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Stone Town, Zanzibar, Tanzania

Beyt Al Chai

We like Beyt al Chai for its central location in Stone Town, especially being on well lit streets at night! Each of the six rooms are individually decorated in traditional Zanzibari style. Simple and nice. The smallest rooms, the Prince Rooms, are very small, so recommended for individual travelers only.

It is missing the rooftop restaurant that 236 Hurumzi has, so it is usually our second recommendation.

 — Mango's view

Beyt Al Chai, also known as the Stone Town Inn, is ideally located on the famous Kelele Square in Stone Town, benefiting from the shade of the ancient trees and the serenity of the Indian Ocean. Beyt Al Chai is the perfect place to relax and enjoy the delights that Zanzibar has to offer.

Walking the many nearby restaurants in the balmy evenings is an enchanting and safe way to take in the star studded skies and the candlelit streets of ancient Stone Town.

Each of the fully en-suite rooms and suites are unique. No detail has been overlooked. Rich brightly colored organza and silk curtains billow on the breeze around genuine antiques dating back to the days of the Sultan. Every room is air conditioned, but if you want to open the window and enjoy the late night call of the Muezzin, there is also a ceiling fan.

The cuisine will continue your immersion in local customs. The hotel prepares a sumptuous breakfast of local pastries, fresh tropical fruits, and fresh coconut juice. Full English and American breakfast is also available. Breakfast is served in the courtyard where the sun shimmers through a roof of palm tree branches and the gentle waterfall of the fountain murmurs in the background.

The dedicated staff will arrange all your day trips and excursions around the island. With only six rooms, each guest is special. The staff strives to meet every wish or need.

From here, you can explore and photograph the harbor, mosques and narrow streets of this UNESCO World Heritage site. Zanzibar was for years the center of an ancient trading empire with vessels coming from as far as Persia, India and China. Among the many interesting sites of Stone Town are the Palace Museum, the Old Fort, the Slave market, the House of Wonders and the Hamamni Baths.

An optional excursion is a Spice Tour to the many plantations to learn about the history of the island and its cultivation of spice plants. One fun option is an evening of Swahili magic at 236 Hurumzis famous rooftop restaurant. Local musicians play, the trade winds blow and the food is incredible. You will find that there are simply too many choices for you to choose from.

Includes: Bed & breakfast