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Maru Maru Hotel

3.0 star property
Family-friendly Zanzibar Town hotel connected to the convention centre, steps from Old Fort

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for Maru Maru Hotel

Outdoor pool, pool umbrellas, pool loungers
Point of interest
Rooftop bar, ocean views, open daily
Exterior
Standard Twin Room, 2 Single Beds, Non Smoking, Air conditioning | Minibar, in-room safe, individually decorated, individually furnished
Maru Maru Hotel overlooks the Indian Ocean, offering a welcoming atmosphere. Guests can enjoy spa treatments, relax on the rooftop terrace, or let children play in the playground. The hotel provides high-speed WiFi, houses an art gallery, and is just steps from Forodhani Gardens.

Reviews

8.8 out of 10
Excellent

Popular amenities

  • Bar
  • Gym
  • Spa
  • Pool
  • Room service

Room options

Available filters for rooms
Showing 4 of 4 rooms

View all photos for Deluxe Room, 1 Queen Bed, Non Smoking, Air conditioning

Deluxe Room, 1 Queen Bed, Non Smoking, Air conditioning | Minibar, in-room safe, individually decorated, individually furnished

Deluxe Room, 1 Queen Bed, Non Smoking, Air conditioning

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful
(7 reviews)

Highlights

Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Air conditioning
Mini-fridge
HDTV
Rainfall showerhead
Bathrobes
Private bathroom
  • 18 sq m
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Queen Bed

View all photos for Deluxe Double Room, 1 King Bed, Non Smoking, Air conditioning

Deluxe Double Room, 1 King Bed, Non Smoking, Air conditioning | Minibar, in-room safe, individually decorated, individually furnished

Deluxe Double Room, 1 King Bed, Non Smoking, Air conditioning

9.2 out of 10
Wonderful
(7 reviews)

Highlights

Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Air conditioning
Mini-fridge
HDTV
Rainfall showerhead
Bathrobes
Private bathroom
  • 23 sq m
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Standard Twin Room, 2 Single Beds, Non Smoking, Air conditioning

Standard Twin Room, 2 Single Beds, Non Smoking, Air conditioning | Minibar, in-room safe, individually decorated, individually furnished

Standard Twin Room, 2 Single Beds, Non Smoking, Air conditioning

7.6 out of 10
Good
(5 reviews)

Highlights

Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Air conditioning
Free rollaway/extra beds
Mini-fridge
HDTV
Rainfall showerhead
Bathrobes
  • 18 sq m
  • City view
  • Sleeps 3
  • 2 Single Beds

View all photos for Family Room

Family Room | Minibar, in-room safe, individually decorated, individually furnished

Family Room

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(1 review)

Highlights

Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Air conditioning
Mini-fridge
HDTV
Private bathroom
Separate bath and shower
Rainfall showerhead
  • 36 sq m
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Single Beds and 1 King Bed OR 1 King Bed and 1 Single Bunk Bed
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About the area

Map
Gizenga Street, Shangani, Zanzibar Town, Zanzibar, 394-400

What's nearby

  • Shangani Beach - 2 min walk - 0.2 km
  • Forodhani Gardens - 2 min walk - 0.2 km
  • Old Fort - 2 min walk - 0.2 km
  • Christ Church Cathedral - 3 min walk - 0.3 km
  • Slave Market - 5 min walk - 0.5 km

Getting around

  • Zanzibar (ZNZ-Zanzibar Intl.) - 16 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Forodhani Park - ‬4 min walk
  • ‪House of Karafuu - ‬1 min walk
  • ‪Zenji Garden Café - ‬4 min walk
  • ‪Secret Garden - ‬3 min walk
  • ‪Lukmaan - ‬5 min walk

