An integral part of the skyline of Zanzibar, along with mosque minarets, Hindu temple towers, and church spires, is the Tower Top restaurant of 236 Hurumzi. The second tallest building in Stone Town Zanzibar, the hotel has been restored to its former glory when it was the residence of one of the richest men in the Swahili Empire. The atmosphere is of principal import as the furnishings are all original Zanzibari antiques of varied origins and styles that, together, create the impressions of Arabian Nights and sultan princesses escaping in the dead of the night for romance. The twenty-four guestrooms are beautiful and romantic, each representing Zanzibari traditions in a distinct way. All rooms except for the Kipembe room are equipped with large stone bathtubs providing unusual bathing pleasure where a bubble bath and a bottle of wine are frequent requests. Ceiling fans keep our guests cool along with the constant breeze on the upper floors. Second and first-floor rooms as well as the South room are equipped with air conditioning for added comfort. The sultan-sized rooms on the first and second floors have 20-foot ceilings, carved doors, original stucco décor, and hand-painted glass lamps and window panes. All guest rooms have large Zanzibari beds complete with netting. The Tower Top Restaurant, a common stop for newlyweds and marriage proposers alike, is undoubtedly one of the most romantic restaurants in the world. Featuring a panoramic view of Stone Town and a spectacular view of the Indian Ocean, it is the perfect spot to watch the sunset. Eighty feet above the Stone Town and sitting on Persian carpets, more than one guest has told us that dinner here feels like a ride on a magic carpet. The dining room is open on all sides and guests sit Arabian-style on pillows and carpets, their shoes having been left at the door, while their dinner is served in five or more courses and accompanied by the sights and sounds of exotic Zanzibar. The western wing addition to 236 Hurumzi is named the "Peace of Love wing" in honor of the small lively square that it overlooks. This wing features the most original and luxurious suites of our hotel. Most rooms boast balconies, tea houses, or verandahs all with spectacular views of Stone Town and the Indian Ocean and on clear days the coast of continental Africa. We are pleased to offer splendid rooms with shared kitchen facilities in the Residence Hotel 240 Hurumzi. There are six guest rooms in our recently restored building at 240 Hurumzi that adjoins 236 Hurumzi. All six rooms are elegantly furnished with Zanzibar beds and antique furnishings. These rooms are located off of spacious corridors on the two top floors. Each floor has access to its own fully equipped shared kitchen. Each room has its own particular charm and is named for an important figure in the history of Zanzibar. [formidable id="18"]
