easy to explore its vibrant streets and rich culture.”view full review

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“Charming hotel with welcoming staff and great location!” view full review

Top location:Highly rated by recent guests(9.0)

Check-in/Check-out

from 14:00-23:30

from 05:00-10:00

Amenities

No parking available.

Wireless internet is available in the entire hotel for free.Wireless internet is available in public areas for free.

Other information

The hotel Shaba Boutique serves a full breakfast for free.

There are no extra beds provided in a room. There are no cots provided in a room.

Pets are not allowed.

Number of rooms:13

Former name

House of Spices

View all

Select your room type

The hotel offers a variety of rooms including double rooms, family rooms, and suites with breakfast, free cancelations, and special deals

Suite

Max:

2 persons

33 m²

Bed options:

1 King-size bed

City view

Shower

Air conditioning

room details

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Deluxe Room

Max:

2 persons

15 m²

Bed options:

1 Double bed

City view

Shower

Air conditioning

room details

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Small Double Room

Max:

1 person

8 m²

Bed options:

1 Double bed

City view

Shower

Air conditioning

room details

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Price and Room Availability Calendar

Check availability and prices for your dates now!

Getting around

A list of all available modes of transport

City Centre

Zanzibar300 m

Airports

Kisauni (ZNZ) 7.9 km

Facilities

The hotel offers amenities for your comfortable stay and unforgettable experiences

Excellent Assistance

“The services provided were really good, especially when I left my cell phone behind and they promptly contacted my emergency contact to arrange its return.” view full review

Delicious Breakfast

“The breakfast was a good start to my day, featuring fresh and locally sourced dishes that were both tasty and satisfying.” view full review

Comfortable Accommodations

“The room was spotless and comfortable, with effective air conditioning that kept me cool even during warmer days.” view full review

Fantastic Water Access

“The free drinking water dispenser was a game-changer, making it easy to stay hydrated without the need for single-use bottles.” view full review

General

No smoking on site
Wi-Fi
No parking
Safe deposit box
No pets allowed
24-hour security
Luggage storage
Smoke detectors
Fire extinguishers

Services

Paid shuttle service
Housekeeping
Tours/Ticket assistance

Children

Cots

Room features

Air conditioning
Sitting area
Tea and coffee facilities

Media

Flat-screen TV
AM/FM alarm clock

Location

Kiponda Street, Stone Town, Zanzibar, Tanzania

Map view

Kiponda Street, Stone Town, Zanzibar, Tanzania

City landmarks

Benjamin Mkapa Rd

The Peace Memorial Museum

1.1 km

Gallery

Hellen Art Gallery

860 m

Kizimkazi Mosque

1.6 km

Nearby

Mizingani Rd

Old Dispensary

510 m

Museum

House of Wonders

510 m

Museum

Old Fort of Zanzibar

510 m

Historic Site

Stone Town

510 m

Museum

Sultan's Palace

510 m

Hamamni St

Hamamni Persian Baths

510 m

Market

Darajani Market

510 m

Kenyatta Road

Mercury House

510 m

Church

Christ Church Cathedral

340 m

Park

Forodhani Park

510 m

Church

Old Slave Market

510 m

Marahubi Palace

90 m

Gallery

Hurumzi Henna Art Gallery

160 m

Princess Salme Museum at Emerson on Hurumzi

230 m

Gallery

The Beautiful Eyes

240 m

Hamamni Street

Cultural Arts Centre Zanzibar

250 m

Kelele Square

510 m

Cathedral St

St Joseph's Roman Catholic Cathedral

510 m

Kiponda

510 m

Hurumzi St

Shree Shiv Shakti Temple

170 m

Jamatini Rd

Malindi Mosque

240 m

Church

Christ Church

190 m

P.O.Box 1844,Zanzibar Tanzania Stonetown Zanzibar

Imani Zuberi

90 m

Vikokotoni

310 m

Zanzibar

Friday Mosque

240 m

Hurumzi Street

510 m

Tharia St

Slave Chambers

510 m

Restaurants

House of Spices

40 m

Kiponda street

Zanzibar Coffee House Cafe

120 m

1563/64 Mkunazini Street Zanzibar Coffee House Hotel

The Swahili House

100 m

Mchambawima Street

Two Tables

90 m

Victoria St

Baharia Restaurant

90 m

Stone Town

Cafe Africano

90 m

Hurumzi Street

Coco de Mer

90 m

Gizenga Street

Reviews and Ratings

Feedback from previous guests about their experience.

82%

liked the hotel and would stay again

8.2/10

Great

Rooms

8.3

Location

9.0

Service

8.3

Dining

8.7

Louis

United States, December 2023

8.8/10

The hotel has a unique and well-curated room on the first floor filled with ornaments from all around the world, offering a wonderful experience, although the rooms are on the narrow side. The location, perfect for exploring Stone Town, is a bit noisy due to street noise but provides an authentic local feel. The dining experience is exceptional, with delicious fresh juice, tropical fruit, and more, making it one of my best stays. The hotel offers a great value for the money.

Rooms

9.0

I stayed in a fantastic room on the first floor, which was amazing and unique, filled with ornaments from all around the world. The bedroom, sitting room, and toilet and shower were well-cured in every little detail.

Service

9.0

The service, including housekeeping and shuttle options, was top-notch and added to the overall experience.

Location

8.0

The hotel's location within Stone Town offers a perfect opportunity to explore and 'feel' the area for a few days, although it can be a bit challenging to find. It's very close to the Darajani market and the Anglican cathedral, placing you right in the middle of the Stone Town maze.

Dining

9.0

The dining experience was delightful, with a variety of delicious options, including fresh juice, tropical fruit, and shareable appetizers.

Facilities

9.0

The facilities were top-notch, enhancing my overall stay at the hotel.

Rick

United States, July 2023

8.2/10

Waking up to local Stone Town sounds and greetings from the street below was a unique experience. The room was clean and comfortable with essential air conditioning, though the strong anti-insect Poisson odor was a drawback while away. The location was perfect for exploring the real Stone Town, albeit slightly noisy due to street sounds. The dining experience was delightful with customized meals made on the spot. The hotel offers great value for the prime location but prepare to walk a bit due to narrow streets.

Rooms

8.0

The room had windows overlooking the lively street below creating an authentic atmosphere. Despite the anti-insect Poisson smell in our absence, the room was clean, comfortable, and equipped with efficient air conditioning.

Service

7.0

The service, including housekeeping, was efficient and satisfactory throughout my stay.

Location

9.0

The hotel is perfectly situated for an immersive Stone Town experience near Darajani Market, though be prepared for some noise from the bustling street. Taxis may not directly reach the property due to narrow streets.

Dining

9.0

The dining experience was delightful, offering tasty meals with fresh fruit and delectable cakes, all prepared tailored to personal preferences.

Facilities

8.0

The hotel offers the necessary facilities for a comfortable stay, ensuring guests are well taken care of.

Steve

United States, May 2023

8.8/10

The hotel offers amazing rooms which are beautifully decorated and provide great value, perfect for a luxurious break after our camping safari. The downside was the lack of a proper window leading to some noise disturbances late at night.

Rooms

8.0

The room was massive, beautifully decorated, and a real treat after our week's camping safari.

Service

9.0

The service was excellent, with attentive staff always ready to assist.

Location

10.0

The hotel is perfect, right in the middle of Stone Town and close to the local food market, offering a safe and convenient place to explore the area.

Dining

8.0

The breakfast was delicious with a variety of fresh options, though some additional cheese would have been a nice touch.