This is an independent boutique hotel in the middle of Stonetown. It is a historic building from the 18th century, lovely restored but constrained by early architecture. Don't expect a Hilton.
Like in European hotels, e.g., Florence, the rooms are tall and narrow, spotless, and wifi works. There is no elevator and no central air-conditioning. You have your individual unit, which is more than adequate and typical for Africa. The breakfast was lovely.
Everything in StoneTown is within a five-minute walk. Remember, most StoneTown streets are too narrow for cars. There is no swimming in StoneTown; you have to go to the other side of the island or take a boat out for that.
For me, there are two types of tourists: those that stay within the cocoon of chain hotels and venture out only for a few hours to see the sights, and there are those that seek an immersive experience and acknowledge a certain level of inconvenience due to local customs. Zanzibar Palace hotel is for the latter.