BootsnAll Travel Community

I may be making an unexpected trip to Zanzibar in the next few days - I'm surprised, but it does sound exciting. I've checked out some hotels on-line, and they sound pretty good. I'd like to know, though, if there are nice budget hotels that can be found once I get there, or should I book beforehand? Any responses/suggestions appreciated.

Can you be more specific about where in Zanzibar you will be going?

(Oh by the way they may check for your yellow fever shot card at the port of entry).

in stone town, i stayed at florida hotel both times. each room is different. some have AC, some have fans, some have very little natural lighting, some have a lot. they charged abotu $15USD/night last time i was there (breakfast is included). i showed up both times unannounced and had no problems. to get there, when you get off the pier, take a right and just keep following the street. you'll eventually pass the serena inn on the right. the street will start to curve up towards the left. you'll see a roundabout and a clock tower in the middle of it. you'll see a sharp left, and then another road to the right of that, so just follow that street for a couple more minutes and then it'll be on your left. it's next to a shabby looking building. florida hotel is actually tucked into the corner, you'll have to go in some sort of parking lot looking thing. don't let the outside deceive you!

I just visited there about a month ago and stayed in the Melindi Lodge Annex. It was inexpensive (be prepared to bargain for a good price though). It does not look like much from the outside, but once you enter it is attractive and the room was very nice. We did not have ac, just a fan, but the room was clean and pleasant, breakfast was included and it was close to the port (and the amazing all night Melindi takeaway chicken place). We did not book in advance, just walked there after we got off the ferry.

hi - and thanks to xoom and sienna 88 for your responses. your suggestions sound good - and it's reassuring to know that i won't have to book ahead.

and to slip - am not sure where in zanzibar - any good suggestions? also, any input from you on whether i'll really need yellow fever certificate (i'll be coming from India) and whether hotel and ferry costs actually do have to be paid for in foreign currency. thanks in advance.+

In Stonetown I stayed at St. Monica's Cathedral. It's an old cathedral that has been converted into an inexpensive hostel ($12,I think, maybe $15). The rooms were lovely with little verandahs.

On Nungwi beach I stayed at Jambo Brothers, a really inexpensive place right on the beach with big rooms, fans, private bathrooms, and hot water.

-S-

The northern part of the island is more like a resort. The hotels are large, packed with tourists and money, and the nearby (obviously) impoverished villages are fully of people serving the tourists. Despite that it is nice but a little boring with little to do except swim. The snorking isn't that good either as the currents are strong.

The south has functioning cities. It's easier to find transport and things to do. I can't remember where I stayed, except that it was not a major hotel and we were the only guests at the time so the staff went out of its way to make us feel welcome.

At any rate. If it is still there I suggest a meal at the "two tables" a great spot to eat. It is in effect a home-cooked meal.

As for stone town, I stayed at the Dhow Palace (very beautiful rooms and the most beautiful tiled bathrooms) and their sister hotel, Tembo Palace Hotel, both were great and I would def recommend. Dhow Palace had cost me something like $65/night and Tembo was slightly more $75-85 or so from what I remember since it is right on the water. However, if you walk around stone town (and there is no way to get lost really), you can find good standard hotel rooms for $35 or so per night, but these will be smaller establishments and not usually something that you find and book online. I also met some local artists and got really good deals on some paintings, so be sure to buy from them