Zanzibar Shangani Hotel

Zanzibar has some excellent hotels. But few in stone town.

Usually I stay in stone town cafe rooms, but that place is so good it is so busy.

So I often find myself in the Shangani Hotel.

This place is absolutely fine. The rooms are tiled, clean and air con. The beds are fine, the sheets a bit worn but super clean.

The staff are fine, but do not expect a US style concierge. This is Zanzibar, where the concept of customer service does not exist until you spend $150 or stay at a personal, privately owned beach hotel. 

So all in all, when I am in town on business, I stay here, the price is right, the guys are friendly enough and I like them and the hotel. Just don't expect the ritz, and you'll be fine!

Other Holiday Hotels, Beach Rentals and Holiday Villas

Shanghani is in a very good location, and the hotel has alot of character to it - some lovely decor in Zanzibari style, the only problem is that it has not been maintained well.

I would stay at Shangani again, unless I had the money to stay someplace really nice. Shangani was much nicer and more comfortable than the budget-level backpacker places, without being super-expensive, and that's what I was looking for.