Escape to the oceanfront Zanzibar House, where you can unwind with a beach massage or rejuvenate in the sauna. Enjoy snorkeling, fishing, and scuba diving on site, then relax at the poolside bar or coffee shop/cafe. With an outdoor pool and sun loungers nearby, as well as a garden and arcade/game room for some friendly competition.
View all photos for Economy Room, 1 Queen Bed, Garden View
Economy Room, 1 Queen Bed, Garden View
10.010.0 out of 10
Exceptional
1 review
(1 review)
Highlights
Furnished balcony
Individually furnished
Air conditioning
TV
Ceiling fan
Separate bedroom
Bathrobes
Hair dryer
Garden view
16 sq m
1 bedroom
Sleeps 1
1 Queen Bed
About the neighborhood
Located in Matemwe, Zanzibar House is in a rural area and on a private beach. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Kiwengwa Beach and Mnemba Island. Nungwi Natural Aquarium and Mnarani Natural Aquarium are also worth visiting. Take an opportunity to explore the area for outdoor excitement like hiking/biking trails. Visit our Matemwe travel guide
You can look forward to a poolside bar, a terrace, and a coffee shop/cafe at Zanzibar House. This bed & breakfast is a great place to bask in the sun with a private beach, beachfront dining, and beach massages. For some rest and relaxation, visit the sauna or hot tub, and indulge in a massage, a manicure/pedicure, or a body scrub. The on-site restaurant offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Enjoy onsite activities like fishing, snorkeling, and scuba diving. In addition to a garden and an arcade/game room, guests can connect to free in-room WiFi.
You'll also find perks like:
An outdoor pool along with sun loungers
Free self parking
Bike rentals, a roundtrip airport shuttle (surcharge), and beach umbrellas
Concierge services, a front-desk safe, and multilingual staff
Room features
All guestrooms are individually furnished, and include comforts such as furnished balconies and air conditioning, as well as thoughtful touches like free WiFi and safes.
Extra amenities include:
Bathrooms with showers and free toiletries
TVs with satellite channels
Wardrobes/closets, electric kettles, and ceiling fans
If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
Upper floors accessible by stairs only
More
1 building
2 floors
Built in 2012
Mosquito nets
Smoking not allowed
Traditional architecture
Room amenities
Bathroom
Bathrobes
Free toiletries
Hair dryer
Shower
Slippers
Towels provided
Entertainment
TV with satellite channels
Food and drink
Coffee/tea maker
Electric kettle
Limited room service
Minibar
More
Air conditioning
Ceiling fan
Desk
Individual furnishings
Safe
Policies
Check-in
Check-in start time: 2:00 PM; Check-in end time: 10:00 PM
Minimum check-in age: 18
Check-out
Check-out before 11 AM
Special check-in instructions
This property offers transfers from the cruise terminal, ferry terminal, and airport (surcharges may apply); to arrange pick-up, guests must contact the property 48 hours prior to arrival, using the contact information on the booking confirmation
There is no front desk at this property
The host will greet guests on arrival
This property doesn't offer after-hours check-in
For any questions, please contact the property using the information on the booking confirmation
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools
Renovations and closures
The property is closed between April 20 and June 30.
Access methods
Host will greet you
Pets
No pets or service animals allowed
Children and extra beds
Children are welcome
Rollaway/extra beds are available for USD 70.0 per night
Property payment types
Important information
Optional extras
Airport shuttle fee: USD 90 per vehicle (roundtrip)
Rollaway bed fee: USD 70.0 per night
The above list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits may not include tax and are subject to change.
You need to know
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
This property accepts credit cards; cash is not accepted
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children; if you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room
We should mention
This property does not have elevators
Reservations are required for massage services and spa treatments; reservations can be made by contacting the property prior to arrival, using the contact information on the booking confirmation
No pets and no service animals are allowed at this property
Property is also known as
Zanzibar House
Zanzibar House B&B
Zanzibar House Matemwe
Zanzibar House B&B Matemwe
Zanzibar House Matemwe
Zanzibar House Bed & breakfast
Zanzibar House Bed & breakfast Matemwe
Frequently asked questions
Does Zanzibar House have a pool?
