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Mbweni Ruins & Gardens

4.0 star property
Family-friendly fun at the beach, with outdoor pool

Photo gallery for Mbweni Ruins & Gardens

Outdoor pool, pool loungers
Exterior
On the beach, sun-loungers, beach umbrellas, beach towels
Beach bar
Breakfast, lunch, dinner served; international cuisine, sea views

Reviews

8.6 out of 10
Excellent

Popular amenities

  • Pool
  • Spa
  • Breakfast available
  • Parking included
  • Room service
  • Housekeeping
The current price is AU$241
includes taxes & fees
5 Mar - 6 Mar

Explore the area

Map
Mbweni, Zanzibar Town
  • Slave Market
    ‪8 min drive‬
  • Christ Church Cathedral
    ‪8 min drive‬
  • Nakupenda Beach
    ‪23 min drive‬
  • Zanzibar (ZNZ-Zanzibar Intl.)
    ‪10 min drive‬

Room options

View all photos for Junior Suite, 1 Bedroom, Non Smoking, Sea View

Junior Suite, 1 Bedroom, Non Smoking, Sea View

Junior Suite, 1 Bedroom, Non Smoking, Sea View

Highlights

Balcony or patio
Air conditioning
Ceiling fan
Separate bedroom
Bidet
Private bathroom
Hairdryer
Free bottled water
  • Ocean view
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Exclusive Double Room

Exclusive Double Room

Exclusive Double Room

Highlights

Balcony or patio
Separate sitting area
Air conditioning
Ceiling fan
Rainfall showerhead
Bathrobes
Bidet
Hairdryer
  • Ocean view
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Quadruple Room, 2 Bedrooms

Quadruple Room, 2 Bedrooms

Quadruple Room, 2 Bedrooms

Highlights

Balcony or patio
Air conditioning
Ceiling fan
Private bathroom
Bidet
Hairdryer
Free bottled water
Electric kettle
  • Ocean view
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 King Bed and 1 Single Bunk Bed

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The price is AU$153
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About the area

Zanzibar Town

A family-friendly stay in Zanzibar Town awaits you at Mbweni Ruins & Gardens. You'll be 6.9 km (4.3 mi) from Slave Market and 7.1 km (4.4 mi) from House of Wonders. Highlights at this beachfront hotel include a restaurant, an outdoor swimming pool and free self-parking. .A day of pampering can include massages and body scrubs along with aromatherapy and mani/pedis. The restaurant, Raintree Restaurant, serves international cuisine and is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Mangrove Bar is the hotel's own bar. Spend the day at the beach where you'll find sunloungers, and enjoy the on-site pool loungers. Other amenities include free Wi-Fi in public areas, a snack bar/deli and laundry facilities. Buffet breakfast is available daily between 7:30 AM and 10:30 AM. There's also the convenience of a free area shuttle. .Sights within a 10-minute drive of this 4-property class Zanzibar Town hotel include Old Fort and Forodhani Gardens.

What's nearby

  • Slave Market - 8 min drive
  • Old Fort - 9 min drive
  • House of Wonders - 9 min drive
  • Forodhani Gardens - 9 min drive
  • Nakupenda Beach - 23 min drive

Getting around

  • Zanzibar (ZNZ-Zanzibar Intl.) - 10 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Jahazi Cafe - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪Ccm Social Hall - ‬7 min drive
  • ‪Lukmaan - ‬9 min drive
  • ‪Zanzibar Coffeehouse - ‬9 min drive
  • ‪Fresh Bites - ‬5 min drive

About this property

Mbweni Ruins & Gardens

Family-friendly fun at the beach, with outdoor pool
Along with a restaurant, there's a snack bar/deli on site. Public spaces have free WiFi. A free area shuttle within 6 km is available. An outdoor pool, spa services, and a terrace are also featured at the family-friendly Mbweni Ruins & Gardens. The hotel can provide concierge services and wedding services. Self parking is free.

This 4-star Zanzibar Town hotel is smoke free.

