About
Set on Diani Beach, Papillon Lagoon Reef features an outdoor pool, beach bar and restaurant terrace all overlooking the Indian Ocean. Decorated in traditional Swahili style, it offers diving, a fitness center and tennis. Each air-conditioned room has either a balcony or patio with views of the gardens or ocean. All have a private bathroom with hairdryer and some include a satellite TV. Baobab buffet restaurant serves Kenyan and international cuisine under a thatched roof. Poolside Bistro Restaurant provides breakfast and lunch, including grilled dishes. There is a swim-up pool bar and drinks can be served to the room. Massages, a game room and ping-pong are available and there is evening entertainment. Children can use the indoor play area. Deep sea fishing is also available. Papillon Lagoon Reef Hotel is a 10 minute drive from Diani’s shops. Mombasa is 24 miles away and Mombasa Airport is around 1 hour 15 minutes away by car.
247 Reviews
- Cleanliness
- 8.3
- Staff
- 8.7
- Location
- 9.0
What Guests Say
- “I was here for less than 24 hours but still it made an impression. Maureen and Kevin made transportation very easy. They coordinated…”
- “All inclusive, so easy with kids.”
Top Amenities
- Swimming Pool
- Restaurant
- Free Parking
- Fitness Center
- Airport Shuttle
- Beachfront
- Non-Smoking Rooms
Room Options
Our Best Price. GUARANTEED.
Exclusively for Priceline members Details
1/4Double or Twin Room with Garden View
- Air conditioning
- Balcony
- Bath or Shower
- Body soap
1/4Family Room
- Additional bathroom
- Air conditioning
- Balcony
- Bath or Shower
1/4Double Beachfront Room
- Air conditioning
- Balcony
- Bath or Shower
- Bathrobe(s)
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What Guests Loved
Based on 247 reviews
Pros +
- Beach view
- I was here for less than 24 hours but still it made an impression. Maureen and Kevin made transportation very easy. They coordinated transportation to the hotel. The food was great and my room exceeded my expectations.I was not expecting a room that nice for what I spent. I wish I stayed longer.I also had a little issue with safari pick up the day I was departing and was a little upset (they did not coordinate the safari) They came up to me and tried to contact my company and help out even though they did not coordinate nor were responsible for my excursion. It ended up working out but I was so happy with the team there. I would absolutely stay here again.
- All inclusive, so easy with kids.
Cons -
- Yes the cleaner who stole 45,000 shillings out of my room Police and hotel staff did not believe me
- Swimming pool,separate kids from adults
- Ac in room 205 wasn’t working we constantly had to call for maintenance.receptionist natalia was very rude
Beach view
Yes the cleaner who stole 45,000 shillings out of my room Police and hotel staff did not believe me
I was here for less than 24 hours but still it made an impression. Maureen and Kevin made transportation very easy. They coordinated transportation to the hotel. The food was great and my room exceeded my expectations.I was not expecting a room that nice for what I spent. I wish I stayed longer.I also had a little issue with safari pick up the day I was departing and was a little upset (they did not coordinate the safari) They came up to me and tried to contact my company and help out even though they did not coordinate nor were responsible for my excursion. It ended up working out but I was so happy with the team there. I would absolutely stay here again.
All inclusive, so easy with kids.
Swimming pool,separate kids from adults
The food and location
Ac in room 205 wasn’t working we constantly had to call for maintenance.receptionist natalia was very rude
The place is nice like food, dance,environment but they need to upfrade rooms
Rooms
Food,accommodation and beach
Great location, big swimming pool and beach
The hotel and all facilities would need a renovation, everything is a bit old and dated, lots of issues with toilet that didn’t flush properly, saltwater in the shower, leaking AC, dirty common toilets in restaurant areas. Staff are a bit tired and not very enthusiastic about their jobs. The buffet would need better selection and cleanliness
It would be better if the rooms are upgraded with a kettle and coffee, a small fridge to keep water cool and one extra bottles of water
Amazing! Great value for money, awesome food, friendly staff and beautiful resort. Will recommend to anyone I hear of travelling to Kenya’s South Coast. I hope to be back soon
Nothing,the receptionist Michael was very rude and unreasonable
I did not like anything about this hotel.The rooms were very dirty,they didn't check rooms after check out I found a rotten ice cream and fruit in the fridge.The staff are so rigid and dont allow any flexibility on a guest requests.The drinks were very low quality and gave us food poisoning.
