236 Hurumzi

About 236 Hurumzi

If you’re an incurable romantic and fancy being swept up in the drama and mysticism of an Arabian Nights fantasy, 236 Hurumzi is the place. This beautifully restored guesthouse in the heart of Stone Town was once the home of Sir Tharia Topan, one of the richest men in the Swahili Empire. It’s now a place to dream of a long-gone era and bask in the opulence it inspired.

Imagine waking to the fragrance of jasmine in a bedroom featuring Zanzibari antiques, hand-painted glass lamps and windows, oriental rugs, chandeliers and billowing mosquito nets draped over four-poster beds. Waft over to your balcony to see the early morning sun light up the rooftops of Stone Town as the muezzin calls from the mosque’s minaret. Picture yourself bathing outdoors in an enormous, sunken stone bath shielded from the world by a lattice-enclosed veranda. Then step out into the hustle and bustle of Stone Town and spend the day exploring the maze of alleyways in this ancient town with its open-air markets, old palaces and intricately carved doorways.

Make sure you return to 236 Hurumzi’s before sunset to climb the stairs to the roof (it’s the second-highest building in Stone Town) where you’ll find the Tower Top Restaurant. Toss off your shoes at the door and sit Arabian-style on giant pillows laid upon the Persian-carpeted floor. Watch the sun dribble gold into the Indian Ocean as robed waiters bring a five-course meal to your knee-high table. With the rooftops, mosque minarets, temple towers and church spires below, you really do feel on top of the world!

Rooms at 236 Hurumzi

There are a total of 9 rooms, all individually furnished in a unique Zanzabari style. The rooms do not have much in terms of luxuries, so you won't find a telephone or a television set. The main suite is called the "Ballroom" and as the owners describe it "for those who want to indulge in opulence". It is fantastic and worth staying in.

Dining

Dinner at the Tower Top Restaurant (read the introduction) is extremely popular, so pre-booking is essential. A small buffet breakfast is served in the mornings.

Facilities

Not much is provided in the way of facilities. Fortunately it is located in the center of Stone Town, so any facilities you may require will be within walking distance.
As mentioned, the restaurant is awesome, and pre-booking is essential as you might find it full when you arrive. Bookings can be made at the hotel itself.