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Boutique Hotel Matlai

4.0 star property
Oceanfront paradise awaits at this boutique hotel where travelers can kayak the turquoise waters or simply relax on pristine white sand shores

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At Boutique Hotel Matlai, travelers find a perfect beachfront retreat with comfy sun loungers in a garden setting. The onsite restaurant serves international cuisine, and the clear waters invite guests to kayak or join local boat tours for a complete coastal experience.
VIP Access

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional

Popular amenities

  • Pool
  • Spa
  • Restaurant
  • Air conditioning
  • Bar
  • Laundry

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Room options

Available filters for rooms
Showing 2 of 2 rooms

View all photos for Deluxe Room with Sea View ( Asili House )

Deluxe Room with Sea View ( Asili House ) | Premium bedding, minibar, in-room safe, individually decorated

Deluxe Room with Sea View ( Asili House )

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)

Highlights

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

View all photos for Suite with Sea View ( Villa Kidosho )

Suite with Sea View ( Villa Kidosho ) | Premium bedding, minibar, in-room safe, individually decorated

Suite with Sea View ( Villa Kidosho )

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(2 reviews)

Highlights

Furnished balcony
Separate dining area
Separate sitting area
Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Air conditioning
Refrigerator
Flat-screen TV
  • Sea view
  • 753 sq ft
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed
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About the neighborhood

Located in Michamvi, Boutique Hotel Matlai is in a rural area and on the beach. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Paje Beach and Jambiani Beach. Kite Centre Zanzibar and Kidichi Spice Farm are also worth visiting. Discover the area's water adventures with scuba diving, snorkeling, and fishing nearby, or enjoy the great outdoors with hiking/biking trails. Visit our Michamvi travel guide
Map
Michamvi Beach, Michamvi

What's nearby

  • This restaurant will be sure to offer you a meal to remember. Excellent fresh pasta and seafood with seaview all around! #WeLoveOurMarkets #LifeAtExpedia #Africa #Zanzibar #restaurant #bucketlist
    Pingwe Beach
    2 min walk - 0.2 km
  • Jambiani Beach
    Jambiani Beach
    18 min drive - 19.7 km
  • Michamvi Kae Beach
    4 min drive - 3.7 km
  • Paje Beach
    17 min drive - 17.1 km
  • Kite Centre Zanzibar
    18 min drive - 19.0 km

Getting around

  • Zanzibar Intl. Airport (ZNZ)
    66 min drive

Restaurants

  • kae funk sunset beach bar
  • Zanzi Bar
  • The Rock
    13 min walk
  • Kae Beach Restoraunt
    4 min drive
  • Baladin
    6 min walk

About this property

Boutique Hotel Matlai

Upscale boutique hotel by the ocean
Take advantage of a beach bar, a terrace, and a garden at Boutique Hotel Matlai. With a beachfront location, beachfront dining, and sun loungers, this hotel is the perfect place to soak up some sun. Treat yourself to a manicure/pedicure, a massage, or a body scrub at the onsite spa. The on-site restaurant offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Enjoy onsite activities like beach volleyball, boat tours, and kayaking. Guests can also expect to find a library, laundry facilities and a bar.
You'll also enjoy the following perks during your stay:
  • Infinity pool along with sun loungers
  • Free bicycle rentals, a roundtrip airport shuttle (surcharge), and an outdoor pool
  • Smoke-free premises, a porter/bellhop, and a front-desk safe
  • Barbecue grills, luggage storage, and wedding services
Room features
All guestrooms are individually furnished, and feature comforts such as premium bedding and furnished balconies, in addition to thoughtful touches like pillow menus and laptop-compatible safes.
More conveniences in all rooms include:
  • Bathrooms with rainfall showers and deep soaking tubs
  • Separate sitting areas, electric kettles, and ceiling fans

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8.4 out of 10, Very Good, 311 reviews
The price is NT$5,455
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includes taxes & fees
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Property amenities

Parking and transportation

  • 24-hour roundtrip airport shuttle on request for a surcharge

Food and drink

  • A bar/lounge
  • A beach bar
  • A restaurant
  • Coffee and tea in common areas
  • Couples/private dining
  • Private picnics
  • Snack bar/deli

Things to do

  • Beach volleyball
  • Boat tours
  • Free bicycle rentals
  • Full-service spa
  • Infinity pool
  • Kayaking
  • Library
  • Outdoor pool

Conveniences

  • Laundry facilities
  • Limited-hour front desk
  • Luggage storage
  • Safe at front desk

Guest services

  • Concierge services
  • Housekeeping (daily)
  • Multilingual staff
  • Porter/bellhop
  • Proposal/romance packages
  • Tour and ticket assistance
  • Turndown service
  • Wedding services

