Swahili boutique in an Omani merchant's residence, in the heart of Stone Town's labyrinth.
Bellissimo Boutique Hotel
From
86.085 €
“Rooftop terrace with views over the port and dhows, steps from Darajani spice market.”
Bellissimo Boutique Hotel occupies a 19th-century merchant's house on Hurumzi Street, one of the oldest arteries of Stone Town. The carved Zanzibari teak wood doors, exposed beam ceilings and coral stone floors bear witness to Swahili-Omani architecture. We sleep in rooms with whitewashed walls, colonial furniture, brass fans, zellige bathrooms. The restaurant serves honest Swahili-Indian cuisine, without gastronomic pretension, but the rooftop remains the real asset: 360° view over the corrugated iron roofs, minarets and the port. From 86 € a night, a rare rate for a 5★ in the heart of the UNESCO historic centre. The Wi-Fi works everywhere, the airport shuttle avoids negotiations with taxis. A good base camp to explore Stone Town without sacrificing comfort ✨
Who is it for?
Who we recommend it to
We recommend Bellissimo to travellers who want to sleep in Swahili history without forgoing modern comfort, honeymoon couples or thirty-somethings curious about architecture. It is an address for those who prefer the authenticity of a merchant's residence to the impersonal beach resorts of Nungwi. Families with children will find the steep stairs and narrow alleys less practical than a seafront hotel.
The building
Architecture and interiors
The Bellissimo occupies a typical Omani merchant's house in Stone Town, with its coral stone walls, carved teak wood doors and wrought-iron balconies. The interior retains exposed beam ceilings, wall niches and original stone floors. The restoration respects the Swahili-Omani style: colonial furniture, Indian fabrics, brass fans. The scale remains intimate, a dozen rooms spread over three levels, narrow steep stairs as in all the old houses of the neighbourhood.
At the table
Restaurants, bar, service
The restaurant at Bellissimo serves honest Swahili-Indian cuisine, fish curries, biryani, samosas, grilled octopus dishes. Continental breakfast is taken on the rooftop terrace, with views over the port and dhows. Room service operates until 22h. We do not come here for gastronomy, but to eat local in a historic setting without leaving the hotel after a day of walking the alleys.
Highlights
- 19th-century Omani merchant's house, carved Zanzibari teak doors
- Panoramic rooftop over the port, dhows and roofs of Stone Town
- Three minutes on foot from Darajani spice market and the seafront
- Airport shuttle included, avoids haggling with local taxis
- Rates from 86 € a night, rare for a 5★ in the UNESCO historic centre
Location & access
Where the hotel sits in Zanzibar
The Bellissimo stands on Hurumzi Street, in the historic heart of UNESCO-listed Stone Town. Darajani spice market is three minutes on foot, the seafront and Forodhani gardens five. The surrounding alleys concentrate craft shops, Afro-contemporary art galleries, Swahili cafés. Abeid Amani Karume international airport is 20 minutes by car, the hotel shuttle avoids fare negotiations with local taxis. The neighbourhood stays lively until 22h, then quiet, only the calls to prayer from nearby mosques mark the nights.
Good to know
Before you book
- Airport shuttle
- Included, book 24h in advance, 20 min to Karume airport.
- Parking
- Available, yet Stone Town is pedestrian, a car of little use.
- Wi-Fi
- Free throughout the hotel, stable connection for East Africa.
- Stairs
- No lift, steep stairs typical of old Swahili houses.
Facilities
Airport shuttle
Non-smoking rooms
Free Wi-Fi connection
Room service
Restaurant
Wi-Fi available everywhere
Parking
Location
Where Bellissimo Boutique Hotel is located
Exact address
Bellissimo Boutique Hotel
Address
Hurumzi Street
In the same city
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