About Mbweni Ruins Hotel

Located 5 minutes outside of Stone Town, Mbweni Ruins is built on the grounds of the first Anglican Christian missionary settlement in East Africa. It is a small/medium size hotel and has a very tranquil private setting. From your room, you will be able to see the well maintained gardens and have a fantastic view of the ocean. Mbweni Ruins Hotel Pool The swimming pool is situated a little lower than the main building and overlooks the hotel's own beach. Positioned in a botanical garden, the surrounding vegetation attracts many of the wildlife species found on Zanzibar including Bushbabies and fireflies. The dining deck and bar also have lovely views of the ocean. Located in the front section of the hotel, they provide a comfortable informal place to hang out. The place is definitely cozy and the service is good. It is an ideal place to stay if you do not want to stay in the heart of Stone Town. You will not be able to walk to any of the tourist attractions, but transportation can be arranged if you so desire. We recommend that you do not spend your entire holiday here, but stay for a night or two, depending on your next destination.

Rooms at Mbweni Ruins Hotel

The hotel has 13 suites, all with on suite bathrooms and a sea view. All rooms are air conditioned with coffee making facilities, four poster beds and mosquito netting. Designed in typical Zanzibar style, they each have their own veranda where you can sit and sip those sundowner cocktails. We found the rooms to be spacious and comfortable. The Honeymoon Suite is called "The Baobab Suite". This romantic room has its own rooftop terrace, a king size bed and has fantastic views of the ocean and the ruins.

Dining

Paths lead through the lush tropical greenery to a cliff top where you'll find the Raintree Restaurant and Bar. You can enjoy magnificent views over the ocean where dhows and outriggers sail quietly by while you dine in style in the open-air restaurant. Facing east, this is the spot to be when the sun dips into the golden ocean. It's also a good place to be at 4pm when you can order tea and freshly baked scones.

Raintree Restaurant offers excellent meals throughout the day and the service is very good.
For breakfast, there is a great variety of fruit, yogurt, cereal, freshly squeezed juice and a selection of herbal teas. If you still have space, you can also order a full English breakfast.
For lunch, you have a good choice on the a la carte menu. Fresh produce is sourced from the Stone Town market and seafood specialties are a regular feature. On Sundays there's a traditional colonial-style curry buffet lunch. Don't miss it.

Facilities

The Mbweni Ruins hotel has the following facilities.

• A natural health center with aromatherapy and shiatsu massage
• Swimming pool available for guests.
• Botanical gardens with walks. Walks and tour info can be arranged at the hotel.
• Courtesy bus to Stone Town 5 times a day.
• Day trips to Prison Island, Bawe Island and Chumbe Island.
• Telephones for international calls.