Emerson Spice Hotel

We felt like royalty sleeping in the beautiful, historic-feeling room called Kate, where we’d been generously upgraded. It had two balconies with lovely views, plus an indoor shower and a breathtaking outdoor one on the balcony. Emerson Spice Hotel is stunning, and The Secret Garden restaurant feels like a hidden, romantic oasis, full of lush plants. The food was outstanding, especially the unforgettable cinnamon fish. On Wednesday night we also saw live cultural performances that were moving, eye-opening, and a beautiful showcase of local culture. Our flight was delayed three hours, but our driver, Omar, waited the whole time. He was very knowledgeable about the country, culture, and area, and it was a pleasure being driven by him. An unforgettable stay from beginning to end. We couldn’t recommend Emerson Spice Hotel more highly.

Getting to the entrance meant an easy walk with a roller bag through the old city, since you can’t pull a car up to the front door. The rooftop dining room, where breakfast is also served, had a fixed menu of more than five courses with views across the city, and the food was wonderful. The building’s classic architecture and furnishings are lovely, though it’s an antique with some modern amenities, so don’t expect a Four Seasons. Russell, the manager, can make the experience feel as close to a four-star hotel as possible. You might feel like the Sultan of Zanzibar! I hope we get back to Stone Town and can stay at the Emerson Spice Hotel again. I loved it.

For the last couple of days of our Zanzibar trip in October 2025, we stayed in a couple of different rooms to experience them. Both were phenomenal, tidy, and nicely decorated. The fans kept us cool without needing air conditioning, though AC was available and easy to use in every room. The whole staff were kind and generous, answered all our questions, and helped us find great tours. It’s a historic building that carries its history well, with upgrades for guest comfort. We knew what to expect, but it still exceeded our expectations and was a fantastic way to end the trip. Thank you for a great stay!

Book ahead for dinner on the rooftop terrace. We had wonderful seafood there, with truly outstanding cooking, maybe the best meal of our two weeks in Tanzania and Zanzibar.