Hemingways Watamu
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Hemingways Watamu

No. 1 of Luxury Hotels in Kilifi
J2P3+G2Q, Watamu KE, Watamu, Kilifi, 80202, Kenya
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Highlights
Airport drop-off available
Ideal location
Lots to do
Free parking
Amenities
Golf course
Outdoor swimming pool
Private beach area
Diving
Snorkeling
Spa
Massage room
Gym
All amenities
Property Description
When you stay at Hemingways Watamu in Watamu, you'll be on the beach, just steps from Watamu Beach and a 3-minute drive from Prawn Lake. This beach hotel is 2.4 mi (3.8 km) from Mida Creek and 4.8 mi (7.6 km) from Ruins of Gedi.
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9.1/10
Great
Cleanliness9.1
Amenities9.1
Location9.1
Service9.1
All 50 reviews
Surroundings
Airport: Malindi Airport
(20.8 km)
Landmarks: Spiaggia delle Tartarughe
(350m)
Landmarks: Robbie Rasta Safari
(350m)
Landmarks: St. John The Baptist Catholic Church Watamu
(370m)
Landmarks: Turtle Bay Beach
(490m)
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Overview

Rooms

Guest Reviews

Services & Amenities

Policies

5

Standard Two-Bedroom Apartment With Ocean View

Bedroom 1:1 Double bed and 2 Single bed
Non-smoking
Air conditioning
Private bathroom
Minibar
Ocean view
Room Details
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6

Penthouse Four Bedrooms Apartment with Ocean View

Bedroom 1:2 Double bed and 4 Single bed
Has window
Non-smoking
Air conditioning
Private bathroom
Ocean view
Electric fan
Room Details
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6

Double Room with Ocean View

1 Double bed
Has window
Non-smoking
Air conditioning
Private bathroom
Minibar
Ocean view
Room Details
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5

Deluxe Double Room with Ocean View

1 Double bed
Has window
Non-smoking
Air conditioning
Private bathroom
Minibar
Ocean view
Room Details
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9

Four Bedroom Ocean View Penthouse

Bedroom 1:2 Double bed and 4 Single bed
Non-smoking
Air conditioning
Private bathroom
Refrigerator
Minibar
Room Details
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5

One Bedroom Apartment with Ocean View

Bedroom 1:1 Double bed
Has window
Non-smoking
Air conditioning
Private bathroom
Minibar
TV
Room Details
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Standard Single Room with Ocean View

1 Single bed
Non-smoking
TV
Ocean view
Room Details
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1

Twin Room with Ocean View

2 Single bed
Has window
Non-smoking
Air conditioning
Private bathroom
Ocean view
Electric fan
Room Details
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5

Deluxe Single Room with Ocean View

1 King bed or 1 Single bed
Non-smoking
Air conditioning
Minibar
TV
Ocean view
Room Details
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4

Deluxe Two Bedrooms Apartment with Ocean View

Bedroom 1:1 Double bed and 2 Single bed
Has window
Non-smoking
Air conditioning
Private bathroom
Minibar
TV
Room Details
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Guest Reviews

