Retro

About this hotel

City Views and Convenient Location Enjoy stunning views of Zanzibar City at Retro, located just 500 meters from Stone Town Beach. Comfortable Rooms and Dining Options Relax in air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi and unwind in a garden setting. Indulge in African and international cuisine at the on-site restaurant offering vegetarian and halal options. Nearby Attractions and Services Explore Peace Memorial Museum, Hamamni Persian Baths, and St Joseph's Roman Catholic Cathedral, all located close to the hotel. Benefit from airport transfers and a bicycle rental service for convenient travel. Book your stay at Retro now for a memorable experience in Zanzibar City!

What it has

• WiFi available
• Free WiFi
• Parking
• Free Parking
• Non-smoking rooms
• Air conditioning
• Restaurant
• Family rooms
• Garden
• Laundry
• Luggage storage
• Express check-in/check-out
• Airport shuttle
• Tour desk
• Car hire
• Diving
• Snorkelling
• Currency exchange
• Private check-in/check-out
• Daily housekeeping
• Designated smoking area
• Airport shuttle (additional charge)
• Shuttle service (additional charge)
• Airport drop off

…and 9 more.

The rooms

What the hotel offers, as the property describes it. Prices are live and appear above once you pick your dates.

• Family Room with Private Bathroom

  43 sqmsleeps 4Double bed · Bunk bed

  This family room features a hot tub. The spacious family room features air conditioning, a private entrance, as well as a private bathroom boasting a shower. The family room has tiled floors…

• Double or Twin Room with Private Bathroom

  25 sqmsleeps 2Double bed

  This twin/double room's standout feature is the hot tub. This twin/double room is air-conditioned and features a private bathroom, a private entrance and garden views. The unit offers 1 bed.

• Twin Room

  30 sqmsleeps 2Twin bed

  This twin room provides a hot tub. This twin room is air-conditioned and features a private bathroom, a private entrance and garden views. The unit offers 1 bed.

Arrival

Check-in from 02:00 PM · check-out by 12:30 PM

What guests rate it on

Each score is computed from what reviewers actually wrote about that aspect — not a separate star we invented.

• Cleanliness4.7

  Several reviews indicate issues with cleanliness, such as unpleasant smells, dirty pillows, and general neglect.

• Service7.7

  Positive sentiments regarding the friendliness and helpfulness of the staff, making the service experience favorable.

• Location7.7

  While the location was generally praised, there were some concerns about safety when walking at night.

• Room Quality5.7

  Mixed sentiments about room quality with mentions of humidity and issues with the bathroom.

• Amenities6.7

  Amenities were considered basic but acceptable for the pricing, with certain positive notes on the air conditioning.

• Value for Money8.7

  Multiple reviews highlight good value for the price received, particularly for budget travelers.

• Food and Beverage7.7

  The breakfast received positive remarks for quality and variety, contributing to a good dining experience.

• Overall Experience6.7

  The overall experience balances positives and negatives but leans positively due to value, location, and food.

What guests said

A sample of 6 recent reviews, unedited — good and bad. The 6.9 above is the hotel’s full score from all 338, not the average of these few.

• 8.0Magnus · se2026-10-22

  + Location, the staff, breakfast.

  − Lots of holes in the mosquitonets. Noisy AC with weak cooling but a big cealingfan to compensate.

• 8.0Cate · ke2026-10-20

  Overall I loved the place, the price was fair enough and I would definitely come back again.

  + The old skool kind of style. The staffs were very friendly especially the guy that managed the place. The breakfast was very good, well done and enough fruits.

  − The bathrooms need abit of scrubbing the tiles were dirty.

• 4.0Giorgia · it2026-10-12

  Non molto consigliato

  + Staff disponibile, posizione ok

  − Sporca e molto vecchia

• 1.0Silvia · it2026-10-10

  Igiene insoddisfacente, zanzariere rotte, manutenzione scarsa

  + Nulla

  − il proprietario dice che la recensione é FALSA, ma HO LE FOTO E QUANDO RIESCO A FARLO QUI LE PUBBLICO! ANDATE A VEDERE LE RECENSIONI SU GOOGLE! Invece di usare energie per rispondere MALAMENTE ai clienti, che il profietario usi le energie per tirarsi su le maniche e PULIRE! Non lascio quasi mai recensioni negative, ma questa struttura ha superato il limite. Siamo alla nona struttura del nostro viaggio in Tanzania e abbiamo numerosi termini di paragone. Il problema principale sono igiene e manutenzione. Bagno con cattivo odore, pesanti incrostazioni di calcare e sporco su rubinetteria e superfici, lavandino e doccia con getti estremamente deboli, attacco del doccino rotto, una blatta nella doccia. Lenzuola macchiate e cuscini maleodoranti. Gravi anche i problemi di sicurezza: stanza e bagno molto bui, una lampada con vetro rotto e fili elettrici esposti, sedia arrugginita. Particolarmente preoccupante il problema delle zanzare: finestre deteriorate con grandi fessurazioni, almeno una decina di zanzare entrate in camera e zanzariere molto sporche e gravemente bucate. Considerando la vicinanza all'Ampola Hospital, non è solo una questione di comfort, ma di tutela della salute in una zona dove le malattie trasmesse dalle zanzare rappresentano un rischio concreto. Abbiamo chiesto di cambiare camera, ma è stata sostituita solo la zanzariera. Un'altra ospite ci ha riferito di aver chiesto anche lei il cambio camera per gli stessi problemi. Anche la colazione è stata deludente, con molte formiche accanto al nostro tavolo e una frittata bruciata. Abbiamo fotografie a documentare tutto. Non è una questione di lusso: è una questione di pulizia, manutenzione e sicurezza. Per il prezzo pagato, in linea con altre strutture in ci abbiamo soggiornato a Stone Town, ci aspettavamo un servizio diverso.

• 2.0Jules-Elin · fr2026-10-10

  Plus jamais

  + Les photos datent c’est plus la même propreté

  − L’odeur dans la salle de bain dans la chambre, la moustiquaire trouée l’aspect glauque de l’hôtel

• 9.0Musao · gb2026-10-08

  Perfect location,the caretaker very friendly and professional attitude. my delicious breakfast

  + The breakfast was fantastic,fresh fruits daily. The location was ideal, walking distance to the beach and to stone town market . We love the garden with plants and flowers that give the peace to relax. will recommand Retro

  − A small fridge will be appreciated as it is a hot country.

Before you book

A deposit may be required at the property.