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Al-Minar Hotel

3.5 star property
Zanzibar Town hotel in Stone Town with full-service spa and free breakfast
your current months are December, 2024 and January, 2025.
December 2024
January 2025

Photo gallery for Al-Minar Hotel

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

Reviews

8.6 out of 10

Excellent

Popular amenities

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

Perks for members at select top-rated stays

Our Silver and Gold members get perks at select VIP Access properties, on top of exceptional service.
Silver tier member
A perk like food and drink extras, free breakfast, or parking credits
Gold tier member
Room upgrades when available, plus Silver perks

Room options

Available filters for rooms
Showing 3 of 3 rooms

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
3 bedrooms
Premium bedding
  • 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
Ceiling fan
  • 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
Ceiling fan
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Single Bed

Similar properties

Property entrance

Dhow Palace Hotel

Pool
Breakfast included
Kids pool
Parking included
8.6 out of 10, Excellent, (318)
The price is NZ$196
includes taxes & fees
8 Jan - 9 Jan 2025
Dhow Palace Hotel
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About the area

Map
Plot 96 Shangani, Zanzibar Town

What's nearby

  • Shangani Beach - 3 min walk - 0.3 km
  • Old Fort - 3 min walk - 0.3 km
  • Forodhani Gardens - 4 min walk - 0.4 km
  • Slave Market - 9 min walk - 0.8 km
  • Zanzibar Ferry Terminal - 13 min walk - 1.1 km

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

Hotel located in Stone Town
You can look forward to free full breakfast, an airport shuttle and a terrace at Al-Minar Hotel. Indulge in a massage and a facial at the on-site spa. The on-site international cuisine restaurant, Terrace Restaurant, offers lunch, dinner and al fresco dining. In-room WiFi, with a speed of 25+ Mbps, is available to all guests, along with a coffee shop/cafe and a hair salon.
Additional perks include:
  • Bike hire, a round-trip airport shuttle (surcharge) and express check-out
  • Express check-in, babysitting (surcharge) and a 24-hour front desk
  • Luggage storage, a TV in reception and free newspapers
Room features
All guest rooms at Al-Minar Hotel feature comforts, such as 24-hour room service and premium bedding, as well as thoughtful touches, such as air conditioning and separate dining areas.
More conveniences in all rooms include:
  • Bathrooms with rainfall showers and free toiletries
  • 21-inch flat-screen TVs with cable channels
  • Separate dining areas, fridges and coffee/tea makers

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
For more details, please contact the property using the information on the booking confirmation

Access methods

Staffed front desk

Pets

Pets not allowed

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome
1 child, up to the age of 7 years, can stay for free if using existing beds when occupying the parent or guardian's room
Rollaway/extra beds are available for USD 20.0 per night.

Payment types

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

  • 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

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 fire extinguisher, a security system and a first aid kit

We should mention

This property does not have any lifts
Only registered guests are allowed in the 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

Is Al-Minar Hotel pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at Al-Minar Hotel?

Check-in start time: noon; check-in end time: anytime.

What time is check-out at Al-Minar Hotel?

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

Does Al-Minar 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 Al-Minar Hotel located?

Located in Stone Town, this spa hotel is steps away from Mbweni Ruins, People's Palace Museum and Marahubi Palace. Freddie Mercury Museum and Shangani Beach are just steps away.

Al-Minar Hotel Reviews

Reviews

8.6

Excellent

Rating 10 - Excellent. 124 out of 274 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 109 out of 274 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 28 out of 274 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 8 out of 274 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 5 out of 274 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