Yes, this property has an outdoor pool.
Is Zanzibar House pet-friendly?
No, pets are not allowed at this property.
How much is parking?
Self parking is free at this property.
What time is check-in at Zanzibar House?
Check-in start time: 2:00 PM; Check-in end time: 10:00 PM. After-hours check-in is not available.
What time is check-out at Zanzibar House?
Check-out is at 11 AM.
Does Zanzibar House provide a shuttle to the airport?
Yes, there's an airport shuttle. A fee of USD 90 per vehicle applies.
Where is Zanzibar House located?
Nestled on the beach, this Matemwe bed & breakfast is within 3 mi (5 km) of Muyuni Beach, Pwani Mchangani Beach, and Mapenzi Beach. Kiwengwa Beach and Kigomani Beach are also within 6 mi (10 km).
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Reviews
Zanzibar House Reviews
9.2
Wonderful
All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travelers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.
I am a solo female traveller. Zanzibar House is an excellent property in so many ways. The staff are friendly and helpful. The grounds are a delight to be in, with lots of comfortable places to sit and read or contemplate the beauty of the area.
I did not use the pool and I am sure it would be lovely.
At night time I had an evening meal which was tasty and they accommodated my dietary requirements very well. I am gluten intolerant. I recommend this hotel if you like quiet and beauty filled places
Unfortunately our experience was not as nice as we had hoped. As two women in their 20s and 30s we felt that we were at times treated as children. We were informed by a male staff member that we were “not allowed” to eat breakfast at the table overlooking the ocean, even though the owner specifically informed us of this option the day prior (likely because he did not want to walk the extra distance.)
Our ‘Garden View’ room was a view of the parked vehicles in front of the hotel. The room also lacked any storage space or shelves for suitcases and belongings, leaving our 4 bags blocking the door due to lack of any space.
Breakfast had no fresh coffee, only instant, and ended abruptly—when I returned on the hour to refill my tea, I was told breakfast ended and the female staff would not bring back the tea kettle for hot water. I informed the owner I was gluten free on arrival, but no arrangements were made. This meant my breakfast options were limited to a fruit cup and eggs.
Sauna/hammam must be requested in advance, as we were told it was “off”. The staff did not offer to turn on when we asked about it.
In conclusion, beautiful hotel but not a beautiful experience.
Verified traveler
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2021
8/10 Good
Verified traveler
1 March 2020
Liked: Staff & service
Smukt sted - mindre behagelig stemning
Lille hotel, der ligger utrolig smukt ned til vidunderlig strand. Dejlig udsigt fra balkon med udsigt over havet. Hotelophold indbefatter halvpension med fire retter mad, som er dejlig, men det bliver hurtigt alt for voldsomt. Man savner selv at kunne vælge a la carte.
Personalet er venligt. Men værtsparret har desværre en ret utiltalende måde at behandle ansatte på, og der bliver ind imellem talt grimt og råbt højt af personalet, hvilket trækker gevaldigt ned på stemningen.
Verified traveler
Stayed 4 nights in Feb 2020
2/10 Terrible
MA
23 February 2020
Disliked: Staff & service, amenities
This is the worst hotel experience we have had after travelling for many years across many continents.
The management is poor. The owner could often be overheard berating and yelling at his staff in front of hotel guests. When issues such as a broken pool filter, slow wifi, or power outages came up, his response was to shrug and say, “This is Africa, what can you expect?”
The menu at the hotel restaurant is a set menu consisting of seafood and meat dishes. As vegetarians, we found it difficult to eat here and ended up going to a hotel down the beach (Mandhari Villa - highly recommend) for dinners.
We booked a “garden view” room and it was up a set up steep stairs on top of the guard house at the entrance to the hotel, completely separated from the main hotel building.
Our privacy was not maintained and we had a knock on our door from housekeeping at 9pm despite not calling them for anything.
There are multiple cats on the property that seem to be pets of the owners, and they wander through the lobby/restaurant/pool area at all times.
