[reading_time]
Where to Stay in Zanzibar PART 1: Golden Tulip Stone Town Boutique Hotel
Perfectly positioned within the atmospheric alleys of Stone Town, Zanzibar, the Golden Tulip Stone Town Boutique Hotel is your gateway to this tropical island without breaking the bank. This budget-friendly hotel is an ideal spot for travellers eager to explore Zanzibar’s rich history and stunning natural beauty.
Discover the convenience and comfort of staying in the centre of it all, as we guide you through the charm and affordability of the Golden Tulip Stone Town Boutique Hotel and all that Stone Town has to offer.
Getting There from the Airport
The Golden Tulip Stone Town Boutique Hotel is located just 8 kilometers away from Zanzibar Airport, a mere stone’s throw that even had the immigration officer humorously suggesting that we could have walked instead of taking a taxi. Granted, the hotel is a short drive—approximately 10 – 15 minutes—from the airport, but the idea of walking this distance in Zanzibar’s sweltering heat, while wheeling our luggage, was far from appealing.
The convenience of a quick taxi ride seemed like a wise choice, allowing us to save our energy for exploring the enchanting streets of Stone Town instead. As always, we had pre-arranged all our transportation needs ahead of time. The company we used for our airport transfer was efficient and courteous, ensuring a smooth ride to the hotel. Full details of the transportation service are provided at the end of this article.
If you prefer spontaneity or didn’t manage to book transportation in advance, catching a taxi directly from Zanzibar Airport is incredibly convenient. Taxis are readily available in abundance right outside the arrivals hall, ensuring you won’t face any trouble finding a ride to your destination.
Alternatively, for those who prefer to do everything through the hotel, the Golden Tulip offers a seamless airport transfer service that can be organized at the time of booking your stay.
Accommodation
We love variety, so we never stay in just one place when travelling (or in life in general). We carefully select multiple locations that cater to our travel itinerary and balance our budget to include accommodations ranging from basic to luxury.
The Golden Tulip Stone Town Boutique Hotel is where we commenced our Zanzibar trip. The hotel is basic yet beautiful. A cozy and charming space with everything we needed for a pleasant stay. From a perfect temperature pool and rooftop restaurant, to a fantastic location, proving to be a convenient stay right in the heart of Stone Town.
Our Deluxe Double room was compact but spacious enough for two people to move around comfortably. The sheets were crisp and clean, and the daily housekeeping was done with a positive attitude. The surrounding views may not appeal to everyone, but we found the old derelict buildings added to the hotel’s overall charm. There’s beauty to be found beyond what’s familiar, and that’s precisely what these views represent.
The staff were incredibly friendly, and one of our highlights was learning a new Swahili word daily from the staff members. They made us feel at home with their warmth and attentiveness. The pool was refreshing after a long day of sightseeing, and the restaurant provided a cozy space to unwind.
Note: Onsite massages were not available during our visit (although this is a service offered by the hotel)
Why We Chose Golden Tulip Stone Town Boutique Hotel:
We strategically chose the Golden Tulip due to its location and affordability. Staying in Stone Town was important to us and it meant being closer to many attractions on our itinerary. We stayed 3 nights and found it to be comfortable, which is essentially what we seek when traveling. It is important to note that accommodations are subjective, and opinions will vary based on individual preferences. These are our personal views, and we aim to share them authentically.
For budget travellers looking to visit Zanzibar, the Golden Tulip Stone Town Boutique Hotel is ideal. Affordable, comfortable, and charming, the location is perfect for exploring Stone Town and nearby attractions without spending too much on accommodation.
Cost Of Our Stay:
These rates reflect what we paid during our stay and are provided here to give you a general idea of the costs. For the most current pricing on your preferred room and dates, please visit the hotel’s official website.
What we paid for 2 People Sharing: R5,400 for a 3-night stay in a Deluxe Double Room, including taxes, excluding breakfast.
Time of year: February/March
Accommodation rates vary depending on room, season and number of guests. Always check the hotel’s official website!
Culinary Experiences
Golden Tulip Stone Town Boutique Hotel features an onsite restaurant that serves a mix of local and international cuisine, offering a delightful dining experience. We highly recommend trying the freshly caught seafood and traditional Swahili dishes.
Breakfast Buffet: The breakfast buffet appeared straightforward, offering a selection of local fruits, pastries, and made-to-order eggs. However, we did not dine here. Our early morning excursions, which included fruit platters and substantial lunch offerings, meant we had other meal plans already arranged.
Swahili Specialties: The restaurant offers an array of local Swahili dishes, including grilled fish, spicy rice, and coconut-infused curries. The chef’s attention to detail and the blend of spices created an authentic flavor that we thoroughly enjoyed.
International Cuisine: For those who prefer something more familiar, the restaurant also serves international dishes like pasta, grilled meats, and salads. The variety ensured that we always had something new to try.
Note: A 5% surcharge applies to bills paid by card.
