PARK HYATT ZANZIBAR
CRITIQUE MY STAY RATING: 9.5/10
AVG. NIGHTLY RATE: $400
When it comes to high end hotels in the Stone Town area of Zanzibar, it doesn’t get better than the Park Hyatt Zanzibar. This five-star property set within a UNESCO world heritage site, provides a remarkable blend of history and luxury in a prime location. One of the two buildings that comprise the hotel dates back to the 17th century and features unique carvings as well as beautiful African and Arabic influenced architecture. Despite the other building being recently built, it too contains those African and Arabic influences while offering modern, sophisticated spaces, art, and decor.
LOCATION
9.5/10
Park Hyatt Zanzibar graces the shores of Shangani Beach, right in the heart of Stone Town. The beach in front of the hotel is not private and can get a bit noisy at times but the hotel guests have easy access from the pool area which is just a few steps away from the sand. While the beach in front of the hotel is certainly not the most idyllic beach on the island, the water is warm and you can go for a swim and then return to lounge by the pool if you’d like. In addition to the beach, you are within arm's reach of some of Zanzibar’s top tourist attractions like the Forodhani Gardens, the House of Wonders, the Arabian Fort, and the bustling harbor. Best of all, the Park Hyatt’s location is a bit tucked away from the hustle and bustle of the city center which can get loud, noisy, and very touristy. Zanzibar Airport (ZNZ) is just a 20-minute drive away.
AMENITIES
9/10
GYM - 8/10
It isn’t so easy to find a great gym in Zanzibar so if you’re looking to exercise and are staying at the Park Hyatt, you should definitely be happy with what you have. Aside from the natural sunlight that fills the rooms, the gym’s best asset is its cardio equipment which are in good condition and are pretty new. You'll also find a range of strength machines including a chest press, seated leg press, rear deltoid, and torso rotation machine as well as a dedicated free-weights area.
SPA
For those seeking a soothing escape, the chic Anantara spa is a peaceful haven where therapists offer a variety of different face and body treatments. Nestled in the Mambo Msiige (the old building) on the first floor, the spa boasts three spacious spa suites, including one designed for couples, as well as a secluded outdoor relaxation area. We didn’t partake in any treatments during our stay which is why we did not rate this amenity, but we can’t imagine the spa experience here to be a bad one.
POOL - 9/10
The hotel has an appropriately sized and very pretty infinity pool with awesome ocean views. It’s a great spot to chill for a few hours in between your sightseeing adventures or to relax and have a cocktail. It is staffed during the day and lined with comfy lounge chairs on half of the perimeter. The pool deck offers a great view of the beach and the sea and has glass panels above the pool that provide some privacy for hotel guests though I do wish that there was more of an unobstructed view of the beach.
OTHER
The hotel provides a wide range of additional perks, such as around-the-clock Concierge service, multiple on-site dining options, 24-hour In-Room Dining, free property-wide WiFi, a few boutique shops, meeting, and event spaces, as well as transportation services to and from the airport and anywhere on the island at an additional cost.
ROOM
9.5/10
Park Hyatt Zanzibar offers a mix of standard sized rooms and suites across its buildings that blend elegance, modern style, and regional design influences. We were incredibly lucky to have gotten upgraded from a standard Park King room to a beautiful one bedroom Park Suite King because of our Hyatt status. The incredibly large 100sq meter suite (about 1100 sq ft.) had decor that exuded the spirit of Zanzibar, with vintage photographs adorning the walls and charming Arabesque lampshades. The room featured a large dining and living room combo and a private balcony off the bedroom that gave us a stunning ocean view. The luxurious bedroom was furnished with a lavish four-poster king-sized bed and a comfortable seating area with a good amount of closet space. The well-appointed bathroom boasted a freestanding bathtub, a rain shower, and a private toilet enclosure. Wooden shutters allowed for a relaxing soak while looking out through the bedroom to the water beyond the balcony. If you didn’t want to gaze into the distance, you could also close the shutters and focus on the TV conveniently positioned above the bathtub. Additionally, a coffee and tea setup, along with extra water, was readily available in the room. Additional amenities included HD TVs in the room and living room, blackout curtains, a hair dryer and a stocked minibar.
BREAKFAST
9.5/10
Each morning, the Dining Room restaurant provides a wonderful setting for the Park Hyatt’s buffet breakfast, which is served until 11 a.m. The spread is truly a feast with a wide selection of offerings from freshly squeezed juices and smoothies, to a large offering of hot and cold American, Indian and Middle Eastern breakfast dishes and fresh baked goods. While the breakfast itself was a buffet, you also had the option to order additional a la carte items from a server at your table. One amazing extra was the refreshing fresh coconuts that were offered each morning and included in the buffet.
RESTAURANTS NEARBY
If you’re looking for good food in walking distance, here is an Eat My Critique approved option:
Emerson on Hurumzi Tea House (10 minute walk) - Three-course meal on a beautiful rooftop, modeled after a Zanzabari wedding feast.
If you’re looking for good food that’s worth the drive:
The Rock (90 minute drive) - Great food and a unique dining experience. How often do you get to eat on a rock in the ocean? It’s far but could be worth it if you are already on that side of the island.
To check out all of the Eat My Critique reviews from around the world, click here.
THINGS TO DO
Stone Town in Zanzibar is a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its rich history and unique cultural attractions. Some of its main attractions include:
Freddie Mercury House (3 minute walk) - The childhood home of the legendary Queen frontman Freddie Mercury is a popular attraction for fans of the rock icon.
Forodhani Gardens (5 minute walk) - This waterfront park comes alive in the evenings with a bustling food market, where you can sample local dishes and enjoy the lively atmosphere.
Old Fort (7 minute walk) - The Old Fort is a historical site with cultural events and exhibitions, providing a glimpse into the island's past.
The Old Dispensary (15 minute walk) - A finely decorated building featuring a blend of architectural styles, and today it serves as a cultural center and shops.
Tortoise Sanctuary (30 minutes by boat) - One of the main attractions on Prison Island is the giant Aldabra tortoise sanctuary where you can feed and pet these beautiful, giant turtles..
VERDICT
If you care about immersing yourself in the history and culture of Zanzibar during your time on the island and care a bit less about having a private, serene, beach vacation, the Park Hyatt Zanzibar is a fantastic option. If you want to spend time at the top beaches, you can travel to some of them for day trips and then return to the luxurious environment of this historic hotel to be able to get the best of both worlds. We loved our stay here and would return in a heartbeat.