Serena Inn

The Serena Inn is idyllically situated on the sea front of ancient Stone Town, with the waters of the Zanzibar channel lapping right up to its walls.

The two buildings that make up the "colonial style" hotel have been completely restored and lavishly embellished internally with a collection of antique clocks, crystal chandeliers, fretwork screens, carved staircases, Persian rugs and brass-studded doors. 

Each of the 51 bedrooms is cool, white and constructed to the traditional design of a Swahili house, with Zanzibar beds, air-conditioning, en suite bathrooms and a private balcony, - all the facilities you would expect from an international style chain of hotels.

At the centre of the hotel is the swimming pool which is a great place to cool off when you've spent some time walking around the town.  In an open-plan area behind the pool is the "Mdele" coffee shop and hotel curio shop where you put your feet up and enjoy a drink, afternoon tea and cake.

The main building and bedrooms circle around the pool on one side whilst on the other is the "Masahani" Bar and main "Baharia" restaurant.  There is also the exclusive seafood restaurant which is open for dinner and which has a roof-top location with views over the Zanzibar channel.  The food throughout the hotel is of a high standard but also quite a lot more expensive than the local restaurants and markets.

The Serena Inn is regarded as the best hotel in town and is a haven of tranquillity away from the hustle and bustle of Stone Town.  Quite large and expensive though.