Msafini Hotel

Hotels
7.7 (197 reviews)
Off Cornishe Path , Lamu , ke

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Children allowed

Facilities

WiFi available
Free WiFi
Non-smoking rooms
Swimming pool
24-hour front desk
Restaurant
Room service
Terrace
Family rooms
BBQ facilities
See all facilities

Review Highlights

Pros:
Friendly staff
Spacious rooms
Good location
Cons:
Poor cleanliness
Inconsistent food quality
Service delays

Categories

Cleanliness
4.69
Extremely poor hygiene noted with dirty rooms and facilities.
Service
8.66
Staff was described as friendly and helpful, though issues were raised in communication.
Location
8.7
Well-located near the sea front, appreciated by guests.
Room Quality
8.15
Rooms noted as spacious and with good amenities, though with some critique on average quality.
Amenities
8.18
Lacked basic items like shampoo and issues with water temperature.
Value for Money
8.14
Average value considering many critiques on cleanliness and service delays.
Food and Beverage
6.69
Inconsistencies in food quality and service timing noted.
Overall Experience
8.36
Mixed experiences with notable issues but some highlights as well.
* This sentiment is summarized by AI based on user reviews.
Updated at: 2026-01-16 06:39

Property Description

Luxurious Accommodation with Stunning Views
Experience the beauty of Shela at Msafini Hotel, just a stone's throw away from the pristine Shela beach and a short boat ride to Lamu Town UNESCO Heritage Site. Each room boasts a balcony with panoramic views of the pool, ocean, and sand dunes, providing a truly immersive experience.

Authentic Dining Experience
Indulge in a culinary journey at our on-site restaurant located on the top floor, offering breathtaking views of the pool, sea, dunes, and the village. Delight your taste buds with authentic Swahili cuisine while taking in the picturesque surroundings.

Tailored Cultural Experiences
Immerse yourself in the rich culture of Shela with our curated cultural activities and experiences that can be arranged for you at your convenience. Explore the vibrant local community and create unforgettable memories during your stay.

Book now to elevate your stay at Msafini Hotel and create lasting memories amidst the beauty of Shela.

Important information:

Please inform of your expected arrival time in advance. You can use the Special Requests box when booking, or contact the property directly using the contact details in your confirmation.
Guests are required to show a photo ID and credit card upon check-in. Please note that all Special Requests are subject to availability and additional charges may apply.
A deposit may be required at the property.

Check-in and check-out hours:
Check-out: 10:00 AM

Location

Guest Reviews

7.7
Based on 197 reviews
Cleanliness: 4.69
Service: 8.66
Location: 8.7
Room Quality: 8.15
Amenities: 8.18
Value for Money: 8.14
Food and Beverage: 6.69
Overall Experience: 8.36
L
Loraine • couple • gb
7
Msafini was great place to stay. Very close to the ocean
Pros:

Good

Cons:

Good customer service

2026-08-29 • via Nuitee
C
Cristina • extended_group • es
10
2026-08-12 • via Nuitee
A
Anna • family_with_children • lv
8
2026-07-16 • via Nuitee
E
Emma • extended_group • gb
7
Great location
Cons:

it was very hot and the fan was not enough to cool the room at night.

2026-07-10 • via Nuitee
L
Lornah • solo_traveller • ke
9
2026-07-06 • via Nuitee
S
Sumayyah • family_with_children • my
9
Pros:

The staffs were nice and friendly

Cons:

The hotel is in a great location, not very far from the beach, making it convenient to enjoy the seaside. It is also quiet and peaceful, providing a relaxing atmosphere for a comfortable stay🥰

2026-07-03 • via Nuitee
C
Catherine • extended_group • ke
7
I really enjoyed my stay at Msafini hotel in Shela Island. It was quiet with gorgeous views of the o
Pros:

I really enjoyed the mixed swahili breakfast.

Cons:

The orange juice was too dilute.
The toast bread was too hard.

2026-06-04 • via Nuitee
A
Alison • couple • gb
9
Staff were exceptional, really kind and helpful,big thanks all&Dennis, Daniel, Dixon, Felix, Emmu
Pros:

Breakfast was great, we scored 9 out of 10, the only point was the rooftop breakfast. The kitchen is on the ground floor so three flights of stairs for the staff. Toast, etc isn’t hot by the time you get it, after the 2nd day we decided to eat downstairs where it much easier for all.

