Hemingways Watamu

About

Relaxed beachfront getaway with 2 restaurants offering big game fishing & kite-surfing.

Google reviews

• GMGeorge M.Google review · 13 Jan 2026

  Excellent hotel, fantastic staff, especially Patrick in the dining room. I also went to the Spa, and I have to say Marion is definitely one of the best therapists I've ever had. She removed a troublesome knot in my shoulder within two sessions. Thank you Marion, you're the best. Don't hesitate, this place is worth it absolutely.

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• PTPaul T.Google review · 12 Jan 2026

  Stayed here many times, were disappointed a few years ago and stayed elsewhere. Having got good reviews from local friends decided to give it another go. So glad we did, so much better now under new manager. Staff were on the whole fantastic, special praise to Hassan at the pool, who has always been their best asset. Room was beautiful appointed with fresh flowers and a classic design. Food was generally good but could be better, breakfast was a bit poor for a 5 star hotel. Housekeeping could be better, often forgetting towels, tea or robes. Phones not working properly. A good 4.5 🌟 Overall very good will return soon!

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• ALAdam L.Google review · 3 Jan 2026

  Huge thanks to Ali and the entire Hemingways team—we had a fantastic stay. We were a group of ten, travelling with young kids and a grandparent, and the setup worked extremely well for everyone. The two-bedroom apartment is a great size—very roomy, comfortable, and easy to live in as a group without ever feeling cramped. It made a big difference, especially with kids. The beach is beautiful and one of the highlights of Watamu. Low tide and high tide give you completely different experiences, from walking far out on the sea floor to swimming and water sports. During our stay we saw dolphins, snorkelled, spotted eels, and watched kite surfers. Diving and deep-sea fishing are also easily accessible—there’s no shortage of things to do. Within the hotel, breakfast was consistently excellent, the daily turndown service was thoughtful, and the kids’ club and carer were a real win for parents. Even though the beach is public, it always felt safe and relaxed. The daily chocolates and affirmations were a nice, personal touch that didn’t go unnoticed. New Year’s Eve was a standout—great food, music, and fireworks, and a genuinely fun atmosphere without feeling chaotic. Ocean Sports is just a short walk along the beach and we went there a couple of times for lunch—solid food and drinks, and an easy, scenic walk. Non Sono Gelato is also close by (walk or quick tuk-tuk) and easily the best gelato in Watamu. For dinners out, Papa Remo, Kobe, Lichthaus, and Crab Shack are all within a 10-minute tuk-tuk or car ride and well worth trying. An easy, comfortable stay that works just as well for families as it does for a larger mixed-age group.

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• SWScola W.Google review · 23 Dec 2025

  Hemingways surpassed what I expected from the pictures on their website. The service was great, the employees were very friendly and professional. They helped us find outdoor activities which was great and made it easy for us. The only thing I would recommend to install a fan at the front desk for the employees as well as for the guests when they arrive. Overall, we had a great experience here!

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• TMT M.Google review · 16 Dec 2025

  Amazing hotel on the beach. This was our fourth Hemingways hotel, which didn’t disappoint. We were in a huge 2 bedroom apartment with a lovely kitchen that was totally unused. The rooms are a little beat up, clearly this hotel is a little older. The two restaurants and bar are great, the buffet brunch having a great section. The grounds are lovely. The spa is amazing and had a wonderful massage. We found the waiter and bartender staff to be not sure friendly when we arrived, especially coming from the 3 other Hemingway properties. Buy the national holiday was held a few days after we arrived where the heads of the hotel were clearly present, so the staff were suddenly a bit more friendly. The snorkeling directly in front of the hotel was nice, though only go at high tide. The activities staff lead was super helpful. We loved the sunset boat in the mangroves that they booked for us with a different operator since they couldn’t fill the hotel boat with enough people. Overall we had a wonderful end to our month travels throughout Africa. We can’t recommend the Hemingway Hotels enough! These photos are from our room.

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Location

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