Zanzibar Palace Hotel

Recently restored with excellent craftsmanship and personal service, this boutique hotel in the heart of Stone Town is already winning many friends

In 2006 the first owners restored a ruin in the heart of Stone Town into a palace worthy of a spice-trading Sultan. Since the begin of 2008 Frans and Co have taken over the ownership.The tall thin building wraps around an atrium, with just 3 rooms on each of its 3 floors. At the top are 2 superb Palace Suites, with al fresco bathrooms and private decks overlooking the town's ramshackle roofscape. The other 7 bedrooms are no less magical, combining antique furniture, Persian rugs, colourful silks and locally-crafted four-posters to regal, Arabic-Indian effect.

But it's the friendly multilingual owners who bring it all together with their tireless personal service: rescuing guests from papaasi (touts), doing late night airport runs and generally making everyone feel instantly at home. French-style dinners are served in their cosy restaurant, the owners are happy to help plan shopping or diving trips, there's a small spa and no fewer than 20 staff keep the house dhow-shape. Though Frans shuns the comparison, Zanzibar Palace Hotel provides some long-awaited competition for the better known Emerson & Green.

Highs

• The stylish and tasteful interiors showcase Zanzibari and Arabic craftsmanship, with luxurious modern touches
• The hugely helpful and hands-on hosts make it feel more like a home than a hotel
• The generous breakfasts include grapefruit, eggs, cheese and real coffee
• It's conveniently placed for shopping, boat trips, taxis and town tours

Lows

• Expect some street noise - Stone Town is a busy and bustling little place
• There's no pool
• It's quite expensive (apart from 2 rooms), but there's a high level of detail and service
• The stairs are steep, especially leading up to the Palace Suites on the top floor