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Mbweni Ruins & Gardens

4.0 star property
Beachfront hotel in Zanzibar Town with spa, outdoor pool

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your current months are January, 2025 and February, 2025.
January 2025
February 2025

Photo gallery for Mbweni Ruins & Gardens

Outdoor pool, pool loungers
Beach bar
Exterior
On the beach, sun-loungers, beach umbrellas, beach towels
On the beach, sun-loungers, beach umbrellas, beach towels

Reviews

8.6 out of 10
Excellent

Popular amenities

  • Airport transfer
  • Non-smoking
  • Pool
  • Spa
  • Free parking
  • 24/7 front desk
Main amenities
  • Daily housekeeping
  • On the beach
  • Restaurants
  • Full-service spa
  • Outdoor pool
  • Breakfast available
  • Free area shuttle
  • Beach umbrellas
  • Beach sunloungers
  • Beach towels
  • Room service
  • In-room childcare
For families
  • In-room childcare (surcharge)
  • Garden
  • Terrace
  • Daily housekeeping
  • Laundry facilities
  • Free self-parking
The price is £132
includes taxes & fees
23 Jan - 24 Jan

Room options

Available filters for rooms
Showing 3 of 3 rooms

View all photos for Junior Suite, 1 Bedroom, Non Smoking, Sea View

Desk, laptop workspace, free WiFi, bed sheets

Junior Suite, 1 Bedroom, Non Smoking, Sea View

Highlights

Air conditioning
Separate bedroom
Ceiling fan
Private bathroom
Hairdryer
Bidet
Electric kettle
Free bottled water
  • Ocean view
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Exclusive Double Room

Exclusive Double Room | Desk, laptop workspace, free WiFi, bed sheets

Exclusive Double Room

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)

Highlights

Furnished balcony or patio
Separate sitting area
Air conditioning
Ceiling fan
Bathrobes
Hairdryer
Private bathroom
Rainfall showerhead
  • Ocean view
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Double or Twin Room, 2 Bedrooms

Desk, laptop workspace, free WiFi, bed sheets

Double or Twin Room, 2 Bedrooms

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(1 review)

Highlights

Air conditioning
Ceiling fan
Private bathroom
Hairdryer
Bidet
Electric kettle
Free bottled water
Wardrobe
  • Ocean view
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 King Bed and 2 Single Bunk Beds

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Pool
Spa
Airport transfer
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8.8 out of 10, Excellent, (78)
The price is £141
includes taxes & fees
16 Feb - 17 Feb
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About the area

Map
Mbweni, Zanzibar Town

What's nearby

  • Slave Market - 8 min drive
  • Shangani Beach - 9 min drive
  • Old Fort - 9 min drive
  • Forodhani Gardens - 9 min drive
  • Nakupenda Beach - 23 min drive

Getting around

  • Zanzibar (ZNZ-Zanzibar Intl.) - 10 min drive
  • Free local area shuttle
  • Airport shuttle (surcharge)

Restaurants

  • ‪Jahazi Cafe - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪Ccm Social Hall - ‬7 min drive
  • ‪Lukmaan - ‬9 min drive
  • ‪Zanzibar Coffeehouse - ‬9 min drive
  • ‪Fresh Bites - ‬5 min drive

About this property

Mbweni Ruins & Gardens

At Mbweni Ruins & Gardens, you can hit the beach to enjoy the shade from a beach umbrella or relax on a sunlounger, plus windsurfing is nearby. The outdoor pool provides a splash of fun, while guests in the mood for pampering can visit the spa to indulge in massages, facials and aromatherapy. Offering ocean views, Raintree Restaurant serves international cuisine and is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. A snack bar/deli, a terrace and a garden are other highlights.

Languages

English, Italian, Swahili

At a glance

DONE

Hotel size

    • 13 rooms
    • Arranged over 2 floors
DONE

Arriving/Leaving

    • Check-in start time: 2 PM; check-in end time: midnight
    • Late check-in subject to availability
    • Minimum check-in age – 18
    • Check-out time is 11 AM
    • Late check-out subject to availability
DONE

Special check-in instructions

    • This property offers transfers from the airport (surcharges may apply); to arrange pick-up, guests must contact the property 24 hours prior to arrival, using the contact information on the booking confirmation
    • Front desk staff will greet guests on arrival
    • For more details, please contact the property using the information on the booking confirmation
    • Guests planning to arrive outside of normal check-in hours must contact this property in advance to arrange check-in.
DONE

Required at check-in

    • Credit card, debit card or cash deposit required for incidental charges
    • Government-issued photo ID may be required
    • Minimum check-in age is 18
DONE

