The Neela Boutique Hotel Stone Town
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.
The Neela is worth booking if you want the highest-rated 5-star option among our Zanzibar City picks and a quiet-alley location close to the old town sights. Light sleepers should think twice, because guests report street and generator noise through thin windows.
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 Luxury pick for Zanzibar City. It suits couples and families who want 5-star service in Stone Town and are happy to pay for it. Free parking is listed, which helps if you arrive with a rental car or driver.
Guests give it 9.0 out of 10 from 410 reviews, the highest score of our three picks here.
Skip it if you are sensitive to noise. Soundproofing is the one clear weakness in guest feedback. Skip it too if you mainly want a good bed near the sights, since our Budget and Best Value picks sit in the same area for much less.
Location and getting around
The address is ZHC House No. 67 Shangani, Stone Town, in the area the provider rates as the top-rated part of Zanzibar City. Its location score of 9.5 is the best among our three picks.
By straight-line estimate, the House of Wonders is about 0.4 km away, around 5 minutes on foot. Stone Town is listed at 0.5 km, about 6 minutes, and Malindi Mosque at 0.7 km, about 9 minutes. Actual walking routes may take longer.
Guests describe a central spot in a quiet alley near the beach, markets and museums. A beach appears in the provider facilities, but that does not confirm a beachfront position or a set walking distance. Check the map if the beach matters to you.
What guests say
Praise centres on two points. The location is called central and quiet, and the staff are described as friendly and attentive, giving a warm welcome and helping with local arrangements.
The complaint that comes up is soundproofing. Guests say thin windows let in street sounds and generator noise. Pack earplugs or ask for a room away from the street.
Price compared with our other two picks
The reference price was €392.50 per night, seen for a 2-night stay in November 2026 for 2 adults. That comes to about €785 for both nights. It is not a live quote, so check today's price for your dates.
That is well above the sample median of €165.76 per night. Kisiwa House, our Best Value pick, was €122.14 per night with an 8.7 score and 4 stars. Habari House, our Budget pick, was €65.87 per night with an 8.8 score and 3 stars.
So what does the extra money buy? Five official stars, the top guest score of the three, the best location score and free parking on the facility list. The guest score gap is small, though, at 0.2 to 0.3 points. You pay mainly for the 5-star level, not for a much better location.
Listed facilities include a restaurant, family rooms, free Wi-Fi and air conditioning. Breakfast details are not listed in our data, so check what is served and whether it is in your rate.
Why it made our top 3
We compared 13 eligible properties in Zanzibar City. Our Luxury slot gives priority to official 5-star hotels, and The Neela holds 5 stars. It also ranked joint second on review score across the sample, which made it the clear choice.
Before you book
Not confirmed: room size, noise in specific rooms, renovation condition, breakfast inclusion and cancellation terms. Given the noise comments, ask which rooms are quietest.
If you need parking, confirm it is available for your dates. Check what the beach facility listing means in practice before you plan around it.
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 The Neela Boutique Hotel Stone Town noisy?
Some guests say thin windows let in street sounds and generator noise. Ask for a quieter room and bring earplugs if you sleep lightly.
How much does The Neela cost per night?
The reference price was €392.50 per night for 2 adults, seen for a 2-night stay in November 2026. Check today's price for your dates.
Is The Neela on the beach?
Guests say it is near the beach, and a beach appears in the provider facilities. That does not confirm a beachfront position, so check the map.
Does The Neela have parking?
Free parking is listed among its facilities. Availability is not confirmed, so check with the property for your dates.
Is breakfast included at The Neela?
Breakfast details are not in our data. Check the rate description to see whether breakfast is included.