TEMBO PALACE HOTEL, Zanzibar – A Smart Stay in the City
About the Hotel
Historic Oceanfront Accommodations
Tembo House Hotel offers rooms with Indian Ocean views, air conditioning, and cable TV. Options include Deluxe Suites with private balconies, Twin Rooms with garden or sea views, and Freddie Mercury Apartments featuring hammam baths and Arabic-style seating. All accommodations include free Wi-Fi, tea/coffee makers, and mosquito nets.
Bahari Restaurant Dining
The Bahari Restaurant serves local Zanzibari cuisine and international dishes under Indian Almond trees overlooking the ocean. Menu highlights include fresh seafood from the Indian Ocean and freshly pressed tropical juices from local spice and fruit farms. Meals are served on a verandah with historic seating that once entertained sultans.
Pool and Beach Access
The hotel features an infinity plunge pool with ocean views and direct access to the beach with sun beds. Located 15 miles off the Tanzanian coast, the property serves as a base for excursions to spice farms, boat rides to nearby islands, and exploration of Stone Town's UNESCO World Heritage sites.
Stone Town Proximity
The hotel is 500 meters from Stone Town's main attractions including the Peace Memorial Museum, Palace Museum, Forodhani Gardens, Old Fort, and Tippu Tip's house. The area features winding lanes, marketplaces, and unique architecture dating back to 8th-century trading routes connecting China, India, Oman, and Bantu cultures.
24-Hour Guest Services
Services include a 24-hour front desk, room service, and complimentary drinking water. The property has hosted notable historical figures including Mahatma Gandhi, Indira Gandhi, and Freddie Mercury. The building originally housed the Cowasjee Dinshaw and Brothers Company, one of East Africa's largest trading companies in the 1880s.
Choose the Room
Check Dates & Room Rates
Getting around
All Transportation Options at a Glance
Amenities
General
- No smoking on site
- Free Wi-Fi
- Parking
- Safe deposit box
- 24-hour reception
- VIP check-in/ -out
- Express check-in/ -out
- No pets allowed
- 24-hour security
- Luggage storage
- Locker room
- Currency exchange
- ATM/Cash machine
- Barber shop
- Coffee shop
- Fireplace
- Smoke detectors
- Fire extinguishers
- Key access
Sports & Fitness
- Fitness centre
- Diving
- Snorkelling
- Cycling
- Golf course
- Billiard tables
- Darts
- Fishing
Guest Parking
- Electric kettle
Services
- Paid airport shuttle
- Room service
- Housekeeping
- Car hire
- Laundry
- Dry cleaning
- Tours/Ticket assistance
- Grocery shopping service
- Shops/Commercial services
Dining
- In-room breakfast
- Restaurant
- Poolside snack bar
- Snack bar
- Picnic area/ Tables
- Packed lunches
- Special diet menus
Business
- Fax/Photocopying
Children
- Cots
- Babysitting/Child services
- Baby pushchair
- Board games
- Children's pool
- Children's play area
- Game room
Spa & Leisure
- Infinity pool
- Rooftop pool
- Beach umbrellas
- Sun loungers
- Entertainment
- Sun terrace
- BBQ facilities
- Leisure/ TV room
- Spa & wellness centre
- Back massage
- Head massage
- Full body massage
- Foot massage
- Shallow end
Room features
- Air conditioning
- Mini-bar
- Sitting area
- Terrace
- Garden furniture
- Tea and coffee facilities
- Ironing facilities
Bathroom
- Free toiletries
Self-catering
- Electric kettle
Media
- Flat-screen TV
- AM/FM alarm clock
Location
Guest Ratings & Reviews
Staying at this hotel was quite an experience. The rooms were spacious and the bathroom was large, which made things comfortable. However, I did have some issues with an odd fishy smell that persisted during my stay, and the building wasn't exactly what I expected as my room was down an alleyway away from the main building. The staff were very kind and attentive, always ready to help with any issues I had. Although the service was commendable, I believe there's room for improvement, especially considering the hotel's location, which was close to everything in Stone Town - perfect for exploring. Still, I think it offers solid value for the price I paid.
My stay at the hotel was a pleasant experience overall. The rooms were exceptionally spacious and clean, with a beautiful Arabic-inspired bathroom. The service was inviting and helpful, which added to the positive atmosphere. The location is fantastic, but I found the dining options a little lacking in variety, especially for breakfast. Still, the amenities provided a good balance of comfort and convenience.
I had a lovely stay at this hotel! It was located down a quiet alleyway, making it feel secluded while still just a short walk away from the main area and a nice private pool. The room was beautifully styled with Arabic touches, but the multiple flights of stairs to get to my top-floor room were a bit tiring. Overall, it was a great experience with a good vibe and nice amenities.
My stay at the hotel had its highs and lows. The location was fantastic, as I could easily walk to many historical sites and enjoy the beautiful beach right at my doorstep. However, the rooms left something to be desired, especially since I ended up in a separate building a couple of blocks away. The service was absolutely delightful, with friendly staff always willing to help. Still, the dining options were quite average for the price I paid.
I had a great time at this hotel! The rooms were not only huge but also very comfortable, which made my stay enjoyable. The location was perfect for exploring the old center of Stone Town, being close to various attractions. However, it was slightly less convenient that my room was situated in a different building down an alleyway. Overall, I found the value for money to be quite good.
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