Classical Africa with a touch of ancient Arabian mystique merge in this exquisite, exclusive 5-room boutique hotel within a traditional Zanzibar house, built on 3 floors on what was once a nobility tea house.

Sitting only a few paces from the sea, Beyt al chai is cool and breezy. On a typical day, guests relax in our beautifully appointed lounge and rooms overlooking a square filled with hibiscus and ancient tamarind trees - simultaneously feeling the pull of the mysterious Indian Ocean that lies just beyond the trees and soaking up the ambiance of this World Heritage Site only steps a way from the shops, restaurants and attractions of contemporary Zanzibar.

Beyt al Chai is, naturally, located in the famous Kelele Square at the heart of Zanzibar's renowned Stone Town. The Zanzibar Stone Town was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in the year 2000.

The location has an interesting history. A wealthy Arab merchant originally built this fabulous old building. In the years that followed, its square became a favourite haunt of the European residents of the town. Folklore has it that the square was christened, Kelele - Swahili for noise - because of the noisy dogs that the Europeans brought with
them.

Everything about Beyt al Chai rooms is as authentic old Zanzibari as the great house itself. Each of the 5 en-suite bedrooms and suites are designed with richly coloured organza and silk curtains billowing in the breeze around antique furniture dating back to the days of the Sultan.

No detail has been over looked. The service is personalized and meticulous and the sanitary facilities are modern. But even the modern amenities make concession to the ancient: Every room is fully air-conditioned, but 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, there is a ceiling fan.