Habari House
By the Top3Hotels editorial team. Based on Booking.com guest scores and reviews, location data and reference prices. We did not stay at this hotel. Updated 2026-10-24.
Habari House is worth booking if you want a central, well-rated base in Zanzibar City for well under half the price of the city's typical hotel. Skip it if a generous breakfast matters to you or if you need confirmed details on room size and noise before you commit.
Check prices on Booking.com ↗We may earn a commission if you book. It never changes our pick.
Sold out? See available alternatives →Who it suits and who should skip it
This is our Budget pick in Zanzibar City, and it fits travellers who care about location first and spend most of the day out. Couples and families on a tight budget are the clearest match.
Guests score it 8.8 out of 10 from 117 reviews. That is a strong score, but it rests on a smaller pool of reviews than our other two picks, so treat it as a good sign rather than a settled verdict.
You may want to skip it if breakfast is a big part of your day. Some guests describe it as basic or slow. It is also a 3-star property, so if you expect a full-service hotel, look at our higher tiers.
Location and getting around
The address is 102 Shangani Street, in the area the provider rates as the top-rated part of Zanzibar City. The location score is 9.4, one of the strongest numbers on this page.
By our straight-line estimates, the House of Wonders is about 0.4 km away, roughly 5 minutes on foot. Stone Town is listed at 0.5 km, around 6 minutes, and Malindi Mosque at 0.6 km, about 8 minutes. Real walks can take longer.
Guests describe the setting as central and quiet, within walking distance of the beach, shops and restaurants. The property also lists Beachfront among its facilities. We have not verified what that means on the ground, so check photos and the map before you assume direct beach access.
What guests say
Two themes stand out. The first is location, which guests call central and quiet. The second is the staff: the team and the owners help with luggage, transport and local advice.
The main complaint is breakfast. Fresh juice and eggs are served, but some guests find the options basic and the service slow.
Price and what you get compared with our other picks
The reference price was €65.87 per night, seen for a 2-night stay in November 2026 for 2 adults. That is about €131.74 for both nights. It is not a live quote, so check today's price for your own dates.
For context, the median in our sample of Zanzibar City hotels was €165.76 per night, which puts Habari House about 60% below it.
Our Best Value pick, Kisiwa House, is a 4-star at €122.14 per night with a score of 8.7. Our Luxury pick, The Neela Boutique Hotel Stone Town, is a 5-star at €392.50 per night with a score of 9.0. You get a very similar guest score for far less. You give up stars and, going by guest comments, breakfast quality.
Listed facilities include a restaurant, a garden, family rooms, free Wi-Fi and air conditioning. Availability, opening times and any fees are not confirmed, so check them for your dates.
Why it made our top 3
We compared 13 eligible properties in Zanzibar City. Habari House sat joint third on review score and had the lowest eligible reference price once the upscale choice was set aside. That combination of a near-top score and a low price is exactly what our Budget slot is for.
Before you book
Several things are not confirmed: room size, noise levels, renovation condition, whether breakfast is included in your rate, and the cancellation terms. Read the room description and the rate conditions carefully.
Ask the property what Beachfront means in practice and whether the restaurant is open on your dates.
Check prices on Booking.com ↗We may earn a commission if you book. It never changes our pick.
Sold out? See available alternatives →Questions travellers ask
Is Habari House close to Stone Town sights?
Yes. By our straight-line estimates, the House of Wonders is about 5 minutes on foot and Malindi Mosque about 8 minutes. Real walking times may be a little longer.
How much does Habari House cost?
The reference price was €65.87 per night for 2 adults, seen for a 2-night stay in November 2026. Prices change, so check today's price for your dates.
Is breakfast included at Habari House?
That is not confirmed and depends on your rate. Guests mention fresh juice and eggs, but some find the choice basic and the service slow.
Is Habari House on the beach?
The property lists Beachfront as a facility, and guests say the beach is within walking distance. We have not verified direct beach access, so check the map and photos.
Is Habari House good for families?
The property lists family rooms and air conditioning. Check room size and bed setup for your group, as these have not been assessed.