  • 13 guestrooms or units
  • 2 levels
  • 10 buildings
  • Built in 1994
  • Deli
  • Beach lounge chairs
  • Towels for the beach
  • Umbrellas for the beach
  • Poolside lounge chairs
  • Breakfast available (surcharge)
  • Dry cleaning
  • Self-service laundry
  • Front desk (limited hours)
  • Staff members are multilingual
  • Storage area for luggage
  • Front desk safe
  • Tour and ticket information
  • Concierge
  • Wedding services available
  • Terrace
  • Garden
  • Beauty salon
  • No smoking on site
  • Dining venue
Mbweni Ruins & Gardens offers 13 air-conditioned accommodations, which are accessible via exterior corridors, and features complimentary bottles of water and complimentary slippers. Rooms open to balconies or patios. Guests can surf the web using complimentary wireless Internet access.

Bathrooms include bidets and hairdryers. Business-friendly amenities include desks and telephones. Housekeeping is offered on a daily basis and in-room massages can be requested.

Guests can pamper themselves by indulging in the on-site spa services. Services include facials, body scrubs, body treatments and manicures and pedicures. A variety of treatment therapies are provided, including aromatherapy.

Languages

English, Italian, Swahili

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transport

  • 24-hour return airport shuttle (surcharge)
  • Free area shuttle up to 6 km
  • Area shuttle
  • Free self parking on site

Food and drink

  • Daily buffet breakfast available 7:30 AM to 10:30 AM for a fee: TZS 35,000 for adults and TZS 23,000 for children
  • A restaurant
  • Couples/private dining
  • Private picnics
  • Snack bar/deli

Restaurants on site

  • Mangrove Bar
  • Raintree Restaurant
  • Sundowner Bar

Things to do

  • Outdoor pool

Family friendly

  • Free area shuttle
  • In-room babysitting
  • Laundry facilities
  • Outdoor pool
  • Snack bar/deli

Conveniences

  • Hair salon
  • Laundry facilities
  • Limited-hour front desk
  • Luggage storage
  • Safe at front desk
  • Vending machine

Guest services

  • Concierge services
  • Dry cleaning/laundry service
  • Housekeeping (daily)
  • Multilingual staff
  • Proposal/romance packages
  • Tour and ticket assistance
  • Wedding services

Outdoors

  • Beach loungers
  • Beach towels
  • Beach umbrellas
  • Garden
  • On the beach
  • Pool loungers
  • Terrace

Spa

  • Aromatherapy
  • Body scrubs
  • Facials
  • In-room massages
  • Manicures/pedicures

Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • No lift
  • Well-lit path to entrance

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • Bidet
  • Hair dryer
  • Private bathroom
  • Shampoo
  • Slippers
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Food and drink

  • Electric kettle
  • Free bottled water
  • Limited room service

More

  • Access via exterior corridors
  • Air conditioning
  • Ceiling fan
  • Desk
  • Electrical adapters
  • Laptop workspace
  • Phone

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 7:00 AM; check-in end time: 11:00 PM
Early check-in subject to availability
Early check-in fee: TZS 37500
Late check-in subject to availability
Late check-in fee: TZS 37500 for check-in between midnight and 6:00 AM
Minimum check-in age - 18

Check-out

Check-out before 11 AM
Late check-out subject to availability
Late check-out fee: TZS 128000

Special check-in instructions

This property offers transfers from the airport (surcharges may apply); to arrange pick-up, guests must contact the property 24 hours prior to arrival, using the contact information on the booking confirmation
The front desk is open daily from 7:00 AM - 11:00 PM
Front desk staffed during limited hours
For any questions, please contact the property using the information on the booking confirmation
Guests planning to arrive outside of normal check-in hours must contact this property in advance to arrange check-in.

Renovations and closures

The property is closed between 1 June and 17 June.

