Zanzibar’s best hotels split between the lively northern beaches of Nungwi and Kendwa, the calm east coast (Paje, Jambiani), and historic Stone Town. Below we compare the highest-rated stays for every budget — prices are pulled live from booking sites, so you always see the real lowest rate.
All hotelsCheapestBest ratedLuxury 5★BeachfrontAll-inclusiveNear Stone TownFree cancellation
Each part of Zanzibar has its own vibe — pick the base that matches your trip.
Nungwi
Lively north, white sand, sunset bars and dive centres.
42 hotels · from $58
Kendwa
Quieter beaches next door, no tide — best for swimming.
28 hotels · from $74
Stone Town
Historic UNESCO old town, culture, spice markets, riads.
61 hotels · from $40
Paje & Jambiani
East coast, turquoise lagoon, kitesurfing, laid-back.
53 hotels · from $36
Hotels by budget
Cheap
Under $80 / night
Guesthouses & 3★ beach hotels
Paje by Night$72
Jambiani Villas$54
Demani Lodge$48
Mid-range
$80–250 / night
4★ beachfront & boutique
The Z Hotel$190
Emerson Spice$160
Sunshine Marine Lodge$140
Luxury
$250+ / night
5★ resorts & private villas
Zuri Zanzibar$420
Park Hyatt$380
Meliá Zanzibar$310
Things to do in Zanzibar
All experiences
Top-rated tours & activities, bookable in seconds.
Stone Town walking tour
from $25 4.8
Sunset dhow cruise
from $40 4.9
Spice farm half-day tour
from $20 4.7
Safari Blue full day
from $60 4.9
Experiences powered by Tiqets · book now, pay nothing extra
Zanzibar hotels — FAQ
What’s the best area to stay in Zanzibar?
For beaches and nightlife, choose Nungwi or Kendwa in the north. For culture, stay in Stone Town. For a quiet lagoon and kitesurfing, the east coast (Paje, Jambiani) is ideal.
How much does a hotel in Zanzibar cost?
Guesthouses start around $36–60 per night, comfortable 4★ beachfront hotels run $120–250, and 5★ resorts begin near $300. The island-wide average is about $96 per night.
When is the best time to visit Zanzibar?
The dry season from June to October offers the best weather, with a second sunny window in January–February. Prices peak in July–August and over the December holidays.
SJ
Written & researched bySébastien JoumelEntrepreneur and travel enthusiast · founder of Hotels4Travelers
I personally research the destinations we cover — comparing prices, reading reviews and digging into neighbourhoods — to help you travel smarter, off the beaten track.
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