Travelers bask on sun-drenched beaches or unwind with restorative spa treatments while enjoying ocean views and international flavors at the restaurant
Mbweni Ruins & Gardens welcomes beachgoers with comfortable sun loungers and a refreshing outdoor pool. The Raintree Restaurant serves international cuisine, while the terrace offers peaceful garden views. Knowledgeable multilingual staff assist guests throughout their stay.
Located in Zanzibar Town, Mbweni Ruins & Gardens is in the historical district and on the beach. Slave Market and Old Fort are notable landmarks, and the area's natural beauty can be seen at Nakupenda Beach and Forodhani Gardens. Travelling with kids? Don't miss Kidichi Spice Farm. With windsurfing and fishing nearby, you'll find plenty of adventures in the water. Visit our Zanzibar Town travel guide
Mbweni, Zanzibar Town
What's nearby
Slave Market
9 min drive - 7.5 km
Old Fort
10 min drive - 7.8 km
Forodhani Gardens
10 min drive - 8.2 km
House of Wonders
10 min drive - 8.2 km
Nakupenda Beach
9 min drive - 7.8 km
Getting around
Zanzibar (ZNZ-Zanzibar Intl.)
10 min drive
Restaurants
Lukmaan Restaurant
9 min drive
Stone Town
8 min drive
Jahazi Cafe
5 min drive
Cape Town Fish Market
Poa'zz Grill
8 min drive
About this property
Mbweni Ruins & Gardens
Upscale family-friendly hotel near Slave Market
Located close to Mbweni Ruins and Old Fort, Mbweni Ruins & Gardens provides a terrace, a garden and a hair salon. This hotel is a great place to bask in the sun with a beachfront location and sunloungers. Treat yourself to spa services, such as aromatherapy, a body scrub or a manicure/pedicure. The on-site international cuisine restaurant, Raintree Restaurant, offers breakfast, lunch, dinner and ocean views. In addition to dry cleaning/laundry services and a snack bar/deli, guests can connect to free in-room WiFi.
Other perks at this hotel include:
An outdoor pool, along with sunloungers
Free self-parking
Cooked-to-order breakfast (surcharge), a free local area shuttle and a front desk safe
Beach towels, tour/ticket information and a vending machine
Room features
All guest rooms at Mbweni Ruins & Gardens feature thoughtful touches, such as laptop-friendly workspaces and air conditioning, in addition to amenities, such as free WiFi and free bottled water.
More amenities include:
Bathrooms with bidets and hairdryers
Balconies or patios, wardrobes/cupboards and childcare services
Daily cooked-to-order breakfast available 7:30 AM to 10:30 AM for a fee: TZS 35,000 for adults and TZS 25,000 for children
A restaurant
Couples/private dining
Private picnics
Snack bar/deli
Restaurants on site
Mangrove Bar
Raintree Restaurant
Sundowner Bar
Things to do
Outdoor pool
Family friendly
Free area shuttle
In-room babysitting
Laundry facilities
Outdoor pool
Snack bar/deli
Conveniences
Hair salon
Laundry facilities
Limited-hour front desk
Luggage storage
Safe at front desk
Vending machine
Guest services
Concierge services
Dry cleaning/laundry service
Housekeeping (daily)
Multilingual staff
Proposal/romance packages
Tour and ticket assistance
Wedding services
Outdoors
Beach loungers
Beach towels
Beach umbrellas
Garden
On the beach
Pool loungers
Terrace
Spa
Aromatherapy
Body scrubs
Facials
In-room massages
Manicures/pedicures
Accessibility
If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
No lift
Well-lit path to entrance
More
10 buildings
2 floors
Banquet hall
Built in 1994
Mosquito nets
Smoke-free property
Room amenities
Bedroom
Bedsheets provided
Bathroom
Bidet
Hair dryer
Private bathroom
Shampoo
Slippers
Soap
Toilet paper
Towels provided
Food and drink
Electric kettle
Free bottled water
Limited room service
More
Access via exterior corridors
Air conditioning
Ceiling fan
Desk
Electrical adapters
Laptop workspace
Phone
Policies
Check-in
Check-in start time: 7:00 AM; check-in end time: 11:00 PM
Early check-in subject to availability
Early check-in fee: TZS 37500
Late check-in subject to availability
Late check-in fee: TZS 37500 for check-in between midnight and 6:00 AM
Minimum check-in age - 18
Check-out
Check-out before 11 AM
Late check-out subject to availability
Late check-out fee: TZS 128000
Special check-in instructions
This property offers transfers from the airport (surcharges may apply); to arrange pick-up, guests must contact the property 24 hours prior to arrival, using the contact information on the booking confirmation
The front desk is open daily from 7:00 AM - 11:00 PM
Front desk staffed during limited hours
If you are planning to arrive after noon please contact the property in advance using the information on the booking confirmation
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
Guests planning to arrive outside of normal check-in hours must contact this property in advance to arrange check-in.
