Boutique Hotel Matlai

4.0 star property
Beachfront hotel in Michamvi with spa and outdoor pool

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your current months are December, 2024 and January, 2025.
December 2024
January 2025

Photo gallery for Boutique Hotel Matlai

Exterior
Deluxe Room with Sea View ( Asili House ) | View from room
Exterior
On the beach, white sand, sun loungers, beach towels
On the beach, white sand, sun loungers, beach towels
VIP Access

Reviews

10 out of 10

Exceptional

Popular amenities

  • Bar
  • Airport transfer
  • Pool
  • Spa
  • Non-smoking
  • Air conditioning

Main amenities (12)

  • Daily housekeeping
  • On the beach
  • Restaurant and bar/lounge
  • Full-service spa
  • Outdoor pool
  • Free use of bicycles
  • Beach sun loungers
  • Beach towels
  • Beach bar
  • Room service
  • Massage/treatment rooms
  • Airport shuttle

Feel at home (6)

  • Private bathroom
  • Separate bathtub and shower
  • Separate sitting area
  • Garden
  • Terrace
  • Daily housekeeping

Room options

Available filters for rooms
Showing 2 of 2 rooms

Deluxe Room with Sea View ( Asili House )

Highlights

Furnished balcony
Separate dining area
Separate sitting area
Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Air conditioning
Refrigerator
Pillow menu
  • 50 sq m
  • Sea view
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed OR 1 Double Bed

Suite with Sea View ( Villa Kidosho )

Highlights

Furnished balcony
Separate dining area
Separate sitting area
Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Air conditioning
Refrigerator
Flat-screen TV
  • 70 sq m
  • Sea view
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

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About the area

Map
Michamvi Beach, Michamvi

What's nearby

  • Pingwe Beach - 3 min walk - 0.3 km
  • Michamvi Kae Beach - 4 min drive - 3.2 km
  • Dongwe Beach - 7 min drive - 4.2 km
  • Bwejuu Beach - 11 min drive - 9.0 km
  • Paje Beach - 19 min drive - 13.8 km

Getting around

  • Zanzibar Intl. Airport (ZNZ) - 66 min drive
  • Airport shuttle (surcharge)

Restaurants

  • ‪The Rock - ‬12 min walk
  • ‪Baladin - ‬6 min walk
  • Zanzi Bar
  • ‪Kae Beach Restoraunt - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪Kae Beach Bar - ‬5 min drive

About this property

Boutique Hotel Matlai

At Boutique Hotel Matlai, you can spend time at the beach enjoying volleyball, beachside drinks, and sun loungers, plus you'll have access to onsite kayaking. The outdoor pool provides fun for everyone, while guests in the mood for pampering can visit the spa to indulge in deep-tissue massages, facials, and mani/pedis. The restaurant is a great spot for a bite to eat and cold drinks are served at the bar/lounge. Other highlights at this boutique hotel include a snack bar/deli, free bike rentals, and a terrace.

Languages

English, French, German, Swahili

At a glance

Hotel size

  • 6 rooms
  • Arranged over 2 floors

Arriving/Leaving

  • Check-in start time: 2:00 PM; Check-in end time: midnight
  • Late check-in subject to availability
  • Minimum check-in age: 18
  • Check-out time is 10 AM
  • Late check-out subject to availability

Restrictions related to your trip

  • Check COVID-19 restrictions

Special check-in instructions

  • This property offers transfers from the airport (surcharges may apply); to arrange pick-up, guests must contact the property 24 hours prior to arrival, using the contact information on the booking confirmation
  • The front desk is open daily from 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
  • Guests will receive an email 2 weeks before arrival with check-in instructions; front desk staffed during limited hours
  • If you are planning to arrive after 8:00 PM please contact the property in advance using the information on the booking confirmation
  • For more details, please contact the property using the information on the booking confirmation

Required at check-in

  • Credit card, debit card, or cash deposit required for incidental charges
  • Government-issued photo ID may be required
  • Minimum check-in age is 18

Children

  • Children (12 years old and younger) not allowed
  • No cribs (infant beds)

Pets

  • No pets or service animals allowed

Transfers

  • Airport shuttle on request (available 24 hours)*

Other information

  • Smoke-free property
  • No stag/bachelor or hen/bachelorette parties

Property amenities

Food and drink

  • Restaurant
  • Bar/lounge
  • Beach bar
  • Coffee/tea in a common area
  • Barbecue grills
  • Private dining
  • Private picnics
  • Room service (limited hours)
  • Snack bar/deli

What to do

  • On the beach
  • Beach volleyball
  • Kayaking
  • Boat tours
  • Hiking/biking trails nearby
  • Scuba diving nearby
  • Scooter/moped rentals nearby

