Peponi Hotel

Nicest hotel and restaurant in Shela on Lamu island. Haven't stayed there but have frequently eaten there. It is in a perfect situation on the sea, very busy over Christmas and New Year but otherwise a wonderful place to appreciate all that Shela has to offer.

This hotel is steeped in history of this laid back island. It has one of the best locations with the sea lapping up to the edge of the property. Sit under the ancient magnificent white bougenvila canopy with a cocktail and watch the dhows float by. This is by far the best place to eating Shele. The food is some of the tastiest I have ever had all fresh ingredients perfectly blended.

1. The location on the beautiful beach is superb. 2. Our room was very nice, and had two large decks. But instead of installing screens on the windows, there is a heavy thick net around the bed which serves admirably to keep insects out, but is so thick, with only one opening at the foot of the king-sized bed, that it may keep you out. Or in, when you have to get up in the dark to use the toilet. 3. The restaurant food at dinner was good, but every bite was a surprise! The only light was a candle set in the table which was below the rim of some of the dishes. So while faces were illuminated, the food remained in the dark. Imagine extracting the meat from a large crab with your eyes closed. 4. Returning to your room after dark requires a flashlight, since the installed lights are far apart and occasionally located around a corner as the path weaves through the beautiful flowers. (Many people complain about the overly-litigious customs in some countries, such as my own, but I wonder how many broken bones would have been spared here if Kenya had a little more tort law.) 5. The staff were very friendly and helpful. 6. There is a large baobab tree by the swimming pool. 7. They raise endangered tortoises on the grounds for release into the wild. 😀