About this property

Maru Maru Hotel

Family-friendly hotel near Old Fort
Located close to Forodhani Gardens and Hamamni Persian Baths, Maru Maru Hotel provides a rooftop terrace, an art gallery on-site and a coffee shop/cafe. Treat yourself to spa services, such as a facial, a body scrub or a manicure/pedicure. The on-site Asian cuisine restaurant, Terrace Lounge, features ocean views and happy hour. Free in-room WiFi is available to all guests, along with a garden and a playground.
Other perks at this hotel include:
  • An outdoor pool, along with sunloungers and pool umbrellas
  • Free self-parking
  • Limo/town car service, buffet breakfast (surcharge) and express check-out
  • Babysitting (surcharge), meeting rooms and a banquet hall
  • Guest reviews speak highly of the helpful staff
Room features
All 51 individually furnished rooms boast comforts such as laptop-friendly workspaces and air conditioning, as well as amenities such as free WiFi and desk chairs.
Other conveniences in all rooms include:
  • Highchairs and children's dinnerware
  • Bathrooms with free toiletries
  • 24-inch HDTVs with cable channels and DVD players
  • Mini fridges, CD players and electric kettles

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Property amenities

Internet

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

Parking and transport

  • Free offsite parking
  • Street parking available
  • 24-hour return airport shuttle on request for a surcharge
  • Area shuttle (surcharge) up to 5 km
  • Ferry terminal shuttle (surcharge)
  • Shopping centre shuttle (surcharge)
  • Limo/town car service
  • Free self parking on site
  • Limited on-site parking
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking available

Food and drink

  • Daily buffet breakfast available 7:00 AM to 10:00 AM for a fee: USD 15 for adults and USD 12 for children
  • A bar/lounge
  • A coffee shop/cafe
  • A restaurant
  • Coffee and tea in common areas
  • Couples/private dining
  • Private picnics
  • Snack bar/deli

Restaurants on site

  • Coffee Lounge
  • Terrace Lounge
  • Terrace Restaurant

Things to do

  • Art gallery
  • Evening entertainment
  • Gym
  • Outdoor pool
  • Playground

Family friendly

  • Babysitting (surcharge)
  • Children's dinnerware
  • DVD player
  • High chair
  • Laundry facilities
  • Mini-fridge
  • Outdoor pool
  • Playground
  • Snack bar/deli

Conveniences

  • 24-hour front desk
  • ATM
  • Free newspapers in lobby
  • Laundry facilities
  • Luggage storage

Guest services

  • Housekeeping (daily)
  • Porter/bellhop
  • Proposal/romance packages
  • Tour and ticket assistance
  • Turndown service

Business services

  • 3 meeting rooms
  • Conference centre (500 square foot of space)

Outdoors

  • Garden
  • Pool loungers
  • Pool umbrellas
  • Rooftop terrace

Spa

  • Aromatherapy
  • Body scrubs
  • Body wraps
  • Deep-tissue massages
  • Facials
  • Manicures/pedicures
  • Swedish massages

Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • Accessible airport shuttle
  • Lift
  • Tile flooring in public areas
  • Wheelchair accessibility
  • Wheelchair accessible (may have limitations)
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking
  • Wheelchair-accessible path to lift
  • Wheelchair-accessible restaurant
  • Wheelchair-width doorways

More

  • 3 buildings
  • 4 floors
  • Banquet hall
  • Built in 2012
  • Mosquito nets
  • No plastic water bottles
  • Smoke-free property
  • Traditional architecture

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • Free toiletries
  • Private bathroom
  • Slippers
  • Towels provided

Entertainment

  • 24-inch LCD TV with cable channels
  • CD player
  • DVD player

Food and drink

  • Champagne service
  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Electric kettle
  • Free bottled water
  • Limited room service
  • Mini-fridge
  • Minibar

More

  • Air conditioning
  • Desk
  • Desk chair
  • Free daily newspapers
  • Individual decor
  • Individual furnishings
  • Iron/ironing board on request
  • Laptop workspace
  • Phone
  • Safe

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 2:00 PM; check-in end time: anytime
Early check-in subject to availability
Early check-in is available for a fee
Minimum check-in age - 18

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 ferry terminal and airport (surcharges may apply); to arrange pick-up, guests must contact the property 48 hours prior to arrival, 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 or service animals allowed

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome
Rollaway/extra beds are available for USD 30.0 per day.
Cots (infant beds) are not available

Payment types at the property

Important information

Fees

You'll be asked to pay the following charges at the property. Fees may include applicable taxes:

  • A tax is imposed by the city: USD 4.00 per person, per night

We have included all charges provided to us by the property.