Services

  • Front desk (limited hours)
  • Concierge services
  • Tour/ticket assistance
  • Laundry facilities
  • Luggage storage
  • Wedding services
  • Multilingual staff
  • Porter/bellhop
  • Free bicycle rentals
  • Beach sun loungers
  • Beach towels
  • Pool loungers
  • Romance packages

Facilities

  • 2 buildings/towers
  • Built in 2012
  • Safe-deposit box at front desk
  • Garden
  • Picnic area
  • Terrace
  • Library
  • Mosquito nets
  • An outdoor pool
  • Infinity pool
  • Full-service spa
  • Massage/treatment rooms

Accessibility

  • Accessible airport shuttle

Room amenities

Home comfort

  • Air conditioning
  • Ceiling fan
  • Minibar
  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Electric kettle
  • Bathrobes and slippers

Sleep well

  • Pillow menu
  • Turndown service
  • Premium bedding

What to enjoy

  • In-room massage
  • Furnished balcony
  • Individually furnished and decorated
  • Separate sitting area

Freshen up

  • Private bathroom
  • Deep soaking bathtub
  • Separate bathtub and shower
  • Rainfall showerhead
  • Free toiletries
  • Hair dryer
  • Towels

Stay connected

  • Desk
  • Free local calls

Food and drink

  • Champagne service
  • Free bottled water

More

  • Daily housekeeping
  • In-room safe (laptop compatible)

Special features

Spa

Guests can pamper themselves with a trip to the onsite spa, which has 1 treatment room. Services include deep-tissue massages, Swedish massages, facials, and body scrubs.

Fees & policies

Mandatory fees

You'll be asked to pay the following charges by the property at check-in or check-out. Fees may include applicable taxes:
  • A tax is imposed by the city: USD 5.00 per person, per night

Optional extras

  • Airport shuttle service is offered for an extra charge of USD 60 per vehicle (one-way, maximum occupancy 6)
  • Late check-out can be arranged for an extra charge (subject to availability)
  • Credit card charges are subject to an extra charge

Renovations and closures

The property is closed between April 2 and May 31.

Pool, spa, & gym (if applicable)

  • Reservations are required for massage services and can be made by contacting the property before arrival at the number on the booking confirmation

Policies

This property's policy is to refuse certain bookings for the purpose of group events or parties, including pre-wedding stag/bachelor and hen/bachelorette parties.
Only registered guests are allowed in the guestrooms.
This property does not have elevators.
Parties and events are allowed on site.
Guests can rest easy knowing there's a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit on site.
This property accepts credit cards. Cash is not accepted.

Also known as

Boutique Hotel Matlai
Boutique Hotel Matlai Michamvi
Boutique Matlai
Boutique Matlai Michamvi
Hotel Matlai
Matlai
Matlai Boutique Hotel
Boutique Hotel Matlai Michamvi, Zanzibar
Boutique Hotel Matlai Hotel
Boutique Hotel Matlai Michamvi
Boutique Hotel Matlai Hotel Michamvi

Frequently asked questions

Is Boutique Hotel Matlai currently open?
The property is closed between April 2 and May 31.
Is there a pool at Boutique Hotel Matlai?
Yes, there's an outdoor pool.
Are pets allowed at Boutique Hotel Matlai?
Sorry, pets and service animals aren't allowed.
Is airport shuttle service offered by Boutique Hotel Matlai?
Yes, an airport shuttle is available. The charge is USD 60 per vehicle one-way.
What are the check-in and check-out times at Boutique Hotel Matlai?
Check-in start time: 2:00 PM; Check-in end time: midnight. Check-out time is 10 AM. Late check-out is available for a charge (subject to availability).
What is there to do at Boutique Hotel Matlai and nearby?
Have fun with onsite activities like kayaking, volleyball, and cycling. Indulge in a treatment at the spa and enjoy a swim in the outdoor pool. Boutique Hotel Matlai also has spa services and a picnic area, as well as a garden.
Are there restaurants at or near Boutique Hotel Matlai?
Yes, Several dining areas offers alfresco dining, international cuisine, and garden views.
Does Boutique Hotel Matlai have rooms with private spa tubs?
Yes, each room has a deep soaking bathtub.
Does Boutique Hotel Matlai have any outdoor private spaces?
Yes, every room features a furnished balcony.
What's the area around Boutique Hotel Matlai like?
Boutique Hotel Matlai is located a short 3-minute walk from Pingwe Beach.

