Emerson Spice Hotel & Emerson on Hurumzi Restaurant

Emerson Spice is a characterful and charming boutique hotel conveniently located in the Hurumzi area of Stone Town. Once the residence of one of the richest merchants in the Swahili Empire, Emerson is now an intimate 11-room hotel. With its carefully chosen antique Zanzibari furniture and carpets, the attention to detail in the decor creates what can be best described as a magical atmosphere for you to experience.

Accommodation

Each of the 11 rooms opens onto a traditional inner courtyard. All are individually decorated, furnished with a variety beautiful antiques which add to the unique character of the room. All rooms are equipped with a small fridge, air conditioner, fan and high ceiling mosquito net. The double rooms have one queen size double antique Swahili bed and enclosed ensuite bathroom with bath and shower that is open or semi-open to the room. Aida is a duplex room which is suitable as a double or for a family. All rooms except Mimi have their own private veranda. Guests in Mimi are welcome to use the rooftop tea house as their outside space.

The hotel has now expanded to incorporate three Merchants buildings including Emerson on Hurumzi which has another six rooms all furnished in a similar style to Emerson Spice.

Dining at Emerson

Emerson offers two of Stone Town's best restaurants. The Rooftop 'Tea House' restaurant (at each hotel) serves breakfast and dinner. Enjoy the very impressive views of the rooftops of Stone Town as you dine. The five course ‘Taste Safari’, prepared daily by our Zanzibari chefs, is seafood based and celebrates the freshest and best the market has to offer each morning. As this is a very small restaurant and there is only one sitting, we suggest you book in advance to avoid disappointment. It is open from 6pm for you to enjoy a cocktail as you watch the sun set over the rooftops of Stone Town. Sunset cocktails are highly recommended. On the ground floor, The Secret Garden, set amidst lushly landscaped ‘ruins’, open to the skies, has a Zanzibari a la carte menu.

Activities

These have very convenient locations so they are ideal to use as a base to experience the mystery and magic of Stone Town on foot. Explore the narrow, winding streets, markets and landmarks of this historic settlement, once the capital of a vast Arabic empire. Slavery and the spice trade ensured the islands early wealth. Spend your days exploring the fascinating town or enjoy some of the activities and tours on offer. These include dhow sailing trips in the bay, visits to neighbouring islands, dolphin viewing as well as a large range of tour on the islands to view historical sites and spice farms.