Msafini Hotel

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..

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!

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

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

The very friendly staff and beautiful room with cool breeze veranda

I liked everything

Our 3 rooms were connected by a long balcony which was awesome. The ocean was in view of the hotel from the balcony and the roof top restaurant (recommended only if reservation is made in advance). The coconut soup was delicious. There are other restaurants within easy walking distance. There are charming shops to explore on the confusing narrow pathways between buildings. While begging isn’t common, be prepared for locals trying to sell you everything from trinkets to tamarind juice to samosas wherever you go. A simple, no thank you, will usually suffice. Our highlight, Shela beach was the best place to hang out, people watch and enjoy the sea breeze. Thank you Cisco and Peter for your service and bright smiles. We would not have enjoyed ourselves so much without your assistance.

This hotel is in the middle of a busy neighborhood. It could have been charming except for the nighttime noise of babies crying, cats fighting, and locals partying. The bustle of everyday life begins very early with prayer call on a loud speaker @ 5am, donkeys braying and roosters crowing. There is no hot pot provided in the rooms thus no way to make coffee or tea at this early hour of being woke. The kitchen, and therefore breakfast and beverages, are not available until after 7:30am and must be ordered the previous night. This also means there is no way to eat your “included breakfast” if you have an early morning start such as that needed for a day long boat trip. There were no toiletries other than soap and toilet paper provided. Of the 3 rooms we had, 1 bathroom had not been cleaned and smelled of piss and we had to request it be cleaned. 2 bathrooms had no hand towels, another no shower mat, perhaps a checklist would be helpful. The balcony had been eaten on before we arrived and had been not cleaned so there were food particles and lots of ants. When cleaning was requested, instead of a bucket of water it was sprayed with bug spray. We had to resort to cleaning it by splashing water on it with an empty coconut, our only receptacle, and scrubbed it with our shoe. Filtered drinking water is not provided, tho it was available for purchase at the front desk. Be aware, all food in the restaurant is frozen and requires hours of advance notice to prepare or it will be raw and cold on the inside.

The location is nice, you are in the heart of Shella. There is a private doctor clinic next door, and convenience stores. The pool is a great bonus as not many locations have one. The rooftop dining and lounge area are lovely with great views of the islands. Staff are kind, helpful and welcoming.

Note there was no hot shower water but as the weather is generally hot and humid it is not really necessary

Rooftop place for breakfast is amazing

I had a terrible experience with the manager about the warm water of the shower. Very unfriendly and not commercial.They said there was warm water, but the shower didtn work. When something is not working, you try to find a solution or compensation. But nothing…

Friendly staff who are welcoming and attentive to guests' needs. The Swahili breakfast gives a taste of Lamu/Shela, and the location close to the beach was ideal for a getaway. We didn't use the pool, but it was one of the reasons that drew us to the place, in case there was a day where outside conditions weren't the best to go out to sea. We stayed in one room that had a great view of the sea in the distance, and the buildings in the village too. The next room we stayed in had a view of other buildings - great for people watching but not so much for sea views. The rooms were well serviced upon request.

The rooms could have been cleaned daily, as the windows have shutters that let in dust and sand from the sea. When requested, this was resolved. As it is situated in Shela village, sounds of life like nearby school and children's playground can be loud and does not make for good day sleeping. There is not much signage leading to the property, and many ways to get there (or to get lost!) Guests may have to use Maps to get around at times.

Staff was friendly, but sadly not very helpful. The location is great and the view was stunning.

There was no hot or running water in my room during my whole stay. I told the staff about the issue from day one and had to repeat it every day. On the last day they tried to fix it without any luck though. With no water and being out sailing everyday, a shower would be appreciated. Msafini mostly felt like a hotel that once was something but has been left behind without much care.

We had an excellent stay at Msafini. The staff were wonderful and the facilities (for the price) were really great. Also super location that is in walking distance of everything and lovely food.

If I am being really picky, the room was very slightly too warm - could maybe be solved with slightly stronger fans? Shower head could probably do with being updated and more sun loungers needed by pool. Really nothing very important though!

Very friendly staff, great view from the room, close to Shela town. Great value considering how affordable it is. Food was delicious as well!

A bit loud in the morning but that's just the reality anywhere in Shela.

Lovely local hotel at the heart of Shela, offering a great rooftop view with welcoming and helpful staff!

The staff were very pleasant. The location is perfect. Very central and convenient. I would love to stay here again if the improvements are made.

The breakfast area wasn't kept clean. The room door wouldn't close completely and had a gap. I have stayed previously and the room was much better. The extra fan was in poor condition. The room rate could be better. The food quality was ok.

The view on the rooftop for breakfast was fantastic. Delicious fresh fruit for breakfast every day. The staff were extremely helpful and friendly.

Staff were very helpful and friendly. Fans for cooling worked well. Great location.

Room was small for a couple with an 11 year old child. We were told we would have a slightly larger room but we think you gave it away to the couple who was complaining at the desk who got there before us. The pool was not clean so sadly we did not use it. No shampoo or conditioner.

The staff was kind .

The breakfast was bad . We decided to have our breakfast outside after the first day

Great, friendly, and helpful staff.Very nice pool & rooftop restaurant.

Authentic built, kind staff

No shampoo, no shower gel, no hand towel, no AC,

The location was great and the staff were friendly Bahati the receptionist was kind and welcoming. Swahili breakfast was very good

The Team Leader James was commanding and Bossy Attitude zero hospitality skills on how to talk to people. We extended 2 more night but that was a Mistake the Beds were disaster too hard, We moved to 2 rooms that were not cleaned at all. One bathroom was blocked with hair and the bed was stained.It was a decent but bad stay in general and i noticed after i left the bill on first night for the drinks had mistake coffee was 150 but they charged 250 on final billing.

Love the old school architecture, the pool and the roof top

A lot of stairs lol

Satisfactory breakfast Nice rooftop dining.

Room was pretty poor, very small, run down, no service during stay.