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Reviews of Msafini Hotel

Off Cornishe Path, 08500 Lamu, Kenya

#4 of 5 hotels in Lamu

Guests' Choice

Review score

Based on 188 hotel reviews

7.5

Score breakdown

  • Cleanliness

    7.7

  • Comfort

    7.9

  • Location

    8.1

  • Facilities

    7.5

  • Staff

    8.9

  • Value for money

    7.9

  • Free WiFi

    6.0

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Showing 1 – 25

  • Reviewed: 13 June 2024

    6.0
    It was fine but not worth the money.
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Standard Double Room with Balcony
    • Stayed 4 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    It was not very clean. Therefore it was not worth the money. If they invested in new bed mattresses and towels, as well as mattresses in the terrace it would really increase the quality of the stay.

    The hotel itself was nice, rooftop terrace was cool. The staff was very friendly, the location was okay.

    Stayed in June 2024

  • Reviewed: 8 June 2024

    9.0
    Tranquil rustic luxury
    • Leisure trip
    • Group
    • King Suite with Sea View
    • Stayed 3 nights

    I guess the only thing that could be improved is the water pressure in the shower, but it was just about good enough to have a decent wash. Oh and the lady who runs the hotel wasn't quite as smiley and friendly as the rest of the staff.

    We absolutely loved our 3 nights at Msafini, I would highly recommend it and would definitely go back. The building is beautiful, the staff were so friendly and helpful, and the swimming pool was gorgeous. The location was perfect for exploring Shela and only a few minutes walk from the jetty and maybe 10-15 mins to the beach (it's quickest at low tide when you can just walk along the coast path). We had the King suite on the top floor which was fantastic with a huge private balcony/terrace with lots of comfortable seating and even a dining table and a fridge. The stand out feature though was the gorgeous view across Shela to the sea - a very calm spot to sit and relax. I highly recommend booking the suite if you can! The beds were comfortable too, and while it was hot at night, the fans helped a bit and the mosquito nets kept the insects out. Oh and the breakfast was great - fresh fruit, incredible smoothies, and various combinations of eggs/toast/pancakes. You have to try to Swahili breakfast (coconut lentils, samosas, swahili doughnuts and various other bits) at least once!

    Stayed in June 2024

  • Reviewed: 4 June 2024

    9.0
    Thank You Lamu
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Standard Double Room with Balcony
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    The food and service were quite good and the pool was so nice and relaxing.

    The staff was very attentive and helpful.

    Stayed in June 2024

  • Reviewed: 13 May 2024

    7.0
    Good
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveller
    • Standard Double Room with Balcony
    • Stayed 3 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    The shower was ok. No good toiletries. No AC.

    Stayed in April 2024

  • Reviewed: 12 May 2024

    6.0
    Msafiini is a good hotel with excellent staff. The service is truly wonderful.
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • King Suite with Sea View
    • Stayed 6 nights

    The hotel is a little further from the beach than advertised/expected. The breakfast menu needs some variety and more options. The comfort of the room needs upgrading. It needs new and comfortable mattresses for both the bed and the outside beds as well as new and softer linens and towels.

    The view from our room was amazing 😍 . The staff is excellent. They were very friendly, warm and welcoming, always ready to provide information and assistance. Their service was top-notch. Joel and the rest of the team were wonderful. The room including the balcony had a lot of space and plenty of areas to just sit and relax. The hotel is in a quiet area which is perfect when you're on holiday to rest and relax.

    Stayed in April 2024

  • Reviewed: 4 May 2024

    7.0
    everything you need at a fair budget...
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Standard Double Room with Balcony
    • Stayed 2 nights

    I did not like that you had to choose your breakfast the day before....other than that everything was good

    rooms were nice for a short stay.... and breakfast was also nice but simple... locations was a little hidden but overall was a good stay... nice small pool and friendly staff..

    Stayed in March 2024

  • Reviewed: 5 April 2024

    9.0
    Superb
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Triple Room with Balcony
    • Stayed 3 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    Great place to stay in Shela! We've got 2 spacious rooms on the highest floor with ocean and island view, connected by a huge terasse with places to lounge. Beds comfortable and equipped with a mosquito set. Ventilators working well, although the heat could not be beated. The staff was extremely helpful, satisfying all our needs, always smiling. The rooftop restaurant also has incredible views over the island and sea, sunrise and sunset with a breeze. Food - breakfast and dinner - was delicious. The place is highly recommended!

    Stayed in March 2024

  • Reviewed: 28 March 2024

    9.0
    We would definitely come back for a long stay again! Amazing bang for the buck. Asante sana :)
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Triple Room with Balcony
    • Stayed 7 nights

    It was very warm this time of year so some extra fans in the room would be great, but it wasn't a huge issue.

    We truly enjoyed the friendliness of the staff and the rooftop restaurant/hang out area was exceptional. Spent most of the holiday enjoying that view!

    Stayed in March 2024

  • Reviewed: 20 March 2024

    9.0
    Lovely stay in the centre of Shela
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • King Suite with Sea View
    • Stayed 4 nights

    Some nights without power and ceiling fans meant sleeping under the mosquito net was very hot.

    Large and lovely private terrace with a beautiful view of the water. Clean and spacious room. Central Shela, it's easy to reach all you need in the village. Breakfast was fine and the staff were all very polite and friendly! Would recommend.

