We only ate at the roof-top restaurant here so cannot comment on the rooms etc but the food and service was truly excellent. A great place to watch the sunset over Stone Town and enjoy a cocktail before a great meal. Probably the best service I've had in Africa!

The location of this charming building is great, so is the rooftop terrace (with a small swimming pool, more an open air bath tube). We could already spot the rooftop terrace from the air. The food is rather pricy for local standards though. The rooms were not very well maintained, the showers of our rooms didn’t work properly. The lack... More

I read number of reviews which caused me to upgrade to a grand suite for an extra $80 for my three night stay and did not regret my decision. The separate ensuite was great, big and spacious. I looked in a couple of other rooms and did notice that one did have a toilet positioned in the open in direct... More

Very authentic hotel in the heart of stone city, clean spacious room, with very professional service. We celebrated our anniversary there and the staff did their best to make it so cheerful and pleasant. Definitely we will go back again

A great location steps away from the Spice market, the Swahili House is nothing if not authentic. Don't expect luxury here, rather revel in the history of the place. Once the house of a wealthy trader, the presence of former residents are evident round every corner. The service is slow and sleepy, the food is dreadful, but you can overlook... More

We are just checking out of here, having spent two nights in Stone Town, our first place on our 12 night first time trip to Tanzania. Swahili House is right in the middle of bustling Stone Town, down a tiny street so don't be alarmed when your taxi or transfer stops in the busy small market place and your bags... More

I stayed twice at The Swahili House, formerly The International Hotel, near the main markets off Creek Road. Like many hotels in Stone Town it has steep stairs and no lift, but lots of historical charm. The restaurant is on the fifth floor, and has great views. It is located down a narrow alley, inaccesible by car or taxi, which... More

Great concept, poor execution. Stayed here only for one night. Probably there are much better options in Stonetown. After passing the kind and funny woman at the reception, you'd probably be disappointed. Not by the building itself, nor by the rooms, which have a lot of charm. Also not by the mosques, that will probably wake you at 5 a.m.,... More

We stayed at this hotel for two nights in August 2012. The hotel is in an ancient and beautiful Indian flat near the Stone Town market but... well read below! While checking in the management told us we had a bed and breakfast treatment. We showed our voucher where it was written half board and we asked to call our... More