Children

    • No cots (infant beds)
DONE

Pets

    • Pets not allowed
    • Service animals welcome
WIFI

Internet

    • Free WiFi in public areas
    • Free WiFi in rooms
LOCAL_PARKING

Parking

    • Free on-site self-parking
DONE

Transfers

    • Airport shuttle (available 24 hours)*
DONE

Off-site

    • Free area shuttle within 6 km
DONE

Other information

    • Smoke-free property

Property amenities

Food and drink

  • Buffet breakfast (surcharge) each morning 7:30 AM–10:30 AM
  • Restaurant
  • Private dining
  • Private picnics
  • Room service (limited hours)
  • Snack bar/deli

Travelling with children

  • Free local shuttle
  • Childcare in room (surcharge)

What to do

  • On the beach
  • Windsurfing nearby

Services

  • 24-hour front desk
  • Concierge services
  • Tour/ticket assistance
  • Dry cleaning/laundry services
  • Hair salon
  • Luggage storage
  • Wedding services
  • Multilingual staff
  • Beach sunloungers
  • Beach towels
  • Beach umbrellas
  • Pool loungers
  • Romance packages

Facilities

  • 10 buildings/towers
  • Built in 1994
  • Safe-deposit box at front desk
  • Garden
  • Terrace
  • Mosquito nets
  • An outdoor pool
  • Full-service spa
  • Massage/treatment rooms
  • Banquet hall

Accessibility

  • Well-lit path to entrance

Room amenities

Home comfort

  • Air conditioning
  • Ceiling fan
  • Electric kettle
  • Slippers

Sleep well

  • Bed sheets provided

What to enjoy

  • In-room massage

Freshen up

  • Bidet
  • Soap and shampoo
  • Hairdryer
  • Towels
  • Toothbrush and toothpaste
  • Toilet paper

Stay connected

  • Desk
  • Free WiFi
  • Phone
  • Electrical adapters/chargers

Food and drink

  • Free bottled water

More

  • Daily housekeeping
  • Access via exterior corridors

Special features

Spa

The on-site spa has 2 treatment rooms, including rooms for couples. Services include facials, body scrubs, body treatments and manicures and pedicures. A variety of treatment therapies are provided, including aromatherapy and Ayurvedic.

Dining

Raintree Restaurant – Overlooking the ocean, this restaurant specialises in international cuisine and serves breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Mangrove Bar – This bar overlooks the ocean.
Sundowner Bar – On-site bar.

Fees & policies

Mandatory fees

You'll be asked to pay the following charges by the property at check-in or checkout. Fees may include applicable taxes:
  • A tax is imposed by the city: TZS 12362.65 per person, per night

Optional extras

  • Buffet breakfast is offered for an extra charge of approximately TZS 35000 for adults and TZS 23000 for children
  • Airport shuttle service is offered for an extra charge of TZS 35000 per vehicle (one-way. Maximum occupancy 4)
  • Late checkout can be arranged for an extra charge of TZS 128000 (subject to availability)
  • Credit card charges are subject to an extra charge

Renovations and closures

The property is closed between 1 June and 17 June.

Children & extra beds

  • In-room babysitting is available for an extra charge
  • Rollaway beds are available for TZS 23000.0 per day
  • Airport shuttle for children between the ages of 7 and 16 costs TZS 33300.00 (one-way)

Pool, spa, & gym (if applicable)

  • Reservations are required for massage services and can be made by contacting the property before arrival at the number on the booking confirmation

Policies

This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business or profession.
This property does not have lifts.
This property accepts credit cards. Cash is not accepted.
This property affirms that it follows the cleaning and disinfection practices of Commitment to Clean (Marriott).
Please note that cultural norms and guest policies may differ by country and by property. The policies listed are provided by the property.

Also known as

Mbweni
Mbweni Hotel Zanzibar
Mbweni Ruins
Mbweni Ruins Hotel
Mbweni Ruins Zanzibar
Mbweni Zanzibar
Ruins Hotel
Zanzibar Mbweni
Zanzibar Mbweni Ruins Hotel
Protea Hotel Mbweni Ruins
Protea Mbweni Ruins Zanzibar
Protea Mbweni Ruins
Mbweni Ruins & Gardens Hotel
Protea Hotel Zanzibar Mbweni Ruins
Mbweni Ruins & Gardens Zanzibar Town
Mbweni Ruins & Gardens Hotel Zanzibar Town
Jungle Paradise Beach Resort Spa Mbweni Ruins
Protea Hotel by Marriott Zanzibar Mbweni Ruins

