Emerson on Hurumzi

The Emerson on Hurumzi building at 236 Hurumzi Street, was built in the 1870s by the powerful merchant Sir Tharia Thopan. He served as a principal financial adviser to Sultan Bargash and was the head of customs. The rooftop Tea House itself may have been designed as an observation point to control the activities of the port, which was located in the waters just in front of the nearby “House of Wonders”.

Emerson on Hurumzi presently has 10 rooms ready for guests, including two suites with their own private tea houses. The double rooms have one queen size double antique Swahili bed, enclosed en suite WC, bath and shower that is open or semi-open to the room. Therefore the double rooms are not suitable as twins, although a baby cot can be added when needed. There are twin set up rooms in case separate beds are required.

The rooftop Tea House Dinner Experience offers cocktails at the sunset hour, dinner celebrating the pleasure of Zanzibar cuisine fused with oriental Persian and Omani influences, as well as tradiotional Taarab performances by accomplished musicians from the Dhow Countries Music Academy.

The full evening dining experience includes a set 3 course menu at $40 per person excl. drinks. Cuisine and service is designed to marry the culture and style of the building with the distinct culinary heritage of the era. There is one exclusive sitting only for dinner, and service begins promptly at 7PM, but we welcome dinner guests from 6PM to enjoy the spectacular views of sea and city. Advance reservations required. Due to the limited seating, a deposit is required to guarantee your reservation.

A lavish, though lighter, Lunch is served between 12AM and 4PM (last kitchen orders at 3.30PM)