Dhow Palace Hotel Zanzibar
The Dhow, being the heart beat of the East African culture, has been carrying people, goods and treasures to and from Zanzibar for hundreds of years. Today, the Dhow Palace serves as a meeting point for people and cultures from all over the world amidst a decor and artefacts from a time gone by.
Dhow Palace was originally the home of a rich merchant, Sheikh bin Mujbia. Bin Mujbia and his descendants kept the building for more than three centuries before it was sold. The Dhow Palace building, being right in the heart of the stone town, has bore witness to many events taking place in Zanzibar, before the Dhow building itself became the centre of attention back in 1993 when it was transformed from a family mansion to this elegant hotel. In 2005 it again sought the attention when the new wing was added.
The Dhow Palace can easily be described as a living museum dedicated to furniture, art and oriental ornaments which have found their way to the shores of Zanzibar over the past centuries.
ABOUT DHOW PALACE HOTEL
Rooms and suites
The hotel has 37 rooms of varying size and comfort. All rooms are en suite and most have balconies overlooking either the beach, or the hotel’s courtyard pool. The hotel is decorated and furnished in Swahili style with antique furniture and ornaments. This gives it a refreshing amount of character but does mean that some of the beds are either higher or shorter than the Western expectation. Rooms are well equipped by Tanzanian standards, each with air-conditioning, fridge, Satellite television and telephone. Some are quite small though it may be possible to organise a room change during less busy periods. The hotel also offers an internet café and Wifi access and, for an extra charge, a laundry service.
The hotel overlooks the town’s beach. This can be used for bathing in both sun and sea but is very public and not tranquil, nor as clean as many of Zanzibar’s beaches. It is better for catching a glimpse of Stone Town life over your hotel breakfast which is served in the beach side Restaurant. Besides which, the hotel has a well-maintained courtyard pool, far better for a relaxing swim after exploring hot and dusty Stone Town than the waves.