Golden Tulip Stonetown Boutique is a practical, mid-priced hotel on Malindi Road, at the harbour end of Stone Town, and it is one of the few hotels in the old quarter with a swimming pool. It is a four-class property, set a short walk from Forodhani Gardens, the House of Wonders and the Old Fort, and it is a useful choice for travellers who want a comfortable base with straightforward facilities rather than a heritage guesthouse. Rooms include Standard Rooms with a king bed, Deluxe Rooms with a double bed and Junior Suites, each with air conditioning, a safe, a television with satellite channels, a fridge, an electric kettle, a hair dryer and free wifi. On the property there is a restaurant called Curry House that serves breakfast, lunch and dinner with sea views, a rooftop terrace, a garden, an outdoor pool with loungers, a children’s pool and a games area. A full breakfast is available at an extra charge. Bicycles can be rented, parking is free, and a round-trip airport shuttle can be booked for a modest fee. A 24-hour front desk and laundry service make short stays easy, and the hotel also has meeting rooms for small groups.
Location and getting around
The hotel is on Malindi Road in the Stone Town harbour district, about seven or eight minutes on foot from Forodhani Gardens, the House of Wonders, the Old Fort and Shangani Beach. The former Slave Market is about twelve minutes away, and the ferry terminal and Christ Church Cathedral are also close.
Many of Stone Town’s cafés and restaurants, such as Lukmaan, Maru Maru Terrace and the Zanzibar Coffeehouse, are a short walk. The airport is only about eighteen minutes by car, which makes this one of the easiest old town hotels for late arrivals and early departures.
The rooms
Standard Rooms are compact and aimed at solo travellers or couples on a budget. Deluxe Rooms add space, and many guests rate them best for value. Junior Suites suit families or guests who want a little more room. Rooms are tidy and modern, with infant beds free on request. Street noise can be audible in the old town, so ask for a quiet room on a high floor if you are a light sleeper.
Things to do
Use the hotel as a base for walking tours of Stone Town, a sunset dhow cruise, a spice farm visit and a day trip to Prison Island. The pool is welcome after a hot day of sightseeing, and the rooftop terrace is a pleasant spot for a drink. Early check-in and late check-out are available for a fee.
Who it suits and what to know: Golden Tulip suits families, couples and business travellers who want a pool, parking and an airport transfer without paying luxury prices. Guest feedback is generally positive, with some comments about location noise and older fittings, so expect comfortable but not boutique-polished rooms. There is no spa. Breakfast is charged on many rates, so check what your rate includes. Book ahead for December, January and the dry months of June to October.
Why stay here
- ✓Outdoor pool and children’s pool
- ✓Curry House restaurant with sea views
- ✓Rooftop terrace and garden
- ✓About 18 minutes from the airport
- ✓Airport shuttle for a small fee
- ✓Free parking
- ✓Bicycle rental
- ✓Free wifi and 24-hour front desk
Good questions
Where is Golden Tulip Stonetown Boutique?+
It is on Malindi Road at the harbour end of Stone Town. Forodhani Gardens, the House of Wonders and the Old Fort are about seven or eight minutes on foot.
Does it have a pool?+
Yes, there is an outdoor pool with loungers and a children’s pool, which is unusual for a Stone Town hotel.
How far is the airport?+
The airport is about eighteen minutes by car, and a round-trip shuttle can be booked for a modest fee.
