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Maru Maru Hotel

3.0 star property
Travelers can enjoy panoramic Indian Ocean views from the Terrace Lounge or find relaxation with rejuvenating spa services at this Stone Town retreat

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Maru Maru Hotel overlooks the Indian Ocean, offering a welcoming atmosphere. Guests can enjoy spa treatments, relax on the rooftop terrace, or let children play in the playground. The hotel provides high-speed WiFi, houses an art gallery, and is just steps from Forodhani Gardens.

Reviews

8.8 out of 10
Excellent

Popular amenities

  • Pool
  • Spa
  • Parking included
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Restaurant
  • Air-conditioning

Room options

Available filters for rooms
Showing 4 of 4 rooms

View all photos for Deluxe Room, 1 Queen Bed, Non Smoking, Air conditioning

Deluxe Room, 1 Queen Bed, Non Smoking, Air conditioning | Minibar, in-room safe, individually decorated, individually furnished

Deluxe Room, 1 Queen Bed, Non Smoking, Air conditioning

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful
(7 reviews)
  • 18 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Queen Bed

View all photos for Deluxe Double Room, 1 King Bed, Non Smoking, Air conditioning

Deluxe Double Room, 1 King Bed, Non Smoking, Air conditioning | Minibar, in-room safe, individually decorated, individually furnished

Deluxe Double Room, 1 King Bed, Non Smoking, Air conditioning

9.2 out of 10
Wonderful
(7 reviews)
  • 23 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Standard Twin Room, 2 Single Beds, Non Smoking, Air conditioning

Standard Twin Room, 2 Single Beds, Non Smoking, Air conditioning | Minibar, in-room safe, individually decorated, individually furnished

Standard Twin Room, 2 Single Beds, Non Smoking, Air conditioning

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(6 reviews)
  • City view
  • 18 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 3
  • 2 Single Beds

View all photos for Family Room

Family Room | Minibar, in-room safe, individually decorated, individually furnished

Family Room

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(1 review)
  • 36 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Single Beds and 1 King Bed OR 1 King Bed and 1 Single Bunk Bed
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About the area

Located by the ocean, Maru Maru Hotel is in Stone Town neighbourhood and is connected to a shopping centre. Slave Market and Hamamni Persian Baths are notable landmarks, and the area's natural beauty can be seen at Shangani Beach and Nakupenda Beach. Christ Church Cathedral and Malindi Mosque are two other places to visit that come recommended. Visit our Zanzibar Town travel guide
Map
Gizenga Street, Shangani, Zanzibar Town, Zanzibar, 394-400

What's nearby

  • Forodhani Gardens
    Forodhani Gardens
    2 min walk - 0.2 km
  • Old Fort
    Old Fort
    2 min walk - 0.2 km
  • Stone Town is a great place to roam and see a side of Africa that is seldom seen. A place where cultures have mixed and co-exist. It is somewhat in decay and not very well kept, but it is extremely interesting to visit the sights and experience Stone Town while looking for souvenirs and just observing the Swahili culture and Zanzibar architecture. Amazing sunsets by the harbour! #GoldenHour #blue
    Shangani Beach
    2 min walk - 0.2 km
  • Anglican Cathedral featuring heritage elements
    Christ Church Cathedral
    3 min walk - 0.3 km
  • Slave Market
    Slave Market
    5 min walk - 0.5 km

Getting around

  • Zanzibar (ZNZ-Zanzibar Intl.)
    28 min drive

Restaurants

  • Forodhani Park
    4 min walk
  • Lukmaan Restaurant
    5 min walk
  • House of Karafuu
    1 min walk
  • Secret Garden
    3 min walk
  • Livingstone Beach Restaurant
    4 min walk

