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
A
Abuya • couple • ke
5
Friendly staff but beddings could do a little better. Also complimentary water is not too much to ask
Pros:

Good and friendly staff

Cons:

Beddings could do with a little replacement

2026-10-15 • via Nuitee
A
Abdilbasid • couple • ke
9
Superb
Pros:

Excellent service

Cons:

Nothing

2026-10-12 • via Nuitee
M
Magdalene • solo_traveller • ke
3
Poor value for money
Cons:

Their breakfast and staff knowledge on what the hotel offers

2026-10-10 • via Nuitee
D
Dennis • solo_traveller • ca
10
Pros:

Great staff, food and location

2026-09-17 • via Nuitee
L
Leon • solo_traveller • ke
9
Give Msafini a Try!!
Pros:

Incredible staff and wonderful host. Was always ready to help and the experience was memorable. Very clean and neat, with exceptional breakfast.

2026-09-03 • via Nuitee
C
chiara • couple • it
10
2026-08-31 • via Nuitee
B
Benedetto • family_with_children • es
8
Pros:

Nice and cozy hotel rum by local management. Do not pretend western standards, but if you get Lamù vibe it's a pleasant stay. As a matter of fact, if you don't, just stay on the continent.

Definitely ask for 3rd floor rooms. Great and balanced breakfast.

2026-08-31 • via Nuitee
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
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