Beyt Al Chai is a charming small boutique guest house located by the ancient trees in Stone Town's famous Kelele Square. Built by a wealthy Arab merchant as a private home, Beyt Al Chai (House of Tea) takes its name from the days when the building served as a tea house. Zanzibar's nobility would meet on the roof top and enjoy spiced tea while watching the sun set -something guests can still do today. The three-storey house has been beautifully restored, and Beyt Al Chai opened as a B&B in 2004.
Each of the five luxurious en-suite bedrooms and suites is unique, but all feature sumptuous fabrics, traditional antique furniture, full air-conditioning and high-quality bathrooms. There are also ceiling fans, for whose who prefer to turn off the air-con, open the window and enjoy the late night call of the muezzin. The thick stone walls and proximity to the sea ensure that the house is cool, and the top floor bedrooms have glorious views of the Indian Ocean.
The reception and lounge/bar areas also feature antique furniture and African art. The spacious lounge is furnished with huge sofas and armchairs, and is the ideal place to settle with a book after breakfast, or to enjoy an evening drink and watch the sunset (there is an honesty bar). Enjoying a relaxing breakfast in the beautiful courtyard under the shade of the palm trees is an idyllic way to start the day. Local fruit, coconut juice and fresh breads are all on offer -or, if you prefer, a full English breakfast can be prepared.
Beyt Al Chai has a restaurant which aims to provide 'fine dining', with fresh seafood being a dominant feature of the menu.
Activities: Beyt Al Chai is an ideal base from which to explore the winding cobbled alleys, bazaars, shops and ancient buildings of Stone Town. It is also just a few minutes walk from the sea front.
