Lost & Found Zanzibar

The location is the one real plus here. My wife and I booked a private room, but the ceiling was only six feet tall and I couldn't stand upright. The bed was so small I had to curl my legs up. It was noisy all the time despite there being hardly any guests. The woman at reception was pleasant, but her help was no good: the restaurant she suggested served bland food and charged us at least twice what locals pay. The tour company she connected us with didn't bring all the gear needed for the dolphin trip, and the driver left before the time we'd agreed on. When she called a tuk-tuk for the ferry, the driver named a wildly inflated fare, so we walked instead. If your budget allows, spend a little extra and stay somewhere else.

Right in the centre of Stone Town, with the beach and town both about a two-minute walk away. The dorm bed can be pricey because of the tax, but the wall built-in bunks are a great idea, with curtains that give plenty of privacy. The room's AC worked perfectly, and the shared shower was spacious and clean. The staff were incredibly kind, and the owner was especially lovely. Good for backpackers, and there's a sofa in the hall where you can meet people.

The female dorms felt great for me as a solo woman travelling, and the staff were friendly and flexible when arranging small trips through their partner tour company and fairly cheap airport transport. The whole hostel is clean, modern, lively, and well cared for, with good facilities and a spot-on location. Bathrooms and showers are shared but private, and both were really nice, with hot water and strong pressure. The common spaces are lovely, Wi-Fi works throughout, and there are international outlets. AC in the rooms is a must in this heat, and they also supplied nice towels and sheets. Best hostel I've stayed in East Africa. I'd recommend it and might come back.

Peli at reception was a warm and helpful host. I stayed in the women-only dorm, which can sleep up to 14, but I had it to myself for two of my three nights. It could feel packed when full. The rooms were clean, and I liked having a plug by every bed. The shared bathrooms were clean in the morning, though they could use more frequent cleaning. The location is right in the heart of Stone Town, within walking distance of restaurants, sights, and boats to the islands. It was good for a budget traveller when I visited in October 2021, during a discount, at $15 a night.