The towels were not changed daily despite us having to pay an extra surcharge for a second person. This led us to wonder what the extra charge was going towards.
The restaurant and pool staff however are very nice and attentive. They are working under poor management conditions and still keep a smile on their faces.
All in all we would absolutely never recommend this hotel to any family or friends.
Beautiful place; nice and helpful owners, tasty food. The beach is peaceful...but fyi, has serious tides and seaweed. But there are a few lovely spots to float around at. It is an easy day trip to other more swim-happy beaches and about an hour to Stonetown. This is a place to go an relax. But options through hotel or beach dudes are plentiful if you want activities.
Beautiful hotel with 7 rooms right at the beach. Very calm area and not many tourists at the beach (gets cleaned everyday).
Food is delicious, for $15 you get a 4 course dinner menu. At the bar you get good shisha too.
The staff is nice and very helpful.
Massage was great.
Wifi was availabe everywhere (room, restaurant, beach).
You can pay in Eur, Usd, Tsh, credit card.
Beautiful, well-decorated property. Relaxing atmosphere with plenty of lounge chairs, daybeds and tables on a beautiful beach. The four-course dinners were leisurely and tasty. The staff was very welcoming.
My stay was pleasant from arrival till departure. Everyone was nice and accommodating. Thank you and Happy Holidays.
To anyone out there looking for “a feel at home” this is the place to stay.
We stayed in 5 hotels while making our way around Zanzibar and really enjoyed 4 of them. Of the 4, this one really was the best, a cut above in every respect -- fantastic atmosphere, gorgeous property, great management and staff. As you drive down the horrible dirt road that leads from the highway to the property, you'll think you must have made a wrong turn. But you haven't -- keep going.
The whole place is amazing. Unlike the 50+room hotels this is a smaller establishment which adds to the peaceful beach front atmosphere. It's in a great location to go south for a day trip to the spice farms, caves, or fishing communities. Or go North to Membe Island for diving/ snorkling or Nungwi for a big party. Extremely warm artistic decor and the food was fantastic.
Zanzibar House is an exceptional place and a beautiful experience. Georgia treated me like family from the moment I arrived. The location is inspirational, meditative and a place to disconnect from the stresses of the world. Thank you.
We had lovely time in Zanzibar House. The place is clean and nicely decorated. Owners are amazing. Everyday we were spoilt by great Italian food. Staff are friendly and helpful.We had very memorable experience. Highly recommended!
Hotel familiale avec une vue magnifique. Propriétaire italien très sympa. Une enorme plus value apporté par le restaurant avec un menu du soir raffiné.
Zanzibar House was super charming and quiet, great secluded place to relax. The rooms have fantastic balconies with hanging chairs and a view of the sea. Beautiful beach right outside and really nice pool/garden area. $15usd gets u a 4 course dinner- mine was baked prawns, crab linguini, grilled lobster and mille feuille- can't beat that! Great breakfast too- try the homemade papaya cinnamon passion fruit jam and banana yogurt. Would definitely stay here again!
This little gem is the perfect place to relax and just let this lovely Italian family spoil you. We stayed for a whole weekend, and enjoyed every single minute of it. From the lovely breakfast in the morning to the fantastic 4 course diner in the evening, everything was just perfect, and prepared with great love and thoughtfullness. From our arrivel till we left, we felt like a part of this lovely family, being invited in to their home. We WILL be back!!!!!!
I have been to many countries, and the stay here was my son's favorite vacation! We had a room with ocean veiw, worth every penny! the beauty of the island greeted us every morning. The owners were exceptionally accommodating. They made sure the kids were happyily fed each night and made alternate meals to their liking Every morning we had a wonderful breakfast which is a set menu that included pancakes, crepes, and homemade doughnuts!!! Each evening was a culinary exploration of 4 course Italian meals of local fish and seafood, fresh beef, homemade breads, homemade pastas and local vegetables. You could also order something more to your liking and they will acoomodate you to their best. ( The Half board option is more than worth the deal especially since the hotel is not close to any restaurants. Guests from other hotels along the beach would regular Zanzibar House for lunch and Massages!) The staff are very friendly. The massages are AWESOME with the beach right in front of you! The ocean there is beautiful and is worth a swim. There is a turn down service everynight which includes fresh towels if you need them, bottled water, and spraying and arranging of your mosquito net for your health and safety. (The spray is very mild and did not trigger my allergies). We had a VERY early flight on our departure and they made sure we had some homemade doughnuts for the boys! My son and I were very reluctant to leave. THANK YOU ZANZIBAR HOUSE. WE WILL BE BACK!