Access methods

Front desk (limited hours)

Pets

  • No pets allowed, but service animals are welcome

Children and extra beds

  • Children are welcome.
  • Rollaway/extra beds are available for TZS 50000.0 per day.
  • Cots (infant beds) are not available.

Payment types

Important information

Fees

Guests will be asked to pay the following charges at the property:

  • A tax is imposed by the city: TZS 12362.65 per person, per night

We've listed all charges provided to us by the property.

Optional extras

The fees and deposits listed below will be charged at the time of service, check-in, or check-out.

  • Fee for buffet breakfast: from approximately TZS 35000 for adults and from TZS 23000 for children
  • Airport shuttle fee: TZS 35000 per vehicle (one-way, maximum occupancy 4)
  • Airport shuttle fee per child: TZS 33300.00 (one-way), (from 7 to 16 years old)
  • Early check-in fee: TZS 37500 (subject to availability)
  • Late check-in fee: TZS 37500 for check-in between midnight and 6:00 AM
  • Late check-out fee: TZS 128000 (subject to availability)
  • Rollaway bed fee: TZS 50000.0 per day
  • Credit card charges are subject to a surcharge

This may not be a comprehensive list. Fees and deposits are subject to change and might not include tax.

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
This property accepts credit cards; cash is not accepted
This property affirms that it follows the cleaning and disinfection practices of Commitment to Clean (Marriott)
Please note that cultural norms and guest policies may differ by country and by property; the policies listed are provided by the property
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary according to property policy.
A cash deposit, credit card or debit card for incidental charges and government-issued photo identification may be required upon check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in. Special requests can't be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.
    This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business or profession. This property accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express and Diners Club. Cash is not accepted. This property affirms that it follows the cleaning and disinfection practices of Commitment to Clean (Marriott) guidelines.

We should mention

  • Reservations are needed for massage services. For reservations, contact the hotel before arrival using the contact information on the booking confirmation.

Property is also known as

Mbweni
Mbweni Hotel Zanzibar
Mbweni Ruins
Mbweni Ruins Hotel
Mbweni Ruins Zanzibar
Mbweni Zanzibar
Ruins Hotel
Zanzibar Mbweni
Zanzibar Mbweni Ruins Hotel
Protea Hotel Mbweni Ruins
Protea Mbweni Ruins Zanzibar
Protea Mbweni Ruins
Mbweni Ruins & Gardens Hotel
Protea Hotel Zanzibar Mbweni Ruins
Mbweni Ruins & Gardens Zanzibar Town
Mbweni Ruins & Gardens Hotel Zanzibar Town
Jungle Paradise Beach Resort Spa Mbweni Ruins
Protea Hotel by Marriott Zanzibar Mbweni Ruins

Frequently asked questions

What is the cancellation policy at Mbweni Ruins & Gardens?

Mbweni Ruins & Gardens offers free cancellation on select room rates. Check out the cancellation policy for more info.

How much does it cost to stay at Mbweni Ruins & Gardens?

As of 4 Mar 2025, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Mbweni Ruins & Gardens on 5 Mar 2025 start from AU$225.39, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

Is parking available at Mbweni Ruins & Gardens?

Yep, Mbweni Ruins & Gardens has a free self car park.

Are there any beaches close to Mbweni Ruins & Gardens?

The closest beach to Mbweni Ruins & Gardens is Shangani Beach (5.6 km).

Is there a spa on site at Mbweni Ruins & Gardens?

There's no onsite spa, but this property does offer services like body scrubs and facials.

Does Mbweni Ruins & Gardens have a pool?

Mbweni Ruins & Gardens has an outdoor pool. Grab your bathers and lounge poolside while enjoying on a lounger.

What makes Mbweni Ruins & Gardens a romantic place to stay?

Ocean-view dining and couples dining, as well as private balconies and massage services available in the guestrooms, help set the scene for a romantic weekend at Mbweni Ruins & Gardens.

Is Mbweni Ruins & Gardens family-friendly?