2026-04-18 • via Nuitee
S
Samah • couple • gb
8
2026-04-09 • via Nuitee
M
Maria • couple • ru
10
Pros:

Beautiful place to stay in Lamu! It takes some time to reach the beach, but I think it’s well compensated by the staff and the facilities. The breakfast is tasty, each staff member is sweet and helpful, the interiors are amazing. Would definitely come back!

2026-03-24 • via Nuitee
T
Travis • family_with_children • za
8
We had a wonderful stay. Best price for what you get.
Pros:

Staff were amazing, breakfast was great, rooms were clean, pool was lovely.

Cons:

The WiFi was patchy and the showers are not warm. Understandable for the price, but good to know.

2026-03-12 • via Nuitee
L
Lewis • couple • ke
9
Highly Enjoyable
Pros:

Amazing staff, Great Location

Cons:

Ants

2026-02-14 • via Nuitee
D
donatella • couple • it
7
Pros:

E' un bell'albergo grande. La camera che ci hanno dato era molto spaziosa e con un bel terrazzo esterno arredato. Molto silenzioso e panoramico.

Cons:

L'albergo è in una posizione leggermente lontana dal lungo mare e dagli altri hotel. La segnaletica e l'ingresso all'esterno non sono per niente curati. L'albergo è molto grande e durante il nostro soggiorno abbiamo avuto la sensazione di essere gli unici ospiti...

2026-01-26 • via Nuitee
L
Lucinda • family_with_children • gb
8
Great value B&B in the heart of Shela village for a full Lamu experience
Pros:

The breakfasts on the roof were exceptionally delicious, with the most beautiful views of the channel and vaillage, and a lovely breeze when hot. The staff were generally delightful and so welcoming and friendly. Location was wonderful right in the heart of the village. The swimming pool was wonderful for the kids and made a huge difference to our family..

Cons:

Our toilet didn't flush but they quickly brought in a plumber to resolve. Shower conversion tap had a knack to it that any vaguely sensible person could work out easily. Bedside lights on both sides and more rugs on floor would have been welcome. Also, it was quite noisy at night and early in the morning sometimes, with donkey braying loudly just below our window, and the call to prayer at dawn beginning around 5. So don't come here if you are looking for utter peace and quiet. But do if you are looking for a good value, local and well run family hotel with friendly staff in a great village location!

2026-01-26 • via Nuitee
A
AVRIL • extended_group • gb
10
Simple, unpretentious, but as one would imagine this world to be 50 years ago. Perfect for the fit!
Pros:

Above all: the atmosphere provided by the staff. I loved the simple decor with an Arab flavour, polished stone or concrete, with the occasional brass lantern carrying the shine.. Will try to come back.

Cons:

The description of the location - NB Booking.com - whom we must blame. The poor staff at the hotel got wind of my troubled ascent up the hill. They linked up with the boat crew and together managed it (by a litter between 5 of them). The only way to get me up the long distance from the jetty!! The Queen of Sheba arrived!

2026-01-26 • via Nuitee
D
David • solo_traveller • gb
8
The helpfulness and friendliness of the staff and the charm of the hotel means we would recommande it to friend’s provid
Pros:

Attractive traditionalismes house. Lovely balcony over looking pool

Cons:

Further from Shela Beach than advertised. We had no hot water in our bathroom.

2026-01-20 • via Nuitee
M
MARION • couple • ke
7
the ambiance is great
Pros:

the swahili breakfast was on point and delicious the day chef prepared delicious meals

Cons:

i didnt like the evening chef the food was dry i ordered for tea and it was just not good i tried to inquire but nothing was done

2026-01-19 • via Nuitee
Y
Yvonne • extended_group • ca
9
Lovely budget stay in historic Shela
Pros:

Views, breakfast, staff.

Cons:

Pool and deck could have been cleaner

2026-01-19 • via Nuitee
D
Damian • family_with_children • gb
9
Pros:

The attentive helpful staff. Had all the facilities available for a quiet and enjoyable stay. Staff organised any trips you requested.

2026-01-17 • via Nuitee
P
Per • couple • se
8
2026-01-09 • via Nuitee