Zanzibar Coffee House
Zanzibar
Tanzania
Overview
Zanzibar Coffee House is one of Stone Town’s most characterful small hotels, combining the history of an old Arabic townhouse with a genuine passion for Tanzanian coffee. Hidden amid the narrow streets of the UNESCO World Heritage district, it provides an intimate alternative to larger luxury hotels and one of the most authentic ways to experience everyday life in Zanzibar’s historic centre.
The building itself is a major part of the attraction. Dating from the late 19th century, the house retains much of its original character, including traditional architecture, antique furniture and decorative details. Rather than transforming the property into an overtly contemporary hotel, the owners have embraced its age and imperfections, creating interiors rich in atmosphere.
Only eight individually designed rooms are available, making the experience exceptionally intimate. Each carries the name of a coffee variety or coffee-related theme and combines traditional Zanzibar furnishings with modern comforts. Four-poster beds draped with mosquito nets, antique pieces, patterned fabrics and unusual lamps reinforce the feeling of staying in a historic home rather than a standardised hotel.
As its name suggests, coffee lies at the heart of the experience. The ground-floor café serves Arabica coffee sourced from the owners’ Tanzanian coffee estate, with trained baristas preparing espresso, cappuccino and other speciality drinks alongside cakes and light food.
Above everything sits the hotel’s wonderful rooftop terrace. With 360-degree views across Stone Town’s rooftops, minarets and historic buildings, it provides one of the property’s defining experiences. Breakfast on the rooftop as the city wakes below is a particularly memorable way to begin the day.
The hotel’s central position makes it ideal for exploring on foot. Markets, historic houses, the waterfront and cultural landmarks are all easily accessible.
Zanzibar Coffee House does not compete with five-star beachfront hotels through pools, spas or extensive facilities. Instead, its luxury comes from character, location, history and intimacy.
For travellers who want their accommodation to become part of their experience of Stone Town, rather than simply somewhere to sleep between excursions, Zanzibar Coffee House is an exceptional choice. Few hotels capture the atmosphere, heritage and everyday rhythms of the old city quite so naturally.
Learn More
Social Media
The building itself is a major part of the attraction. Dating from the late 19th century, the house retains much of its original character, including traditional architecture, antique furniture and decorative details. Rather than transforming the property into an overtly contemporary hotel, the owners have embraced its age and imperfections, creating interiors rich in atmosphere.
Only eight individually designed rooms are available, making the experience exceptionally intimate. Each carries the name of a coffee variety or coffee-related theme and combines traditional Zanzibar furnishings with modern comforts. Four-poster beds draped with mosquito nets, antique pieces, patterned fabrics and unusual lamps reinforce the feeling of staying in a historic home rather than a standardised hotel.
As its name suggests, coffee lies at the heart of the experience. The ground-floor café serves Arabica coffee sourced from the owners’ Tanzanian coffee estate, with trained baristas preparing espresso, cappuccino and other speciality drinks alongside cakes and light food.
Above everything sits the hotel’s wonderful rooftop terrace. With 360-degree views across Stone Town’s rooftops, minarets and historic buildings, it provides one of the property’s defining experiences. Breakfast on the rooftop as the city wakes below is a particularly memorable way to begin the day.
The hotel’s central position makes it ideal for exploring on foot. Markets, historic houses, the waterfront and cultural landmarks are all easily accessible.
Zanzibar Coffee House does not compete with five-star beachfront hotels through pools, spas or extensive facilities. Instead, its luxury comes from character, location, history and intimacy.
For travellers who want their accommodation to become part of their experience of Stone Town, rather than simply somewhere to sleep between excursions, Zanzibar Coffee House is an exceptional choice. Few hotels capture the atmosphere, heritage and everyday rhythms of the old city quite so naturally.
Curated by the World Travel Awards
