Msafini Hotel

Hotels
7.7 (186 reviews)
Off Cornishe Path , Lamu , ke

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Children allowed

Facilities

Guest education on local ecosystems and culture
Non-smoking rooms
Swimming pool
Restaurant
Room service
Terrace
Family rooms
BBQ facilities
Luggage storage
Safety deposit box
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.

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

Property Policies

  • Parking

    No parking available.

  • Internet

    WiFi is available in public areas and is free of charge.

  • Pets

    Pets are not allowed.

  • Children and extra bed policy

    Children of any age are allowed.
    Children up to and including 2 years old stay for free when using an available cot.
    Children from 3 years old to 9 years old stay for US$25 per person per night when using an available extra bed.
    People 10 years old and over stay for US$30 per person per night when using an available extra bed.
    Any type of extra bed or child's cot/crib is upon request and needs to be confirmed by management.
    Supplements are not calculated automatically in the total costs and will have to be paid for separately during your stay.

Location

Guest Reviews

7.7
Based on 186 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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
M
Marie Amélie • family_with_children • fr
8
Un très bel hotel qui pourrait facilement améliorer son organisation pour etre encore plus agréable
Pros:

tres belle architecture, bien situé dans Shella, chambre spacieuse, lit tres confortable, avec un grand balcon et vue sur la mer, et un staff qui repond positivement à nos demandes de ménage, de petit déjeuner en chambre, qui aide pour porter les sacs etc..

Cons:

cet hotel pourrait etre de plus grand standing avec quelques améliorations
- du shampoing dans les salles de bains, ou au moins dans la boutique de l'hotel
- de l'eau plus chaude dans la douche
- un sac pour la blanchisserie et une liste de prix
- le petit déjeuner servi on time et non avec 1h de retard par rapport à l'heure demandée
- le ménage fait tous les jours systématiquement, et non à la demande, dans les chambres et autour de la piscine

2026-01-05 • via Nuitee
M
Markus • family_with_children • de
9
Safi sana
Pros:

Das Frühstück wurde uns auf der Terrasse serviert und das Personal war super! Alles prima.

2026-01-04 • via Nuitee
S
Siphiwe • family_with_children • za
1
Filthy hotel
Pros:

Nothing.

Cons:

Dirty room (with blood stains on walls)
Dirty bathroom
Dirty curtains
Dirty bed linen (with blood stains)
Dirty mosquito net
Dirty cutlery
Dirty crockery
Dirty eating area
Found insects all over one of the beds. Was told they were attracted to some of the oils in my bags.
Filthy hotel with barely any maintenance done on facilities
No aircon - hot room
Having to sleep with rattling fan all night
No hot water
Clocked shower
Bad communication by manager. Ignoring messages and calls, not addressing issues.
Windows and doors with openings that remain open all night, loud cat noises and donkey noises all night.
Breakfast orders taken night before, yet not served breakfast because order was not received. Once received, food served on Dirty plates.

2026-01-04 • via Nuitee
J
Jessica • solo_traveller • ca
1
Avoid this place at all cost!
Pros:

This is someone's home and in such bad shape. Do not recommend.

Cons:

Everything was below par and standards. Wonder how it's on booking.com.

2025-12-30 • via Nuitee
K
Kagema • family_with_children • ke
10
Great stay at msafini hotel,shela
Pros:

The very friendly staff and beautiful room with cool breeze veranda

Cons:

I liked everything

2025-12-27 • via Nuitee
A
Andrea • family_with_children • at
7
Pros:

Das Personal ist sehr freundlich und hilfsbereit. Die Terrasse von unserem Zimmer mit Aussicht aufs Meer war sehr gemütlich. Frühstück am Roof Top ist sehr schön!

2025-12-19 • via Nuitee
L
Lisa • solo_traveller • ke
4
No water for two days
Cons:

There was no water for two days of the stay! This is a basic service

2025-12-17 • via Nuitee
T
Tina • couple • ch
1
2025-12-11 • via Nuitee
M
Mpooya • couple • ke
4
Pros:

The food was really less and not good

Cons:

Staff

2025-12-05 • via Nuitee
E
Emily • family_with_children • ke
7
Perfect for what we needed it for
Pros:

The room we stayed in was great and perfect for what we needed it for, the location is about a 3 minute walk to the sea front and the staff were very hospitable and friendly

Cons:

The food was not amazing but it was fine

2025-11-21 • via Nuitee