About this property

Maru Maru Hotel

Family-friendly hotel near Old Fort
Located close to Forodhani Gardens and Hamamni Persian Baths, Maru Maru Hotel provides a rooftop terrace, an art gallery on-site and a coffee shop/cafe. Treat yourself to spa services, such as aromatherapy, a facial or a manicure/pedicure. The on-site Asian cuisine restaurant, Terrace Lounge, features ocean views and happy hour. Free in-room WiFi is available to all guests, along with a garden and a playground.
Other perks at this hotel include:
  • An outdoor pool, along with sunloungers and pool umbrellas
  • Free self-parking
  • Limo/town car service, buffet breakfast (surcharge) and express check-out
  • Babysitting (surcharge), tour/ticket information and smoke-free property
  • Guest reviews speak highly of the helpful staff
Room features
All 51 individually furnished rooms boast comforts such as laptop-friendly workspaces and air conditioning, as well as amenities such as free WiFi and desk chairs.
Other conveniences in all rooms include:
  • Highchairs and children's dinnerware
  • Bathrooms with free toiletries
  • 24-inch HDTVs with cable channels and DVD players
  • Mini fridges, CD players and electric kettles

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Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transport

  • Free offsite parking
  • Street parking available
  • 24-hour return airport shuttle on request for a surcharge
  • Area shuttle (surcharge) up to 5 km
  • Ferry terminal shuttle (surcharge)
  • Shopping centre shuttle (surcharge)
  • Limo/town car service
  • Free self parking on site
  • Limited on-site self parking
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking available

Food and drink

  • Daily buffet breakfast available 7:00 AM to 10:00 AM for a fee: USD 15 for adults and USD 12 for children
  • A bar/lounge
  • A coffee shop/cafe
  • A restaurant
  • Coffee and tea in common areas
  • Couples/private dining
  • Private picnics
  • Snack bar/deli

Restaurants on site

  • Coffee Lounge
  • Terrace Lounge
  • Terrace Restaurant

Things to do

  • Art gallery
  • Evening entertainment
  • Gym
  • Outdoor pool
  • Playground

Family friendly

  • Babysitting (surcharge)
  • Children's dinnerware
  • DVD player
  • High chair
  • Laundry facilities
  • Mini-fridge
  • Outdoor pool
  • Playground
  • Snack bar/deli

Conveniences

  • 24-hour front desk
  • ATM
  • Free newspapers in lobby
  • Laundry facilities
  • Luggage storage

Guest services

  • Housekeeping (daily)
  • Porter/bellhop
  • Proposal/romance packages
  • Tour and ticket assistance
  • Turndown service

Business services

  • 3 meeting rooms
  • Conference centre (500 square foot of space)

Outdoors

  • Garden
  • Pool loungers
  • Pool umbrellas
  • Rooftop terrace

Spa

  • Aromatherapy
  • Body scrubs
  • Body wraps
  • Deep-tissue massages
  • Facials
  • Manicures/pedicures
  • Swedish massages

Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • Accessible airport shuttle
  • Lift
  • Tile flooring in public areas
  • Wheelchair accessibility
  • Wheelchair accessible (may have limitations)
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking
  • Wheelchair-accessible path to lift
  • Wheelchair-accessible restaurant
  • Wheelchair-width doorways

More

  • 3 buildings
  • 4 floors
  • Banquet hall
  • Built in 2012
  • Mosquito nets
  • No plastic water bottles
  • Smoke-free property
  • Traditional architecture

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • Free toiletries
  • Private bathroom
  • Slippers
  • Towels provided

Entertainment

  • 24-inch LCD TV with cable channels
  • CD player
  • DVD player

Food and drink

  • Champagne service
  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Electric kettle
  • Free bottled water
  • Limited room service
  • Mini-fridge
  • Minibar

More

  • Air conditioning
  • Desk
  • Desk chair
  • Free daily newspapers
  • Individual decor
  • Individual furnishings
  • Iron/ironing board on request
  • Laptop workspace
  • Phone
  • Safe