Renovations and closures
The property is closed between 1 June and 17 June.
Access methods
Front desk (limited hours)
Pets
Pets not allowed (service animals are welcome, and are exempt from fees)
Children and extra beds
Children are welcome
Rollaway/extra beds are not available.
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: TZS 12373.85 per person, per night
We have included all charges provided to us by the property.
Optional extras
Fee for cooked-to-order breakfast: from approximately TZS 35000 for adults and from TZS 25000 for children
Airport shuttle fee: TZS 35000 per vehicle (one-way, maximum occupancy 4)
Airport shuttle fee per child: TZS 33300.00 (one-way), (from 7 to 16 years old)
Early check-in fee: TZS 37500 (subject to availability)
Late check-in fee: TZS 37500 for check-in between midnight and 6:00 AM
Late check-out fee: TZS 128000 (subject to availability)
Credit card charges are subject to a surcharge
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 fire extinguisher
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios and terraces, which may not be suitable for children; if you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that they can accommodate you in a suitable room
This property affirms that it follows the cleaning and disinfection practices of Commitment to Clean (Marriott)
Please note that cultural norms and guest policies may differ by country and by property; the policies listed are provided by the property
We should mention
This property does not have any lifts
Reservations are required for massage services; reservations can be made by contacting the property prior to arrival, using the contact information on the booking confirmation
Property is also known as
Mbweni
Mbweni Hotel Zanzibar
Mbweni Ruins
Mbweni Ruins Hotel
Mbweni Ruins Zanzibar
Mbweni Zanzibar
Ruins Hotel
Zanzibar Mbweni
Zanzibar Mbweni Ruins Hotel
Protea Hotel Mbweni Ruins
Protea Mbweni Ruins Zanzibar
Protea Mbweni Ruins
Mbweni Ruins & Gardens Hotel
Protea Hotel Zanzibar Mbweni Ruins
Mbweni Ruins & Gardens Zanzibar Town
Mbweni Ruins & Gardens Hotel Zanzibar Town
Jungle Paradise Beach Resort Spa Mbweni Ruins
Protea Hotel by Marriott Zanzibar Mbweni Ruins
Frequently asked questions
Does Mbweni Ruins & Gardens have a pool?
Yes, this property has an outdoor pool.
How much does it cost to stay at Mbweni Ruins & Gardens?
As of 6 Mar 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Mbweni Ruins & Gardens on 16 Mar 2026 start from 3.117.383 ₫, excluding taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.
Is Mbweni Ruins & Gardens pet-friendly?
No, only service animals are welcome at the property.
How much is parking at Mbweni Ruins & Gardens?
Self-parking is free at this property.
What time is check-in at Mbweni Ruins & Gardens?
Check-in start time: 7:00 AM; check-in end time: 11:00 PM. Early check-in is available for a fee of TZS 37500 (subject to availability). Late check-in is available from midnight to
6:00 AM for a fee of TZS 37500.
What time is check-out at Mbweni Ruins & Gardens?
Checkout is at 11 AM. Late checkout is available for TZS 128000 (subject to availability).
Does Mbweni Ruins & Gardens provide a shuttle to the airport?
Yes, there's an airport shuttle. A fee of TZS 35000 per vehicle applies.
Where is Mbweni Ruins & Gardens located?
Located in Zanzibar Town, this beachfront hotel is in the historical district and within 6 mi (10 km) of Slave Market, Nakupenda Beach and Zanzibar Ferry Terminal. Forodhani Gardens and Old Fort are also within 6 mi (10 km).
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Reviews
Mbweni Ruins & Gardens Reviews
8.4
Very good
All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travellers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.More informationOpens in a new window
Overall, the resort is not well maintained. Water in the shower was just a trickle.
Location and beach is really nice, close to the airport and boat pick up to Chumbe Island is from this hotel.
