Located in the heart of Stone Town, Upendo House offers a warm welcome with continental breakfast, designer stores on site, and dry cleaning/laundry services. Relax by the outdoor pool or indulge in spa treatments like deep-tissue massages and facials. With free WiFi, a bar and restaurant on site plus helpful staff that's always ready to lend a hand.
Upendo House Hotel is a great choice for a stay in Zanzibar Town. Guests can grab a bite to eat at the restaurant, or indulge in deep-tissue massages, aromatherapy, or mani/pedis. Other features include an outdoor pool and a bar/lounge. Fellow travelers say great things about the helpful staff.
Languages
English, Hindi, Swahili
At a glance
Hotel size
8 rooms
Arriving/Leaving
Check-in start time: 2:00 PM; Check-in end time: midnight
Contactless check-in available
Minimum check-in age: 18
Check-out time is 10:00 AM
Contactless check-out available
Late check-out subject to availability
Special check-in instructions
There is no front desk at this property
The host will greet guests on arrival
This property doesn't offer after-hours check-in
Required at check-in
Credit card required for incidental charges
Government-issued photo ID may be required
Minimum check-in age is 18
Children
No cribs (infant beds)
Pets
Pets not allowed
Internet
Free WiFi in public areas
Parking
No onsite parking
Other information
Designated smoking areas
Property amenities
Food and drink
Free continental breakfast each morning 8:00 AM–10:00 AM
Restaurant
Bar/lounge
Water dispenser
What to do
Beach nearby
Hiking/biking trails nearby
Horse riding nearby
Snorkeling nearby
Services
Concierge services
Tour/ticket assistance
Dry cleaning/laundry services
Porter/bellhop
Bicycle rentals
Beach towels
Pool loungers
Facilities
Safe-deposit box at front desk
An outdoor pool
Designer stores on site
Spa services
Room amenities
Home comfort
Air conditioning
Minibar
Coffee/tea maker
Electric kettle
Bathrobes
Sleep well
Blackout drapes/curtains
Turndown service
Bed sheets provided
What to enjoy
Individually decorated
Freshen up
Shower only
Free toiletries
Hair dryer
Towels
Toilet paper
Food and drink
Free tea bags/instant coffee
More
Daily housekeeping
In-room safe
Recycling
Special features
Spa
Guests can pamper themselves by indulging in the onsite spa services. Services include deep-tissue massages, facials, body scrubs, and manicures and pedicures. A variety of treatment therapies are provided, including aromatherapy.
Fees & policies
Refundable deposits
Deposit: USD 200 per accommodation, per stay
Optional extras
Late check-out can be arranged for an extra charge (subject to availability)
Pool, spa, & gym (if applicable)
Reservations are required for massage services and can be made by contacting the property before arrival at the number on the booking confirmation
Policies
This property does not have elevators.
This property uses eco-friendly cleaning products.
This property accepts credit cards, debit cards and cash.
Also known as
Upendo House
Upendo in Town
Upendo House Hotel Guesthouse
Upendo House Hotel Zanzibar Town
Upendo House Hotel Guesthouse Zanzibar Town
Frequently asked questions
Does Upendo House Hotel offer free cancellation for a full refund?
Yes, Upendo House Hotel does have fully refundable room rates available to book on our site. If you’ve booked a fully refundable room rate, this can be cancelled up to a few days before check-in depending on the property's cancellation policy. Just make sure to check this property's cancellation policy for the exact terms and conditions.
Is there a pool at Upendo House Hotel?
Yes, there's an outdoor pool.
Are pets allowed at Upendo House Hotel?
Sorry, pets aren't allowed.
Is parking offered on site at Upendo House Hotel?
Sorry, there's no onsite parking at Upendo House Hotel.
What are the check-in and check-out times at Upendo House Hotel?
Check-in start time: 2:00 PM; Check-in end time: midnight. Check-out time is 10:00 AM. Late check-out is available for a charge (subject to availability). Contactless check-in and check-out are available.
What is there to do at Upendo House Hotel and nearby?
Have fun with nearby activities like hiking, horseback riding, and snorkeling. Enjoy a swim in the outdoor pool or use the guesthouse's other amenities, which include spa services.
Are there restaurants at or near Upendo House Hotel?
Yes, there's an onsite restaurant.
What's the area around Upendo House Hotel like?
Upendo House Hotel is a short 1-minute walk from House of Wonders and 4 minutes' walk from Old Fort.
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Upendo House Hotel Reviews
Reviews
9.2
Wonderful
All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travelers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.More informationOpens in a new window
9.8/10
Cleanliness
9.6/10
Staff & service
9.4/10
Amenities
9.4/10
Property conditions & facilities
9.4/10
Eco-friendliness
Reviews
10/10 Exceptional
Jan 18, 2025
Perfect hotel for a short stay in Stone Town
Stayed for 2 nights and the hotel was perfect. Very close to all the main things to see and to the coastline. Amazing rooftop pool and bar area. Food was delicious!
Isabelle
Isabelle, 2-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
Jan 27, 2025
Charm and comfort in the heart of Stone Townn
What a wonderful stay - the room was comfortable and chic with strong AC, a comfort bed, and a nice bathroom. The rooftop bar and pool were lovely with amazing views of the ocean. Benjamin and the other staff were extremely helpful and friendly. The location was great - right in the heart of Stone Town. I highly recommend it!
Verified traveler
2-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
Aug 16, 2024
Perfect location, near everything in stone town and beautiful sunsets at the rooftop pool and bar. Food was espectacular!
Marcy
Marcy, 2-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
Jul 9, 2024
Enthralling
We had an amazing time! Excellent service, staff and stunning views from rooftop!
