Hemingways Watamu

I had such a fantastic experience. I would come over and over again. The staff were very friendly and helpful. The rooms are clean, the food was great and the ambience was GIVING oceanic ambience. I loved it I would 100% recommend to friends, family and even for solo travelers.

The service was amazing! Great ambiance! The rooms and restaurant are night next and looking out to the beach. The restaurant service team is great! By day 2 at breakfast they already could predict/remember how you'd like your eggs, and at the bar our favourite drinks and just how we like them! Special mention to Archie, Redempta, Patrick and Nelson. The team is super friendly, unafraid to banter with the guests! All in all, was a great experience, I highly re commend the Hemmingways Watamu.

The staff make this place special. From the pool attendants to the restaurant staff - the cooks and the waiting staff - everyone was absolutely superb! Nothing was too much trouble. I'd go as far as saying this is some of the best staff in any hotel I've ever stayed in. And the food was lovely, too. On the surface, the hotel looks great. But look closely and it's tired, ageing and could do with some TLC - take a look at some of our pictures. This is not a five star establishment by my standards - light fittings hanging off the wall in public spaces, marks down walls, bricks missing around the pool, dirty shower surrounds - very disappointing. The apartments were much better than the rooms, though. When we were there in mid-June, the smell off the sea was - at some times - stomach churning. Nothing the hotel can do about that, but something to be aware of. We were told it was rotting seaweed - but the brown sludge I saw (and a soiled nappy in the water) made me suspicious it might be something else. It was very windy, too - just be aware. There was no point even asking to use the tennis court, either - no net and no fence around the court! Beware the mark-ups on the activities, too - our trip to the snake farm was billed at KES 3,500 per person. Entry to the farm costs KES 1,500 and an uber would cost about KES 500 return for a car full. We complained - especially about the disappointing activity anyway (only lasted an hour and no interaction with snakes) and got a decent discount - to be fair, they tried hard to keep us happy. This really could be a five star hotel with a bit of investment.

Hotel is far from being a 5 star hotel and it doesn’t have basic facilities. Phones in the room did not work for the whole stay and this was a huge issue since the time we arrived. After check in, it took the staff more than 30 mins to bring the bag and we couldnt reach them to ask given the phone issue. The only provide 1.3 liters of water in the room for 2 people and when we’re out of water we need to walk to the reception to ask them for water! What was a huge disappointment is the fact that I had an emergency in the room and I fell unconscious in the bathroom and needed to be hospitalized. Unfortunately, my wife could not reach anyone to help her carry me as no phone. It took me 30 mins to force myself to get up and my wife helped me to reach the reception to ask for medical help!! Astonishing enough, staff very coldly confirmed that they neither have a doctor nor any basic first aid kits!!! Not only that.. as I was in a horrible medical condition.. the manager on duty came to only ask about the toilet cover that broke when i passed out and fell in the bathroom!!! That was more important to him than a human life…… After that, all what they offered is to bring a taxi to take me to the hospital and they asked me to pay the taxi fair!!!! Though when i was back from the hospital another manager came to apologize and even offered free dinner.. but this was not something that can be forgiven by food! This was inhuman! Imagine if this happens to your elderly mother or child! Lastly the food was extremely limited.. breakfast was way below average.. bread completely not fresh and the variety in both meals was extremely poor! The only reason i give this hotel 2 and not 1 is the ocean view from the room. Other than that, it was one of my worst hotel experiences.

It was my first time in Malindi/Watamu and my oh my.... 1. The hemmingways pick up van is to die for. I was truly impressed. I am still in awe really.... 2. The hotel, the rooms, the staff and ambience is 10/10. 3. I met Said who went above and beyond to explain what best to take and had exemplary service. 4. Redempter is such a doll. The ever smiling hostess. She made me feel welcome as a solo diner. She is a gem and I wish her nothing but the best. Finally, I really liked the security put in place. As a solo traveller, a hotel's security is key to everything. I am looking forward to my next trips and hopefully partake in the activities😊😊

My family and I had the time of our lives. The rooms were clean, comfortable and the rounds well maintained with easy access to the beach. Amenities were great with different pool choices to boot. The staff were very attentive and service was excellent. Funny and friendly from reception, wait staff and security. The food was very good. And they were very accommodating to special requests. We are certainly coming back.

10/10 experience as always,great hosts, homely feel . Been there thrice ,will be there for the 4th n 5th time .The best place to be in Watamu .. I really enjoyed activities organized by the hotel .Special appreciation to Kenga & Dennis -Activities & Redempta being so welcoming .

The experience was delightful. The views, the hotel room, the food and most importantly the staff. The best service I’ve ever experienced. The staff was friendly, educative and welcoming. I’ve had a lot of great experiences thanks to the team at the activity center, Mr. Dennis gave us great ideas and offers. The transfer vans were so comfortable. The dhow experience with Captain Kenga was beautiful, watching the sunset as we enjoyed a barbecue. Miss Redempter was so lovely, welcoming us with a smile every meal time and offered great service. I really enjoyed breakfast with a view 😍. This place has felt like home and I definitely recommend them! 😊

Great Destination to relax and unwind. The rooms are well ventilated and view is beautiful. The food is excellent and the service is with a smile :) From Check-in to Check-out excellent service and very friendly and helpful Staff. Definite worth another visit !! Keep up the Good Work :)