- Mr Plane Guy
- Nov 9, 2024
- 4 min read
Updated: Mar 15
Upendo House, Stone Town: Zanzibar’s Best-Kept Luxury Gem
By Travel Blogger and Zanzibar obsessed Mr Plane Guy
Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. If you click and buy, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. It helps keep Mr Plane Guy airborne.
If you're looking for a quiet secluded hotel then look away! This hotel hustle and bustle and exotic yet urban charm of Stone Town, Zanzibar, its labyrinthine streets, busy markets, and the intoxicating blend of African, Arab, Indian, and European influences.
A Sense of Discovery: Position Upendo House as a hidden treasure in the heart of Stone Town, perfectly suited for the modern luxury traveler seeking both historical depth and contemporary comfort.
Seamless Arrival: You arrive by walking through the historic cobbled streets to the boutique hotel’s entrance, you feel a sense of stepping back in time, chaos of food stalls, street sellers and building works! Lots of all of it!
Design Aesthetic: Detail the 11 individually designed rooms, boasting a chic fusion of contemporary design with local Zanzibari elements. Highlight textures, muted colors, and handcrafted touches that bring a sense of luxury.
Rooms: An Oasis of Calm: Elegance in Simplicity: Elaborate on the design ethos minimalist yet luxurious, featuring high-end amenities like plush bedding, organic bath products, and state-of-the-art technology that appeals to discerning travellers. The shower gel shampoo and conditioner smell un real! Luckily you can take them all home for a small fee!
Personalised Touches: My return flight to Dar Es Salaam at 0800 meant pickup at 6am! My taxi awaited and breakfast picnic box to go handed to me witha wave off!
Dining: Elevated Local Cuisine: The 4th-Floor Restaurant: with elevated views of Stone Town’s skyline mixed with the aromas of spices and flavours that capture Zanzibar’s culinary history. A sea food experience of fresh king prawns marinated with a delicious coconut thai flavour, followed by the most amazing decadent chocolate brownie!
The Jewel in Stone Town: The fifth-floor bar, known simply as "The Fifth" is a crowning feature, ideal for sundowners with panoramic views over the historic rooftops of Stone Town as the sun sets into the Indian Ocean.
Luxury Meets Relaxation: Talk about the infinity pool, which offers a peaceful retreat by day, and the bar, which transforms into an atmospheric spot at night for signature cocktails under the stars. From 5pm onwards the bar is a popular spot for sundowners.
Insider Tips: Don't go for the upgraded balcony rooms, the balcony rooms are looking over correlated iron roofs and building sites. Enjoy drinks on the top floor not on your balcony!
Experiencing Stone Town: Location, Location, Location: The hotel is in prime location in the heart of Stone Town, allowing guests to step out into the history and culture that surrounds them. Check out a walking tour of Stone Town with a local guide.
Curated Experiences: My friends at Happy Bikes tours suggested a trip to Nakupenda Sandbanks, this is not too far out by boat from Stone Town and I would highly recommend a trip with them! I also did a private walking tour around Stone Town with them which was just excellent! You you should definatly do this!
Final Thoughts: The Ultimate Luxury Escape Upendo House is Special: Upendo House stands out, it has the ability to offer a serene, luxurious retreat amidst the vibrant history and culture of Stone Town.
For the Luxury Traveler: With gourmet dining, and the one-of-a-kind rooftop pool. A hidden gem for those who seek both adventure and indulgence in equal measure for a real authentic Zanzibar experience!
Things to do in Zanzibar
Plane Zanzibar Related Links
Flying in Style: My Qatar Airways Business Class Experience on the 787 from Doha to London
A real-Life Adventure to Nakupenda Sandbank: Zanzibar’s Hidden Gem
Swimming with Sea Turtles in Zanzibar: A Magical Encounter at Baraka Aquarium
Is this the Ultimate Hotel in Zanzibar for Your Next Luxurious Getaway?
Nungwi Dreams Hotel review (coming soon!)
Flights to Zazibar
Hello, I’m Paul a professional jet-setter and all-around plane travel pro. After 15 years working in and around planes, I became a flight delay expert at a London Airport and mastered plane travel hacks, a PLANE flight expert with BIG travel plans but small carry-on.
Now, I share PLANE travel news, tips, reviews, and deals with honesty, humour, and zero baggage! Thanks for reading Upendo House, Stone Town: Zanzibar’s Best-Kept Luxury Gem: Full Review.
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