We absolutely loved our 3 nights at Msafini, I would highly recommend it and would definitely go back. The building is beautiful, the staff were so friendly and helpful, and the swimming pool was gorgeous. The location was perfect for exploring Shela and only a few minutes walk from the jetty and maybe 10-15 mins to the beach (it's quickest at low tide when you can just walk along the coast path). We had the King suite on the top floor which was fantastic with a huge private balcony/terrace with lots of comfortable seating and even a dining table and a fridge. The stand out feature though was the gorgeous view across Shela to the sea - a very calm spot to sit and relax. I highly recommend booking the suite if you can! The beds were comfortable too, and while it was hot at night, the fans helped a bit and the mosquito nets kept the insects out. Oh and the breakfast was great - fresh fruit, incredible smoothies, and various combinations of eggs/toast/pancakes. You have to try to Swahili breakfast (coconut lentils, samosas, swahili doughnuts and various other bits) at least once!

I guess the only thing that could be improved is the water pressure in the shower, but it was just about good enough to have a decent wash. Oh and the lady who runs the hotel wasn't quite as smiley and friendly as the rest of the staff.

The first night i didn't stay at the room that corresponded to the photos and description of what i booked and i didn't like it much, but they changed me the next day to that room and it was perfect. It was a mistake in booking that was fixed. I totally recommend to stay at room number 3, third floor. It is perfect to relax, enjoy the views and take amazing photos. The views from the restaurant are also great. The hotel in owned by a local and they help children of the village (i caught children doing an exam at the restaurant to win a scholarship) and they also help a women association from the village. The staff is super kind and nice. Rukia, a sweet lady and person, who is in charge, try to fix anything and help. They just need to inform better the clients about the pick up/drop off at/to the airport, about the tours and how to go from/to Lamu. A "captain" of a boat, that also works with the hotel, named Che (Shee) is very good and make good prices (+254704679628) for pick up/go to the airport, also for tours, and I really recommend him. I also recommend to do the Takwa Ruins. The wifi is good. The breakfast is also good. You have to have in mind that you will not have really hot water but keep in mind that you still are a privileged person in Africa.

The lack of information before going about the pick up/drop off system at the airport and how to go to Lamu.

This was a lovely hotel and we had a wonderful stay. I didn't expect the architectre would be so beautiful but then I had no idea about the architechtural style of Lamu before I arrived. We were in the luxury suite that I would say is really important. I wouldn't be able to review the other rooms, but we had the most incrediblly terrace with swinging bed, table, sofa and beautiful views. The breakfasts were good and the food of the restaurant was extremely good and it was on the roof so lovely views. It was very quiet when we were there so we sometimes had the whole roof to ourselves, like a private restaurant. The place is also situated 5 minutes from the beach. Please note that to get to the really really nice beaches you have to walk about 10-15 minutes, but there is not a hotel or café in site which is great but you should bring your own refreshments. Last thing, the staff were wonderful, so friendly and helpful and just great.

We stayed 4 nights and no-one came to clean our room.

Great place to stay in Shela! We've got 2 spacious rooms on the highest floor with ocean and island view, connected by a huge terasse with places to lounge. Beds comfortable and equipped with a mosquito set. Ventilators working well, although the heat could not be beated. The staff was extremely helpful, satisfying all our needs, always smiling. The rooftop restaurant also has incredible views over the island and sea, sunrise and sunset with a breeze. Food - breakfast and dinner - was delicious. The place is highly recommended!

My stay at Msafini Hotel was great! The staff (including but not limited to Joshua, Dickson, and Davis) were exceedingly kind and friendly and I can tell that they went above and beyond to make me feel comfortable. I really enjoyed the large breakfasts included with an array of options to choose from and I could also choose when and where I wanted to take my breakfast. My room was on the top floor with a stunning view and the location was convenient with the jetty and Shela Beach close by. I got my money's worth for 3 nights.

I wish drinking water (besides the small bottle upon check-in) came with the room and breakfast, but I suppose not providing it is standard at many places. It would also have been nice if they provided shampoo and conditioner in addition to the soap. I made sure I brought my own in case which was a good call.

Great location, happy and friendly staff going extra miles to ensure our happiness ( we salute Joshua and David), nice and we'll organized facility, yummy yummy food!😋😋

Communication by phone to the reception. All our calls a day before the trip went unanswered, all our calls before leaving home to the facility went unanswered, on arrival at the airport we still couldn't reach the receptionist by phone for clear direction. We had to guess our way to the facility. However, our previous contact by email was a great success.

It's not a boutique hotel but for a very reasonable price you get a spacious hotel with the best views over Shela (the rooftop restaurant where you can have breakfast has a 270 deg view which shouldn't be missed). The breakfast is sufficient, you can choose from various combinations of eggs, pancakes fruits and other. The walls of the hotel would deserve a bit of renovation but the rooms are clean, as well as the bathroom. Most of the rooms are facing the seaside and have little balconies on both sides so you can watch the sunrise as well as the sunset from your room. Also the balcony doors on each side give a nice breeze so that you don't even need the ventilator (there's no aircon). Hot shower is mainly available in the afternoon and evening, I tried it once in the morning and warm water never arrived. The bed was comfortable, only squeaking a bit when you're rolling over. I was quite lucky to book the triple room for myself as it's probably the only one there (there are some 4 bed rooms as well), it's located on the 3rd floor with quite a big front balcony with a sofa where you can watch the sunset or eat your breakfast (they bring you breakfast anywhere you like, I loved that). Also as you are already above the other buildings (Msafini is really tall building) you can basically watch the sunrise directly from your bed through the balcony door on the other side. I loved that too. The hotel can organize any boat trip or excursion but it's quite pricey. The pick up from the airport you can do much cheaper by yourself. Shared boat from the airport to Lamu town should be about 200 Ksh/person and another 200 Ksh for a shared boat from Lamu to Shela (you have to bargain as this is what the locals pay, they tend to overcharge tourists) or a 100 Ksh moto taxi ride if you don't have big luggage. Private boats is what is expensive but if you're a group of 4, it pays off.

Large and lovely private terrace with a beautiful view of the water. Clean and spacious room. Central Shela, it's easy to reach all you need in the village. Breakfast was fine and the staff were all very polite and friendly! Would recommend.

Some nights without power and ceiling fans meant sleeping under the mosquito net was very hot.

It’s clean, the location is perfect real value for money.

The staff was helpful except for Amma who wasn’t willing to even try to assist. Which made me feel unwelcome. I was assisted by a tour guide outside of such a big hotel otherwise having travelled from so far I wouldn’t have been able to speak to my family on Christmas Day.

We truly enjoyed the friendliness of the staff and the rooftop restaurant/hang out area was exceptional. Spent most of the holiday enjoying that view!

It was very warm this time of year so some extra fans in the room would be great, but it wasn't a huge issue.