Full of Zanzibari charm and rich history, the Emerson on Hurumzi boutique hotel is an absolute must stay in historic Stone Town, Zanzibar. I’m tempted to not even call it a hotel stay, but a hotel experience, and a magical one at that.
One of two Emerson hotels in Stone Town, Emerson on Hurumzi is the perfect hotel option for those who enjoy a unique boutique hotel experience amidst old-world historic charm. (Though you can’t go wrong with the newer, more modern sister hotel Emerson Spice Hotel either!)
We kicked off our seven-night Zanzibar trip by spending two nights in historic Stone Town in the Instagram-worthy North Room at the Emerson on Hurumzi hotel.
Keep reading to learn more about our experience at Stone Town’s most magical hotel.
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Table of Contents
Arriving at Emerson on Hurumzi
Built as a personal residence in the 1870s by a wealthy Zanzibari merchant, the Emerson on Hurumzi hotel was lovingly restored as a boutique hotel in 2014.
The second-tallest building in Stone Town, the hotel is set in a prime location, just a short walk to the beach, cultural attractions, and the famous Foradahni Square.
We booked our stay directly through the hotel and arranged airport transportation with them by email. A representative of the hotel was waiting for us at the airport exit and drove us to Stone Town. Since Stone Town is not accessible by vehicles, the driver escorted us on foot for the two minute or so walk to the hotel. All of this cost a very reasonable $20 USD.
I highly recommend a daytime arrival if possible, so you don’t miss out on the magic of arriving in Stone Town and at your room at Emerson. However, for those with evening flights, know we felt very safe on our escorted journey to the hotel. The hotel was also very helpful in accommodating a late night check-in, though you do need to arrange this in advance.
Check Rates: Direct | TripAdvisor | Booking | Agoda
Note: It took us over an hour in customs, and we even were in the fast line thanks to applying for our visa online in advance! Take this into consideration when planning your transportation.
Emerson on Hurumzi Lobby
The Emerson on Hurmuzi’s entrance lobby has so much charm and history within its walls. Here you’ll find a sitting room with a number of Zanzibar art pieces, sculptures, textiles, and furniture pieces. It almost feels like you have stepped into a museum rather than a hotel.
Beyond the front sitting area of the lobby is the main staircase as well as the check-in desk. The staff member manning the desk will assist you with check in, bringing you bags to your room, and giving you information about your stay. The staff is more than happy to help you with anything you need, such as booking reservations or transportation.
It is important to note that due to its historical design, Emerson on Hurmuzi is not accessible to those who have difficulty with stairs. There is no elevator, and the staircase is extremely steep. Your room will require a climb to the second and third floors. The climb to our third floor room was quite challenging for us, but well worth it.
Emerson on Hurumzi Common Areas
There are so many magical places in the hotel, we highly recommend grabbing your camera and spending some time exploring the property.
Both the second and third floor landings have indoor and outdoor common spaces that are perfect for photos. We also noticed that after cleanings, the staff left the doors to several unoccupied rooms open. We were able to peek in and take a few pictures in several different rooms.
From the second floor landing, you can take an outdoor bridge to cross the alley and explore more of the property. This will lead you to this beautiful outdoor space with a swing, which was one of our favorite locations in the hotel.
And from the third floor you can climb the outdoor stairs to access the Tea House, which is the highest point of the hotel. Outside of meal times, this is a great photo op location, too.
Emerson on Hurumzi Rooms
The Emerson hotel is home to nine themed rooms. Rooms feature appointed beds with mosquito netting and personal air conditioners, intricate old world decor and rich textiles, and balconies with encompassing views of Stone Town. Many of the rooms even feature open-air concept third walls with carved lattice windows and large stone bath tubs.
Every detail of the rooms at Emerson is thoughtful, from the skeleton room keys to locally produced soaps to house-made natural insect repellent. As plastic is illegal in Zanzibar, the hotel even provides glass bottles of fresh drinking water daily. Another touch is the local cell phones included with your room, so you may contact the hotel while exploring Stone Town if you need.
The room options at Emerson Hurumzi are as follows:
- Seyyed – A deep crimson and mahogany room evoking the regality of a Sultan’s palace, featuring east and west windows and an open bath tub.
- Rose – A red two bedroom, one bathroom suite located on the second floor, featuring two queen beds and views of the Stone Town square.
- Blue – A second floor suite overlooking the Stone Town square, featuring a a separate lounge and private bathroom with bath tub.
- North – A deep blue north-facing room on the third floor, North boasts views of Stone Town and the Indian Ocean from its terrace, and features an open-air lattice wall and indoor/outdoor bathtub.
- East – A bright room inspired by the colors of dawn, this third-floor room features the east-facing open lattice walls and is considered one of the best rooms for afternoon light.
- West – A jungle-inspired room of the third floor, West features hand-painted floral murals and two semi-open lattice walls opening to a plant-filled terrace.
- Zenana – A room inspired by it’s translation “of the women”, this paradise-themed interior room features a lounge with daybed balcony facing the hotel’s alley.
- Keep Suite – A massive castle-like keep with a bedroom, verandah parlor, verandah garden, and a private teahouse, this suite suite features stunning views on high from one of the highest points in Stone Town.
- Suite Tour – A private suite in the northwest corner near Hurumzi square, this suite features a private tower top retreat with stunning views as well as a private stone bath.
We stayed in the ultra-romantic North Room during our two-night stay at Emerson on Hurumzi. Full room tour coming soon!
Emerson on Hurumzi Dining & Food
Breakfast is included in your room rate, and you can opt to dine in your room or downstairs in one of the common lounge areas. We opted to enjoy breakfast on our balcony both mornings so we could enjoy the views of Stone Town from the North Room.
Breakfast consisted of fresh juice, coffee, and a fresh fruit plate to start. The main course included egg whites, toast with homemade butter and fresh honey, and a fresh Zanzibari bread that reminded us of a spongy cornbread. The food was delicious and we could tell both lovingly prepared, and lovingly served.
The Emerson on Hurumzi Rooftop Tea House and sister hotel Emerson Spice’s Rooftop Tea House are fantastic options for lunch or dinner. We would also recommend visiting the Secret Garden at Emerson Spice for a magical lunch or afternoon tea, though sadly it was closed for renovation during our visit. Keep reading below more information about our Rooftop Tea House experience,
Emerson on Hurumzi Views
The panoramic views of historic Stone Town from our balcony were stunning, and 100% worth climbing up the hotel’s steep stairs to the third floor. The patio offers rooftop views of all the buildings in Stone Town, a gorgeous mosque, as well as sea views in the distance.
You do need to be aware that if your room is near the mosque, you will hear the daily call to prayers in your room. They begin around 5AM and woke us up both nights, however, it didn’t bother us too much and we quickly went back to sleep. Pack some earplugs if you are a light sleeper.
And don’t miss climbing up to the Rooftop Tea House at the very top of the hotel. You’ll find amazing 360 degree views from the tea house, and it will be empty and available for exploring outside of meal times.
Emerson on Hurumzi Rooftop Tea House
Whether you are a guest at Emerson or just exploring Stone Town, a reservation for the Rooftop Tea House for a sunset dining experience is a must. Reservations are available for outside guests, and that is a great way to experience the hotel if you don’t plan to stay here.
There are two different tea houses – one at Emerson on Hurumzi and one at the sister hotel Emerson Spice. Emerson Spice’s tea house provides traditional dining table seating, while Emerson on Hurumzi adds the option of dining “Swahili style” on top of pillows on the ground. I highly recommend going for this option to truly experience the magic of the restaurant.
As the Tea Houses are both located at the highest points of the hotel, be prepared to climb approximately four flights of extremely steep wooden stairs. It is worth it however, once you see the sweeping views from your dinner. Also ensure you wear easy to slip off shoes, as you will need to remove them before entering the Tea House.
The cost for the dinner $40.00/person for a fixed three course menu. Wine and cocktails are also available for purchase as well. The portions are huge and incredibly flavorful. The restaurant also provides entertainment while you dine. The atmosphere is magical and you will not be disappointed by this meal.
Dinner is served at 7:00PM, but we highly recommend arriving at 6:00PM for sunset cocktails beforehand and the opportunity for a few amazing photos.
Emerson on Hurumzi Video Tour
Check out our video tour of the Emerson on Hurumzi hotel on YouTube! Make sure you subscribe to follow along with all of our adventures and more Zanzibar content.
Final Thoughts
Overall, the Emerson on Hurumzi hotel was a one-of-a-kind experience. Please don’t jump into your Zanzibar resort or beach vacation without at least one night in Stone Town! There is so much culture to see here and a stay in Stone Town at the Emerson Hotel will be unlike anything else you do on your Zanzibar vacation. Book the Emerson on Hurumzi or the Emerson Spice hotel and you won’t regret it.
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