Frequently asked questions

Is Mbweni Ruins & Gardens currently open?
The property is closed between 1 June and 17 June.
Does Mbweni Ruins & Gardens offer free cancellation for a full refund?
Yes, Mbweni Ruins & Gardens does have fully refundable room rates available to book on our site. If you’ve booked a fully refundable room rate, this can be cancelled up to a few days before check-in, depending on the property's cancellation policy. Just make sure that you check this property's cancellation policy for the exact terms and conditions.
Is there a pool at Mbweni Ruins & Gardens?
Yes, there's an outdoor pool.
Are pets allowed at Mbweni Ruins & Gardens?
Sorry, pets aren't allowed, but service animals are welcome.
Is parking offered on site at Mbweni Ruins & Gardens?
Yes, there's free self parking.
Is an airport shuttle service offered by Mbweni Ruins & Gardens?
Yes, an airport shuttle is available. The charge is TZS 35000 per vehicle one-way.
What are the check-in and check-out times at Mbweni Ruins & Gardens?
Check-in start time: 2 PM; check-in end time: midnight. Check-out time is 11 AM. Late check-out is available for a charge of TZS 128000 (subject to availability).
What is there to do at Mbweni Ruins & Gardens and nearby?
Have fun during the warmer months with activities nearby such as windsurfing. Indulge in a treatment at the spa and enjoy a swim in the outdoor pool. Mbweni Ruins & Gardens also has a garden.
Are there restaurants at or near Mbweni Ruins & Gardens?
Yes, Raintree Restaurant offers international cuisine and ocean views.

Mbweni Ruins & Gardens Reviews

Reviews

8.6

Excellent

8.8/10

Cleanliness

9.0/10

Staff & service

7.8/10

Amenities

8.2/10

Property conditions & facilities

9.0/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

10/10 Exceptional

This is a cute old hotel complex that is right on the beach. They have a neat restaurant overlooking the beach from a platform.
William or Ann Marie, 1-night family trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review

10/10 Exceptional

This is a fantastic property set in the ruins of an old school. Rooms clean and comfortable. Wonderful outdoor dining area with delicious food and a small private beach. So relaxing and close to airport and Stonetown. A highlight of our stay in Zanzibar.
Janet, 1-night trip with friends
Verified Expedia guest review

8/10 Very good

Property was good and good location on beach and near the airport. Only issue was I was given the lobby WI-FI password which only worked in the lobby area. I later found out there is another WI-FI that works in my room and common areas. Also the restaurant was very lacking of many of the items I tried to order. Perhaps it was just a bad time and they had not gotten supplies in.
Victor, 1-night trip
Verified Expedia guest review

8/10 Very good

great beach
The hotel is in a very nice jungle area, it fitted us as we wanted to stay near stonetown/airport for the night but did not like the places in the city - this one certinantly has that resort feeeling - beach right out the resort, beautfull sunset etc..its not your typical luxary resort.
Oren, 2-night trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review

10/10 Exceptional

Excellent manger and staff
Walter, 2-night business trip
Verified Expedia guest review

10/10 Exceptional

Excellent management and staff the new manager is fantastic
Walter, 7-night trip
Verified Expedia guest review

4/10 Fair

The name is program: ruins and garden. When you enter the first thing you see is the ruin ( literally speaking) the staff is very friendly, The entrance is very muddy and even with the taxi hard to access. We were led to the new part of the hotel. Theroom had hardly any furniture, the cupboard and drawers very damp and almost falling apart. The rooms smmelled fungy. We booked a room for one grown up and two teenagers and there was only one double bed, no safe in the room. Since we only stayed one night we didn’t ask for neither. The garden has jungle flair. The sand beach and the ocean were beautiful. The restaurant was located a pit higher up like a big tree house and from there you can have an amazing view over the ocean - which really made up for the room. Food and drinks were also good.
Nadja, 1-night trip
Verified Expedia guest review

10/10 Exceptional

Historic setting of a beach-side property located away from the city centre. The extremely personable and enthusiastic new Manager has an attitude, qualities and resume that deserve to make this hotel a major success.
Neil, 5-night trip with friends
Verified Expedia guest review

10/10 Exceptional

Jean Paul, 1-night trip
Verified Wotif guest review

2/10 Poor

This facility is completely inaccessible to persons with walking disabilities.
Anthony, 4-night family trip
Verified Expedia guest review

6/10 Good

Staff is not properly trained to serve international customers. All the rest is fine, but quality of service could improve a lot in terms of food and drinks. I also think stuff should manage a good level of English, which was lacking.
Italo, 2-night trip
Verified Expedia guest review

