The mid-range is where most visitors to Zanzibar actually stay, and where the value is. A comfortable beachfront room with air conditioning, a decent pool, breakfast included and a restaurant that knows what it is doing, without paying villa prices.
Pwani Mchangani and the southern end of Kiwengwa offer the best value on the east coast for a comparable beach. Jambiani and Paje have a strong range of small mid-range hotels on the south-east. Nungwi has the widest choice overall, at every level.
Our honest advice: spend a little less on the room and a little more on the excursions and the transfers. The beach is free. The days out are what people remember.
Tell us your dates, your party and your nightly budget and we will send three or four properties we would put our own guests in.