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Al-Minar Hotel

3.5 star property
Zanzibar Town hotel in Stone Town with full-service spa and free breakfast

Photo gallery for Al-Minar Hotel

Exterior
Lobby
Standard Twin Room
Lunch, dinner served; international cuisine, al fresco dining
21-inch flat-screen TV with cable channels, TV

Reviews

8.6 out of 10
Excellent

Popular amenities

  • Spa
  • Breakfast included
  • Room service
  • 24/7 front desk
  • Housekeeping
  • Laundry

Explore the area

Map
Plot 96 Shangani, Zanzibar Town
  • Mbweni Ruins
    ‪1 min walk‬
  • Freddie Mercury Museum
    ‪1 min walk‬
  • Shangani Beach
    ‪3 min walk‬
  • Zanzibar (ZNZ-Zanzibar Intl.)
    ‪19 min drive‬

Room options

View all photos for Family Room

Family Room

Family Room

Highlights

Separate dining area
Soundproofed
Air conditioning
Free cots/infant beds
Fridge
Flat-screen TV
Ceiling fan
3 bedrooms
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 Double Bed and 2 Single Beds

View all photos for Standard Double Room

Standard Double Room

Standard Double Room

Highlights

Separate dining area
Soundproofed
Air conditioning
Free cots/infant beds
Fridge
Flat-screen TV
Premium bedding
Memory foam bed
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Double Bed

View all photos for Standard Twin Room

Standard Twin Room

Standard Twin Room

Highlights

Separate dining area
Soundproofed
Air conditioning
Free cots/infant beds
Fridge
Flat-screen TV
Premium bedding
Memory foam bed
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Single Bed

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About the area

Zanzibar Town

At Al-Minar Hotel you'll be within steps of Mbweni Ruins and People's Palace Museum. Highlights at this hotel include a full-service spa, a restaurant and free daily breakfast. .A day of pampering can include massages and facials. The restaurant, Terrace Restaurant, serves international cuisine and is open for lunch and dinner. Plus you'll find a coffee shop/cafe, a snack bar/deli and laundry facilities. Free full breakfast is available daily between 7:00 AM and 10:00 AM. There's also the convenience of an airport shuttle. .Places within a 5-minute walk of this 3.5-property class Stone Town hotel include Marahubi Palace and Freddie Mercury Museum.

What's nearby

  • Shangani Beach - 3 min walk
  • Old Fort - 3 min walk
  • Forodhani Gardens - 4 min walk
  • Slave Market - 9 min walk
  • Zanzibar Ferry Terminal - 13 min walk

Getting around

  • Zanzibar (ZNZ-Zanzibar Intl.) - 19 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Cape Town Fish Market - ‬5 min walk
  • ‪Passing Show Hotel - ‬11 min walk
  • ‪Meeting Point Cafe - ‬6 min walk
  • ‪Lukmaan - ‬7 min walk
  • ‪Livingstone Beach Restaurant - ‬2 min walk

About this property

Al-Minar Hotel

Zanzibar Town hotel in Stone Town with full-service spa and free breakfast
Al-Minar Hotel offers its guests a full-service spa. There's a restaurant on site, as well as a coffee shop/cafe and a snack bar/deli. Free breakfast is available daily.

A terrace, tour/ticket assistance, and concierge services are also featured at the business-friendly Al-Minar Hotel. An airport shuttle (available 24 hours) is available for a fee.

Smoking is allowed in designated areas at this 3.5-star Zanzibar Town hotel.

  • 22 guestrooms or units
  • Full breakfast (free)
  • Deli
  • Childcare (surcharge)
  • Dry cleaning
  • Self-service laundry
  • Front desk (24 hours)
  • Express check-in
  • Express check-out
  • Storage area for luggage
  • Front desk safe
  • Tour and ticket information
  • Concierge
  • Terrace
  • Beauty salon
  • Computer for guest use
  • Newspapers in lobby (free)
  • Television in lobby
  • Smoking in designated areas
  • Coffee shop
  • Dining venue
Al-Minar Hotel offers 22 air-conditioned accommodations with a safe and complimentary bottles of water. This accommodation offers separate dining areas. Memory foam beds feature premium bedding. Guests can make use of the in-room fridges and coffee/tea makers. Bathrooms include a shower with a rainfall showerhead, and complimentary toiletries.

21-inch flat-screen televisions come with cable channels. Business-friendly amenities include desks and desk chairs. Additionally, rooms include an iron/ironing board and a ceiling fan. Housekeeping is offered on a daily basis and hairdryers can be requested.

The on-site spa has couples treatment room(s). Services include massages and facials. The spa is open daily.