Nearby Recommendations:
- Mercury’s Bar & Restaurant: Just a 3-minute walk away, offers a laid-back vibe and a tribute to Freddie Mercury. The seafood platter, tasty cocktails, chilled music, rustic feels, and ocean views at sunset was giving Zanzibar in every sense of the word. We loved the unpretentious atmosphere at Mercury’s. There were less crowds than other places and it seemed to be a place where the locals hang out. And if there’s one thing we love, it’s spending time at places the locals love.
- Cape Town Fish Market: Just a 10-minute stroll away, this spot boasts spectacular views of the Indian Ocean. We briefly stepped inside and found the ambiance quite inviting—so much so that we sat down. However, we left almost immediately. You might wonder why. As natives of Cape Town, we’ve dined at various locations of the Cape Town Fish Market numerous times. While the setting was prime and the restaurant itself looked appealing, we realized that when traveling, we prefer to explore new cuisines and dining experiences unique to the locale. So, despite its charm and fantastic sunset views, we chose to seek out something unfamiliar. This is undoubtedly a great spot, but we left for personal reasons.
- Forodhani Street Food Market: 10 minutes away, where you can indulge in Zanzibari street food delights. From Zanzibar pizzas to sugarcane juice, this vibrant market is a must-visit for food lovers.
Adventures |Activities |Attractions Nearby
Golden Tulip Stone Town Boutique Hotel is conveniently located near various attractions, making it a perfect base to explore Stone Town:
- Stone Town Local Market: A 5-15 minute walk, perfect for discovering local spices, fabrics, and crafts. The market buzzes with activity, offering an insight into daily life in Stone Town. One of our favorite aspects of exploring Stone Town Market was the captivating little art stores, where we watched artists paint live, their skill leaving us in absolute awe. We found ourselves wandering into every art shop we passed, drawn in not by aggressive sales tactics, but by genuine intrigue and appreciation for the vibrant colours on display. For a deeper dive into our vibrant journey through Stone Town Market, be sure to check out our full blog post.
- Freddie Mercury Museum: 15 minutes away, a fascinating glimpse into the life of the legendary musician. The museum houses photographs, personal memorabilia, and stories that pay homage to Freddie Mercury’s legacy. After hours of exploring the bustling alleys of Stone Town Market, drenched in sweat under the sweltering heat, we found ourselves standing outside taking a picture. That’s when someone walked into the museum, and a blast of air conditioning escaped the doors. The cool air was all the motivation we needed. Though neither of us are die-hard Queen fans—though we do know a few hits—the visit turned out to be both pleasant and informative. It was, quite literally, a ‘cool’ experience and we’re glad we ventured inside.
- Nakupenda Sandbank and Prison Island: Conveniently starting from the closest departure point, this tour offers both an intriguing historical journey and a captivating natural escapade with affordably priced boat rides. Kick off your adventure at the historic Prison Island, where you can explore the old prison ruins and marvel at the gentle giants—the resident giant tortoises living in a well-maintained sanctuary. After soaking in the island’s rich history, sail to the pristine Nakupenda Sandbank. Here, immerse yourself in snorkeling among vibrant coral reefs and a kaleidoscope of marine life in crystal-clear waters. This excursion was an absolute treat! It was a perfect blend of learning and leisure, leaving us with memories and photos that make great background screensavers.
- Forodhani Gardens and Street Food Market: A popular spot for sunset and street food, just 10 minutes away. As the sun dips below the horizon, the market comes alive, transforming into a vibrant hub of activity. Food stalls emerge, offering a tantalizing array of fresh seafood, sugarcane juice, and the much-loved Zanzibar pizza. Pro tip: Cash is king here, and you’re better suited with Tanzanian Shillings than Dollars, which is the other generally accepted currency in Zanzibar. Another pro tip—buy soft drinks at the local markets to keep in your hotel room. We paid $3 for a 300ml soft drink at the hotels (this was the general price across the hotels we stayed in), but at the market, we paid $10 for twelve 600ml soft drinks. Do the math and decide for yourself
- Darajani Market: A bustling hub where locals converge to shop for their daily needs, Darajani Market offers an authentic slice of life in Zanzibar. This lively market is teeming with vendors selling everything from fresh produce and exotic spices to essential household items. It’s not just a place to shop; it’s a vibrant cultural experience where you can witness the day-to-day rhythm of local life. Engage with friendly vendors, learn about the uses of different spices, and maybe even pick up a few cooking tips! It’s an excellent spot to immerse yourself in the local atmosphere and truly connect with the heart of Zanzibar.
- Stone Town walking tour: A walking tour of Stone Town invites visitors to traverse the narrow alleys of this historic Swahili trading city, unveiling stories of ancient commerce, culture, and architecture at every turn. You can group some of the Stone Town attractions by doing a walking tour, since some of the highlights include key landmarks such as the House of Wonders, the Old Fort, and Freddie Mercury’s childhood home. This tour showcases the town’s vibrant fusion of African, Arab, Persian, and Indian influences.
