236 Hurumzi, along with mosque minarets, temple towers, church spires, and the Tower Top Restaurant, forms an integral part of the skyline of Stone Town. (It is in fact the 2nd tallest building in Stone Town). Once the residence of a fabulously wealthy man in the Swahili Empire, 236 Hurumzi has recently been restored to its former glory.
The furnishings are all original Zanzibari antiques of various styles and origins, that together create an atmosphere of Arabian Nights and secret liasons by sultan princesses in the dark hours of the night!
Accommodation
The hotel offers 16 rooms, each distinct and exquisitely furnished. Characterful features, such as large stone baths and open air verandahs with views across the city, antique Zanzibari beds with spacious netting, glass chandeliers and hand- painted window panes adorn the hotel.
The Main House consists of 9 exquisitely furnished en-suite rooms, each furnished with antique furniture and oozing individual charm.
The “Peace of Love” wing is a new addition to the hotel, and is named in honour of the small, lively square that it overlooks. This wing offers the most original and luxurious suites of the hotel. Most of the rooms boast balconies, teahouses, or verandahs (all with spectacular views of Stone Town and the ocean - and on clear days even the coast of Africa!)
240 Hurumzi offers 6 guest rooms in the newly-restored building that adjoins 236 Hurumzi. All 6 rooms are elegantly furnished with original Zanzibari beds and antique furnishings. These rooms are located off spacious corridors on the top two floors. Each floor has access to its own fully-equipped kitchen (shared). Each room has its own individual charm and every room is named after an important figure in the history of Zanzibar.
The Tower Top Restaurant
The Tower Top Restaurant lies high above Stone Town, amongst the mosque minarets, temple towers, and church spires. It is undoubtedly one of the most charming and romantic restaurants in the world!
Located on the roof of the building, guests feel as if they're on top of the world as they sip on exotic drinks and watch the sun disappear into the ocean. The Islam call to prayer accents the eastern ambience of Arab-style pillows and small tables, and the Hindu Temple bells remind guests that they are far from the stress they left at home!
A typical menu consists of appetizers of local vegetables, seafood and small canapés, a soup (or salad), a main course of fish or chicken (with vegetables and spice scented rice) and then dessert with tea or coffee, and after-dinner drinks.
History of Hurumzi House
Folklore and local memory say that Hurumzi House was built by a man called Tharia Thopan, often called the Bismark of the Swahili Empire. Due to his close friendship with the Sultan of the day, Thopan was permitted to build Hurumzi House as the 2nd highest in Stone Town - 2nd only to the Sultan's own palace, The House of Wonders.
Other stories tell that in the 1880's this building was used by British authorities to pay Arab slave owners to free their slaves. Apparently the name Hurumzi comes from "Huru - MUUZE" (meaning "let them be free"). Although not verified by the Zanzibar archive records, these stories only serve to add to the mystery of this impressive building on Hurumzi Street.
Hurumzi House has survived devastating monsoons, numerous inhabitants, and various governments. After the revolution ended in 1964, Zanzibar engaged in an experiment with socialism, which unfortunately caused the neglect of Stone Town and its treasure of heritage buildings, including Hurumzi House.
In the 1980's Zanzibar was finally re-opened to international investment. In 1991 Thomas Green (and later Emerson Skeens) were able to convince local authorities to lease them Hurumzi House in order to restore it to its former glory. The main restoration work began in 1994 and continues today in the way of minor revamps and general maintenance. 16 splendid rooms are available to guests, delicious dinners are served in the Tower Top Restaurant, and the Kidude Café Restaurant, which is located on the ground floor, offers excellent lunch and dinner menus in Arabian style and air conditioned comfort.
