Dhow Palace Hotel

This historic building, adorned with antique furniture and traditional decor, offers a truly museum-like ambiance that transports guests back in time. Its central location in Stone Town is a significant draw, placing visitors within easy walking distance of major attractions and vibrant markets. The hotel is particularly well-suited for sightseers and history enthusiasts who appreciate authentic experiences, as well as couples seeking a unique and charming getaway. While many praise the spacious rooms and refreshing pool, some guests note that the Wi-Fi can be unreliable in rooms and the elevator is frequently out of service, so be prepared for stairs, especially if staying in the separate apartment building.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel features a charming pool area, described by many as a refreshing oasis perfect for cooling off after a day of exploring, though some note it is small and located in an open courtyard, not ideal for extended sun lounging. A highlight for many is the rooftop terrace, offering panoramic views of the town and a peaceful spot to relax, especially in the evenings. While the hotel provides Wi-Fi, numerous guests report that its signal is often weak or non-existent in the rooms, primarily functioning well only in the lobby and common areas. The elevator is a recurring point of concern, frequently being out of order, which can be challenging for guests with luggage or mobility issues, particularly for those staying in the higher floors or the separate apartment building.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guests generally find the rooms spacious and appreciate the authentic antique furniture and traditional decor that contribute to the hotel's unique charm. While many describe the rooms as clean and well-maintained, some reviews mention a need for more consistent maintenance, with occasional reports of a moldy smell or dim lighting. Feedback on bed comfort is mixed, with some finding the beds comfortable, while others describe them as hard or creaky. The bathroom experience also varies; some guests praise them as chic and immaculate with magnificent showers, while others note issues such as poor drainage, leaks, or a lack of privacy due to open designs or missing shower curtains. Air conditioning performance is inconsistent, with some reporting it works well, while others found it barely functional or prone to cutting out.

Dining & Food Quality
The breakfast experience receives mixed reviews from guests. Many appreciate the good selection, including fresh fruit, local flavors, and made-to-order omelets, describing it as very good or superb. However, some guests found the breakfast offerings to be limited, mediocre, or even poor, with complaints about the quality of coffee or food running out quickly. Overall food quality from the hotel's restaurant also garners varied opinions; some guests enjoyed delicious meals and praised the outstanding dinner service, particularly on the rooftop, while others reported sub-par food quality, expressing distrust in the restaurant after experiencing digestive issues. It is important to note that the hotel operates as a dry establishment, meaning no alcohol is served on the premises.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's central location in Stone Town is consistently highlighted as a major advantage, making it an ideal base for exploring the area. Guests appreciate being within walking distance of numerous attractions such as Forodhani Gardens, the Freddy Mercury Museum, and various markets and shops. Its proximity to the ferry terminal also adds to its convenience. While the hotel is situated amidst the charming narrow streets of Stone Town, which can make access challenging for vehicles, staff are generally helpful with luggage assistance upon arrival and departure. Some guests noted that hotel-arranged airport transfers might be more expensive compared to local taxi options, but the convenience is often valued.

Staff & Service
The staff at the hotel consistently receive high praise for their friendliness, helpfulness, and attentive service. Guests frequently highlight their willingness to go above and beyond, assisting with luggage, arranging tours and activities, and providing local recommendations. The check-in process is generally described as efficient, with many appreciating the flexibility for early check-ins or late check-outs when possible. Housekeeping is noted for its diligence, including daily room cleaning and the thoughtful service of spraying rooms and setting up mosquito nets in the evenings. While most interactions are positive, a few guests reported isolated instances of unprofessionalism, particularly concerning initial room allocations or issues with hotel-arranged transport.

Additional Information
A significant point for guests to note is the hotel's dry hotel policy, meaning no alcohol is served on the premises, which some guests missed for evening relaxation. The hotel also offers separate apartments in a nearby building, which provide more space but may lack the historic ambiance of the main building and often do not have elevator access. Guests should be aware that a city tax is typically collected upon check-out, which some found was not clearly communicated upfront. While the hotel's historic charm is a major draw, some reviews suggest that certain areas could benefit from more consistent maintenance to address minor issues. The hotel provides a daily mosquito net service and room spraying, which is a thoughtful amenity for guest comfort.