For those of you who are hearing of Emerson's House for the first time through our Web site, we would like to explain a few unusual aspects of our hotel. The building is an old Omani palace carefully restored to its original style. Because the architectural integrity of the building is of the uppermost importance, only two of the bedrooms have private baths. This usually presents no inconvenience to our guests, as five toilets and baths are shared among the remaining seven rooms. Two of these shared baths are rather special. One is a small private open-air garden, festooned with plants and flowers; our guests call this the "Tarzan bath." Another is a huge stone tub embedded with some antique tiles. Here we offer champagne and appetizers or desert in a honeymoon bubble bath in a candlelit room strewn with flowers and jasmine blossoms.

The climate in Zanzibar from June to October is usually perfection; sunny with daily highs 70 to 85, lows 65 to 75. The short rains are during November. From December to March the weather is hot, daily highs 85 to 95, lows 75 to 85. Although our traditional building style helps cool the environment and most guests fare much better by acclimatizing with ceiling and table fans, some of you may require air-conditioning. If so please let us know in advance.

Because we at Emerson's House hope to fulfill all your needs in Zanzibar, please read the accompanying page detailing our specialized services, tours, and cruises.