Boutique Hotel Matlai Reviews

Reviews

10

Exceptional

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Staff & service

10/10

Amenities

10/10

Property conditions & facilities

10/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

10/10 Exceptional

A beautiful small resort with just 6 rooms in two separate buildings. Very attentive and friendly staff. Lovely pool. Beautiful gardens. Long white sand beach right in front of the rooms is perfect for walks and swimming (with sea shoes, and somewhat tide dependent).
Jonathan, 3-night romance trip
Verified Expedia guest review

10/10 Exceptional

Pattaneeporn, 2-night trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review

10/10 Exceptional

Roberto, 2-night trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review

10/10 Exceptional

Thank you, Matlai, for super happy memories!!
There are lots of beautiful boutique hotels everywhere in the world, lots of them have just a beautiful facade, but missing that special personal touch that actually makes the difference by bringing up good emotions and making you always remembering the place. Matlai gives you that experience and you will want to come back, because everything here is simply very very very good - location, views, facilities, service, food, comfort, design and details, happy staff, peace ... you will not miss a thing from your luxury beach stay!
Kristina, 3-night trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review

10/10 Exceptional

A Boutique Hotel worth of its name. The team will welcome you with a smile from the heart and you will have the most pleasant stay in a place that is close to a piece of heaven on earth! You will not have to worry about anything as the Matlai team will get all your needs covered from out trips to transportation to snorkeling gear to anything you might need. The outdoor cinema was a charm and the beach bar was great. Do not hesitate to book your stay with Matlai Hotel. You won’t be disappointed. special thanks to Justus and Mohammed from the Matlai team
Patrick, 3-night romance trip
Verified Expedia guest review

10/10 Exceptional

Best hotel I have ever stayed in!
If I could give this hotel a higher rating I would. Everything was perfect from the time we arrived to when we left, our only regret was we wish we had booked for longer! We stayed for 2 nights as part of our honeymoon. Inge arranged our airport transfer, when we reached the hotel we got out and didn't need to pay (they put it on our room bill) and took our cases to our room, handed us fresh coconuts with Malibu and got us checked in quickly. We arrived late and ordered our dinner which we ate on our balcony served by the hotel butler. I love the little quirks of this place: - You can eat anywhere you like and there are SO many beautiful spaces! - Cooked to order breakfast you can eat whenever you like and as much as you like with local delicacies - The room balcony was beautiful and incredible views - Food is exceptional and well priced - Service is also exceptional - It's so relaxing, peaceful and quiet - The bath and local bath salts are a beautiful touch - I LOVED the bedtime stories! - The room spray choice is such a nice touch - The hotel bar/ restaurant is well decorated - All the décor is outstanding - You can pay for everything on your card, even hotel transfers Do not hesitate about booking this, we would absolutely come back. Traveller tip: Don't waste your money going to the Rock Restaurant for over priced, below average food and poor service. Eat here and get amazing food for incredible quality with exceptional service!
Ellyn Dryden, 2-night trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review

10/10 Exceptional

Mátlai boutique hotel is a dream and a little piece of paradise, the owners (manager, director) Tim, Inge and the rest of the staff specially Muhammed, justice and Regina made our stay very special, the view of our room was amazing, the food and service was impecable and We were able to borrow the snorkeling gear (free to use) and we were also able to watch a movie in the outside cinema setting at the hotel (quite romantic and another movie 🍿 in our room. The matlai hotel is my favorite place and I hope I can be lucky enough to come back every year, it was the most special 5 days I have had in a long time. Thanks to the matlai team for sharing and giving us such a special time. Ana Beltran
4-night romance trip
Verified Expedia guest review

10/10 Exceptional

A piece of paradise in Zanzibar!
Paradise! Both in terms of service and grounds. Totally recommend this hotel to those looking for a unique experience in Zanzibar.
Julian, 4-night romance trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review

10/10 Exceptional

Best hotel we have ever stayed at!
This hotel is a 10/10, you will not regret booking it. The owner Inge is very helpful and attentive from the moment you book and all the staff during our stay was phenomenal. This hotel is a very good value, especially considering other hotels with similar offering are more than double the price. From the food, to the service, to location, to the individually decorated rooms, everything was perfect! Given there are limited rooms and the hotel is located on a large property, it also never feels crowded and you can enjoy your privacy.
Simone, 3-night romance trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review

10/10 Exceptional

2-night trip
Verified Expedia guest review

10/10 Exceptional

Book it already. Amazing time.
Amazing hotel with the bestest of service. The owners were beyond nice and the staff was the most enjoyable and professional. Great experience and would definitely stay again. Only thing that could be improved is the wifi speed.
Verified Hotels.com guest review

10/10 Exceptional

Great hotel, amazing staff
I turned up and was very slightly disappointed. However, the staff are amazing and more than made up for my initial thoughts Great location and a walk away from The Rock
8-night trip
Verified Expedia guest review