    Stayed in March 2024

  • Reviewed: 4 March 2024

    8.0
    nice base to have fairly easy to get to and from... quiet and I would stay again
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Standard Double Room with Balcony
    • Stayed 2 nights

    all good

    breakfast was very slow...and often of the fwe things available some were not available.... but was OK

    Stayed in March 2024

  • Reviewed: 26 February 2024

    8.0
    Very good
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Standard Double Room with Balcony
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    Pillows not very comfortable

    Fairly priced Close to many eateries and the Shela jetty Good food Great, helpful & pleasant staff

    Stayed in February 2024

  • Reviewed: 12 February 2024

    7.0
    Good
    • Leisure trip
    • Group
    • Triple Room with Balcony
    • Stayed 3 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    There wasnt AC and

    Style . Kind people.

    Stayed in February 2024

  • Reviewed: 6 January 2024

    7.0
    Beautiful Swahili architecture.
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveller
    • Standard Double Room with Balcony
    • Stayed 2 nights

    The shower drain was slightly clogged. My experience at night with the watchman was not that great; he was not as professional and when I was trying to get back into the hotel past midnight, I was at the door for a long time before he opened.

    Breakfast was great, with fresh fruits. The rooftop restaurant has a really great view of Lamu and the ocean. The rooms have a balcony area that is great to sit and relax. Especially loved the Lamu architecture.

    Stayed in January 2024

  • Reviewed: 4 January 2024

    6.0
    Pleasant
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Standard Double Room with Balcony
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    Room service is very slow. Laundry is very inefficient.

    Location is incredible and the room has a great balcony. Though the room is smaller than surrounding stays.

    Stayed in January 2024

  • Reviewed: 22 December 2023

    6.0
    Pleasant
    • Leisure trip
    • Group
    • Triple Room with Balcony
    • Stayed 3 nights

    The Staff

    Stayed in October 2023

  • Reviewed: 27 November 2023

    7.0
    Overall a nice stay.
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveller
    • Triple Room with Balcony
    • Stayed 4 nights

    There was no hot water but it wasn’t a problem given the heat. The room was dark, and noisy in the early morning.

    The hotel has a beautiful balcony upstairs. My room was large with a nice balcony and bathroom. The breakfast and evening meals were excellent.

    Stayed in November 2023

  • Reviewed: 26 November 2023

    9.0
    Superb
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Standard Double Room with Balcony
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    The swahili breakfast was delicious 😋. Loved it!

    Stayed in November 2023

  • Reviewed: 14 November 2023

    7.0
    Lamu is wonderful and Msafini was very nice
    • Couple
    • Standard Double Room with Balcony
    • Stayed 4 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    Nothing all was good

    The staff where very friendly and helpful The view of Lamu and the beach at night and in the morning is exceptional

    Stayed in November 2023

  • Reviewed: 10 November 2023

    9.0
    Really great stay
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • King Suite with Sea View
    • Stayed 4 nights

    We stayed 4 nights and no-one came to clean our room.

    This was a lovely hotel and we had a wonderful stay. I didn't expect the architectre would be so beautiful but then I had no idea about the architechtural style of Lamu before I arrived. We were in the luxury suite that I would say is really important. I wouldn't be able to review the other rooms, but we had the most incrediblly terrace with swinging bed, table, sofa and beautiful views. The breakfasts were good and the food of the restaurant was extremely good and it was on the roof so lovely views. It was very quiet when we were there so we sometimes had the whole roof to ourselves, like a private restaurant. The place is also situated 5 minutes from the beach. Please note that to get to the really really nice beaches you have to walk about 10-15 minutes, but there is not a hotel or café in site which is great but you should bring your own refreshments. Last thing, the staff were wonderful, so friendly and helpful and just great.

    Stayed in October 2023

  • Reviewed: 2 November 2023

    9.0
    Superb
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Triple Room with Balcony
    • Stayed 6 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    Delvis was an absolute legend in helping us organise trips and activities

    Stayed in October 2023

  • Reviewed: 1 November 2023

    7.0
    Enjoyed our stay in Shela
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Standard Double Room with Balcony
    • Stayed 4 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    There is no AC and room could get quite warm. There was no hot water for the shower but given the weather we didn't mind so much.

    Offered a great breakfast, nice location in Shela and friendly staff.

    Stayed in October 2023

  • Reviewed: 29 October 2023

    8.0
    Very good
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Standard Double Room with Balcony
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    Bit hot in room

    Nice staff

    Stayed in October 2023

  • Reviewed: 28 October 2023

    9.0
    We would recommend Msafini to anyone going to Shela
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Triple Room with Balcony
    • Stayed 5 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    We had no problems

    Beautiful location and hotel. Staff was amazing. Only a short walk to Shela beach. The whole family had a great time!

    Stayed in October 2023

  • Reviewed: 26 October 2023

    8.0
    Convenient and relaxing, was sad saying goodbye!
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveller
    • Standard Double Room with Balcony
    • Stayed 3 nights

    I wish drinking water (besides the small bottle upon check-in) came with the room and breakfast, but I suppose not providing it is standard at many places. It would also have been nice if they provided shampoo and conditioner in addition to the soap. I made sure I brought my own in case which was a good call.

    My stay at Msafini Hotel was great! The staff (including but not limited to Joshua, Dickson, and Davis) were exceedingly kind and friendly and I can tell that they went above and beyond to make me feel comfortable. I really enjoyed the large breakfasts included with an array of options to choose from and I could also choose when and where I wanted to take my breakfast. My room was on the top floor with a stunning view and the location was convenient with the jetty and Shela Beach close by. I got my money's worth for 3 nights.

    Stayed in October 2023

Showing 1 – 25

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