LE MERSENNE ZANZIBAR, AUTOGRAPH COLLECTION
CRITIQUE MY STAY RATING: 8.5/10
AVG. NIGHTLY RATE: $200
Established in December 2022, Le Mersenne introduced Marriott’s Autograph Collection brand to Tanzania, serving as a sophisticated retreat from the hustle and bustle of Stone Town. Located on the Michamvi Peninsula along the picturesque shores of Zanzibar, the hotel does a great job merging contemporary design with traditional African craftsmanship, providing an inviting ambiance for relaxation and serenity. Our stay at the hotel was a truly lovely one that began with a phenomenal room upgrade.
LOCATION
7/10
Le Mersenne rests on the tranquil eastern shore of Zanzibar, in one of the island's less-developed regions. Located just north of Pingwe, and nestled midway along a slender strip of land that juts out from the eastern coastline, the hotel sits right on the water and offers stunning views of the ocean from most rooms and parts of the hotel. If you are visiting Zanzibar with the intent of not leaving the hotel’s property, the location would be rated higher. It only scores a 7 because it is far from the main tourist attractions including the Stone Town area, Prison Island, and Pemba Island. Another note on the location - the beach directly in front of the hotel is not really a beach at all during high tide and so you do lose the ability to relax on the beach for part of the day. The trip from the airport to the hotel typically takes 1.5 hours, navigating the island's at times uneven roads, where speeds are often limited.
AMENITIES
9/10
GYM - 9/10
The hotel gym is a contemporary and well-equipped fitness center with new equipment. It has a variety of cardio equipment in addition to free weights, benches, and strength training machines. While you don’t really get views of the ocean while working out, the space is flooded with natural light and a decent view, making working out in the hotel’s modern facility even more enjoyable.
SPA 8/10
The hotel spa is a nice, but not overly luxurious facility. They offer a variety of facial treatments, calming massages, and body rituals with a one hour massage costing about $80. At check-in in we were each given a complimentary 15 minute foot massage, one of the best welcome gifts we’ve ever received. The massage was great and the staff could not have been friendlier.
POOL - 9/10
The hotel's pool, though on the smaller side, is a really beautiful place to enjoy a morning or an afternoon. Equipped with comfortable lounge chairs and day beds, you can relax and have a drink while swimming or enjoying the views of the ocean.
OTHER
Le Mersenne offers a diverse array of other amenities, including a 24-hour front desk, an on-site restaurant, in-room dining options, and complimentary WiFi accessible throughout the entire property.
ROOM
9/10
We originally reserved the Ujima Deluxe Garden Room, which is the hotel’s base room. We aren’t sure if it was because of our Marriott status or because the hotel felt bad that we arrived a day late due to a canceled flight, but they gave us a complimentary upgrade to the oceanfront Karibu Villa, a 100 square meter room with a gorgeous view and its own private plunge pool.
The room was decorated using modern beach inspired colors mixed with some African inspired decor and was incredibly spacious. The bathroom was really well done with a huge shower, and a freestanding bath tub that had a view right out to the private pool and the ocean. Aside from a minor leak that occurred after an overnight storm, the room was really lovely and the upgrade was a real treat.
And the balcony quickly became our favorite place to relax during our stay.
BREAKFAST
Breakfast follows a buffet style and is served in the main downstairs restaurant, which boasts a charming little patio as well. The buffet offers a variety of options, including cereals, cold cuts of meat, cheeses and fruits. Additionally, there's an egg station where you can order omelets and the like. We didn’t partake in breakfast though as there wasn’t an a la carte option available and the buffet wasn’t enticing enough to justify the price tag.
RESTAURANTS NEARBY
If you’re looking for good food in walking distance (or a short cab ride away), here are some Eat My Critique approved options:
The Rock (20 minute walk) - Seafood restaurant that sits perched atop a rock in the ocean (you read that right).
Boho Social (20 minute walk) - A mix of cuisines with local flair and a fun cocktail list on the beach.
To check out all of the Eat My Critique reviews from around the world, click here.
THINGS TO DO
Zanzibar, Tanzania, is a remarkable destination known for its stunning beaches, rich cultural heritage, and diverse activities. Here are some of the best things to do in Zanzibar:
Relax on the Beach (10 min walking) - Zanzibar is renowned for its pristine beaches. Stroll Michamvi Peninsula's serene beaches while you are staying at the hotel.
Stone Town (1.5 hours by car) - The historic center of Zanzibar City, Stone Town, is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Wander through its winding streets, visit historic sites like the House of Wonders and the Sultan's Palace, and explore its vibrant markets.
Prison Island Tour (1.5 hours by car + boat ride) - Also known as Changuu Island, it was once used as a detention center. Now, it's known for its giant tortoises and snorkeling opportunities.
VERDICT
If you’re looking for a relaxing getaway spot where you mostly stay inside the beautiful grounds of the hotel, Le Mersenne is a fantastic place to be. It’s easy enough to find some dinner spots nearby so that you are not bound to eating every meal at the hotel but the options are more limited than if you were to stay in Stone Town. If you do want to venture out to explore the other parts of the island, be prepared for long cab rides each way but for us, the room upgrade made this an incredible value and an unforgettable experience that we wouldn’t have wanted to change.
Le Mersenne Zanzibar, Autograph Collection
Unnamed Road Michamvi Pingwe Michamvi TZ Pingwe TZ, 3926, Tanzania