This is a cute old hotel complex that is right on the beach. They have a neat restaurant overlooking the beach from a platform.
William or Ann Marie
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2024
6/10 Okay
Michael
18 Oct 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
Older property in need of basic maintenance. Nicely located close tro Stonetown, beach quiet with very nice security so no hawkers but not for those looking for the ultimate beach holiday. Food - adequate and limited. Stafgv all very pleasant though service irritatingly slow at times.
Michael
Stayed 10 nights in Oct 2025
10/10 Excellent
Verified traveller
1 May 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, room comfort
Ocean view
Great hotel next to the ocean. Our room had an amazing view of the ocean. The restaurant had great food and the staff were extremely nice. Great customer service.
The hotel is in a very nice jungle area, it fitted us as we wanted to stay near stonetown/airport for the night but did not like the places in the city - this one certinantly has that resort feeeling - beach right out the resort, beautfull sunset etc..its not your typical luxary resort.
Excellent environment and the combination of the old historical buildings with the new hotel is absolut unique. The service of the stuff is over average. You guys made our anniversary unforgettable, thanks a lot.
Maik
Stayed 1 night in May 2024
6/10 Okay
David
18 Jun 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, room comfort
Very small hotel only 14 rooms, so don't expect a lot of people around. Extremely limited bar drinks options, as well as the breakfast food options. Shower didn't have enough pressure in my second floor room. Rooms very clean and well presented and AC worked well.
The staff were friendly and very helpful. The rooms were beautiful and comfortable with interesting wood furniture. Overall, nice, clean and enjoyable. Massage was great. More sophisticated and relaxed than Stone Town and close to the airport. The restaurant is good but prepare for taking it pole, pole.
Elizabeth
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2024
8/10 Good
romina
5 Feb 2024
Liked: Staff & service, room comfort
A bit old but getting better and better.
The pier is no longer there, it should nto be the first pciture of the hotel.
Overall, people were absolutly lovely with us!
Their electricity generator always work (and that is a BIG PLUS in Zanzibar)
Rooms are a bit old but according to the pictures.
Thank you ! we have a good time in your hotel.
We were so happy to have some doggies around, kittens, even a MONKEY !
The hotel has many beautiful spots for pictures!
Property was good and good location on beach and near the airport. Only issue was I was given the lobby WI-FI password which only worked in the lobby area. I later found out there is another WI-FI that works in my room and common areas. Also the restaurant was very lacking of many of the items I tried to order. Perhaps it was just a bad time and they had not gotten supplies in.
Victor
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2024
4/10 Poor
Nadja
7 Sep 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
The name is program: ruins and garden. When you enter the first thing you see is the ruin ( literally speaking) the staff is very friendly, The entrance is very muddy and even with the taxi hard to access. We were led to the new part of the hotel. Theroom had hardly any furniture, the cupboard and drawers very damp and almost falling apart. The rooms smmelled fungy. We booked a room for one grown up and two teenagers and there was only one double bed, no safe in the room. Since we only stayed one night we didn’t ask for neither. The garden has jungle flair. The sand beach and the ocean were beautiful. The restaurant was located a pit higher up like a big tree house and from there you can have an amazing view over the ocean - which really made up for the room. Food and drinks were also good.
Historic setting of a beach-side property located away from the city centre.
The extremely personable and enthusiastic new Manager has an attitude, qualities and resume that deserve to make this hotel a major success.
Staff is not properly trained to serve international customers. All the rest is fine, but quality of service could improve a lot in terms of food and drinks. I also think stuff should manage a good level of English, which was lacking.
Italo
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2024
4/10 Poor
Ilkka
26 Nov 2025
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
Huone korjaamista vaille aika paljon. Vettä ei tullut hanasta aamulla
Ilkka
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025
6/10 Okay
Verified traveller
8 Jan 2025
Helt ok, dock missvisande bilder på Piren
Helt ok standard för Afrika, kall AC och fräscha lakan. God frukost och ok mat i restaurangen. Ett OK hotell om man vill bo nära Stonetown. Obs de borde byta bilder då ”Piren” som visas inte finns kvar.
This is a fantastic property set in the ruins of an old school. Rooms clean and comfortable. Wonderful outdoor dining area with delicious food and a small private beach. So relaxing and close to airport and Stonetown. A highlight of our stay in Zanzibar.