The Majlis Resort

Our tour guide organised our honeymoon safari trip and thought majlis would be the perfect end. Looking at the photos we were very hopeful. We had 5 nights booked on a half board basis. The transfer was very smooth. On arrival we were picked up by a man holding up a sign for majlis and it was a quick boat transfer to the resort. However, from that point onwards issues became very apparent. We had the superior room which was clean but very basic. No toiletries are provided except shower gel, shampoo, conditioner, hand wash and body lotion. Slippers have to be purchased. Laundry is very expensive. There is no iron. There is a very basic hair dryer and kettle. There was no coffee and tea in the room so had to call reception and found out that instant coffee was out of stock. The hot water runs out very quickly so had several cold showers during our stay. The hotel has 3 restaurants but 2 offer the same food. The food is pretty basic. Service is very poor. Expect to wait at least 30 mins for food and to pour your own water and drinks. At dinner it became apparent there are a few (I assume wealthy) return guests who are treated differently to the rest of the guests. Only their drinks and water were kept topped up and they had their own waiter to respond to them urgently. I later found out these guests also have their own WiFi connection which is quicker and more reliable. I found this out when I was waiting to speak to the reception and one of these guests who came in after me was served before I was. I have been told by several guests and also hotel staff that the hotel across the channel (Peponi’s) offers better food and service. In fact some guests on full board decided to have their lunch at an additional cost there as the lunch and dinner menu at Majlis is the same. Beer is around 700-800 KES, wine and cocktails around 1200 KES, main meals start from around 1700 KES. Water is not free. Dessert offered is the same at all three restaurants. You can try reserving a table like we did but be aware that if one of the return guests was to request this table it would go to them as it happened to us twice. None of the three swimming pools are heated and can get quite dirty. The gym is very basic with one multi gym and dumbbells from possibly the pre historic era. There is no AC in the indoor gym. The AC in the rooms is also very noisy. We also tried booking a couples massage but despite being showed a leaflet (PDF and hard copy) as well as the couples treatment room we were told this was not available and had to book two individual massages which would of course be more expensive. I understand the spa is new but these issues should be addressed before being open to guests. The masseuse tried to bargain with me but I decided to take my business elsewhere. All in all, if you travel a lot and like to stay at nice hotels probably best to avoid this one especially at this price. We had a far better experience staying at tents on our safari.

1. Booking- We booked through the hotel and the process was seamless. Answered all the questions and reply time was very fast. We also had to reschedule our dates and they were kind enough to allow this. 2. Arrival- we were greeted on time when we landed at Lamu. Taken to the hotel via boat. Loved the experience. No jetty on arrival and this made it even more special, we got to have our feet in water and very clean sand immediately 3. Our stay- The staff are all gems. They were so kind, so helpful. I genuinely felt at home. I cant complement them enough. Best service ever. 4. Package- We had the honeymoon package and boy did they deliver. Everything on the package was perfect. It was such a great great deal. They went above and beyond. The deal was too good. Others: Food was really good, (a la carte during our stay but still part of the package) the portions were massive, they have 3 restraunts you can choose from. The views were gorgeous. And they have set up relaxing seats along the coast line. They have an activity bar where you can choose a variety of things to do. The gentleman there was very kind and curated the best activities for us. I would 100% recommend Majlis.

The architecture is beautiful, they have multiple rest areas with amazing views! Loved their sports center, with variety of activities to choose from . The service is top notch and the manager Mr Josiah Nyakundi made it extra special for my daughter’s birthday.

Stayed for 6 days with my wife and we really enjoyed our stay. Just from our arrival the staff were so kind and friendly. The ladies are the reception were also nice especially the main one (can’t remember her name but she’s dark)… she really paid attention to any complain made and ensured everything was dealt with accordingly enabling us to have a splendid stay. The rooms are 100/10 in terms of space, ambience and cleanliness… also loved how they maintained the ancient culture on their property felt like one existed back in time of the Arabs Food…they have 3 restaurants with spectacular food besides one called BREEZE… it is the main one… the food there is PATHETIC!!!!… don’t bother having your meals there… but the other 2 had the best meals that’s where we ate at for the rest of our stay. Other than that we really enjoyed our stay plus the activities… especially the sunset Dow and tubing… my wife and I had the best time… Thank You Majlis… we shall surely return 😊

I attended a 50th birthday celebration and must say the team was more than prepared. Rooms were spacious with extremely comfortable beds. The food was out of this world!!! The boat ride from the pier to the resort blew me away. This is definitely a must do.

We were there for what appears to have been a hot spell even for the locals. So we were glad to have stayed at the Maglis, where the large rooms are air conditioned (which was needed). It was certainly a different world from the safari experiences we had earlier in our trip, a resort hotel on the coast rather than an all inclusive safari lodges. We enjoyed the post safari R&R, the snorkeling trip and the guided tour of Lamu. Food was OK, staff was pleasant and helpful, and it was great to be on the Indian Ocean, and see a different part of Kenyan history, culture and geography. The hotel was beautiful, unusual in design and well run with very comfortable rooms. The pools and poolside umbrellas/cabanas allowed for respite from even midday heat.