Shanzu Beach Hotel, Mombasa

Advantages: Food, staff, location
Disadvantages: None

...We stayed at this 3 star colonial-style, oceanfront hotel in Mombasa for a little over a week and we went half board. The hotel is only a short drive from the airport which i feel is quite important as there is nothing worse than getting off a long flight and then having to get on a coach for hours to get to your hotel... Each room has air conditioning, a free newspaper each morning, a refrigerator, telephone, television (with cable & satellite) non-smoking rooms, daily maid service in room, broadband internet access, safe to store valubles, tea and cofee making facilities and a balcony with lovely views. We had a fantastic time at this hotel and found the hotel staff to be very friendly and helpful. The hotel was kept very clean and there was lots to do so you never got bored.. Some of the facilities included a hair... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: Great hotel, next to the beach, helpful staff
Disadvantages: Heavy rain can cause powercuts!

...Language spoken: Swahili, however everyone is taught English from the age of 4 and most hotel staff will also be fluent in French or German too. Useful swahili phrases include: Jambo - Hello Anisi - Please Asante - Thank you Karibu - You're welcome Hakunana Matata - No problem Kwa Heri - Goodbye. Kenya uses the same plugs as the UK, so you don't need to buy any adaptors. The hotel: Whitesands is the largest beach resort in Mombasa and can hold up to 1200 guests. It is 4* and is a 40 minute drive from Mombasa airport and is secluded away from the main road. It has quite a colonial feel to it as you pull up with a large white exterior and pillars. As soon as we pulled up the staff were there to unload our bags and we were welcomed with a fresh glass of orange juice as our rep checked us all in. As we were at the hotel by 9am we were... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful

Advantages: If all you want is to lie by a pool and eat stodge, it's fine
Disadvantages: Pretty much anything else

..., spirits, sticky sweet cocktails and a liqeur that I couldn't finish as it was like paint stripper. The wine is terrible. As well as the AI buffet, the hotel has an Italian and Indian restaurant. These are not included, although you do get a discount. I didn't try them, as they looked deserted every night. If you do go out to eat, the adjacent Bamburi Beach Hotel (just turn right outside the hotel along the dirt path, it's 2 mins' walk) has a nice restaurant overlooking the sea and pool called Fisherman's Cave, which does really good food, and has outdoor tables by the sea or inside in the sea cave themed interior, staff are genuinely nice. There is also a good Indian restaurant in another hotel, also 2 mins' walk, left from the hotel along the main road (braving every passing vehicle honking at you). Of course, the usual touts hang out... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful