Emerson Spice Rooms

- UNIQUE AND STYLISH -

Emerson Spice Rooms

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EVERY ROOM UNIQUELY STYLISH

Stay at the Timeless Emerson Spice

Originally owned by the Mwinyi Mkuu, the last Swahili ruler of Zanzibar, the property has changed hands from one illustrious owner to another; and now graces the discerning traveller in pursuit of glamour with authenticity. If you want to step into the soul of Zanzibar and experience the timeless magic of Stone Town, then Emerson Spice is the place to visit.

The principal structure which now houses Emerson Spice is a melding of two buildings and several distinct styles of architecture typical of the Stone Town heritage site, still offers the visitor a feeling of stepping back in time, when crossing the threshold.

Furnished with antique Zanzibar furniture, be it the classic ornate Swahili bed, or the Zenji Déco take on the international design era, every single room is different from the other. Built for romance, the bath rooms are fully or partially open to the bedrooms. This mixture of glamour, mystery and history make them the best hotel rooms for your stay in Stone Town. Experience the real Zanzibar.

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ROOMS

KATE

The least Zanzibari room among Emerson’s designs, the room dedicated to Katherine Hepburn is a restrained Hollywood / Bollywood does Zanzibar.

Opening to two verandas facing South and North, the natural breeze through the room soothes in the tropics, as well as the al fresco second bath where to relax and cool down after a day exploring… find out more about Kate here.

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Rooms

AIDA

Aida is a duplex, suitable as a double or for a family with children. On the first level there is a queen size bed in the main area, and a sitting area with a spiral staircase up to a mezzanine loft. Separate and enclosed bathroom.

Monumental columns, massive blank walls, soaring ceilings are emblems of Luxor and are integral to the Aida opera set. Granted our stage is of a smaller scale, but for a bedroom, it is grandiose. A large lion pawed bed, so high that two antique Zanzibari chests were placed next to the bed so guests could climb onto it. As was the custom in ancient Egypt, a mural with a large impression of Aida adorns the eastern wall… find out more about Aida here.

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Rooms

CAMILLE

The second floor west facing room is dedicated to the film version of Dumas’ “La Dame aux Camelias”, starring Greta Garbo and Robert Taylor; two of the most beautiful people ever captured on film.

French doors, high ceilings, spacious but not ostentatiously huge, and the gold satin backdrop capturing the afternoon light evokes the romantic atmosphere and photography of one of the greatest films ever made…

find out more about Camille here.

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Rooms

SEMELE

This room is a collapsed temple of Apollo and dedicated to the mother of Dionysus. There are chandeliers which are based on classical temple lighting.

A Spanish hand-painted tile mosaic lies among broken marble slabs embedded in the floor. The mosaic is a solar Apollo motif. The bath is built into an archway in the wall and resembles a ceremonial tub spanning two spaces, or, perhaps, two worlds…. find out more about Semele here.

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Rooms

BELLE

The first floor West room is dedicated to all the Southern Belles of the world, be they Scarlett O’Hara, Lillian Hellman, Blanche DuBois or Emerson’s mother. Belles are not necessarily from the U.S. South, being a Belle is a state of mind.

The very large, ornately carved mirror made visible from every spot in the room, so the Belle can delight in her every move.

The mirror also doubles her stage presence. The stone shower/bath is also visible from throughout, so that her amour will long for her touch… find out more about Belle here.

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Rooms

VIOLETTA

This courtesan’s boudoir in shades of violet and blue, was dedicated to the lead character in Verdi’s “La Traviata”. Although the room is quite spacious, there is a feminine and intimate feeling; quite large, yet cozy and private.

Animated conversations and laughter drift upward from the street, but sounding as if in another room, behind a closed door evokes “Libiamo,” the famous aria from the first act. The furniture is antique, feminine and frilly; and there is lots of satin for such a small room.

The shower/bath is visible from all the room, but partially obscured by an arch, for a little mystery. The large carved mirror faces the bath for a lovely duet… find out more about Violetta here.

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Rooms

DESDEMONA

Top floor west facing Desdemona is elegant, lovely and inviting, but at the same time, chaste and aloof. Presiding over the city as from an abandoned castle’s tower with the view of the cityscape, yet captured and isolated by the very walls and height that protect it.

Black shelves, a small wall shelf, round table and two silver painted chairs are reminiscent of Ottoman styles which were prevalent in the Eastern Mediterranean at the time.

A priere bench sits between the two balcony doors, and in the bathroom, a variation of Gothic stained glass windows afford privacy and light… find out more about Desdemona here.

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Rooms

LAMOUR TOUJOURS

Dorothy Lamour, beloved pin-up girl and celebrity from WWII, and Emerson’s favourite “Jane” (forget about Tarzan) is the inspiration of this Hollywood inspired room with original “Road to Zanzibar” film posters.

The windows face Tharia Street, one of the most beautiful and characteristic streets of Stonetown. A couple of minarets, the Anglican Cathedral spire, some dramatic teahouses and multi-ethnic street life define the essence of Zenj, just waiting for the long dolly shot entrance or slow fade of movie cameras… find out more about Lamour Toujours here.

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Rooms

MIMI

Mimi is graced by arches, frilly balconies, and curved stained glass windows. When you cross the threshold, you sense it is lofty.

The view is of Zanzibari characteristic roof tops, minarets, and church spires.

We are slowly filling this room with its own art collection. We have the honor to present two life-size angels standing on easels from a now renowned exhibition called “Letters to Abu” by Jan Van Esch, a Dutch-Tanzanian artist. Elias Ciprian Mkumbo, a leading young Tanzanian sculptor, has graced us with two busts of Mimi, one of clay and one of wood… find out more about Mimi here.

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Rooms

TURANDOT

Turandot is the smallest room in the hotel, however, the veranda is as large as the room. The private tea House, the open air bath and garden make this a special room for the lovers of moonlight and mystery outdoors…

find out more about Turandot here.

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What our Guests Say

ksenijaozebek

Guest Reviewer on Google / Google My Business

Best Restaurant Recommendation in Stone Town

One of the best Restaurants in Stone Town to try local food. The food was full of positive surprises in taste combinations. The staff are kind and serve your food with a smile on. Would recommend it to anyone who is planning to visit Stone Town.

Samira Hamid Sharifu

Guest Reviewer on Google / Google My Business

Favourite hotel room in the world

The north room at Emerson on Hurumzi is probably my favourite hotel room in the world. It’s like being in a fairy tale. One side of the room consists of ‘French’ windows which open to a balcony with the most amazing ocean view ever. If you open all the windows it gives you the illusion you’re sleeping outside and with being so high up it’s like sleeping in ‘heaven’. Then there’s the massive stone tub which easily fits two people, and it’s partially in the open air so I can highly recommend having a late night bath while gazing at the moon and stars. The staff are absolutely amazing, professional and efficient and above all super friendly, like most people are on the island. In short, Emerson on Hurumzi is probably one of the most authentic Zanzibari experiences you could ask for.

Emilie Kay

Google Business Review

Fabulous Hotel!

The photos do not do this property justice. It is a fabulous hotel! Incredibly unique, pristinely decorated, in a fantastic location, with very attentive and accommodating service. I, undoubtedly, will stay here on my next visit to Stone Town! It would be a missed opportunity to not stay here, I highly recommend it!

ALEXEY Федосеев

Google Business Review

Rooms beautiful and spacious

Пришлось провести в ресторане этого отеля несколько часов. Приятное место, лобби красивый и аутентичный, в арабском стиле. Номера красивые и просторные, насколько комфортные неизвестно. (Trans: I had to spend a few hours in the restaurant of this hotel. Pleasant place, lobby is beautiful and authentic, in Arabic style. The rooms are beautiful and spacious)

Shane Szymczak

Google Business Review

Place to give you a real feel of Stone town

Amazing, friendly staff and a cozy place to give you a real feel of Stone town!! The rooms have so much history and passion in them it is amazing! It is a very picturesque place as well. They have a sister hotel Emerson Spice a 2 minute walk (the hotel will escort you over) for live music and drinks if you like.

Mohamed Gebba

Google Business Review

Beautiful friendly staff

Beautiful, friendly staff, Khateeb is friendly and helpful, I would recommend it to everyone. Definitely coming back

C P (Trip Advisor)

Trip Advisor July 2020 Review

Authentic Architectural Symbol in Zanzibar

Myself and my partner decided to stay here the night before we left the island and it was a very good choice. The building is an authentic architectural symbol in Zanzibar Stonetown. The Room was spacious and full of character and great features, silent and peaceful despite being in the middle of the city. We also had dinner on the roof top with a set menu, full of flavours and variety of dishes combined with local food and spices.

Caerleon

Trip Advisor Review

We LOVE this hotel

Our 4th stay at Emerson Spice and certainly not the last! We LOVE this hotel! Being here is not just a normal hotel stay – its an experience. Fantastic decor, and extremely friendly staff. No trip to Zanzibar is complete without a lunch in “The Secret Garden” and dinner on their rooftop.,. It really is a very special property indeed!

Cameron and Natasha

The World Pursuit

The Best Hotels In Zanzibar Ranked & Reviewed (2020)

The rooms are filled with antique furniture and rich textures. Small touches like locally produced soaps and towels, antique books and even air con are featured in each room. Passion has been poured into the Emerson Spice and it is obvious. We felt as if we’d cast away in the days of old. Time slowed down and we soaked up the atmosphere of the buzzing Stone Town streets from our private balcony.

Kate G

Trip Advisor Review

Place I enjoy staying in Stone Town

We spent 3 nights at this hotel in September and it was everything I could have hoped. The uniqueness of the hotel and how it fitted into the local ‘street-scape’ made it the type of place I really enjoy staying at. Each room has its own amazing theme and as soon as you enter you feel like you are in another world. Centrally located in Stone Town the staff are warm and welcoming.

Stay at the Timeless Emerson Spice

KATE

AIDA

CAMILLE

SEMELE

BELLE

VIOLETTA

DESDEMONA

LAMOUR TOUJOURS

MIMI

TURANDOT

What our Guests Say

Making a Difference in Zanzibar

ADDRESS

HOTEL RECEPTION

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Emerson Spice Hotel

Closed until 15th December 2024