10/10 Exceptional

Heaven on Earth!
Never in my life have I been to such an amazing hotel! Beautiful ocean views, gardens, lounging areas. The only thing better than the breathtaking hotel itself is the amazing staff. So incredibly friendly and helpful, they made you feel like you were the most important person there. And the food....delicious! If there was more than a 5 star rating, this place deserves it! Everyone should have a chance to visit this place at least once in their lives, truly paradise on Earth! - Adam and Terri
Terri, 3-night trip
Verified Expedia guest review

10/10 Exceptional

zanzibar paradise
Boutique Hotel Matlai is a wonderful place to stay - everything from the beginning to end was perfect! All the staff was amazing, Tim the general manager was friendly and helpful. The room was well designed, spacious, had every comfort needed. Our room was a few feet from the beach - incredible view - couldn't ask to for a better location. With only 6 rooms great attention was paid to all details and to making every guest feel as if they were at home. Food was very good and it was the only place in Zanzibar that we found could make a good aperol spritz! We had a fantastic 4 day stay - I would only change one thing - to have stayed longer!
Roberta, 4-night romance trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review

10/10 Exceptional

Beautiful!!!
Breathtakingly gorgeous private place right on the beach! Wonderful staff and delicious food! Its like a private paradise and once youre there you just want to remain napping on the bahari overlooking the ocean and never leave! Only fault is slow wifi but its not even needed because you just want to forget the outside world when youre there. Definitely will recommend it and be back!
Verified Hotels.com guest review

10/10 Exceptional

Wonderful hotel, great experience
True luxury, beautiful hotel by the sea. Recommend Villa Kidosho for honeymooners
Verified Expedia guest review

10/10 Exceptional

A little piece of indulgent paradise!
What an amazing stay at Boutique Hotel Matlai! From the butler service to the private pool to the great transport to and from the airport - will definitely come back!
Verified Hotels.com guest review

10/10 Exceptional

Opulence at a great price
We stayed at the Villa Kidosho, Mwezi (Moon) room, which is a 2-room house with private balcony, salt water pool, dining area, and plenty of reading and lounging areas inside and outside. Also, there was a butler. Yes, you read this right, there is a butler 24/7. You can summon the butler with a cell phone that you can use in town (might need to reset the phone when you get off the property). Tim, the co-owner/manager with his mother, Inge, did a wonderful job of coordinating trips to Stone Town and to Cheetah's Rock, a must-do. The taxi people he uses are secure and prompt, so leaving things in the taxi for a while is no issue with security. This was low season, and we were the only ones in the entire hotel for a few days, which was quite pleasant. 1/2 board is breakfast and dinner included, which has a large menu selection that is made to order. This was truly a royal treatment.
Verified Expedia guest review

10/10 Exceptional

Like royals
We had a great stay here on the final days of our honeymoon. The service and facilities were just perfect, we were treated like royals!!
Verified Hotels.com guest review

8/10 Very good

Small and friendly
Beautiful small property with great rooms and gardens. Loved the ability to eat when and where you like. Service was very friendly if a bit slow at times. While you are free to request dishes, the actual range and quality delivered depends on the limited availability of produce and sometimes lead times that surprised us. The beach is nice for long walks, but swimming is subject to the tides as everywhere on Zanzibar. During low tide the plentiful rock pools are an attraction for explorers.
Verified Hotels.com guest review

10/10 Exceptional

Very convenient boutique hotel
Four great rooms with each a butler for all your wishes. Nice pool almost on the beach. For quietness and relaxing. Superb!
Verified Expedia guest review

10/10 Exceptional

Christoph, 2-night trip
Verified Expedia guest review

10/10 Exceptional

Endroit d’exception, tout est fait pour notre plaisir dans un cadre idyllique et une nourriture fantastique!
Patrick, 7-night romance trip
Verified Expedia guest review

10/10 Exceptional

Sascha, 6-night trip
Verified Expedia guest review

10/10 Exceptional

Uns hat es super gefallen, es waren für uns aussergewöhnliche Ferien in dieser schönen Hotel-anlage. Das Personal ist äusserst freundlich und hat vom Morgen bis Abend immer ein Lächeln im Gesicht. Das Essen fanden wir hervorragend und abwechslungsreich. Alles vom Stand bis Zimmer und Garten ist sauber und sehr gepflegt. Besonders hat und die private und ruhige Atmosphäre gefallen. Wir werden diesen Urlaub nie vergessen und kommen sicher wieder. Ein riesiges Dankeschön an das ganze Team.
Thomas, 7-night romance trip
Verified Ebookers guest review