Staying in Stone Town

Q: We are planning to visit Zanzibar and would like to stay in Stone Town as we are more interested in the history and architecture than a beach holiday. Can you recommend accommodation in the town? - Shirley Raubenheimer

A: Stone Town has a wonderful selection of hotels, so you will be hard-pressed to decide which of these charming establihments is for you. To check out some of the nicest, go to the www.zanzibartravel.co.uk website. If you really want to splash out, then the Mashariki Palace Hotel is the place to stay. This former palace of the first sultan of Zanzibar has been restored and is now a stunning boutique hotel. All 18 rooms are different, but all feature thick walls, Arabian beds, stucco decoration and carved doors. This is old Zanzibar at its finest. Unfortunately, this stylish retreat does not come cheaply. Rates range from 170 Euros to 346 Euros for a double room including breakfast and taxes (www.masharikipalacehotel.com). Another hotel that captures spirit of the old Zanzibar is the Emerson Spice Hotel, located in a 200-year-old building. With only 12 rooms, it also offers a spa, a hamam, butlers on each floor and a rooftop bar. Here is what one reviewer said on www.tripadvisor.com: "Mysterious, hidden alleyways scented with spice and the sea, lilting Swahili coming from latticed verandas, black draped women floating from carved doorways to disappear into the maze of narrow streets. Emerson Spice is the perfect retreat deep in the heart of Stonetown." Rates start at 150 US dollars per night bed and breakfast. Contact the hotel on reservation@emersonspice.com. A great little hotel that would undoubtedly appeal to you is the Beyt Al Chai, also known as "The House of Tea". This classical building was once a tea house, but has been converted into a boutique hotel with only six rooms. Located in a quiet square only two minutes from the heart of Stone Town, it offers rooms from 115 US dollars per night (www.bluebayzanzibar.com). You could also try The Dhow Palace, which is built in a former Omani mansion. Balconies look over a central courtyard with palm trees and a swimming pool. There are 30 comfortable rooms ranging from 75 US dollars per night (www.zanzibarquest.com). If you are on a restricted budget, you could opt for the Princess Salme Inn. Here you can get a double room with bed and breakfast for around 50 US dollars. The hotel is located in an old Arabic building, but is comfortable with modern touches like free internet (www.hostelworld.com). (4/9/11)