236 Hurumzi

Formerly known as the Emerson & Green hotel, 235 Hurumzi is the second tallest building in Stone Town. Set amidst the minarets and church spires, the hotel was once the home of one of the richest men in the Swahili empire and has recently been renovated with original Zanzibari antiques. Enter the hotel through imposing carved wooden doors, a bit like entering one of the tales from the Arabian Nights!

All bedrooms have large double mosquito netted beds, original stucco décor, painted glass lamps and ceiling fans. Rooms on the 1st and 2nd floor also have air-conditioning to keep guests cool. All rooms have en-suite facilities and all also have, apart from the Kipembe Room, large stone bathtubs. There are a number of suites available with sunken baths and four-poster beds.

The Tower Top restaurant, set 80 foot above the ground, is open on all sides and offers guests a panoramic view of the Indian Ocean whilst enjoying a 5 course meal. Sitting Arabic-style on pillows and cushions, it’s a bit like having dinner on a magic carpet!

Being set in the centre of Stone Town makes this hotel an ideal choice for exploring the sights and sounds of this exotic city.

Local folkore advises that the original owner of the hotel, Tharia Thopan, was permitted to build his house so tall only because of his close ties to the Sultan – the owner of the tallest building, the ceremonial palace The House of Wonders.