The Serena Inn is a large hotel (by Stone Town standards) that occupies two 18th-century buildings on Stone Town’s busy waterfront, the historic heart of the town. It is part of the Serena hotel group, a chain with hotels throughout East Africa. As such, it has something of the feel and atmosphere—and the amenities—of a chain resort. That said, the designers of Serena Inn have generally done a good job of converting these Stone Town buildings into a modern hotel without sacrificing too much of their original charm and character.
The Serena Inn has one of the best locations of any hotel in Stone Town. It is located right on the waterfront, close to Stone Town’s popular night market and other attractions. The buildings it occupies date to the 18th-century—one was a merchant’s home, the other the British colonial office of telecommunications. In order to create the 51-room hotel that is the Serena Inn, these buildings have been thoroughly transformed, though the conversion has been done with a degree of sensitivity to the age of the buildings, and they still retain many original features.
The Serena Inn boasts a wealth of amenities, including a selection of restaurants, bar, café and curio shop. It features a fabulous swimming pool enclosed within the two “wings” of the hotel, overlooking the ocean.
The Serena Inn combines well with sister resort Mangapwani Serena Beach Club, a beach resort on the north-western coast of Zanzibar. There are often good deals available on packages combining the two. Ask us for more information.
Accommodation
There are 51 rooms at the Serena Inn, divided into three categories: Standard, Prime and Suites. All of them are attractively furnished with Swahili beds and vibrant fabrics, and enjoy a private balcony with a view of the pool and, beyond it, the ocean. They feature the expected modern amenities—air-con, television, Wi-Fi—and full en-suite facilities.
Dining
Serena Inn's main restaurant is located on the waterfront, and features a menu rich in freshly prepared seafood and Zanzibar spices.
Central Stone Town’s many restaurants and food stalls are a short walk away.
Facilities
- Swimming pool
- Restaurant
- Lounge and bar
- Spa
Activities
- Cultural tour of Stone Town
- Spice tour
- Evening performances
Child Policy
Children of all ages are welcome and stay at reduced rates. Cots can be provided on request.