- Stone Town Beach: A visit to Stone Town Beach is a must when staying at the Golden Tulip Stone Town Boutique Hotel. Just a short walk from the hotel, this picturesque beach offers a perfect escape with its soft sand and tranquil waters. Visitors can stroll along the shore, soak up the sun, or enjoy watching the local fishermen bring in their daily catch. The beach also provides a splendid backdrop for a sunset that paints the sky in brilliant hues, making it an ideal spot for an evening walk or a relaxing end to a busy day of sightseeing. At sunset, this is also where you’ll find those Instagram-famous videos featuring teenage local boys skillfully jumping from the cliffs into the ocean next to a “Welcome to Zanzibar” sign. Travelers’ tip: These performances aren’t formally charged, but there is an unspoken expectation of a tip as a reward for the boys involved in the video. Additionally, don’t hesitate to hand over your phone for filming; the locals just want to capture your experience. Funny story—initially, Nadia was hesitant to give her phone to a stranger. After hearing our South African accent, one of the boys reassured her, “Don’t worry, this is not South Africa, you’ll get your phone back.” Though it might not resonate with everyone, we found this quite amusing, and they ended up making several great videos for us.
Sunsets and Serenity
Stone Town offers stunning sunset views over the Indian Ocean. Grab a drink at a nearby bar or take a stroll through Forodhani Gardens to capture these magical moments.
Recommended Sunset Spots:
- Rooftop Terrace: Golden Tulip Stone Town Boutique Hotel has a lovely rooftop terrace where you can relax with a drink and enjoy the panoramic views.
- Forodhani Gardens and Street Food Market: Watch the sunset while savoring local street food.
- Mercury’s Bar & Restaurant: Enjoy vibey music and a refreshing cocktail as the sun dips below the horizon.
- Sunset cruise: Take a sunset cruise to experience the magic of Zanzibar’s coastline as the sun paints the sky in colours of love.
Final Recommendations
Overall, Golden Tulip Stone Town Boutique Hotel served its purpose perfectly for us. R5,400 for 3 nights, it provided comfortable and charming accommodation in an ideal location for exploring Stone Town.
The hotel’s friendly staff, cozy atmosphere, and proximity to attractions made our stay enjoyable and convenient. While it’s not a luxury stay, it’s perfect for travelers who prioritize location and budget-friendly accommodation.
If you’re seeking a budget-friendly stay in the heart of Stone Town, the Golden Tulip Stone Town Boutique Hotel is a fantastic choice. It provides easy access to local attractions while delivering comfort and charm.
For more accommodation options in Zanzibar, consider reading our reviews on Le Mersenne Beach Resort and Sevi Boutique Hotel.
Explore our recommended tours and activities:
We would 100% recommend contacting Genes Kashomba, a local tour guide in Zanzibar and one of the best people we met on our trip. At the beginning of one of our tours, he said, “Don’t think of me as a ‘tour guide,’ think of me as a friend that you’re exploring with.” And, that’s exactly how it felt – casual, easy, and so informative.
We would also recommend Tibu Tours (Zantrek Holidays), a registered tour company that can assist with arranging all your Zanzibar excursions. We arranged some tours through Tibu, which is how we met Genes (though they operate separately).
Tibu also handled all our transportation needs throughout our Zanzibar trip. Honestly, he and his team were amazing—the services felt so personal. We were required to make our payment prior to arrival, which can be quite daunting when you’re sitting in one country and sending money to another, to someone you’ve never met. It’s a leap of faith, especially with the prevalence of scams today; one really has to be cautious.
We discovered Tibu through another traveler’s profile on Instagram. Honestly, we wish we could credit her, but it was a random find, and we don’t recall her name. We only knew she was South African, so we decided to take a chance—and we’re so glad we did! We have no regrets and would highly recommend Tibu for his trusted services and warm nature. Through Tibu, we also met Abdul, a gentle and warm soul who took us on an amazing day trip, which we’ll share in upcoming posts. Keep an eye out!
Our tours were always private, ranging between $90 and $190 (private tour for two people, including fruit platters, lunch and transportation to and from our respective hotels). Rates depend on the tour you’re taking, departure point, number of people, and any other customisations you wish to make, so be sure to check for your specific requirements.
Are you planning a trip to Zanzibar? Are you including Stone Town in your Itinerary? Share your thoughts and questions in the comments below! Don’t forget to share this post if you found it helpful!
Until our next post! Keep #roamingwiththekolbes
With love and appreciation,
The Kolbes
Our review and tips are based on our personal experiences during our travels. You may have different experiences and alternative opinions based on your own travels. These are not meant to act as directives, instead they are suggestions which may be helpful to someone planning their first trip.
While some of our posts may contain affiliate links, this post does not. Roamingwiththekolbes has no affiliation to the people or entities linked in this post and receives no commission from writing this article. These are our personal recommendations and the links to the official recommendations have been included for your convenience. It’s important to note that our blog posts always provide a genuine and authentic account of our personal experiences. Our travels remain unsponsored, unless specifically indicated otherwise. Your trust in our authenticity is our top priority.
Destination: Stone Town, Zanzibar, Tanzania
Accommodation: Golden Tulip Stone Town Boutique Hotel
Accommodation type: Boutique Hotel