9.1/10
Great
50 reviews
  • Cleanliness9.1
  • Amenities9.1
  • Location9.1
  • Service9.1
Average for similar properties in Watamu
Most Mentioned
Review summary
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Food and Drinks: The hotel offers a wide variety of delicious meals, including fresh seafood and themed buffets. The cocktails are highly recommended, and guests appreciate the chefs' skill in preparing diverse and flavorful dishes, enhancing the dining experience.
J‍a‍n‍e‍ ‍K
November 4, 2025
We stayed at the two bedrooms apartment. All apartments face the ocean which is a spectacular thing. They have four pools so no crowding and their rooms were clean, beautifully set and comfortable. The food was amazing as they offered variety of meals including a catch of the day that had been caught by a resident and weighed 65kilos! Such a memorable experience. Their hostesses Redempta and Sally as well as host Julius and James stood out because they readily assisted with menu options and were kind. Our three days stay was memorable and fun. The endless white sandy beaches whispered that I must return Kudos Hemingways Watamu.
j‍g‍i‍t‍a‍n‍g‍u
October 21, 2025
I had a wonderful solo stay at Hemingways Watamu. The hotel is impeccably clean, and the staff are truly outstanding respectful, professional, and genuinely warm. Claris, the housekeeper, was attentive and made sure I had everything I needed, while Ramson kindly accommodated a generous late check-out. The servers Eric, Collins, and Redempter — were always friendly and welcoming, and the pool attendants, Ronald and Hassan, were equally gracious and helpful. The staff really make this place one you want to return to. The rooms are spacious, comfortable, and beautifully equipped with high-end finishes. The food was delicious, and the cocktails by Wycliffe were excellent. I’m already planning a return trip with my family I would absolutely go back and highly recommend Hemingways Watamu to anyone looking for a relaxing, well-run, and truly special getaway.
P‍i‍n‍o‍3‍2
September 9, 2025
Good hotel in Watamu. Nice rooms and well equipped. Lovely landscaped place with amazing pools. Dinner and breakfast were good with plenty of choice. Massage services excellent also and profesional. The main beach by the hotel seems to suffer a lot from Sea **** deposits which spoil the view and ability swim there are well as quite powerful tides. Best to go to other locations for sea swimming nearby. Tours can be arranged from the hotel directly and some start from the pier at the hotel. Very friendly and courteous staff throughout. Try t get a room Nearer to the reception to avoid long walks to the main areas of service. Why 4 stars? It lacked some finesse to make it a real 5 star. But by African standards and Watamu - probably the best there is.
B‍r‍y‍o‍n‍y‍ ‍L
August 12, 2025
5 stars just doesn’t feel enough for this incredible hotel. We visited Hemingways for our honeymoon this summer and had the most incredible stay. We checked in to our ocean view room which was beautiful. It had a great balcony and a stunning view. We left for a few days and upon our return were upgraded to the most incredible suite. We were blown away with not only the room but the incredible staff that came each day to clean and replenish the room. Every single meal we ate was fantastic with a great range of authentic meals we never ate the same thing twice. From the moment you step into the restaurant you are met with smiling faces and incredibly helpful staff, particularly the hostess Redempter and the waiter Tom who made our stay even more wonderful. No request was ever too much and we can’t thank them both enough for being so great. The cocktails in the bar are fantastic and are great value. The bar is a lovely place to sit and relax before and after dinner and they offer a fantastic lunch menu. Again, the staff always greet you with smiling faces and a caring nature. We didn’t leave the hotel very much as it was such a nice place to be however when we did, the reception staff were great at organising a tuktuk that would take us to any local restaurant that we wanted to visit. If you’re considering booking Hemingways, we would confidently recommend and will hopefully be back again sometime soon!
G‍u‍e‍s‍t‍ ‍U‍s‍e‍r
November 26, 2025
We recently enjoyed an unforgettable family vacation at Hemingways Watamu, and our entire experience was truly exceptional from start to finish. The hospitality, warmth, and attention to detail displayed by the team made our stay incredibly memorable. A special thank you to Husna, the Front Office Manager, whose professionalism and kindness stood out from the moment we arrived. She went above and beyond by upgrading us to a 4-bedroom apartment boasting stunning panoramic ocean views. The apartment was spacious, beautifully designed, and well-equipped with thoughtful amenities that made our stay both comfortable and luxurious. Being together in one shared space allowed our family to bond deeply and enjoy every moment. We would also like to appreciate Godfrey and Redempta, who consistently provided warm, attentive, and friendly service during our meals. A big thank you as well to Mr. Chege, the Restaurant Manager, whose exceptional hospitality and attention to detail elevated our dining experience throughout our stay. The hotel is located right inside the Watamu Marine National Park, which makes the experience even more magical. I highly recommend taking a dhow cruise, where you can enjoy crystal-clear waters, rich marine life, and freshly prepared seafood. Be sure to visit the little island right in the ocean, a peaceful and untouched spot perfect for photos. The neighbouring towns also offer fantastic attractions worth exploring, including the Mambrui Sand Dunes with thrilling quad bike rides and the dramatic Marafa Hell’s Kitchen in Kilifi a breathtaking natural canyon that is absolutely worth the trip From the serene ambience, breathtaking ocean views, luxurious living spaces, to the outstanding staff — Hemingways Watamu is truly a paradise. We highly recommend it for families seeking comfort, luxury, and meaningful experiences.
R‍e‍g‍g‍y‍1‍6
November 19, 2025
We had the pleasure of spending five nights at Hempsway Hotel, and from the moment we arrived, we were welcomed with genuine warmth and hospitality. Husna and her team made us feel completely at home, and the seamless check-in process set the tone for the rest of our stay. Husna even took the time to share a bit of the hotel’s history with us, which added a charming personal touch. To our surprise, Husna upgraded our rooms to spacious apartments featuring breathtaking 360-degree views of the Indian Ocean—an incredibly beautiful sight. This thoughtful gesture made our stay even more memorable, especially for our group of seven, and we are truly grateful for her kindness. Special thank you goes to the wonderful staff members like Ezra, Redempter, George, Knight, and Patrick along with the entire Hempsway team. They ensured our apartment was spotless and consistently went above and beyond to make sure we were comfortable and well taken care of. Their genuine care for our experience was evident in every interaction. A special mention once again to Husna and her team for making our son’s honeymoon unforgettable. The newlyweds were welcomed so warmly, and their room was beautifully decorated for the occasion. This thoughtful touch made their stay incredibly special. Beyond the exceptional service at the hotel, we also enjoyed exploring several amazing attractions nearby. We visited Hell’s Kitchen, took a memorable boat tour, and explored Gedi Ruins all at very reasonable prices. And to top it all off, the beach party was an absolute highlight of our trip.. We’re already looking forward to our next visit to Hempsway. Thank you once again to everyone at the hotel for making our stay so special and unforgettable. We can’t wait to return!
p‍a‍n‍j‍a‍b‍i‍g‍a‍s‍t‍r‍o‍n‍o‍m‍e
November 6, 2025
We had an very enjoyable 3 night family stay at Hemingways in Watamu. The hotel has a great beach front location. The rooms are very spacious and comfortable with powerful showers; great ocean views. The bottled water in the rooms is replenished daily, as is the fesh milk for tea/coffees. There are enough pools to avoid overcrowding. The whole place is kept very clean. The staff are superb - all very friendly, courteous and helpful. There is an extensive spread for breakfast. We onlyhad dinner one night in the hotel - an extensive buffet with freshly grilled fish and steak. It is very easy to get a tuk-tuk and head to watamu bars and restaurants.
M‍e‍y‍j‍a‍ ‍B
May 5, 2025
Amazing stay at Hemingways Hotel, Watamu! Beautiful beachfront location, fresh seafood straight from the ocean, and delicious cocktails. The service was excellent, and I loved the private parking and relaxing atmosphere. Highly recommend for a luxurious coastal getaway!