10/10 Exceptional

Good choice close to airport
The staff were friendly and very helpful. The rooms were beautiful and comfortable with interesting wood furniture. Overall, nice, clean and enjoyable. Massage was great. More sophisticated and relaxed than Stone Town and close to the airport. The restaurant is good but prepare for taking it pole, pole.
Elizabeth, 1-night trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review

8/10 Very good

Deograsias, 2-night trip
Verified Expedia guest review

8/10 Very good

Good
Bradley, 3-night romance trip
Verified Expedia guest review

10/10 Exceptional

z, 3-night trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review

6/10 Good

Manirakiza, 1-night trip
Verified Expedia guest review

10/10 Exceptional

We only stayed one night but it was so relaxing and lovely.
Jane, 1-night romance trip
Verified Orbitz guest review

6/10 Good

Great staff
GREAT staff. Room was shockingly damp, musty, spotted and worn. We could not understand how Marriott could be affiliated with this hotel.
Sofia, 1-night family trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review

10/10 Exceptional

A gem in Zanzibar
The grounds are beautiful and the location excellent. When our flight from Arusha was diverted and we arrived at night without our luggage, the night manager sent robes, slippers and a dental kits to our room. The restaurant stayed open late so we could get a bite to eat and a much appreciated glass of wine. The next day the front desk was helpful in contacting the airline to track our lost luggage which finally arrived by 1 pm. Shuttle to Stone Town is helpful. While the rooms show a little wear wear and tear, overall the hotel is well cared for. Despite the flight and luggage issue we enjoyed relaxing and exploring Zanzibar after our 12 day safari.
Susan, 4-night trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review

10/10 Exceptional

a relaxed hide-away from the bustle of Stone Town
a relaxed hotel with very helpful and friendly staff
sonja, 3-night trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review

10/10 Exceptional

What a terrific Hotel off the beaten path but with transportation to Stone Town. The staff was incredible and most helpful in ironing out tours for us and providing excellent service in the restaurant. Every need was looked after and the included breakfast was diverse and delicious.. The hotel is on the water and the breeze (so important in Zanzibar) keep conditions pleasant. It was both a great place to relax and "chill" (if one can use that word in Zanzibar) and a a base for tours of the area. No hesitation recommending this one!
5-night romance trip
Verified Expedia guest review

4/10 Fair

Mosquito heaven
My hotel room smelled damp. There weren't enough surfaces to put anything on so my open suitcase ended up on the floor. I didn't realise until 3 days later that the air conditioning unit has been dripping onto my suitcase which now had a puddle under it. There were a lot of biting insects inside and outside and a large dead cockroach under the bed. The hotel staff made a big deal of spraying insecticide in the room every evening but it's not great breathing in a lot of insecticide so waiting outside for a bit helps. Unfortunately I had to wait outside with the swarms of mosquitoes that the insecticide was supposed to be protecting me against. There was a large mosquito net spread over my huge bed which was great. However it would be even more helpful if they got rid of the pond with stagnant water just a few metres from my bedroom door ( I was on the ground floor ). The pond was presumably a breeding ground for those mosquitoes. Another point is that breakfast and dinner was in the outside restaurant, I was still trying to fend off the mosquitoes there. It would be nice if they could clean my room and squirt insecticide around it while I was in the restaurant rather than when I was in my room. The restaurant food was nice. The large amount of cats in the outdoor restaurant provided the entertainment - a least 2 cats sat under every table, hissing and spitting at each other while we ate. The redeeming feature of this hotel was the proximity to the beach and the sea.
Lisa, 3-night trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review

10/10 Exceptional

A small hotel (14 rooms) with amazing historic atmosphere, set in the ruins of a 19th century school for freed slaves. The place is serene. The beach is scenic, swimmable when the tide is not too low, and kept very clean by the hotel. It is a very unique place for those who want peace, quiet and relaxation. It is a bit remote from Stone Town, but they do run a free shuttle. The staff are super friendly and efficient.
Deborah, 4-night trip
Verified Expedia guest review

8/10 Very good

I like that it was part of the Mwendi Ruins. I liked the staff very much - each of them were terrific! I did not like that the pictures the Marriott uses for the rooms is not up to date. Thus what I thought we booked was not what we received. It was still fine however not as lovely as I had wished for. The staff explained that the room I booked was under construction. This is Marriott's responsibility to have a current website.
June, 3-night romance trip
Verified Expedia guest review

8/10 Very good

Beautiful settings, beach was lovely, quiet and peaceful. Very kind staff
Shellbie, 3-night trip
Verified Expedia guest review