You bet! With amenities such as laundry facilities and a deli, as well as childcare services in the guestrooms, it's no surprise that Mbweni Ruins & Gardens is a hit with families.

Does Mbweni Ruins & Gardens serve breakfast?

Yep, buffet brekkie is served daily from 7:30 AM to 10:30 AM.

Is there a free airport shuttle available at Mbweni Ruins & Gardens?

No, but there's an airport shuttle that runs 24 hours a day for a fee.

Is there a bar or restaurant at Mbweni Ruins & Gardens?

Yep, you can grab a meal at Mbweni Ruins & Gardens's onsite restaurant that serves international cuisine.

What time are check-in & check-out at Mbweni Ruins & Gardens?

Check-in begins at 7:00 AM. Check-out time is 11 AM.

Are pets allowed at Mbweni Ruins & Gardens?

No, only service animals are allowed.

Mbweni Ruins & Gardens Reviews

Reviews

8.6

Excellent

Rating 10 - Excellent. 70 out of 147 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 55 out of 147 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 13 out of 147 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 5 out of 147 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 4 out of 147 reviews

8.8/10

Cleanliness

9.0/10

Staff & service

7.8/10

Amenities

8.2/10

Property conditions & facilities

9.0/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

6/10 Okay

Teresa

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
It was okay
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Janet

Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This is a fantastic property set in the ruins of an old school. Rooms clean and comfortable. Wonderful outdoor dining area with delicious food and a small private beach. So relaxing and close to airport and Stonetown. A highlight of our stay in Zanzibar.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2024

8/10 Good

Victor

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Property was good and good location on beach and near the airport. Only issue was I was given the lobby WI-FI password which only worked in the lobby area. I later found out there is another WI-FI that works in my room and common areas. Also the restaurant was very lacking of many of the items I tried to order. Perhaps it was just a bad time and they had not gotten supplies in.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2024

8/10 Good

Oren

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
great beach
The hotel is in a very nice jungle area, it fitted us as we wanted to stay near stonetown/airport for the night but did not like the places in the city - this one certinantly has that resort feeeling - beach right out the resort, beautfull sunset etc..its not your typical luxary resort.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Walter, covington

Business traveller
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Excellent manger and staff
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Walter, covington

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Excellent management and staff the new manager is fantastic
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2024

4/10 Poor

Nadja

Liked: Cleanliness
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
The name is program: ruins and garden. When you enter the first thing you see is the ruin ( literally speaking) the staff is very friendly, The entrance is very muddy and even with the taxi hard to access. We were led to the new part of the hotel. Theroom had hardly any furniture, the cupboard and drawers very damp and almost falling apart. The rooms smmelled fungy. We booked a room for one grown up and two teenagers and there was only one double bed, no safe in the room. Since we only stayed one night we didn’t ask for neither. The garden has jungle flair. The sand beach and the ocean were beautiful. The restaurant was located a pit higher up like a big tree house and from there you can have an amazing view over the ocean - which really made up for the room. Food and drinks were also good.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Neil

Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Historic setting of a beach-side property located away from the city centre. The extremely personable and enthusiastic new Manager has an attitude, qualities and resume that deserve to make this hotel a major success.
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jean Paul

Stayed 1 night in Jul 2024

2/10 Terrible

Anthony, Menifee

Travelled with family and small children
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
This facility is completely inaccessible to persons with walking disabilities.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2024

6/10 Okay

Italo

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Disliked: Staff & service
Staff is not properly trained to serve international customers. All the rest is fine, but quality of service could improve a lot in terms of food and drinks. I also think stuff should manage a good level of English, which was lacking.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Elizabeth

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Good choice close to airport
The staff were friendly and very helpful. The rooms were beautiful and comfortable with interesting wood furniture. Overall, nice, clean and enjoyable. Massage was great. More sophisticated and relaxed than Stone Town and close to the airport. The restaurant is good but prepare for taking it pole, pole.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2024

8/10 Good

Deograsias

Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2024

8/10 Good

Bradley, EDMONTON

Travelled with partner
Good
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2023

