We noticed that you're using an unsupported browser. The Tripadvisor website may not display properly.We support the following browsers: Windows: Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome. Mac: Safari.
Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
View prices for your travel dates
Prices are the average nightly price provided by our partners and may not include all taxes and fees. Taxes and fees that are shown are estimates only. Please see our partners for more details.
The venerable "Emerson on Hurumzi", Grande Dame of restored palaces in Zanzibar has returned to service under the acclaimed management of "Emerson Spice". The same majestic building with the same spectacular views is developing a new concept of lunch and dinner. Designed to marry the culture and style of the building with the distinct culinary heritage of the era, The main house that today hosts Emerson on Hurumzi has particular historical significance since it was where the abolition and emancipation of slaves occurred in the 1870's. The recent refurbishment attempts to maintain the quality and style of the period in which it was built in the late 1800's whilst combining period antique furnishings with colour and comfort of the 21st century, a curiously magnificent building with historical significance and unique style.
We booked the set course dinner on the rooftop restaurant in time for sunset. It was a beautiful setting to enjoy a wonderful meal, served by attentive staff. The food was a fusion of Swahili and Persian food. A faultless experience. Would highly recommend.
Read more
Date of stay: March 2024
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
As soon as we reached the rooftop we were amazed by the incredible 360 view of the entire town. Best timing 6pm to take incredible pictures on the sunset. Then the staff was super kind to bring drinks and tell us the entire menu which is a traditional menu common in ceremonies of the Zanzibar culture. Drinks and food were accompanied by a local band, singer and dancer that invited us during the curses to join her dancing. This experience was amazing and also met more people that attended the dinner and share stories and contacts.
Read more
Date of stay: February 2024Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Room Tip:Get to the Emerson by 6pm for best photos views and sunset.
See more room tips
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
What an amazing experience we had! I had seen this place while planing our trip to Zanzibar and thought it’d be nice to hop on a rooftop one night. It exceeded our expectations, we met a whole bunch of nice people all traveling like us and bonded while the staff took great care of us and live music was being played. We went at 6pm for drinks and sunset and took great photos. Drinks were simple and really good. Dinner starts promptly at 7pm, the staff explained us the dinner and it was a 3 courses meal with lots of variety and traditional food to try. Food is delicious!! During dinner a band plays and entertains so you get to hear traditional songs and dance with them. Not intrusive and a pleasure to hear. We loved it. We laughed, we ate, we shared, we danced, it was such a great night and I strongly recommend to visit!…
Read more
Date of stay: February 2024Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Beautiful old building with wonderfully decorated and furnished rooms. We stayed in 'Seyyed' Lovely breakfast in small open courtyard and supper on top of the building ( second tallest in Stone Town) in the restaurant with perfect panoramic views of entire town and sea. Food was first class in quality, presentation and service with live music too. Cannot fault the experience.
Read more
Date of stay: January 2024
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Room Tip:Cannot be accessed by road, 5min walk through narrow streets but taxi driver will take you to door.
See more room tips
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
This toproof restaurant is located in stone town and you definitely need a reservation. Dinner starts at 7.00 pm for all guests. You have the choice between swahili seating on the ground in cushions or at the table. The view is perfect for the sundowner before dinner! Service and food were great, the live music was rather horrible because the female singers were so bad. But that was more funny than ennoying! We had a wonderful evening!
Read more
Date of stay: December 2023
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We spent three nights in the West room, the perfect culmination to an unforgettable trip to Tanzania. What I loved: The team - all so very friendly and welcoming <3 The location - a few minutes from the waterfront, the market, etc. Our room: At the top of the hotel with a small balcony, you can lie in bed and look out across roof tops to the sea. The dark wood lattice panels letting in the breeze. Listening to the rain on the rooftop. The cooling fan over the bed. The bed! it’s very comfy and you feel to be in a fairytale though You might need the step to get up onto it. Other aspects: The bath with overhead shower is in the room so you need to be comfortable with your partner. As anywhere in Stone Town, the calls to prayer at 5am ensure that you won’t miss a day ;) I’d go back tomorrow!…
Read more
Date of stay: November 2023Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Room Tip:Make sure to book the Swahili rooftop dinner and sit in the section on cushions if you can. A...
See more room tips
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Another wonderful stay. Very central and staff extremely helpful. The Swahili style roof terrace is the highest in Stone town and having lunch there was a highlight. Like other old buildings on Zanzibar there is no lift but the stairs adds to the charm.
Read more
Date of stay: November 2023Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
If you want to immerse yourself in Zanzibar and have an authentic experience, this is the place. Emerson on Hurumzi felt like home during our five-day trip thanks to an amazing staff. From the minute we checked in, we were made to feel comfortable and cared about. Stone Town is a bit chaotic and everyone here gave us what we needed -- making dinner reservations, finding an ATM, hooking us up with the most amazing tour/activity magician Khalid, who arranged fabulous, bespoke tours every day. Callouts to both Hamises and Fiona at the front desk for being so sweet, helpful and fun. And don't miss a dinner on the beautiful rooftop!
Read more
Date of stay: September 2023
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
When coming to Stone Town, a UNESCO site famous for architectural heritage, it makes sense to fully immerse in the experience by staying in one of those historic buildings. Emerson on Hurumzi, housed in a property with a rich history, is the perfect candidate for the job. Retaining many of the original elements, Emerson on Hurumzi will take you back in time. The intricate lace-like woodwork, rich fabrics, and colonial-style furniture won’t let you forget that you’re staying in a former mansion of a wealthy merchant family. The rooftop restaurant offers a NOT To BE MISSED authentic dining experience Beautiful sunset, Zanzibarian Music (Women only Band), amazing food and top notch service. However, prior booking is much recommended. By far the most kind, gracious and hospitable people ever. Asante Sana🙏 …
Read more
Date of stay: September 2023
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We had a wondeful dinner at the rooftop. The environment was very traditional, with live music. The view of the sunset from the rooftop was something special. The food was delicious! Very tasty, aromatic. We had a wonderfull time. I would return anytime!
Read more
Date of stay: August 2023
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Room Tip:Need to reserve ahead of time as there is limited seating
See more room tips
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
HK$1,025 - HK$1,431 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
LOCATION
TanzaniaZanzibar ArchipelagoZanzibar IslandZanzibar CityStone Town
NUMBER OF ROOMS
10
Prices are the average nightly price provided by our partners and may not include all taxes and fees. Taxes and fees that are shown are estimates only. Please see our partners for more details.
Is This Your Tripadvisor Listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Are there any historical sites close to Emerson on Hurumzi?
Many travellers enjoy visiting Christ Church Cathedral (0.3 km), Mkunazini, Urban West, Zanzibar (0.4 km), and David Livingstone's place of rest (0.1 km).