If you want to step into the soul of Zanzibar and experience the timeless magic of Stone Town, then Emerson Spice is the place to visit.
Originally owned by the Mwinyi Mkuu, the last Swahili ruler of Zanzibar, the property has changed hands from one illustrious owner to another; and now graces the discerning traveller in pursuit of glamour with authenticity.
The principal structure which now houses Emerson Spice is a melding of two buildings and several distinct styles of architecture typical of the Stone Town heritage site, still offers the visitor a feeling of stepping back in time, when crossing the threshold.
The hotel hosts 2 restaurants - The Secret Garden Restaurant, located in the distinctive ruins of the adjacent garden and the rooftop Spice Hotel 'Tea House' - one of Stone Town's most renowned restaurants offering a stylish ambiance amidst the sound of the calls to prayer from the town's many mosques.
All the Emerson Spice Hotel Rooms have a fabulously unique story.
The Semele, Camille, Belle, Violetta and Desdemona Rooms are all elegant and inviting. Furnished with antique Zanzibar furniture, every single room is different from the other and the bathrooms are fully or partially open to the bedrooms.
The Aida Room is ideal for families, as it has a queen size bed in the main area and a sitting area with a spiral staircase up to a mezzanine loft.
Opening to two verandas facing South and North, the Kate Room is dedicated to Katherine Hepburn in a restrained Hollywood/Bollywood does Zanzibar style and is the least Zanzibari room amongst the Emerson's designs. The room has an al fresco second bath which is ideal for relaxing in after a day exploring.
General Information For Guests
Every room in this hotel is different from the other.
The Kate Room is dedicated to Katherine Hepburn. Opening to two verandas facing South and North, there is a pleasant natural breeze through the room and an al fresco second bath.
The Aida Room is a duplex, suitable as a double or for a family with children. On the first level there is a queensize bed in the main area, and a sitting area with a spiral staircase up to a mezzanine loft. There is a separate and enclosed bathroom.
The Camille Room is on the second floor is west facing and dedicated to the film version of Dumas’ "La Dame aux Camelias", starring Greta Garbo and Robert Taylor. French doors, high ceilings, and the gold satin backdrop capturing the afternoon light evokes the romantic atmosphere and photography of the film.
The Semele Room is a collapsed temple of Apollo and dedicated to the mother of Dionysus. There are chandeliers which are based on classical temple lighting.
The Belle Room is on the first floor and is dedicated to all the 'Southern Belles' of the world - Scarlett O’Hara, Lillian Hellman, Blanche DuBois and so on. The very large, ornately carved mirror is visible from every spot in the room, so 'the Belle can delight in her every move'.
The Violetta Room edicated to the lead character in Verdi’s "La Traviata". The furniture is antique and the shower/bath is visible from all the room, but partially obscured by an arch.
The Desdemona Room is on the top floor with a view of the cityscape.
The Lamour Toujours Room is inspired by Dorothy Lamour, pin up girl and celebrity from World War Two.
The Mimi Room is graced by arches, balconies, and curved stained glass windows.
Turandot is the smallest room in the hotel, however, the veranda is as large as the room. The private tea House, the open air bath and garden make this a special room.
The hotel hosts two restaurants: The Secret Garden Restaurant, located in the distinctive ruins of the adjacent garden and the rooftop Emerson Spice ‘Tea House’ one of Stone Town’s most renowned restaurants offering a stylish ambiance amidst the sound of the calls to prayer from the town’s many mosques.
