236 Hurumzi Hotel in Zanzibar

We visited 236 Haruzi Hotel Zanzibar and totally loved it!
It seems to be a bit like marmite; you'll either love it or hate it!
We found it very atmospheric and traditional.

Our room was at the top and the stairs are quite steep

People described 236 Hurumzi as "quirky," and they're right. This is a place you'll either love or hate, and don't check in if you aren't ready for an experience.

The experience starts, of course, with the rooms -- each unique and each luxurious. We actually stayed here twice, and so got to experience two rooms, South and Keep, and I can say you won't go wrong. But get Keep if you can.

The rooftop restaurant gave us delicious meals, served with an extra helping of attitude. Whether it's the history of socialism in Zanzibar -- far stronger than that of the mainland -- or simply the fact that this is one of the best spots in town, get ready to have your plans unsettled.

You do need to make reservations, and you do need to double-check that those reservations still exist.

That's really the whole story with 236 Hurumzi -- if you'll hate your stay somewhere if your minimum expectations aren't met everywhere, then go elsewhere. If you'll have a great time being let down in some ways but having your dreams exceeded in others, then this is the place for you.