Outdoors

  • Barbecue grill
  • Beach loungers
  • Beach towels
  • Garden
  • On the beach
  • On the waterfront
  • Picnic area
  • Pool loungers
  • Terrace

Full-service spa

  • Body scrubs
  • Deep-tissue massages
  • Facials
  • In-room massages
  • Manicures/pedicures
  • Swedish massages
  • Treatment room

Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • Accessible airport shuttle
  • No elevator

More

  • 2 buildings
  • 2 floors
  • Built in 2012
  • Mosquito nets
  • Smoking not allowed

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Pillow menu
  • Premium bedding

Bathroom

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

Food and drink

  • Champagne service
  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Electric kettle
  • Free bottled water
  • Limited room service
  • Minibar

More

  • Air conditioning
  • Ceiling fan
  • Desk
  • Free local calls
  • Individual decor
  • Individual furnishings
  • Laptop-compatible safe
  • Phone
  • Separate sitting area

Policies

Check-in

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

Check-out before 10 AM
Late check-out subject to availability
A late check-out fee will be charged

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 within 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 any questions, please contact the property using the information on the booking confirmation
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Renovations and closures

The property is closed between April 2 and May 31.

Access methods

Front desk (limited hours)

Pets

No pets or service animals allowed

Children and extra beds

Children 12 and younger are not allowed at this property; All guests older than 12 are welcome
Rollaway/extra beds are not available
Cribs (infant beds) are not available

Property payment types

Important information

Fees

You'll be asked to pay the following charges at the property. Fees may include applicable taxes:

  • A tax is imposed by the city: USD 5.00 per person, per night

We have included all charges provided to us by the property.

Optional extras

  • Airport shuttle fee: USD 60 per vehicle (one-way, maximum occupancy 6)
  • Late check-out is available for a fee (subject to availability)
  • Credit card charges are subject to a surcharge

The above list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits may not include tax and are subject to change.

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
This property accepts credit cards; cash is not accepted
Parties and events are allowed on site
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children; if you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room

We should mention

This property does not have elevators
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
Reservations are required for massage services; reservations can be made by contacting the property prior to arrival, using the contact information on the booking confirmation
Children 12 years old and younger are not permitted at this property
Only registered guests are allowed in the guestrooms
No pets and no service animals are allowed at this property

Property is 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

Does Boutique Hotel Matlai have a pool?

Yes, this property has an outdoor pool. Pool types include infinity pools.

Is Boutique Hotel Matlai pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at Boutique Hotel Matlai?

Check-in start time: 2:00 PM; Check-in end time: midnight. Late check-in is available during limited hours.

What time is check-out at Boutique Hotel Matlai?

Check-out is at 10 AM. Late check-out is available for a fee (subject to availability).

Does Boutique Hotel Matlai provide a shuttle to the airport?

Yes, there's an airport shuttle that runs on request. A fee of USD 60 per vehicle applies.

Where is Boutique Hotel Matlai located?

Nestled on the beach, this Michamvi hotel is within 3 mi (5 km) of Pingwe Beach, Michamvi Kae Beach, and Dongwe Beach. Paje Beach and Bwejuu Beach are also within 9 mi (15 km).

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Reviews

Boutique Hotel Matlai Reviews

10

Exceptional

10

Cleanliness

9.0

Location

10

Staff & service

10

Property conditions & facilities
Rating 10 - Excellent. 46 out of 47 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 1 out of 47 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 47 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 47 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 47 reviews

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Jonathan

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
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).
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2024

10/10 Excellent

Elizabeth

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

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.

10/10 Excellent

Kristina

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

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!
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2022

10/10 Excellent

Håkan

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Ett underbart supermysigt boutiquehotel.

Fantastiskt mysigt boutiquehotel. Verligen en pärla. Mycket god mat som serverades i restaurant, på rummets balkong eller på ett av flera ställen i den fina trädgården (man valde själv ställe varje dag). Mycket trevlig personal, alla hälsade och pratade gärna. Ett drömställe - vi längtar tillbaka.
Stayed 6 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Monica

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Bellissimo boutique hotel, con pochi appartamenti molto belli, ogni particolare è curato con attenzione per il benessere dei clienti. L'appartamento dove abbiamo soggiornato, il Maji, è molto grande con patio e giardino esterno e vista mare. Il personale molto professionale e gentile, sempre pronto a soddisfare qualsiasi esigenza. Ashim, che ci ha seguiti durante il nostro soggiorno è un ragazzo fantastico, molto professionale, discreto e educato. Il ristorante è davvero ottimo, con tante proposte interessanti, cucinate con gusto. Complimenti allo chef. Abbiamo usufruito anche del centro benessere, Maryem e l'altra ragazza sono davvero bravissime. Abbiamo passato una settimana incantevole e speriamo di poterci tornare presto. Lo consiglio a tutti coloro che voglio rilassarsi e godersi lo splendido mare di Zanzibar. Personale accoglientw e pronto a so
Stayed 7 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Patrick

