Turaco Spice Tree, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel, is the mid-range pick in Stone Town: central, comfortable and part of the Marriott family, so you can earn and use Bonvoy points on the island. It stands at 90 Shangani Street, in the lanes of the old town and a short walk from the waterfront, the Forodhani Gardens and the main sights, and its historic building has been fitted out with 58 individually decorated rooms in an indie, boutique style, with fridges and flat-screen TVs and accessible rooms available. The rooftop restaurant, Taarab, has ocean views, a bar and lounge, a buffet breakfast each morning and an à la carte menu in the evening, and is a fine place to watch the sun go down over the harbour. Jiko Garden serves meals through the day in a garden setting, with shisha in the evening. There is a small indoor pool with drinks and snacks, and a 24-hour fitness centre. The property is smoke-free.
Location and getting around: Shangani Street runs through the western part of Stone Town, a few minutes on foot from the Forodhani Gardens, the Old Fort, the Freddie Mercury Museum and the waterfront hotels. The airport is about eight kilometres away. The hotel has no airport shuttle of its own, but a local company offers transfers on request at a set fee. There is no on-site parking, which rarely matters in Stone Town.
Rooms: each room is decorated a little differently, mixing Zanzibari details with contemporary comforts. Ask for a room on an upper floor for more light and less street noise.
Who it suits: couples and independent travellers who want a central, reliable base in the old town at a moderate price, Marriott Bonvoy members, and anyone spending two or three nights in Stone Town before heading to the beach.
Good to know: breakfast is served on the rooftop from early morning. Check-in is from mid-afternoon and check-out at noon, and the hotel is smoke-free with no pets. The indoor pool is small, so this is a base for exploring rather than lounging. Stone Town is conservative, so dress modestly when leaving the hotel.
Why stay here
- ✓Taarab rooftop restaurant
- ✓Jiko Garden restaurant
- ✓Indoor pool
- ✓24-hour fitness centre
- ✓Buffet breakfast
- ✓Accessible rooms
- ✓Marriott Bonvoy points
- ✓Smoke-free property
Good questions
Where is Turaco Spice Tree in Stone Town?+
It is at 90 Shangani Street, in the western part of Stone Town. The Forodhani Gardens and the waterfront are a few minutes’ walk away.
Does Turaco Spice Tree have a pool?+
Yes, it has a small indoor pool with a drinks and snacks menu. It suits a cool-off rather than a pool day.
Does the hotel offer airport transfers?+
There is no hotel shuttle, but a local transfer company offers rides on request for a set fee. The airport is about eight kilometres away.