Languages

English, French, German, Hindi, Spanish, Swahili

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: WiFi
  • In-room WiFi speed: 25+ Mbps

Parking and transport

  • Offsite parking available (USD 3 per night)
  • 24-hour return airport shuttle on request for a surcharge

Food and drink

  • Free full breakfast available daily 7:00 AM to 10:00 AM
  • A coffee shop/cafe
  • A restaurant
  • Snack bar/deli

Restaurants on site

  • Terrace Restaurant

Things to do

  • Bicycle rentals
  • Full-service spa
  • TV in common areas

Family friendly

  • Babysitting (surcharge)
  • In-room refrigerator
  • Laundry facilities
  • Separate bedroom
  • Separate in-room dining area
  • Snack bar/deli
  • Soundproofed rooms

Conveniences

  • 24-hour front desk
  • Free newspapers in lobby
  • Hair salon
  • Laundry facilities
  • Luggage storage
  • Safe at front desk

Guest services

  • Concierge services
  • Dry cleaning/laundry service
  • Housekeeping (daily)
  • Tour and ticket assistance

Business services

  • Computer station

Outdoors

  • Terrace

Full-service spa

  • Couples treatment rooms
  • Facials
  • Massage
  • Spa open daily

Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • Low-height counter and sink
  • Upper floors accessible by stairs only
  • Wheelchair accessibility
  • Wheelchair accessible (may have limitations)
  • Wheelchair-accessible registration desk

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Memory foam mattress
  • Premium bedding

Bathroom

  • Free toiletries
  • Hair dryer (on request)
  • Private bathroom
  • Rainfall showerhead
  • Shower
  • Towels provided

Entertainment

  • 21-inch flat-screen TV with cable channels

Food and drink

  • 24-hour room service
  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Free bottled water
  • Refrigerator
  • Separate dining area

More

  • Air conditioning
  • Ceiling fan
  • Desk
  • Desk chair
  • Iron/ironing board
  • Safe
  • Soundproofed rooms

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: noon; check-in end time: anytime
Contactless check-in and check-out are available
Express check-in available
Minimum check-in age - 15

Check-out

Check-out before 11 AM
Contactless check-out
Late check-out subject to availability
A late check-out fee will be charged
Express check-out available

Special check-in instructions

This property offers transfers from the airport (surcharges may apply); guests must contact the property with arrival details before travel, using the contact information on the booking confirmation
Front desk staff will greet guests on arrival at the property
For any questions, please contact the property using the information on the booking confirmation

Access methods

Staffed front desk

Pets

  • No pets allowed

Children and extra beds

  • Children are welcome.
  • Kids stay free! One child 7 years old or younger stays free when using existing bedding.
  • Rollaway/extra beds are available for USD 20.0 per night.

Payment types

Important information

Fees

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

  • A tax is imposed by the city: USD 4.00 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.

  • Airport shuttle fee: USD 20 per vehicle (one-way)
  • Nearby parking fee: USD 3 per night (328 ft away)
  • Late check-out is available for a fee (subject to availability)
  • Rollaway bed fee: USD 20.0 per night

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
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a security system and a first aid kit
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 and Mastercard. Cash is not accepted. For guests' safety, the property includes a fire extinguisher, a security system and a first aid kit in all accommodation.

We should mention

  • One child aged 7 years old or younger stays free in the same room as the parent or guardian when using existing bedding.
  • Registered guests are the only ones allowed to be in guestrooms.

Property is also known as

Al-Minar
Al-Minar Hotel
Al-Minar Hotel Zanzibar Town
Al-Minar Zanzibar Town
Al Minar Hotel
Al-Minar Hotel Hotel
Al-Minar Hotel Zanzibar Town
Al-Minar Hotel Hotel Zanzibar Town

Frequently asked questions

What is the cancellation policy at Al-Minar Hotel?

Al-Minar Hotel offers free cancellation on select room rates. Check out the cancellation policy for more info.

Are there any beaches close to Al-Minar Hotel?

Yep, Al-Minar Hotel is a short 3-minute walk from Shangani Beach.

Is there a spa on site at Al-Minar Hotel?

Yep, there is an onsite spa at Al-Minar Hotel. You'll enjoy services like facials.

What makes Al-Minar Hotel a romantic place to stay?

Couples spa treatments and al fresco dining, as well as rainfall showerheads and memory foam beds in the guestrooms, help set the scene for a romantic weekend at Al-Minar Hotel.

Is Al-Minar Hotel family-friendly?

You bet! With amenities such as babysitting services, laundry facilities and a deli, it's no surprise that Al-Minar Hotel is a hit with families.

Does Al-Minar Hotel serve breakfast?

You bet, free full breakfast is on offer daily between 7:00 AM and 10:00 AM.

Is there a free airport shuttle available at Al-Minar Hotel?

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

Is there a bar or restaurant at Al-Minar Hotel?

