The Dhow Palace - 3 Star

The Dhow Palace, with its Arabian archways, authentic Zanzibari antiques and ornate ornaments, was originally an Omani mansion dating back to the 1870s. It is certainly one of the best hotels in Stone Town. The rooms are spacious, luxuriously appointed and the service is impressively friendly.

A beautiful hand-carved door studded with brass knobs welcomes you into the modest reception area. A central courtyard with a water fountain, makuti-thatch chairs and palm fronds provides a deliciously cool haven in the heat of the day. The atmosphere inside this hotel is tranquil and relaxed which is a welcome relief from the hustle and bustle of the Stone Town streets.

They have recently built a stunning swimming pool in the main court yard, so guests have a perfect setting to enjoy a cocktail and relax away from the crowds. Tembo and Dhow Palace are owned by the same group who follow the Muslim code of not serving alcohol. Only a few hotels still operate by these strict Muslim laws and we respect their decision to follow their beliefs even at the loss of a great deal of income. It's not really a problem for guests as there are plenty of pubs and cafes close by. There are also plenty of restaurants in Stone Town if you want to go out for some serious wining and dining.

Dhow Palace Accommodation:

The 17 bedrooms are tastefully furnished with Zanzibari antiques and Persian carpets. Some rooms have traditional four-poster beds with painted headboards, others have brass beds. Balconies in the rooms overlook an attractive courtyard with palms and creepers. You have the convenience of an air conditioner, television, telephone, mini-bar and hairdryer.

The en-suite bathrooms are interesting, with blue tiled sunken stone baths which have hand-held showers (similar to the characterful ones at Emerson and Green).

We have always found the rooms at Dhow Palace clean, tidy and well maintained.

Dhow Palace Dinings:

Breakfast in the newly built restaurant on the rooftop is a treat. This open-walled restaurant is furnished with dark wood and marble tables and regal red-backed chairs. For lunch and dinner, it serves a variety of seafood, as well as local and international cuisine. You have panoramic views over Stone Town to the ocean.

In keeping with strict Muslim law, alcohol is not served at this hotel. You can satisfy your thirst in one of the pubs a short distance down the road.

Dhow Palace Fast Facts:

Centrally situated down a side alley off Kenyatta Road in the Shangani district of Stone Town. The airport is a 10-minute drive away. If you’re arriving by boat it’s a 10-minute walk.