Emerson Spice Hotel is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Our lovingly restored Swahili mansion hosts twelve unique rooms, all individually designed and decorated.
All rooms offer framed views of the surrounding buildings; with nothing to filter the sights and sounds of local life you feel properly immersed.
We also host two renowned restaurants; our roof top Tea House Restaurant with amazing views of Stone Town. Then the magical first floor Secret Garden Restaurant, where guests relax in the ancient surroundings and soon forget the bustling narrow streets of the town.
The Emerson Spice Swahili Mansion was originally built and owned by Mohammed bin Ahmed el Alawi, the Mwinyi Mkuu and last Swahili ruler of Zanzibar from 1845 until his death in 1865.
He built the oldest portion of our mansion which is the northeast wing. This wing of the mansion reflects classic Swahili-Arab architecture with high timbered ceilings and arched walls.
Following the Sultans death the mansion was from 1873 owned by Tharia Topan, a wealthy Ismaili customs master, businessman, and spice trader who served as a principal advisor to the Omani Sultan. Topan built additional structures and added a distinct Indian Swahili architectural influence, including intricately carved latticed balconies and courtyard spaces.
After the building was appropriated during the 1964 revolution, it passed into the hands of Mr. Sharbaidi who leased it to Mr. Sharali Champsi that opened the original Spice Inn in 1980.
The Spice Inn was one of the first hotels in Zanzibar after the revolution and one of the few existing when our founder Emerson Dewey Skeens, a flamboyant American expatriate, opera lover, and pioneer of boutique hospitality in Zanzibar, acquired the buildings in 2006.
By then our historic structure had fallen into severe dereliction, Emerson Dewey Skeens meticulously restored and combined the three crumbling buildings into the unique twelve room mansion featuring two restaurants that our hotel is today.
Our current shareholders are dedicated to keeping Emerson Dewey Skeens` vision for this opulent Swahili mansion alive, preserving World Heritage and the vibrant, colorful Swahili culture we live and thrive in.
FAQ
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Le Kappa Senses Zanzibar est situé à Pwani Mchangani, au nord-est de Zanzibar, directement sur une plage de sable blanc immaculée donnant sur l'océan Indien. Ce complexe hôtelier se trouve à environ 45 minutes de l'aéroport international Abeid Amani Karume (ZNZ) et permet d'accéder facilement à Stone Town, à l'atoll de Mnemba et à d'autres sites touristiques majeurs.
Le Kappa Senses Zanzibar propose des chambres contemporaines et spacieuses, notamment les chambres Prestige Jardin et les chambres Vue Mer, conçues dans un esprit de confort moderne et d'élégance côtière. Certaines chambres offrent une vue directe sur la mer, tandis que d'autres sont entourées de jardins tropicaux luxuriants.
Ce complexe hôtelier propose une grande piscine, un accès direct à la plage, plusieurs restaurants et bars dont un lounge sur le toit, un centre de bien-être et spa, des activités nautiques et des excursions insulaires sur mesure. Son cadre est idéal pour les couples, les familles et les groupes en quête d'une escapade élégante en bord de mer.
Zanzibar est une destination idéale toute l'année. La meilleure période pour profiter du climat est généralement de juin à octobre et de décembre à mars, avec des températures agréables, de faibles précipitations et des plages magnifiques. Le complexe hôtelier est parfaitement situé pour profiter du climat tropical de Zanzibar tout au long de l'année.
Les voyageurs se rendant à Zanzibar ne sont généralement pas tenus de présenter de vaccination spécifique, sauf s'ils arrivent d'un pays où la fièvre jaune est endémique. Dans ce cas, un certificat de vaccination contre la fièvre jaune peut être exigé. Il est toujours recommandé de consulter votre médecin ou un centre de vaccination avant votre départ afin d'obtenir les informations les plus récentes.
EXCELLENT
Based on 574 reviews
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Nicole DunawayTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Truly exceptional stay - the most beautiful hotel I've experienced in years! Emerson Spice was an absolute highlight of our time in Zanzibar. The rooms are the most beautiful we've stayed in anywhere, each one individually personalised and completely different from the next, generously sized, and furnished with real taste in local sultanate style. The colours throughout, on both the walls and floors, were stunning. The bathrooms and balconies were perfect in every detail. The rooftop terrace is simply incredible - such a special spot to spend an evening. What made the stay even more memorable was the service. The manager went above and beyond, letting us keep our room for a late check-out until 6pm at no extra cost - a small gesture that made a huge difference to my day. Every member of staff was warm, welcoming, and genuinely helpful throughout our stay. It was also in a perfect location, right in the hear of Stonetown. We're already hoping to go back. Cannot recommend Emerson Spice highly enough.Posted on Google![]()
Ahn Weema-WehTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
A must do experience when in Stone Town. It is more than a hotel, it's a destination. Russell and his team are a delight with many extra services offered that are not overpriced. This is our number one choice in ZanzibarPosted on Google![]()
Maha AlbaghliTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
It was living in a fairy tale. I loved the interior design, the vintage furniture, the friendly staff & the gorgeous rooftop restaurant.Posted on Google![]()
FedericoTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Wonderful and stunning hotel the rooms are amazing with a outside tub and a inside one as well as the twin beds were big and spacious the staff is very kind and helpful. Ended up having to leave early to catch a flight so didn’t get to eat any of the food. Very pleased with my stay here highly recommend if you’re in the area. It is very high quality for the area you’re in.Posted on Google![]()
Lina TTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Everything about my stay at the Emerson Spice hotel was simply magical. I stayed in the room called “Violetta” and it was a breathtaking room. Everything was top notch from the friendly staff to the location of the hotel itself. I’d totally recommend this hotel to anyone planning to visit Stone Town P. S. Don’t miss the chance to see the sunset from the roof topPosted on Google![]()
Paul TellwrightTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Lunch at the tea house, new fantastic menu, extremely well presented and colourful, one of the best (beef) humps of my lifePosted on Google![]()
James PorterTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
We had a fantastic 2-night stay at Emerson Spice for our honeymoon. We wanted to explore Stone Town for a couple days, and this was the perfect location to start from. All the staff are fantastic and friendly, and Russell is a brilliant host. The Secret Garden is also an outstanding spot for lunch or dinner (or both as we did), would highly recommend.Verified by TrustindexTrustindex verified badge is the Universal Symbol of Trust. Only the greatest companies can get the verified badge who has a review score above 4.5, based on customer reviews over the past 12 months. Read more