236 Hurumzi (previously Emerson & Green) hotel has been restored to its former glory from when it was the residence of one of the richest men in the Swahili Empire. It offers quirky luxury, and all rooms and suites have double beds with en suite bathrooms. Some rooms have two separate sleeping areas with extra bed or sleeper couch. Some have large bath tubs with open shutters to see through to the views of the roof tops of the town.
The Tower Top Restaurant features a panoramic view of Stone Town and the Indian Ocean. The hotel is in the heart of the main shopping area being very close to some excellent craft shops and markets and just a few minutes walk from the waterfront with it's vibrant night market and there are lots of great restaurants in the area. If you want dinner in the hotel on the roof top you must book in advance.
Here are details of some of the very different rooms:
Suite La Rose
The master bedroom boasts an elegant lounge area with a crystal chandelier and grandfather clock while the windows offer a western view of our bustling swahili community of Peace of Love Square. A second room lies off to the left of the master bedroom. An arched entry leads to the bathroom with a substantial stone tub excellent for relaxing bubble baths. Air conditioning and ceiling fans provide for cool comfort in this lovely rose hued haven from the bustle of Stone Town. The Suite Rose is named in honour of the Rose Revolution of Georgia in 2003, the year of this suite's conception.
Suite Sultan Seyyed
Situated on the top floor of the western Peace of Love wing, guests enter a richly appointed sitting room with a magnificent teakwood credenza and bordeaux red drapes which flow from one end to the other of this large suite lending a feeling of richness, extravagance and power worthy of the Sultan who brought the bordeaux red-coloured flag to Zanzibar as it's national flag. The bath is semi open with a large stone bath beyond the bedroom area. This room is large, light and airy with rows of windows along the east and west walls.
The North Room
Beautiful latticework in African hardwood enclose the room from its open veranda offering a splendid view of the Indian Ocean and Zanzibar Stone Town. The large stone tub with shower is incorporated into the veranda and enclosed by lattice screens and tropical plants framing starlit nights and the view for a very romantic bath.
The Keep Suite
This suite at the pinnacle of the western Peace of Love wing commands a spectacular view from it's private castle keep retreat. The Keep Suite is actually four distinct sections: the bedroom, the verandah parlour, the verandah garden, and the castle keep itself. From the verandah garden up a teakwood staircase lies the castle keep itself, boasting an antique swing seat and a large couch for sunset cocktails or breakfast.We must emphasize that while most guests adore this room, if you suffer a fear of heights, this room is NOT for you.
Pavillion Suite
This suites decor is inspired by the boat houses of India with intricate painted wood detailing. Facing West over the Peace of Love Square this semi-open suite is decorated with painted filigree wood arches opening onto an intimate verandah bordered by a crenolated parapet. Cool colours of blue and white predominate around the harem-like bed placed on a large platform adorned by a multitude of hand embroidered and batik pillows. A spiral staircase leads to a small deck observatory where guests can take in a wide panoramic view over the rooftops of Stone Town.
