Park Hyatt Hotel Zanzibar Location, Contacts & Review.

The first five-star hotel in Stone Town with direct access to a white-sand beach and the Indian Ocean offers a delightful blend of Omani style and understated luxury in the heart of Zanzibar’s World Heritage-listed old district

Location

Gazing across the sands of Shangani Beach towards the sunset, at the fringes of World Heritage-listed Stone Town, you’re just steps from Forodhani Gardens, the House of Wonders, the Arabian Fort and the harbour, yet secreted away from the bustle and, yes, inevitable hustle of the old centre

Style & character

Core of the hotel is Mambo Msiige (‘Not to be copied’), a mid-19th-century mansion built by a wealthy Omani trader and lovingly restored, with ornately carved doors and serene courtyards. The sympathetically designed new Zamani Residence wing, though not quite as atmospheric, has alluring terraces overlooking the beach and Indian Ocean. Near-ubiquitous lounge-jazz musak is the only slightly jarring note

Service & facilities

The legendary Zanzibari warmth is reflected in beaming service, from lobby to bar to restaurant to room. Expect most members of staff to remember your name, ready with conversation if you feel like a chat (but restrained if not). The compact gym is probably the best equipped in town; expert South-East Asian masseuses provide top-notch treatments in the stylish Anantara spa. Small but lovely infinity pool overlooking the ocean.

    Bar
    Beach
    Fitness centre
    Laundry
    Pool
    Restaurant
    Room service
    Spa
    Wi-Fi

Rooms

Standard and ocean-view Park King rooms are spacious; most of the latter have balconies. Contemporary interiors in the 56 guestrooms and seven standard suites have Arabesque and Indian accents in lampshades, traditional brass-studded chests and floral carvings, with just a hint of corporate five-star middle-of-the-roadness. Healthy-sized bathrooms feature standalone tubs plus twin basins and monsoon showers. Amenities include a vast television, Illy coffee machine, iPhone dock, citrussy Laura Tonatto toiletries and Voss water. Four huge, individually-designed specialty suites offer more expansive luxury.

Food & drink

The large Dining Room restaurant could pack a little more character — unlike the cuisine, which is exceptional, from morning pastries to flapping-fresh grilled fish served in the Pool Lounge overlooking the beachfront infinity pool. Subtle Arabian, Portuguese and Swahili influences sprinkle the menu, but for a treat order a Persian feast prepared by chef Ali Cherati. The Living Room lounge bar dishes up lighter snacks along with cocktails and a mean gin and tonic — sundowners sipped on the terrace are mandatory.

Value for money

Double rooms from US$375 (£263) in low season; rising to US$515 (£362) in high. Breakfast included. Free Wi-Fi.
Access for guests with disabilities?

All public areas are wheelchair accessible. There is one dedicated room for guests with special needs or physical disabilities, with trained support staff.
Family-friendly?

Yes. Toys, chairs and other amenities for babies and young children, plus babysitting services.

Contacts

Shangani St, Zanzibar Town 4255, Tanzania.
00 255 24 550 1234
zanzibar.park.hyatt.com