236 Hurumzi

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Stone Town, Zanzibar

Formerly called 'Emerson and Green', a sumptuously restored merchant's mansion with renowned rooftop restaurant in the heart of Stone Town

Reviewed by Michael Cullen

236 Hurumzi, Zanzibar, Overview

236 HURUMZI - REVIEW

For some people, a hotel is a business. For others, it’s a pleasure. For Emerson Skeens and Thomas Green, American founders of Stone Town's most famous hotel, it was a true labour of love. Taking on the tropical rain and sun, African pace and a poor socialist infrastructure, they managed over 10 years to turn a pair of crumbling merchants’ houses into a stylish and luxurious little hotel.

Their ways have now parted but their legacy remains, in some of the most opulent rooms in Zanzibar. Stained-glass windows and wooden lattice-work throw mysterious patterns over marbled bathtubs and oriental rugs, while vast mosquito nets drape langorously from chandeliers and down over carved four-poster beds. The view from the towertop restaurant over the motley rooves of Stone Town forms a magical backdrop for a Swahili dinner served at knee-high tables by robed waiters. Over the years it has gained a third building with 6 spacious suites, new management and a new name - but it's still a magical glimpse into the exotic Zanzibar of old.

HIGHS

Central location on busy but traffic-free lane
Rooftop restaurant with great atmosphere
Exotic style and artistic detail
Every room has something special: an open-air bathtub, a galleried balcony overlooking town, painted wooden fretwork or, quite simply, palatial dimensions

LOWS

Noise from the streets (inevitable)
The hotel is often full, so book ahead
Some rooms are less charming than others
Steep stairs and no elevator or phone
Don’t expect Stone Town to have the wealth and style of, say, Marrakech: it’s simple and rundown, but charming nonetheless (see Local Info)

Print Whole Report

Name	236 Hurumzi	Location	Stone Town, Stone Town & around
Type	Hotel: 16 rooms	Country	Zanzibar
Price Guide	Dbl: US$90-250, BB	Open	June-April (closed May)


DISTANCES	Airport: 5km	Nearest Shops: 0.1km	Nearest restaurant: 0.1km	Beach: 0.2km