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Endroit d’exception, tout est fait pour notre plaisir dans un cadre idyllique et une nourriture fantastique!
Stayed 7 nights in Mar 2023

10/10 Excellent

Thomas

Liked: Staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
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.
Stayed 7 nights in Feb 2022

10/10 Excellent

Rayan

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Magnifique et inoubliable

Hôtel magnifique, excellent séjour du début à la fin, spécial mention pour notre major d’homme Hashim et le responsable Mohamed qui nous ont parfaitement accompagné durant notre séjour. Si vous souhaitez passer un séjour inoubliable n’hésitez pas réserver cet hôtel. Tout le personnel est au petit soin pour vous, l’arriver à l’hôtel est juste magnifique et quand vous quitterez cet hôtel vous serez triste de partir, ils vous donneront un petit sac avec des pâtisseries et des fruits. Je n’ai rien à dire sur cet hôtel tout ces passer parfaitement, le meilleur hôtel que j’ai pu faire sur l’île de zanzibar durant notre séjour de 3 semaines.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2021

10/10 Excellent

Patrick

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
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
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2021

10/10 Excellent

Kathrin

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Außergewöhnliches Hotel. Personal immer aufmerksam, aber nie aufdringlich. Ausgezeichnetes Essen. Ruhige Lage am Traumstrand. Home away from home!
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2021

10/10 Excellent

GUILHERME

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Excepcional

O hotel é incrível. São apenas 6 quartos então a atenção é totalmente voltada para estes poucos hóspedes. Um mordomo fica a sua disposição 24 horas. Eles pensam em tudo, simplesmente em tudo. Nunca fui tratado tão bem em um hotel. Pegamos o plano café e jantar. As refeições são fartas e é tudo muito romântico. Você pode ir caminhado ao famoso restaurante The Rock (10 minutos pela praia). Aconselho tbm pegarem o por do sol no Kae Beach, que fica cerca de 15 minutos de carro. Valeu a pena pagar mais caro por um hotel e ter tratamento de rei.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2021

10/10 Excellent

IGOR

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Hotel sensacional, na beira da praia, todo rústico, muito aconchegante. O hotel possui 2 casas, uma com 04 quartos e outra com 02, mais luxuosos, cada uma tem uma piscina e você fica muito a vontade. A comida é a melhor de toda a praia, o serviço é impecável, o mordomo Justus estava sempre a disposição pra nos ajudar com qualquer coisa, bastava telefonar do celular de cada quarto. No restaurante, o garçom Mohamed sempre muito simpático, nos servindo e sempre conversando sobre a cultura local. Recomendo muito o local, ideal pra descansar.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2020

10/10 Excellent

Ellyn Dryden

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

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!
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2020

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
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
Stayed 4 nights in Jan 2020

10/10 Excellent

Julian

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

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.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2019

10/10 Excellent

Simone

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

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.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2018

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Ein wirklich angenehmer Aufenthalt mit ausgesprochen aufmerksamen Personal. Unterbringung und Verpflegung lässt keine Wünsche offen. Lage und Ausstattung sehr für einen erholsamen Urlaub geeignet. Die Betreiber geben sich alle Mühe und haben die ganze Anlage liebevoll gestaltet.
Stayed 13 nights in Feb 2019

10/10 Excellent

Catherine, Marseille

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Une expérience unique dans un cadre paradisiaque ...
Stayed 6 nights in Nov 2018

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

albergo favoloso consente privacy e servizi dedica

ogni dettaglio curato da un messaggio al.mattino alla storia della sera . colazione spettacolare. personale gentile e professionale.
Stayed 9 nights in Feb 2018

10/10 Excellent

laurence

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

calme et tranquillité , à l’ecarT de la foule.

Nous avons trouvé le repos que nous recherchions. Les couleurs changeantes de la mer en fonction des marées sont un vrai régal.
Stayed 4 nights in Jan 2018

10/10 Excellent

rogier, Amsterdam

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

splendido ,cuoco geniale, bellissima

Per 8 giorni di totale tranquillità, gastronomiche kitesurf con tradewind. Bellisimo
Stayed 8 nights in Jan 2018

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

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
Stayed 8 nights in Nov 2017

10/10 Excellent

Terri, canada

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

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
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2017

10/10 Excellent

Roberta

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

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!
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2017

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

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서비스 받는 느낌을 주는 확실한 곳입니다. 조용하게 쉬고 싶은 분들에게는 최고의 호텔!