Nice layout and easy to navigate, entrance way very pretty, simple but effective, lovely beach front views from loungers
Air conditioning kept breaking, not a lot of variety in food available and poor quality, fizzy drinks always flat and warm, no fridge in room and only given 2 bottles of water a day in room which is not enough, entertainment started late around 10pm every night but sundown at 7pm so not much to do in evenings, many of the serving staff were quite moody and the entertainment staff very pushy and invasive of personal space - I prefer to be left in peace and quiet on holiday not pestered to play games or dance when I am reading or on the phone. No beach loungers and no sun parasols available despite booking.com stating there would be. Sellers on the beach were very pushy and walking on beach at night felt unsafe so security did not help at all. No other food available between meals which is not ideal if out on half day excursions. Only all inclusive booking and quite expensive for the standard, would be better suited to around £115 a night rather than the £160 we paid for the quality compared to other hotels we stayed in locally. Would appreciate if the hotel cats were cared for properly by being neutered, treated for fleas and injuries as seeing so many unwell kittens living on the premises was very sad
We really enjoyed our stay. The hotel was right on the beach, which was very convenient with small children. The room had a decent size. The staff was very friendly. The food was of decent quality and there was enough variety for everyone, even the picky little eaters. The beach was beautiful and there were lots of activities in the vicinity (jet sky, boat rides, etc.).
The room had many ants and insects and it could have ben upgraded. The beds etc. were old. The kids pool should be better maintained.
Comfortable distance to Ukunda with shops, resturnats, services. Near the beach; excellent food; friendly, helpful and respectful waiters. Sizable, comfortable room. Can imagine returning.
Unfortunately the sea-excursions from the hotel were very limited due to diclined customer interest in recent years. , Bathroom could be a touch higher standard. Window-opening vs. monkies in the room should be solved. We arrived as private customers, not with grou through a travel agent hence did not get to know of some hotel facillities until teh day before our departure.
It was extremly clean the pool was nice, staff is very kind.
Price and drinks which ofen were not cold enough
Papillon Reef Hotel in Diani is nothing short of paradise! Every element of our stay was meticulously designed to exceed expectations and create unforgettable memories. From the moment we arrived, we were greeted with warm smiles and impeccable service that set the tone for an exceptional experience.The location is simply breathtaking—nestled along the pristine, powder-white sands of Diani Beach, the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean stretch endlessly before you. The lush tropical gardens surrounding the hotel create a tranquil haven, making it a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life.The rooms were immaculate, blending modern comforts with a charming coastal vibe. Each detail, from the luxurious linens to the thoughtful touches, made us feel pampered and valued.The dining experience was extraordinary. The variety and quality of food offered at every meal were unparalleled. From the freshest seafood to expertly prepared local and international cuisine, every dish was a testament to the chef's mastery. The staff was attentive, ensuring we always had everything we needed, and the ocean-view dining added an extra touch of magic.The facilities were top-notch. The pool overlooking the ocean was a highlight, offering a serene spot to relax and soak in the beauty of Diani.The staff deserves a special mention—they went above and beyond to make our stay exceptional. Their genuine hospitality, attention to detail, and dedication to creating a memorable experience were unparalleled.Papillon Reef Hotel is more than just a hotel—it’s an experience of luxury, beauty, and unparalleled service. If you're looking for a slice of heaven on earth, look no further. This is the kind of place you'll dream about long after you've left. We can’t wait to return!
Nothing at all
The beach Food Swimming Drinks
Spacious room, good room attendant
Limited activities over the holiday season.A guest got sick. Would have been great to have a rump to wheel her up to her room. Food options not so goodFloor tiles in the room loose
The table tennis,the swimming pool and most of all the relaxing ocean.
The tennis court was all a lie,It is in bad shape. The food was also very basic.
Property is beachside and the beach is so clean. The pool was big and clean,Rooms were cleaned everyday and fresh towels provided daily. The staff were incredibly kind and helpful. My children were safe and I wasn’t worried at any point. Food was delicious and a big variety. Favourite activity was Aerobics. Entertainment was amazing. My youngest son is now obsessed with acrobatics.
The alcoholic drink options offered as part of an all inclusive package were not great. The red and white wine out of a box were not great.
Staff, location
Pool not very clean
Amenities & Policies
Amenities
Swimming & Soaking
- Beachfront
- Swimming Pool
- Kids' pool
- Outdoor pool
Fitness & Spa
- Fitness Center
Food & Drinks
- Restaurant
Transportation
- Free Parking
- Airport Shuttle
Health & Safety
- Health Services
- Daily disinfection
Kid Friendly
- Family Friendly
General
- No Smoking Rooms/Facilities
- Aerobics
- Themed dinner nights
Guest policies
| Check-in | After 2:00 PM |
|---|---|
| Check-out | Before 10:00 AM |
| Parking | Free parking is available. |
| Children & Extra Beds | Children of all ages are welcome. Children of age 0 to 2 stay free with cot. |
| Pets | Pets are not allowed. |
| Room Rates | All rates displayed are for two guests unless otherwise noted. |
Important info
You must show a valid photo ID and credit card upon check-in. The name on the credit card must match the name of one of the guests. If the credit card is declined or invalid, or if a booking is made for arrival the following day or weekend arrivals, you may be asked to pay upon check-in. Please note that all special requests cannot be guaranteed and are subject to availability upon check-in. Additional charges may apply. Guests are requested to dress smart casual for dinner,long trousers and shoes.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.
Location
Diani Beach, Diani, Diani Beach
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