Arturas S.
Google
We stayed at Dhow Inn Boutique Hotel in early December and overall found it to be a pleasant and comfortable place to stay. The rooms are clean, well-kept, and serviced daily—often more than once. Evening housekeeping visits are shorter and mainly focused on spraying the rooms with mosquito repellent. The minibar is well-stocked with drinks and snacks, all clearly priced. The rooms also come with a kettle, a coffee machine, and tea and sugar, which was a nice extra convenience. A safe was provided in the room and was free to use. We didn’t experience any theft, but we were advised to avoid any unnecessary risk by keeping jewellery and other valuables inside the safe for peace of mind.
The beds are comfortable, and the air conditioning works well, which is essential given how hot it was during our stay. We were also provided with plenty of towels, and the staff made it clear that taking them to the beach was perfectly fine, which was very convenient. Communication with the hotel before our stay was excellent. All our emails were answered quickly, and every question we had before arriving was handled clearly and helpfully. This gave us a very positive impression even before we reached the property.
When we visited, the hotel felt very quiet. We barely saw other guests around the pools or during breakfast and dinner, which made it feel peaceful. We had booked half board, and while the food was acceptable, it wasn’t particularly good. The selection was very limited, and after trying food elsewhere on the island for lunch, the difference in quality was noticeable—there really was no comparison. That said, the dishes did change every day, which added some variety. Improving the overall quality and range of options would make a big difference. Don’t get me wrong, it’s absolutely fine for eating in, but those who enjoy food as part of the travel experience will likely prefer dining out.
Staff at the hotel were consistently polite and eager to help. The Spanish lady at reception (Sarah, we think) deserves a special mention. She was exceptionally kind, knowledgeable, and generous with her time. We had lovely conversations with her throughout our stay, and she always shared thoughtful insights about the island. She genuinely seems to love her job—and the island—and she made our experience even better.
The hotel has four pools, and the water was pleasantly warm—so warm, in fact, that cooling off during the day was nearly impossible. Pool hours end at 7pm for cleaning. This wasn’t an issue for us, but it’s useful to know if you like a late swim. The property also offers a small but secure parking area that was always nearly empty. A gate attendant opens and closes the gate each time you enter or leave, which adds an extra sense of safety. The hotel is located literally right on the beach—only steps away from Paje Beach—which is incredibly convenient.
Once outside the hotel grounds, you’ll immediately encounter the many souvenir shops and street vendors common in this part of Zanzibar. Be prepared for frequent approaches from people trying to sell something, offer a service, or request a tip. This is a widespread issue on the island, not specific to the hotel, but worth mentioning as it can be tiring.
Other practical points: laundry service costs $20 USD per load, regardless of quantity. The hotel has a power generator, so the island’s well-known power cuts are barely felt—during our four-day stay, the generator kicked in within minutes on the two occasions the power went out. The Wi-Fi is fine for basic use but on the slower side, which seems typical for the island.
Overall, Dhow Inn Boutique Hotel is a good place to stay. You are genuinely well looked after, the staff are lovely, and the facilities are comfortable. With improvements to the food quality and selection, it could easily become an excellent hotel. I almost feel bad giving it 4 stars, because in many ways it truly feels like it deserves 5—if only the food matched the rest of the experience.