Yep, you can grab a meal at Al-Minar Hotel's onsite restaurant that serves international cuisine.

What time are check-in & check-out at Al-Minar Hotel?

Check-in begins at noon. Check-out time is 11 AM.

Are pets allowed at Al-Minar Hotel?

No, pets are not allowed.

Al-Minar Hotel Reviews

Reviews

8.6

Excellent

Rating 10 - Excellent. 124 out of 275 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 110 out of 275 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 28 out of 275 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 8 out of 275 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 5 out of 275 reviews

8.8/10

Cleanliness

9.2/10

Staff & service

8.2/10

Amenities

8.2/10

Property conditions & facilities

8.4/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

8/10 Good

Rembrand

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
No nonsense hotel with good service
We enjoyed our 2 night stay at Al Minar. Good value for money, located close to all the 5 star hotels, but this one is affordable. Especially the family room which fitted us nicely.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2023

6/10 Okay

Zororai

Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Cleanliness
Stayed 4 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Carol A

Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2022

10/10 Excellent

Al

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Location is excellent. Manager is great. Facilty requires upgrades.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2022

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2022

10/10 Excellent

Daniel

Business traveller
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Excellent management and customer services
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2022

6/10 Okay

Verified traveller

Travelled with group
Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Room comfort
Overview for a 9 days stay at the hotel.
Friendly staff ,green energy for water heating systems ,flexibility with prices to help a client who wishes to extent their stay,great rooftop breakfast restaurant,safe location,ease of available assisted information on tours of the island. The beddings &rooms were smelling damp most times with indications of repeated beddings and towels or lack of proper air at ion.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2021

10/10 Excellent

Daniel

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Awesome location and staff.
Al Minar feels like my home-away-from-home after 7 times to Zanzibar (I run a nonprofit working on the mainland). Very cozy rooms in an incredible Shangani location surrounding by high-rent luxury hotels that cost many times as much. Staff is wonderful and service excellent, steps away from beach and great dining options.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2021

10/10 Excellent

Mary

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Lovely!
I had a lovely stay at Al-Minar. It is off the main road, but easy to find, unlike some hotels in the labyrinth of historic Stonetown.The room (while a bit on the small side) was beautifully decorated, with a very comfortable bed and a good shower. I loved having a mini-fridge and kettle in my room to make my own coffee! Breakfast was excellent, and all the staff were OUTSTANDING! Welcoming, helpful, and friendly. Highly recommended.
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2021

10/10 Excellent

Daniel

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Al Minar has been my favorite stay in Zanzibar for 5 trips since 2015. Great service, location, and comfortable rooms. Good rooftop breakfast cooked to order. Very inviting and cordial staff.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2021

8/10 Good

Dorian

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Nice hotel with friendly helpful staff. Very good breakfast with a nice rooftop view to match. I had a pleasant stay.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2021

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Nice & helpful staff, great breakfast, clean room. Very pleasant stay overall!
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2021

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Great location, friendly and helpful staff. Breakfast was plentiful and tasty. Good budget choice for Stone town.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2021

8/10 Good

Alexander D

Stayed 1 night in Jan 2021

8/10 Good

OWEN

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2021

8/10 Good

Bakenam

Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2020

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2020

10/10 Excellent

SM, US

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Staff was EXTREMELY friendly and super helpful!! My original tour to Prison Island was abruptly cancelled without notice one day. So I asked the front desk if they knew of any tour guides. They immediately hooked me up with a great guide and matched the price of my original tour. Facilities were good. My only issue was that the hot water only lasted for a few minutes (didn’t go straight to cold though), but it was already so hot outside that lukewarm water actually felt pretty nice.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2020

8/10 Good

Tshepo

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
A well spent stay
It was a pleasant experience Very friendly staff Juma and Sebastian.....bery helpful guys
Stayed 7 nights in Feb 2020

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Stayed 4 nights in Feb 2020

10/10 Excellent

Daniel

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Affordable gem in an upscale hotel area
Always an awesome choice for location, service, and room quality, this was my 4th stay and probably not my last.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2020

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

Business traveller
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Nice, clean comfortable place to stay in Stone Town for business.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2019

8/10 Good

Ana

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Great Place near everything at Stone Town
Amazing...just need to replace worn out towels
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2019

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Very nice hotel, right in Stonetown! Easy walking distance to Forodhani Gardens, to the OneOcean dive center, to the ocean, all around Stonetown! Very friendly, helpful staff.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2019

10/10 Excellent

Douglas

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
A Brilliant and reasonable Hotel in Zanmzibar
I have stayed in hundreds of hotels around the world, and this one stands out as special. A boutique-sized hotek, I was greeted by the manager, the room was excellent, then decor was classic Arabian Nights, the location st Shangani is sublime. An absolute recommendation.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2019