Optional extras

  • Fee for buffet breakfast: from approximately USD 15 for adults and from USD 12 for children
  • Airport shuttle fee: USD 20 per vehicle (one-way, maximum occupancy 3)
  • Early check-in is available for a fee (subject to availability)
  • Late check-out is available for a fee (subject to availability)
  • Rollaway bed fee: USD 30.0 per day

The above list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits may not include tax and are subject to change.

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 carbon monoxide detector, a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, a first aid kit and window guards

We should mention

Reservations are required for massage services and spa treatments; reservations can be made by contacting the property prior to arrival, using the contact information on the booking confirmation
Only registered guests are allowed in the guestrooms
No pets and no service animals are allowed at this property

Property is also known as

Hotel Maru
Maru Hotel
Maru Maru Hotel Zanzibar Island/Stone Town
Maru Maru Hotel
Maru Maru Hotel Zanzibar Town
Maru Maru Zanzibar Town
Maru Maru Hotel Hotel
Maru Maru Hotel Zanzibar Town
Maru Maru Hotel Hotel Zanzibar Town

Frequently asked questions

Does Maru Maru Hotel have a pool?

Yes, this property has an outdoor pool.

Is Maru Maru Hotel pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much is parking at Maru Maru Hotel?

Self-parking is free at this property; nearby parking is also free.

What time is check-in at Maru Maru Hotel?

Check-in start time: 2:00 PM; check-in end time: anytime. A fee applies for early check-in (subject to availability).

What time is check-out at Maru Maru Hotel?

Checkout is at 11 AM. Late check-out is available for a fee (subject to availability).

Does Maru Maru Hotel provide a shuttle to the airport?

Yes, there's an airport shuttle that runs on request. A fee of USD 20 per vehicle applies.

Where is Maru Maru Hotel located?

This family-friendly Zanzibar Town hotel is located near the airport, steps away from Old Fort, Forodhani Gardens and Hamamni Persian Baths. Shangani Beach and Christ Church Cathedral are also within 10 minutes.

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Reviews

Maru Maru Hotel Reviews

8.8

Excellent

9.4

Cleanliness

8.8

Location

8.6

Staff & service

8.6

Eco-friendliness

9.0

Property conditions & facilities
Rating 10 - Excellent. 284 out of 563 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 217 out of 563 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 40 out of 563 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 15 out of 563 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 7 out of 563 reviews

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Shaheroz

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great overall facility for great holidays
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Falgun

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very comfortable beds, clean bathroom, air-conditioned, great rooftop restaurant, live entertainment, central location.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Marion

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
It is well situated and gives you a true sense of being in Stonetown. The dining options were not that plentiful though.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Tamoi

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The hotel was very nice. Good customer service 👍
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

8/10 Good

Melanie

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
I loved everything. However, Manager of the restaurant is a bit rude
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Melanie

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Excellent service, beautiful hotel. We loved our stay, sad to see it end ❤️
Stayed 6 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Had an excellent stay at the Maru Maru hotel. I've been here twice and the service, room, and accessibility to the rest of Stone Town were great. The rooftop restaurant has an incredible view of Stone Town. Would highly recommend Maru Maru.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025

6/10 Okay

Omar Cassim

Room was okay. Bed not too comfy. Everything was satisfactory
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Shane

