Beyt al Chai is located in the famous Kelele Square at the heart of Zanzibar's Stone Town.
The location has an interesting history. A wealthy Arab merchant originally built this fabulous old building on the square that was later christened 'Kelele' - Swahili for noise - because of the noisy dogs that the Europeans brought with them.
Accommodation
Everything about Beyt al Chai's rooms is as authentic old Zanzibari as the great old house itself. Each of the 6 ensuite bedrooms and suites are designed with richly coloured organza and silk curtains that billow in the breeze around antique furniture that dates back to bygone days of the Sultan.
No detail has been overlooked. Service is personalized and meticulous and the sanitary facilities are modern - although even the modern amenities make concession to the ancient! Every room is fully air-conditioned, but there is also a ceiling fan just so you can open the window and enjoy the breeze in the ancient manner... or simply listen to the late night call of the Muezzin as it has been heard in the square of this house for generations.
The 6 bedrooms and suites are divided in three categories:
SULTAN Rooms
These are the two largest rooms at Beyt al Chai, at approximately 40 sq. meters each. They offer private bathrooms and captivating views of Zanzibar. The two Sultan Rooms are: Beyt Al Chai and Beyt Al Ajaib
PRINCE Rooms
These three rooms are the second largest in the house, averaging about 25 sq meters each. They all have a private bathroom and dressing room. The rooms are: Beyt El Sahel,
Beyt Al Hukum and Beyt Al Ras
PRINCESS Room
This room is the smallest in the Hotel, but just as original as the others! It has a good size bathroom with direct entrance from the room. It is called the Beyt Al Dal
Dining
To dine at Beyt al Chai is to experience Zanzibar! The restaurant, simply called the Beyt al Chai Restaurant, only opened in May 2007 but is already considered one of the the finest dining establishments within Zanzibar's Stone Town. The Restaurant is unobtrusively located on the ground floor, away from the rooms.
The cuisine is a fusion of Zanzibar and Europe. At breakfast, from 07h00 - 10h00, only hotel guests are allowed in to savour freshly prepared orders. Lunch is between 12h00 & 15h30 and provides a choice of Zanzibari and European cuisine. But you need not wait for lunch: in the course of the day you can drop in for a selection of light lunches that include Fresh Seafood Salads and a selection of Homemade Bruschetta and Baguettes with a choice of fillings.
Dinner is the main event here! Served between 18h00 & 22h00, the menu transforms into a fine-dining candlelit experience of culinary creations especially prepared by the Executive Chef. Begin your evening with Fresh Crab Meat layered with Crispy Eggplant and Green Mango, then select the "Fritto Misto" which is a Mix of Deep Fried Fish and Seafood. Complete your evening with the famous Passion Fruit Parfait served with caramelized Banana and Coconut Cookies. A wide selection of Fine Wines completes the experience.
