When you choose to stay at this wonderful little hotel you feel as if you are welcomed by friends. We chose to stay in the Dunia suite when we booked, and it is even better than the website suggests. You climb up into a beautiful carved sultan's bed a metre off the floor, draped with a silk spread. Going to the open air bathroom is a real experience, surrounded as you are by the sights and sounds of Stone Town. The little private sun deck is not for anyone who has a fear of heights, but to sit up there with a glass of wine in the evening to watch the sunset was heavenly. The whole hotel is immaculately and imaginatively designed, clean and well run. Nothing is too much trouble for the staff, who will organise trips, and escort you around Stone Town if you wish. Sebastiaan or Marion will personally welcome you and help you plan your stay, and cater for any needs. We loved it here, it was such a special place to stay.

This was our final destination on Zanzibar where my husband and I went for our honeymoon. Our hotel room (Dunia) was amazing. Our rooftop bathroom was unforgettable. Definitely the cleanest hotel on the Island and the only one without a pest problem. After days spent in some of the best hotels on the Island (including Zanzibar Serena) it was refreshing not to have to worry about being eaten alive, let alone flown away all together by the mosquitoes.

Marion and Sebastian are some of the most conscientious innkeepers my husband and I have ever met. During a freak torrential downpour, Sebastian himself took a guest to the airport so that he would not miss his flight. It took him a good 3 hours to get back through flooding.

The location is the only possible negative. The building is quite extraordinary, but is in the middle of the city and lacks access to the ocean. This, however, affords the visitor a more authentic experience in Stone Town.

If going to Stone Town, it would be a shame to miss this Hotel.

We found this hotel last year just a few days after it opened. It had no guests, but they showed us around and we were bowled over. It was a major reason for our return to Zanzibar this year.
We stayed twice. Once in Rosewood (a cheaper room) and once in Dunia (the suite). It made no difference which room the standard of service was exactly the same, magnificent. The rooms are all fabulous, beautifully decorated and furnished. We even bought a bedspread on the strength of seeing the ones in our rooms.
The hotel serves the best breakfast we have had in Zanzibar, including proper bacon! All the staff are unfailingly friendly and helpful and Sebastiaan and Marion are on hand to offer advice and information if required. They also cook up great meals if you ask them and they have a more than fair wine list.
Staying in Dunia is the stuff of your dreams. Watching the sunset from the roof, taking a shower looking at dhows coming in to harbour. In the cold and grey of an english autumn they are beautiful memories. Thank you very much Sebastiaan and Marion, we will return.
John and Tricia Pattison

You'll love this hotel. It has charm but the personal touch that most hotels can't provide. We stayed in the Bania suite, which was perfectly appointed. Lots of personal touches. The host, Sebastian couldn't be better. He's full of great info about Stone Town and very accomadating to all travelers. Bonus: Free Internet on a shared computer.

The only thing to be mindful of is the stairs, they are steep and there are LOTS of them. The first floor is really up two sets of stairs. They'll carry your bags, but not for the faint of heart. A great breakfast!