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 2:00 PM; check-in end time: anytime
Early check-in subject to availability
Early check-in is available for a fee
Minimum check-in age - 18

Check-out

Check-out before 11 AM
Contactless check-out
Late check-out subject to availability
A late check-out fee will be charged
Express check-out available

Special check-in instructions

This property offers transfers from the ferry terminal and airport (surcharges may apply); to arrange pick-up, guests must contact the property 48 hours prior to arrival, using the contact information on the booking confirmation
Front desk staff will greet guests on arrival at the property
For any questions, please contact the property using the information on the booking confirmation
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Access methods

Staffed front desk

Pets

No pets or service animals allowed

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome
Rollaway/extra beds are available for USD 30.0 per day.
Cots (infant beds) are not available

Payment types at the property

Important information

Fees

You'll be asked to pay the following charges at the property. Fees may include applicable taxes:

  • A tax is imposed by the city: USD 4.00 per person, per night

We have included all charges provided to us by the property.

Optional extras

  • Fee for buffet breakfast: from approximately USD 15 for adults and from USD 12 for children
  • Airport shuttle fee: USD 20 per vehicle (one-way, maximum occupancy 3)
  • Early check-in is available for a fee (subject to availability)
  • Late check-out is available for a fee (subject to availability)
  • Rollaway bed fee: USD 30.0 per day

The above list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits may not include tax and are subject to change.

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
This property accepts credit cards; cash is not accepted
Safety features at this property include a carbon monoxide detector, a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, a first aid kit and window guards

We should mention

Reservations are required for massage services and spa treatments; reservations can be made by contacting the property prior to arrival, using the contact information on the booking confirmation
Only registered guests are allowed in the guestrooms
No pets and no service animals are allowed at this property

Property is also known as

Hotel Maru
Maru Hotel
Maru Maru Hotel Zanzibar Island/Stone Town
Maru Maru Hotel
Maru Maru Hotel Zanzibar Town
Maru Maru Zanzibar Town
Maru Maru Hotel Hotel
Maru Maru Hotel Zanzibar Town
Maru Maru Hotel Hotel Zanzibar Town

Frequently asked questions

Does Maru Maru Hotel have a pool?

Yes, this property has an outdoor pool.

Is Maru Maru Hotel pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much is parking at Maru Maru Hotel?

Self-parking is free at this property; nearby parking is also free.

What time is check-in at Maru Maru Hotel?

Check-in start time: 2:00 PM; check-in end time: anytime. A fee applies for early check-in (subject to availability).

What time is check-out at Maru Maru Hotel?

Checkout is at 11 AM. Late check-out is available for a fee (subject to availability).

Does Maru Maru Hotel provide a shuttle to the airport?

Yes, there's an airport shuttle that runs on request. A fee of USD 20 per vehicle applies.

Where is Maru Maru Hotel located?

This family-friendly Zanzibar Town hotel is located near the airport, steps away from Old Fort, Forodhani Gardens and Hamamni Persian Baths. Shangani Beach and Christ Church Cathedral are also within 10 minutes.

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Reviews

Maru Maru Hotel Reviews

8.8

Excellent

9.4

Cleanliness

8.8

Location

8.6

Staff & service

9.0

Property conditions & facilities
Rating 10 - Excellent. 297 out of 586 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 226 out of 586 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 41 out of 586 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 15 out of 586 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 7 out of 586 reviews

Reviews

Verified

8/10 Good

Elana

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Room was spacious and clean with weell functioning AC. The staff were efficient and kind. The rooftop restaurant served a very good breakfasts with lots of options and the happy hour was reasonable and of good quality. Overall a good location and a nice place to stay.
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Harry

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The staff were excellent. This will forever be my hotel of choice when I come to the island
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Ayaz

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Beautiful hotel, very comfortable, elaborate breakfast, incredibly hospitable staff
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Charlene

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The room was clean. Staff is very friendly and helpfull. There was no free breakfast.
Stayed 7 nights in Dec 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Maureen

