
Hurumzi Quarter
Historic 1800s villa in Stone Town offering chic rooms and a renowned rooftop restaurant with stunning ocean views.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Magical views & atmosphere

Hurumzi Quarter
Best Time
Magical views & atmosphere

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Historic 1800s villa in Stone Town offering chic rooms and a renowned rooftop restaurant with stunning ocean views.
"The rooftop restaurant was one of the best meals I had in Zanzibar, with the best views over Zanzibar City."

🎯 Book Rooftop Dining Early
Secure your spot for sunset dinner, it's popular! 🎟️
🚶♀️ Pack Light, Staff Helps
Narrow streets mean porters help with luggage. :athletic_shoe:

Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.5 · 697 reviews
Type
Hotel
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Rooftop Sunset Dining
Rooftop Restaurant
Magical sunset views over Stone Town, accompanied by live music and Swahili cuisine. A truly unforgettable experience.

Historic Architecture
Hotel Interior
Explore a captivating 1800s villa filled with character, history, and authentic Zanzibar charm.

Swahili Culture & Music
Various locations within Hurumzi
Immerse yourself in local culture with Kidumbaki music and vibrant street performances.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Rooftop Dining & Views
Historic Charm & Accessibility
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Rooftop Dining Early
Secure your spot for sunset dinner, it's popular! 🎟️
🚶♀️ Pack Light, Staff Helps
Narrow streets mean porters help with luggage. :athletic_shoe:
🎶 Enjoy Live Music
Experience Kidumbaki music for an authentic vibe.
📸 Capture the Views
The rooftop offers incredible photo opportunities.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Rooftop Dining Early
Secure your spot for sunset dinner, it's popular! 🎟️
🚶♀️ Pack Light, Staff Helps
Narrow streets mean porters help with luggage. :athletic_shoe:
🎶 Enjoy Live Music
Experience Kidumbaki music for an authentic vibe.
📸 Capture the Views
The rooftop offers incredible photo opportunities.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Emerson on Hurumzi is celebrated for its breathtaking rooftop views, historic charm, and exceptional staff hospitality, offering a unique cultural immersion. While the food receives mixed reviews, the overall experience, especially the sunset dining and live music, is highly praised as unforgettable. Some guests note the lack of elevators and narrow streets as minor inconveniences.
"We did the evening rooftop dinner experience. The food was nice enough and the views were okay, but the presentation and building was beautiful and the hotel staff so helpful. We were able to leave out luggage at the hotel while we explored the town and they helped us arrange a taxi to the airport afterwards.
I understand as a hotel the services might be lacking, but as an experience it's certainly worth considering."
Michael Rose
"We just had dinner on the rooftop for our final night in Zanzibar, but it was the perfect experience to cap off our honeymoon. The view from the rooftop is magical - especially watching the sun go down and hearing the call to prayer.
The dining experience is very unique and intimate, and while the food wasn’t our absolute favorite, the live music, singing, and location made it 100% worth it. The staff at the hotel and restaurant were also very kind of helpful, ensuring we were able to leave promptly at 8:15 for our flight."
Melissa Kolano
"I was completely blown away by this charming, one-of-a-kind hotel in Stone Town that far exceeded its 2-star rating in every possible way. What was meant to be a simple stay turned into one of the most memorable experiences of our trip.
The hotel is not just a place to sleep—it’s a piece of history. Converted from a monument once owned by the British, tied to the abolition of slavery, it now stands as a semi-attached three-building hotel filled with character and soul. The architecture is absolutely captivating, full of old-world charm with a touch of Zanzibar magic.
Our room was magnificent, spacious, and unlike anything you’d find in today’s trendy, cookie-cutter hotels. The bathroom, too, had its own distinct style—refreshingly unique and reflective of the local design rather than the sterile sameness of modern chains. Every corner of the hotel is decorated with thoughtful, culturally rich details that give it life and authenticity.
The staff? Incredible. Truly some of the warmest, most helpful people we’ve encountered. They went above and beyond, not only in their hospitality but in arranging tours for us at very reasonable prices—we even cross-checked them online and found their rates to be more than fair.
And then there’s the rooftop restaurant. Hands down one of the best places to eat in Stone Town, and for good reason. The food was excellent, and the view from the rooftop patio was nothing short of spectacular. Whether for breakfast or a sunset dinner, it was always a highlight.
Overall, this hotel may only be rated two stars, but it delivered a five-star experience from start to finish. If you’re looking for a place with character, history, amazing service, and incredible views, this is it."
Paige Glazier
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Hurumzi Quarter is located in the heart of Stone Town. Since streets are narrow, taxis can only drop you off nearby. Porters are available to help carry your luggage to the hotel.
No, the streets within Hurumzi Quarter are too narrow for cars. You'll need to walk a short distance from where taxis can drop you off.
Yes, the hotel staff at Emerson on Hurumzi can help arrange a taxi to the airport for your departure.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Hurumzi Quarter is a historic area and a hotel. Entry to the public areas like the rooftop restaurant does not require a specific ticket, but reservations are recommended for dining.
The rooftop restaurant is typically open for lunch and dinner, with sunset being a particularly popular time. It's best to check their specific hours or make a reservation.
While the building itself is a hotel, experiencing its historic charm is part of the stay or dining experience. There isn't a separate entrance fee for exploring the common areas.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Explore the historic 1800s villa, enjoy rooftop dining with stunning views, and experience local music and street life.
No, there are no elevators in the historic buildings of Hurumzi Quarter. Staff will assist with luggage.
Expect a charming, historic atmosphere with vibrant local culture, especially with street music and performances.
Absolutely! The architecture, rooftop views, and vibrant street scenes offer fantastic photographic opportunities.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Emerson on Hurumzi's rooftop restaurant is highly recommended for its views and Swahili dining experience.
The restaurant offers Swahili cuisine, with a special evening dining experience.
Reviews suggest the food is good, though some highlight the experience and views as the main draw.
Yes, the rooftop dining experience at sunset is often described as magical and perfect for couples.
📸 📸 Photography
The rooftop offers panoramic views, especially at sunset. The historic architecture within the hotel also provides unique photo opportunities.
Always be respectful and ask for permission before taking close-up photos of individuals.
Golden hour, around sunrise and sunset, offers beautiful light for both the architecture and the city views from the rooftop.










Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit