Zanzibar is really not a cheap or budget travel destination.
Of course, you can do a trip to Zanzibar on a budget, but it may not be comfortable.
I don’t like to compromise on comfort when I travel, even when I’m staying to be mindful of my spending, so I haven’t stayed in many cheaper/budget hotels in Zanzibar.
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links that may earn me a small commission should you decide to click through and make a purchase (at no extra cost to you!). Thank you for your support, it allows me to continue to put out free content like this for you!
But I did try this one out for $30 a night, and made a video to show you what you will get for that value. What the video doesn’t show is the noise level at night with people partying, talking right outside my window; the lack of amenities and service at this property (think dirt instead of plants everywhere, they served a mediocre breakfast but no other food) - I don’t even think they provided bottled water. Some of these spots might not have security either, and although Zanzibar is generally safe, I wouldn’t take the chance staying somewhere not secure.
Video from Papaya Guest House, Nungwi
I have also stayed in some hotels that I found to have high service standards, quality amenities, dining, and aesthetic for vacay photos - for under $300 USD a night, which I think is crazy value for what you’re getting at these properties.
Expand to read my thoughts on why Zanzibar isn't considered a cheap or "budget" travel destination!
Some of my absolute favourite stays have been in hotels that aren’t considered 5 star, but I believe to be even better. Boutique properties with personalized service, super kind and friendly staff, attention to detail and high quality food - what more could you ask for!
Keep reading to learn more about these hotels, and book your stay!
Zanbluu is a boutique property located just in between Kiwengwa and Pongwe.
It’s a stunning view as soon as you walk in the lobby, with a view of their unique designed pool and ocean all together.
They have super cute ocean front villas, that are private and comfortable, with small plunge pools to cool off.
They have one restaurant up by the lobby, and a beach bar down by the pool. It’s a boutique paradise and one of my favourite hotels in Zanzibar.
Be Zanzibar is a brand new hotel in Jambiani.
It’s designed unlike any other property in Zanzibar, giving a full tropical boho vibe like you’d find in Bali or Tulum. Every detail has been well thought out and placed.
From the second you walk in you’ll be mesmerized by the insanely cool palm tree they have in the lobby, and you’ll see the beautiful blue colours of the ocean.
The best part about this hotel - its starting at $135 USD per night!!!
Be Zanzibar has a beautiful design, with different style of garden suites. Some have indoor bathtubs, outdoor bathtubs, or small outdoor pools. They also have ocean view suites.
They have a stunning infinity pool, steps down the beach where you can swim or do water-sports during high tide, or walk along the coast at low tide. They offer hammocks, different lounge chair options, and equipment like clear kayaks and floating water bikes.
Be Zanzibar has a small restaurant serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. Their menu rotates with fresh seafood and vegetarian options.
They’re not serving alcohol yet, but allowing you to BYOB at no extra cost.
The owners are super kind, welcoming, and chill.
Everyone is welcome for the day to Be Zanzibar or for a meal, with no entry fee or minimum spend.
I’m just so obsessed with these trees and their logo.
They are adding more every day so stay tuned for updates on this amazing property!
Baladin is a very special property I can’t stop raving about.
Located in Michamvi-Pingwe, it’s a quieter stretch of beach, but one that’s beautiful and you can walk for hours. The hotel itself is so aesthetic, mixing decorating styles of Bali, Greece, and Switzerland. They have the cutest a-frame bungalows, with open air bathrooms and loft bedrooms. They have a small pool (which is actually shaped like an eye, like their logo - if you see from an aerial view!) And many spots to lounge by the beach.
Although boutique and a bit more rustic, there's something magical about this hotel and the area that it's in.
The food is an Italian menu, and its just amazing. Baladin is also a larger brand that has their own brewery, so you can try their craft beers (even on draft, which is rare for Zanzibar!), ciders, sodas and more.
White Paradise is one of my almost daily go to spots since I'm living in the East right now. They have an amazing pool, great internet for working online, and delicious food and cocktails. The staff are probably the best part about the property, giving such personalized and friendly service at all times.
Recently they opened a jetty and bar called Sasa, which serves tapas paired with wine tasting a few nights a week. The tapas here are some of the best food on the island, trust me. (I made a little video on it here, but usually post to my personal stories when I go for tapas at least once a week hehe).
You can use the jetty during the day to tan and have cocktails, and even swim in their lagoon - which is one of the most unique concepts I’ve ever seen - a pool that allows you to swim in sea water even during low tide! Since they don't technically have a beach - its quite rocky and not swimmable, even during high tide - this is super cool for guests to be able to use.
Photos taken by Michael Dzikowski
Their rooms are villa style and so much bigger than you can imagine, with amazing amenities, mini bar and private garden space. They have a view larger villas with private pools and bathtubs as well.
Zanzibella is a lovely beachfront property in Kiwengwa.
The rooms are very spacious, and most importantly very clean. Each room has a balcony and they’re huge! With two lounge chairs and a table to sit and work or eat at.
The room has a small kitchenette and living space even.
Prices per night start at $135 USD during low season.
The restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner and you can order to the pool, beach, or your room (room service fee is $10). The breakfast buffet had a bit of everything, and even though its a buffet, everything was fresh and so good!
My favourites for lunch and dinner were the barbecue chicken salad and spaghetti bolognese.
They offer entertainment a few nights a week during dinner, like local dancers and local Maasai shows.
Theres multiple lounge areas - by the pool, on the beach, including hammocks, swings, and more.
The beach of Zanzibella is located at the end of the Kiwengwa stretch, so if you want to walk along the beach for a while you can; but its blocked off on the other side you get a bit of a quieter vibe.
Zanzibella has a brand new gym and spa, with state of the art technology like a roll shaper, vacu-shaper, electro-stimulation and more!
You have access to the regular gym equipment during your stay, but the Studio Figura high tech machines are extra.
Nungwi Dreams is my favourite go-to spot in Nungwi. After living here so long, I am really tired of the beach boys and chaos of Nungwi, but Nungwi Dreams is around the corner and away from allll of that.
This is definitely a quiet, luxury stay, with modern rooms, incredible welcoming staff, and delicious food. They have two infinity pools looking over the ocean, a poolside restaurant and bar, an upstairs restaurant, and SkyBar - a rooftop bar where you can watch the sunset, have snacks and drinks, and even movie nights!
The quality and standards are so high at Nungwi Dreams I’m still shocked by the price per night.
Passion Boutique Hotel is a hidden gem in Jambiani. A bit quieter than the close by hot-spot Paje, Jambiani has a gorgeous stretch of beach and different vibe to it.
Passion Boutique Hotel is adults only, they are right on the beach, with a pool, restaurant, beach lounge area, gardens and rooftop. The rooms are spacious, comfortable and designed aesthetically. I especially loved that there were dozens of books throughout the hotel left by past travellers that you can pick up and read, or swap with one of your own.
Again, there are over 700 hotels on the island, so there are definitely more within this price range - but I am only showing you hotels that I have physically stayed in, otherwise I wouldn’t feel right recommending them!
I use Booking.com to book all my hotels. After a few bookings, I gained Genius status so I now get 10%-20% extra off my nightly stays!! You can filter for properties that don't require pre-payment or a credit card hold as well, and they have flexible cancellation options.
Check out my other guides on specific areas of Zanzibar!
Stone Town - Central Zanzibar City | Kiwengwa - East Zanzibar | Nungwi - North Zanzibar | Jambiani - South Zanzibar
And don't miss....
Comments