Verified traveler
2-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
Jun 29, 2023
Great hotel in stone town
Great location close to the water, shops, and restaurants. Cute boutique hotel with AC, hot water, great service, and an excellent restaurant with a gorgeous view!
Verified traveler
2-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
Feb 16, 2023
The property was in a great location. Beautiful boutique hotel. The staff were also very friendly.
Jeanette
Jeanette, 2-night trip
8/10 Very good
Aug 10, 2024
Great hotel. But staff might send what you think are gratuities and then try to charge you for them.
Peter
Peter, 2-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
Mar 5, 2023
Great location to explore Stone Town and an awesome rooftop pool and bar area. Very friendly and helpful staff. Good food from the on-site restaurant.
Karl
Karl, 2-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
Jan 6, 2024
Absolute best
Naurin
Naurin, 3-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
Dec 13, 2023
Love upendo house. Would book again
Claudina fernandes
10/10 Exceptional
Feb 22, 2024
Excellent Stay!
Excellent stay! I love the staff and the rooms were comfortable and clean. Enjoyed the rooftop pool and restaurant. Centrally located in stone town. The only improvement would be to eliminate the occasional unwanted crawling critter. Otherwise a perfect stay.
Kamau
Kamau, 2-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
Apr 22, 2024
Service on point!!!
I wish I could give this hotel 6 Stars for service, friendliest hotel staff I’ve ever encounter so far.
Once again Service is best of the best!!
Jayson
Jayson, 3-night trip
8/10 Very good
Dec 23, 2023
Good hotel if staying in Stone Town. Reception staff, especially Benjamin, was very helpful upon arrival, booking taxis and restaurant reservations.
Pool is nice and breakfast was good as well.
Would say prices in the shop were more like London and Paris prices, so stayed away from that, which is unfortunate as they have some nice bits.
Jack
Jack, 2-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
Apr 21, 2024
Love this place
This hotel is located in a great location and is super cute! The rooftop bar/pool/restaurant is really nice and the breakfast is fabulous!! We loved everything we had. The view from the pool is very nice and hip! The boutique in the hotel had very nice high end clothing and other neat stuff. The rooms are small but very nicely done and great bathroom amenities. I would stay here again for sure and I’m kind of a hotel snob but Upendo is super cute and decorated nicely
Jennifer Cristin
Jennifer Cristin, 2-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
Dec 6, 2024
Thank you Upendo Staff
The view from the rooftop pool and the location of the hotel is amazing. Every single staff person I came in contact with at Upendo provided exceptional customer service. By the end of my one week stay, the staff felt like family. I was so sad to leave. I was so well taken care of. Kassim crafted the most delicious and beautiful cocktails. Lydia and Abella provided warm service with a smile during meals in The 5th Restaurant. Benjamin arranged all my excursions, taxi and overall concierge services. Rita and Krishna greeted us daily and made sure everything was going well. It was also great being able to spend time at the Upendo Beach house location. We met other travelers during cocktail hour on the rooftop. Zanzibar is a beautiful place but the staff here made my trip!
Nydia
Nydia, 6-night trip
6/10 Good
Jun 28, 2024
Was on the first floor, streets were extremely noisy till very early on in the morning. Music & noise. No lift but staff did help with bags. Staff were extremely friendly and helpful. Bathroom is a wet room so whole floor is soaked.
Food & cocktails were nice.
Verified traveler
2-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
Sep 30, 2022
My friends stayed at Park Hyatt for $525 a night. They wished they had my experience.
David
David, 2-night trip
6/10 Good
Jul 30, 2024
The rooms are clean and the shower is amazing. The restaurant is also really nice. The only downside was the noise. We were on the first floor (one above ground level) and it was so loud from the street. We could hear phones ringing from the street below and everyone’s conversations, yelling, and music from a nearby restaurant. It kept us up at night. Other than that, it was really clean, the rooftop bar and pool were really nice and the staff was super friendly.
Emma
Emma, 2-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
Oct 16, 2023
Recommended stonetown stay
Comfortable stay, great shower, perfect location which is a stone throw from forodhani market, great views, great food and accomodating staff (special shout out to Benjamin who sorted out my travel needs and to the security man).
The only feedback would be, please install a wardrobe to hang clothes and install a small shelf right next to the shower so that guests can easily reach their shower gel and sponge when having a shower.
Opubo
Opubo, 3-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
Nov 23, 2023
I stayed at Upendo House for a week while in town for a conference. The room was very chic, comfortable for my week in Stone Town, and all the staff were very helpful and accommodating. While Stone Town is small and nothing is very far, Upendo House was very close to everything and easy to navigate to. The rooftop was beautiful with some of the best views I saw while in Stone Town. On my last day I had a deep tissue massage which was excellent and relaxing, much needed after my week of work!
CLEO
CLEO, 7-night trip
8/10 Very good
Nov 8, 2022
We were greeted with a smile each day and the staff went out of their way to make us feel at home and comfortable. We arrived very early and they were kind enough to get us into teh room prior to check in. Only complaint was the water cut out briefly while showering on occasion as we were on the 3rd floor and teh plumbing is a bit dated. Wonderful rooftop restaurant with great food and drinks. We also enjoyed the rooftop pool although it was a little chilly. Hotel is close to everything and we felt very safe.
Mary
8/10 Very good
Feb 6, 2024
My room was very comfortable, if a bit overpriced. Unfortuately my view out the window was an alley of rusted roofs and infrastructure - this was #203 - more like a very comfortable cell. The electricity went out in the middle of the night making it very hot. However, the rest of the hotel was pleasant, the upper floors are surely preferable, but you must be able to walk up.. lll in all a good, safe location and nice staff. I wish they would have either put me in a better room or charged me less.