Location and the old world vibe .. the staff were very friendly. Suleiman, the greeter, always welcoming .. and Hawa, housekeeper for our wing was so helpful and attentive.. the staff at the dining room were great too .. breakfast buffet offered a lot of choices and all were great .. dinning room menu could be a little more interesting Beds were very comfortable and linens crisp

Needs some updating - the air conditioning system in the room kept shutting down .. the breeze was so refreshing and cool, so this hiccup did not cause much hardship

Great location, great food and service. Rooms were very clean with beautiful furniture, comfortable beds and stunning views of the ocean. The attention to detail with the antique furniture and portraits/ pictures in the common areas was very pleasing.

Our room was on the 2nd floor because we asked for an ocean view room. The property only has staircases. I think a lift should be installed as it is not easy to climb up several times a day if you forget something in your room or want to go back for a quick change of clothes. Also, the water pressure in the shower was low and the water didn't fill up properly in the flush tank. Also, the conditioner and body lotion bottles in the room were empty when we arrived, although the staff promptly brought us replenishments.

This is an exquisite hotel, maintained at the highest standards. Beautiful rooms with balconies overlooking the sea as dhows pass by. Very comfortable beds, well decorated, exceptional service with the best food you can imagine.

Simply the best hotel in Stone Town. The service is unsurpassed, you are treated like royalty by friendly and professional staff that go out of their way to give you everything you need. The balconies are a very special feature. Located right on the sea you have a view of the ocean as far as they eye can see. Rich in tradition and culture this is an experience you should enjoy at least once in your lifetime. Ask for room 37, the most exquisite experience you will ever have. Prime room with wrap around balcony. I highly recommend spending a little extra for this room.

This a lovely old world fell hotel, situated directly on the waterfront with a small beach. It is also very close for all walks around Stone Town. It has been beautifully renovated We had a large front sea facing room with a large balcony which was perfect for relaxing. The staff are so friendly and helpful and made us really feel at home. The restaurant serves lovely food on a terrace over looking the beach Plenty of restaurants and bars nearby. Trips can be arranged via the helpful front desk staff.

The stunning property and the impeccable service culture are in a class of their own. I booked three rooms for three friends and everyone agreed that staying in the Serena Zanzibar is worth every penny. The attentive nature of all the staff makes it very relaxing and luxurious. The grounds are beautiful with the most stunning views of the sea. You can easily reach anywhere in Town from the Serena and go for walks on the beach as the hotel is directly on the sea.

I loved absolutely everything about this property.

Cleanliness and good location in Stone Town Zanzibar. And the staff was friendly.

Rom key non-magnetic, no iron, TV not connected to the network even national network 🇹🇿, at least 1 power outlet didn’t work, breakfast not very varied (not very rich in variety) and every night, they disinfected the rooms against mosquitoes, while there are other mechanisms to do this in hotels 🏨

the entire property held onto a unique cultural vibe of the many influences of Zanzibar while at the same time having all the modern amenities of a nice clean, professionally run luxury hotel anywhere in the world. All the negative comments in the review sections are confusing because for my girlfriend and I at least, our stay was perfect! Being able to check in early for our stay and having the option to leave our bags in the hotel the day of checkout to explore stone town while we waited for our taxi was so convenient. The staff we encountered where all extremely friendly and professional! :)

if I had to be picky it’d be the tv & it’s selection are poor but your in Zanzibar my friend, go walk the town or enjoy the beach!

It’s a rare occasion to stay at a hotel that is so breathtaking that you have to take a moment to process the sheer beauty you are surrounded by. What an exquisite hotel. I will definitely return. This is a once in a lifetime experience.

I loved the staff, the friendliest and kindest staff that will go above and beyond to provide the highest levels of service. Rooms with large balconies are incredible. The views are unsurpassed.

The location is superb. Nestled in the Stone Town, perched over the ocean. Waves break at your feed. It's looking west so the sunset is phenomenal. It's the best located hotel in all of Zanzibar.

Nothing. It's one of the most elegant, classical, traditional hotels I've stayed in (and I've stayed in thousands of hotels). If the Serena Zanzibar were in my country (Spain), I'd go every other weekend.

excellent choices beautiful beach very good service LOVED the view from my room. Chriss at the front desk was helpful in finding me Dr Juma to attend to my toe injury. Thank you, Chriss.

There was a slight level up from the outside porch into the bedroom onto which I tripped injuring my toe, which affected my ability to tour Stonetown. It should be fixed.