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Summary of reviewsUpendo House Hotel Zanzibar, situated in the heart of Stone Town, offers a prime location ideal for exploring the vibrant cultural landscape of this UNESCO World Heritage site. Guests appreciate the hotel's accessibility to local attractions, restaurants, and shopping areas, as well as its proximity to the harbor for convenient excursions. The beautifully designed interior combines modern comforts with traditional charm, highlighted by a remarkable rooftop terrace offering panoramic views of Stone Town. Here, guests can relax by the pool or at the bar, enjoying a tranquil atmosphere above the lively city streets. The hotel's ambiance is further enhanced by its friendly and attentive staff, who consistently go above and beyond to ensure a pleasant stay.
The breakfast at Upendo House receives high praise, with its fresh, made-to-order selections served on the picturesque rooftop terrace. While occasional service delays and limited gluten-free options are noted, the hearty and varied breakfast options leave a lasting impression. Dinner is similarly lauded, with the rooftop restaurant offering an extensive and flavorful menu that many guests describe as the best on the island. The chef's skill is particularly evident in the exceptional meat dishes, and the dining experience is complemented by a well-chosen selection of wines.
Accommodations at Upendo House are described as clean and stylish, though some guests find the rooms small due to the compact layout of Stone Town. Despite this, the rooms are well-appointed with modern amenities, and the superior rooms offer a touch of luxury and spaciousness. Cleanliness is a consistent highlight, with well-maintained spaces contributing to the overall positive impression of the hotel.
The staff at Upendo House are frequently commended for their warmth, professionalism, and dedication to guest satisfaction, often accommodating unique requests and ensuring a supportive environment. While Wi-Fi connectivity can be sporadic, this is a common issue in Stone Town and does not detract significantly from the overall experience.
The rooftop pool is a standout feature, providing stunning views and a delightful setting enhanced by attentive service. Although smaller than expected, it adds charm to the terrace space. Beds are generally comfortable, though some guests find the mattresses too firm, which may affect sleep quality for those preferring softer beds. Nonetheless, the overall comfort of the rooms and the welcoming staff contribute to a memorable stay for visitors to Upendo House Hotel Zanzibar. Show more
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Categories
Hotel Taking Steps Towards Sustainability
Upendo House Hotel Zanzibar is part of a brand that believes in creating sustainable community solutions and investing in the island while keeping its authenticity. Their vision is to live harmoniously with local communities and the environment.
Hotel with Swimming Pool
Features a seasonal outdoor swimming pool. Centrally located, offering easy access to local attractions.
Outdoor Pool
Small Hotel
Located on Hurumzi Street, this hotel offers cozy accommodations with a blend of traditional and modern decor. Its central location and intimate ambiance make it a great choice for exploring Stone Town.
Hotel with Outdoor Pool
This hotel features a seasonal outdoor swimming pool. It is located near the Old Fort of Zanzibar.
Hotel with Spa
Family Friendly Hotel
Business Hotel
Hotel for Yoga
Room Types
Superior Room with BalconyThis air conditioned double room has a balcony, private entrance. It also has a minibar.
Deluxe Double Room with ShowerGuests will have a special experience as the double room offers a rooftop pool. The double room provides air conditioning, a private entrance and a minibar and wine/champagne is provided for guests. The unit offers 1 bed.
Superior RoomThis air conditioned double room has a private entrance, electric kettle, minibar and bathrobe.
Ensuite bathroom without doors.
Guest Reviews
Location
Nestled in the heart of Stone Town, Upendo House Hotel Zanzibar offers an outstanding location that provides the perfect starting point for exploring the enchanting streets of this UNESCO World Heritage site. The hotel's central positioning is convenient for guests looking to immerse themselves in the vibrant culture, with easy access to a variety of restaurants, shopping options, and local activities. Its proximity to the harbor makes it ideal for those planning excursions. The nearby attractions, such as Forodhani Park and markets, enhance its appeal as guests can easily indulge in local experiences. The stylish hotel combines modern comforts with traditional charm, evident in its beautifully designed interior. A standout feature is its fantastic rooftop terrace, boasting a picturesque view of Stone Town, along with a pool and bar where guests can relax and enjoy the tranquil atmosphere above the bustling city streets. The friendly and service-minded staff contribute to the welcoming ambiance, ensuring a pleasant stay in this superbly located establishment.