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
the two ladies that came to clean my room and put a net on my bed were kind and courteous. they were also hands on and swift
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Phillip

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Excellent lication and amenities, friendly staff
Stayed 1 night in May 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Falgun

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very comfortable beds, clean bathroom, air-conditioned, great rooftop restaurant, live entertainment, central location.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Catherine

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Wonderful location and staff

Staff friendly and kind, especially Frank who took us on a historic Stone town wali g tour Location perfect, food and service were excellent!
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Marion

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
It is well situated and gives you a true sense of being in Stonetown. The dining options were not that plentiful though.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Ruth

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Maru Maru Hotel staff were very kind and willing to help. The location of this hotel is beyond convenient; a great location if you decide the stone town tour and prison island tour. I absolutely love that you can turn on heat for your water. I only have positive things to say about my stay here. The restaurant on the rooftop was also amazing; a great selection of food and cocktails. The venue itself was gorgeous- it has a very safe and reassuring feeling.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Tamoi

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The hotel was very nice. Good customer service 👍
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Erin

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Beautiful property and close to shops, restaurants and Stonetown attractions.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

shahab

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Rooms not noise isolated, otherwise good

All good except rooms noise isolation is non-existing.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2025
Verified

8/10 Good

Janelle

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great location.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2024
Verified

8/10 Good

Melanie

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
My second time staying at Maru Maru- overall it offers bang for buck with location and room size. There will be hiccups with slowness of staff- for example my laundry order was delayed but I had to call 3 times until I was finally told it was delayed. Junior level Wait staff and front desk reception need more training in international hospitality. For example a smile from a customer is often met with an expression of dread. Would I book again? Yes because I know what to expect and the rates are competitive for similar properties in the area. Bathroom size is very generous as well as windows in the room.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Leona

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Nice clean rooms. Staff was professionally and very helpful.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Kristin

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Overall, a very nice stay. It is conveniently located in Stone Town and for catching day trips out to Prison Island. The rooms are comfortable and clean. Food and bar options plentiful. The rooftop restaurant, bar, and pool area is quite nice.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Had an excellent stay at the Maru Maru hotel. I've been here twice and the service, room, and accessibility to the rest of Stone Town were great. The rooftop restaurant has an incredible view of Stone Town. Would highly recommend Maru Maru.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025
Verified

8/10 Good

Bob

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Loves the proximity to Old Arab Fort and waterfront. Loved the staff. Didnt like the cockroaches and very limited parking.
Stayed 5 nights in May 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Anna

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great location, amazing rooftop, and helpful staff. The room was clean, the bed comfortable and the property is charming.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Adrian

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Sunset hotel

A nice two night stay. The hotel is super central and the rooftop has a fantastic sunset view not to mention good mojitos.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2023
Verified

8/10 Good

Karen

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Good location but the street is busy and noisy late into the night. Lovely roof top but dining was limited. Lighter fare for lunch would have been nice. Staff was nice, professional and helpful. Transport to and from airport was easy to arrange. WIFI was great and all over the property. At arrival, there was trash from the last customer in my trash cans, and tissues behind the side tables. Things to note: there are lots of stairs and half stairs. the power to the room is with a room key so when you leave power is off, this means no charging of phones, or AC.
Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Shane

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Excellent location. Hotel is beautiful with very comfortable beds and fabulous views from the rooftop restaurant/ bar/ pool area. Great for watching the sun set.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Martin

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Staff was amazing, very helpful and informative of the area. Check in was fast and smooth and area is safe for walking at all times. Would recommend
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Kirit

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
There was nothing which we didn’t like.Very friendly service and breakfast choice was excellent.Had Lunch and Dinner one day and the food was excellent.Even The General Manager made us Feel Very Welcome.Words cannot describe our experience.Would Recommend Maru Maru Hotel to Everyone.🙏🙏🙏
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2025