10/10 Excellent

z

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2023

6/10 Okay

Manirakiza

Stayed 1 night in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Jane

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
We only stayed one night but it was so relaxing and lovely.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2023

6/10 Okay

Sofia

Travelled with family
Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Great staff
GREAT staff. Room was shockingly damp, musty, spotted and worn. We could not understand how Marriott could be affiliated with this hotel.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2020

10/10 Excellent

Susan

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
A gem in Zanzibar
The grounds are beautiful and the location excellent. When our flight from Arusha was diverted and we arrived at night without our luggage, the night manager sent robes, slippers and a dental kits to our room. The restaurant stayed open late so we could get a bite to eat and a much appreciated glass of wine. The next day the front desk was helpful in contacting the airline to track our lost luggage which finally arrived by 1 pm. Shuttle to Stone Town is helpful. While the rooms show a little wear wear and tear, overall the hotel is well cared for. Despite the flight and luggage issue we enjoyed relaxing and exploring Zanzibar after our 12 day safari.
Stayed 4 nights in Feb 2020

10/10 Excellent

sonja

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
a relaxed hide-away from the bustle of Stone Town
a relaxed hotel with very helpful and friendly staff
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2020

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
What a terrific Hotel off the beaten path but with transportation to Stone Town. The staff was incredible and most helpful in ironing out tours for us and providing excellent service in the restaurant. Every need was looked after and the included breakfast was diverse and delicious.. The hotel is on the water and the breeze (so important in Zanzibar) keep conditions pleasant. It was both a great place to relax and "chill" (if one can use that word in Zanzibar) and a a base for tours of the area. No hesitation recommending this one!
Stayed 5 nights in Feb 2020

4/10 Poor

Lisa

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Mosquito heaven
My hotel room smelled damp. There weren't enough surfaces to put anything on so my open suitcase ended up on the floor. I didn't realise until 3 days later that the air conditioning unit has been dripping onto my suitcase which now had a puddle under it. There were a lot of biting insects inside and outside and a large dead cockroach under the bed. The hotel staff made a big deal of spraying insecticide in the room every evening but it's not great breathing in a lot of insecticide so waiting outside for a bit helps. Unfortunately I had to wait outside with the swarms of mosquitoes that the insecticide was supposed to be protecting me against. There was a large mosquito net spread over my huge bed which was great. However it would be even more helpful if they got rid of the pond with stagnant water just a few metres from my bedroom door ( I was on the ground floor ). The pond was presumably a breeding ground for those mosquitoes. Another point is that breakfast and dinner was in the outside restaurant, I was still trying to fend off the mosquitoes there. It would be nice if they could clean my room and squirt insecticide around it while I was in the restaurant rather than when I was in my room. The restaurant food was nice. The large amount of cats in the outdoor restaurant provided the entertainment - a least 2 cats sat under every table, hissing and spitting at each other while we ate. The redeeming feature of this hotel was the proximity to the beach and the sea.
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2020

10/10 Excellent

Deborah, Toronto

Business traveller
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
A small hotel (14 rooms) with amazing historic atmosphere, set in the ruins of a 19th century school for freed slaves. The place is serene. The beach is scenic, swimmable when the tide is not too low, and kept very clean by the hotel. It is a very unique place for those who want peace, quiet and relaxation. It is a bit remote from Stone Town, but they do run a free shuttle. The staff are super friendly and efficient.
Stayed 4 nights in Feb 2020

8/10 Good

June, Toronto

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I like that it was part of the Mwendi Ruins. I liked the staff very much - each of them were terrific! I did not like that the pictures the Marriott uses for the rooms is not up to date. Thus what I thought we booked was not what we received. It was still fine however not as lovely as I had wished for. The staff explained that the room I booked was under construction. This is Marriott's responsibility to have a current website.
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2020

8/10 Good

Shellbie, Toronto

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Beautiful settings, beach was lovely, quiet and peaceful. Very kind staff
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2020