Breakfast
Upendo House Hotel Zanzibar consistently impresses guests with its breakfast offerings. The hotel's breakfast is frequently praised for its delicious variety and extensive options, catering to different tastes with choices like English and American breakfasts. Guests can enjoy their morning meal on the rooftop terrace, which offers a picturesque view over the city and creates a perfect setting for sundowners in the evening. The breakfast is not only hearty and generous but also fresh and made to order, ensuring satisfaction every time.
The offering includes fresh fruit and other delectable dishes, setting a high standard as the best breakfast many have had during their travels. Despite some occasional delays in service and reports of unavailable gluten-free options, the overall experience remains positive, with friendly staff enhancing the dining experience. While a few guests noted areas for improvement, most reviews highlight the breakfast as a significant highlight of their stay at the hotel.
Dinner
Nestled in the vibrant heart of Zanzibar's city center, Upendo House Hotel offers guests a dining experience that is both memorable and delightful. The hotel's rooftop restaurant stands out not only for its scenic views but also for its culinary offerings. Guests repeatedly praised the food as amazing, delicious, and of exceptional quality. Many noted it as the best they had tasted anywhere on the island.
The dinner menu is expansive, offering a variety of options that cater to diverse palates, with several comments emphasizing the excellent value for money. The chef's expertise shines through, especially with the meat dishes, which are highlighted for their exceptional taste. Alongside the fine meals, guests also enjoy a selection of wines that complement the dining experience perfectly.
Though a few reviews hinted at occasional inconsistency in the dinner quality compared to breakfast, the overall sentiment remains overwhelmingly positive. Guests found the rooftop restaurant with its accompanying bar and pool not only a place for fine dining but also an inviting spot for enjoying cocktails amidst breathtaking views. With remarks on the fantastic and incredibly good food, Upendo House Hotel's dining experience is a significant attraction, promising a blend of flavors that enhances the Zanzibar experience.
Rooms
Upendo House Hotel Zanzibar offers an inviting and well-appointed accommodation option in the vibrant heart of Stonetown. Guests praise the rooms for their exceptional cleanliness and cozy comfort, with many noting the modern, tasteful, and stylish decoration. The rooms, although relatively small due to the constraints of Stonetown’s compact layout, manage to offer a well-thought-out design that incorporates necessary amenities such as a fridge, tea, and coffee setup, alongside lovely bathroom products. The superior rooms are described as spacious and beautifully decorated, providing a comfortable stay with a touch of luxury, characterized by elegant furnishings and a cozy bathroom setup.
However, several guests have mentioned the small size of the rooms, which occasionally result in cramped conditions. Soundproofing is another area that could be improved, as some travelers have experienced noise levels from both the hotel interior and street outside. Issues regarding ventilation, the lack of storage space, and insufficient hooks and mirrors were also noted. Despite these challenges, the clean and modern setup of the rooms remains a highlight for those seeking a stylish sanctuary amidst the bustling city. The inviting beds promise restful nights, making Upendo House a notable choice for those visiting Zanzibar.
Beds
Upendo House Hotel in Zanzibar offers a mixed experience when it comes to its bedding arrangements. The hotel boasts modern comfort, with many guests appreciating the beds and pillows for being comfortable and cozy. The quality of the bedding has also been positively noted, adding to the overall comfort of the rooms.
However, the firmness of the mattresses is a point of contention among guests. Some travelers find the beds too hard, which may result in less restful sleep, especially for those accustomed to softer mattresses. Additionally, there is a concern regarding bed size, with some mattresses being too short for taller guests.