Small family run hotel on beautiful private beach.
Only 7 rooms, when these are occupied by single people or couples it's a tranquil paradise. When the rooms are occupied by 4 people / families the hotel can seem overcrowded, noisy & too busy. The pool area is quite small and it's difficult to find a quiet outside area to relax if many children are playing in the pool. The boutique style hotel offers lovely little touches, beach baskets with fans & slippers, extra large super soft bath towels and treats like pastries and pizza at certain times of the day. It must be difficult to keep on top of the maintenance due to the close proximity to the sea and the climate but some areas would benefit from a little bit of work. Family run hotel and I found a warm welcome from all the staff. The upgrade to a sea view room was very much appreciated. Wonderful tour guide on the beach called Mustafa will help you make the best of any trips by tailor making yours to your particular requirements - he is very knowledgeable, speaks good English & has a good sense of humour.
Zanzibar House er en liten oase på stranden. 7 koselige rom alle med terrasse 2 mot palmelunden og 5 med havutsikt. Her jobber alle de ansatte for at du skal ha det bra - skal du bo her bør du ta halvpensjon som inbefatter frokost, kaffe med italienske småkaker klokken 16.30. Snack ( pizza) klokken 19 og 4 retters middag klokken 20. Hver dag får du spørsmål om menyen passer deg og hvis ikke bytter de gjerne en eller flere av rettene slik at det passer deg. Hotellet ligger rett på en vidunderlig strand beskyttet av flere koralrev- ta med dykkermaske og svømmeføtter hvis du vil se tropiske fisk ! På stranden finner du også Mustafa og hans folk - det er lokale gutter fra fiskerlandsbyen like ved som prøver å bringe inn penger til landsbyen.Vi brukte dem når vi skulle på tur til Atollen for å snorkle - en tur som du MÅ ta hvis du er her som å dykke i ett akvarie med nydelige fisker overalt.Hotellet har bar og en liten suvenirbutikk - men ta med deg det du mener du trenger på rommet av snacks og sjokolade etc da det ikke er noen butikk i nærheten. Synes du det hele blir litt stillesittende kan du låne sykler og sykle på stranden ( men husk og både dra ut og komme tilbake imens det er lavvann. De italienske eierene er der alltid og gjør sitt ytterste for at du skal ha det bra. Skal du slappe av en uke på en nydelig azurblå eksotisk strand, er dette stedet
Beautiful, secluded Bed and Breakfast on the Beach
My stay here was really lovely! The home is directly on the beach in a very quiet area. The setting is beautiful and I was able to watch the sunrise from the beach and the sunset from my room. The food was very good, lots of fish, which I loved. Do the half board! The staff was glorious! Nina was with me most days and has such a sweet smile and demeanor. Yokobo, the Massai guard, was awesome and the drivers and other staff were great!
Only two negatives: the internet did not work in my room for my entire stay. I asked several times for a solution but the owners just shrugged it off. I was able to use the internet in the common areas and there it was reliable, but was disappointed to not be able to use it in my room. While I know that some people like to disconnect while on vacation, I don't :) I travel solo so I like to be able to read the news in the morning from bed, or plan my day as I'm getting ready especially since I also didn't have cell service.
The other small issue is the very high price from travel outside of the hotel. It's nearly impossible to get around without a car. They called a driver for me who normally would have charged no more than $40 to take me to The Rock Restaurant. I was told that the cost was $40 for a 4 hour trip and I would pay an additional $10/hour...but the trip to The Rock, one way was an hour and 45 minutes! So without even eating, I had basically used my allotted time. I suggest finding your own driver and using them to go offsite.