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Excellent location. Hotel is beautiful with very comfortable beds and fabulous views from the rooftop restaurant/ bar/ pool area. Great for watching the sun set.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2023

6/10 Okay

Sandra

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
It was close to waterfront but with Ramadan places to eat limited
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kirit

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
There was nothing which we didn’t like.Very friendly service and breakfast choice was excellent.Had Lunch and Dinner one day and the food was excellent.Even The General Manager made us Feel Very Welcome.Words cannot describe our experience.Would Recommend Maru Maru Hotel to Everyone.🙏🙏🙏
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

DONNA

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Nice Room

I spent most of my time there sick in my room, but it was comfortable, and staff was friendly and helpful.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2022

6/10 Okay

Jacqueline

Liked: Staff & service
LIKED THE ROOF TOP RESTAURANT. THE VIEW WAS GREAT . THIS PROPERTY IS A LITTLE DATED. I LIKE THE LOCATION.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2024

8/10 Good

Lehané

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great, I would reccomend overall
Stayed 5 nights in Feb 2023

10/10 Excellent

Estela

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great service - thank you!
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2022

8/10 Good

Ian

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Well located in Stonetown, friendly staff and large, well appointed rooms. Sadly the service in the rooftop restaurant can be vary from excellent to chaotic. Bar staff extremely professional.
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2023

10/10 Excellent

Juergen

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Perfect Hotel in Stonetown

After climbing Kilimanjaro, we spent several nights on a round trip in Zanzibar in a group of five. On arrival, we were able to leave the rest of our luggage at the hotel so that we didn't have to lug it around all day. We spent the last two days at the Maru Maru Hotel, which was a very good decision. The hotel is located in the middle of the alleyways of Stonetown, is easily accessible and the perfect starting point for sightseeing tours. We were warmly welcomed and were able to use the rooftop bar and pool even on the day of our departure. Very good breakfast, lunch and dinner, we enjoyed it very much and would love to come back. Many thanks
Room
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Daniel

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Disliked: Staff & service
Amazing Spot in Stone Town. The service at the really nice roottop bar and restaurant is really bad though. Everything else was spot on
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2022

8/10 Good

Jovan

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This is an amazing hotel in Stone Town, in walking distance to everywhere and with so many nice shops and scenes nearby. I loved it, and almost all the staff were friendly, pleasant and helpful. My only complaint is one staff member in the Terrace Restaurant, and I intend to speak to the hotel about that directly. Overall, I would highly recommend Maru Maru and I can't wait to be back.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2023

8/10 Good

Beth

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The staff at Maru Maru are very friendly and accommodating especially Hosiana at the restaurant. The pool area is quite small and shaded. Rooms are clean. One item of note is the live music EVERY day from 7:30pm-10:30pm.. if you want to go to sleep before 10:30 bring ear plugs.
Stayed 6 nights in Dec 2023

8/10 Good

Georgia

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
War ein wirklich netter Aufenthalt und jederzeit wieder zu empfehlen!
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025

2/10 Terrible

riaz

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very dirty room. Found a usedcodom underneath the bad bed where I took of my shoes. Upstairs the food was good but cold. I’m all very tired property staff was very unroffesional.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

8/10 Good

Karen

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Good location but the street is busy and noisy late into the night. Lovely roof top but dining was limited. Lighter fare for lunch would have been nice. Staff was nice, professional and helpful. Transport to and from airport was easy to arrange. WIFI was great and all over the property. At arrival, there was trash from the last customer in my trash cans, and tissues behind the side tables. Things to note: there are lots of stairs and half stairs. the power to the room is with a room key so when you leave power is off, this means no charging of phones, or AC.
Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2025

8/10 Good

Nimet

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Nice property and friendly staff
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025

8/10 Good

Sandra Lynn

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Maru Maru is a classic Stonetown hotel I've stayed at several times. The expansive rooftop pool and restaurant with sunset/sea views is lovely. Staff are responsive and helpful. Rooms are adequate.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025