Despite these aspects, the accommodation experience is enhanced by friendly staff and good value for money when it comes to drinks and food. Overall, while the bedding is widely appreciated for comfort, visitors might want to prepare for a firmer sleep experience or assess whether the bed size meets their personal requirements.
Cleanliness
Upendo House Hotel Zanzibar consistently earns high praise for its cleanliness and overall maintenance, providing guests with a well-kept and stylish environment. Visitors frequently note the establishment’s tidy rooms and nicely decorated spaces, reflecting the hotel's commitment to maintaining high standards of cleanliness. The rooms are described as very clean and comfortable, contributing to an overall positive impression of the accommodation's quality. Guests appreciate the exceptional cleanliness, though a few reviews mention minor areas where cleanliness could be improved, particularly with linens and towels.
The hotel is well-presented, with tidy rooms and top-notch bathrooms that contribute to an overall sense of cleanliness and comfort. Although some rooms are noted as small, their cleanliness and style are consistently highlighted. Guests also commend the hotel’s facilities and attentive service, which further enhances the experience at Upendo House Hotel. Overall, this small and stylish hotel remains highly recommended for maintaining extremely high levels of cleanliness, coupled with its desirable location and comfort.
Staff
If you’re planning a visit to Zanzibar, Upendo House Hotel is a place where your stay is likely to be enhanced by the remarkable staff. Guests frequently commend the hotel personnel for their attentiveness, friendliness, and professionalism. The hotel team, including individuals like Micky, Krishna, Benjamin, Elizabeth, Lydia, Fatima, and Mike, consistently receive accolades for their exceptional service and hospitality, often going above and beyond to ensure guests have a comfortable experience.
Visitors appreciate how the staff are not only polite and welcoming but also incredibly supportive during instances of guest illnesses or unique requests, such as late check-outs. From the rooftop pool to the restaurant, the level of attentiveness and kindness displayed by the team is a significant highlight of the hotel experience. Their responsiveness and commitment to hospitality are integral in making guests feel genuinely welcome and valued throughout their stay.
Overall, the staff at Upendo House Hotel are recognized for their warmth, competence, and dedication to creating a delightful and relaxing environment, contributing greatly to the hotel’s appeal.
Wi-Fi
Upendo House Hotel Zanzibar presents a varied experience when it comes to Wi-Fi connectivity, a common theme among reviews from guests. While the Wi-Fi service throughout the hotel rarely exceeds expectations and can often be unreliable or slow, these issues are not entirely out of the ordinary for Stone Town. Guests have noted that the internet connection can be patchy, with instances of the Wi-Fi stopping or requiring frequent re-access codes. Some reviewers have mentioned that the Wi-Fi in their rooms was particularly weak, yet there are a few acknowledgments of it working well at times. Overall, visitors should be prepared for occasional connectivity challenges during their stay.
Pool
Perched high above, the rooftop pool at Upendo House Hotel Zanzibar is a standout feature that offers guests a memorable experience. The infinity pool is often highlighted as an exceptional element, providing breathtaking views of both Stone Town and the ocean. Guests find the combination of the pool and the rooftop bar to be a delightful addition, with well-crafted cocktails adding to the enjoyment of the setting. Though the pool is sometimes noted as smaller than expected, it contributes significantly to the overall charm of the terrace space. The attentive staff adds to the positive atmosphere, enhancing the rooftop experience further. While some suggest daily cleaning for the pool, the stunning views and the pleasure of swimming amid such scenic beauty remain a significant draw for visitors to the hotel.
Yes, Upendo House Hotel Zanzibar has pool(s) that belong to one or more of the following categories: Outdoor Pool.
Yes, a spa is available at Upendo House Hotel Zanzibar.
No, Upendo House Hotel Zanzibar doesn't allow dogs.
No, parking facilities aren't available at Upendo House Hotel Zanzibar.
No, Upendo House Hotel Zanzibar doesn't have a gym.