Hemingways Watamu

Hemingways Watamu is a gem of a place. The staff are very attentive, helpful and amiable ensuring you enjoy your stay. We thoroughly enjoyed our stay, great thanks to Husna and the GM. I would definitely recommend Hemingways to anyone looking for tranquil and quality vacation time while you’re pampered.

Great setting, wonderful staff, very good food and probably the most luxurious hotel in Watamu. We had booked a deluxe double and twin for our family of four, but they upgraded us to a two bedroom apartment, which was huge. We stayed for six nights, ate lunch there most days (great menu and prices comparable to other good restaurants in the town). One dinner there which was also excellent (buffet) and breakfast every morning was very good - plenty of fresh fruit, yoghurt etc plus an interesting variety of cooked options. Special mention to the pool staff, but frankly everyone working there was delightful and the rooms, grounds and facilities are immaculately kept. If we were being picky, lunch orders took a while to arrive, but that aside there is nothing we felt they could improve on. We hope to return!

The staff make this place special. From the pool attendants to the restaurant staff - the cooks and the waiting staff - everyone was absolutely superb! Nothing was too much trouble. I'd go as far as saying this is some of the best staff in any hotel I've ever stayed in. And the food was lovely, too. On the surface, the hotel looks great. But look closely and it's tired, ageing and could do with some TLC - take a look at some of our pictures. This is not a five star establishment by my standards - light fittings hanging off the wall in public spaces, marks down walls, bricks missing around the pool, dirty shower surrounds - very disappointing. The apartments were much better than the rooms, though. When we were there in mid-June, the smell off the sea was - at some times - stomach churning. Nothing the hotel can do about that, but something to be aware of. We were told it was rotting seaweed - but the brown sludge I saw (and a soiled nappy in the water) made me suspicious it might be something else. It was very windy, too - just be aware. There was no point even asking to use the tennis court, either - no net and no fence around the court! Beware the mark-ups on the activities, too - our trip to the snake farm was billed at KES 3,500 per person. Entry to the farm costs KES 1,500 and an uber would cost about KES 500 return for a car full. We complained - especially about the disappointing activity anyway (only lasted an hour and no interaction with snakes) and got a decent discount - to be fair, they tried hard to keep us happy. This really could be a five star hotel with a bit of investment.

What a gem of a hotel. All the rooms are luxurious, clean sea facing. The apartments are wonderful, spacious, beautiful decor and a kitchen with all appliances included. Service is always wonderful and the food delicious. The person manning the pool is always gracious and ensures your comfort by providing a beach bed wherever you want it. The liberal use of their crisp white beach towels is encouraged. Nothing is too much trouble here. Special thanks to Juliana, Austin, Redempter, Nelson, Justin, Eric for always ensuring that we have a wonderful stay. We love this hotel and have visited countless times at least once or twice a year. We will keep coming again and again.

10/10 experience as always,great hosts, homely feel . Been there thrice ,will be there for the 4th n 5th time .The best place to be in Watamu .. I really enjoyed activities organized by the hotel .Special appreciation to Kenga & Dennis -Activities & Redempta being so welcoming .

My best experience ever...I loved it..everyone was friendly and professional..from the security to staff in the hotel.....its a must visit...food was fantastic, the spa was amazing, the restraunt and bar were fantastic too...much appreciation to the managers and supervisors on the ground....Emma chef was amazing, Aggrey at the bar was amazing, Marcus,Eric,chanzera,Pauline, all gave there best....Helen at the spa..wonderful experience....thanks for a wonderful stay...everyone was amazing even house keeping