Services & Amenities

Outdoor swimming pool
Private beach area
Spa
Gym
Bar
Restaurant
Conference room
Restaurant
Restaurant
No additional info available
More Amenities
Internet
Outdoor swimming pool
Parking
Private (exclusively for guests) is available On-site parking. Reservation not needed.
Transportation
Front desk services
Languages spoken
Food & drink
Health & wellness
Activities
Public areas
Cleaning services
Facilities for children
Business services
Accessibility
Safety & security

Property Policies

Check-in and Check-out Times
Check-in: after 13:00
Check-out: Before 10:00

Front desk hours: 24/7

Child policies
Children can stay in some rooms of this hotel.
Additional fees may be charged for children using existing beds. Add the number of children to get a more accurate price.

Cribs and Extra Beds
For all room types, extra beds cannot be added. Crib policies vary according to room type. Please refer to the relevant room type policy.

Breakfast
CuisineFull English/Irish
StyleBuffet
AgeFee
Adult
Contact property
Additional breakfast fees are not included in the total and need to be paid at the property.

Pets
Pets are not allowed

Service animals
Service animals are not allowed

Age Requirements
The main guest checking in must be at least 18 years old

Paying at the hotel

  • Cash

Property Description

  • Number of Rooms: 55
Phone:+254-202295011
When you stay at Hemingways Watamu in Watamu, you'll be on the beach, just steps from Watamu Beach and a 3-minute drive from Prawn Lake. This beach hotel is 2.4 mi (3.8 km) from Mida Creek and 4.8 mi (7.6 km) from Ruins of Gedi.

Pamper yourself with a visit to the spa, which offers massages, body treatments, and facials. You're sure to appreciate the recreational amenities, which include 2 outdoor swimming pools and a fitness center. This hotel also features complimentary wireless internet access, concierge services, and babysitting (surcharge).

Satisfy your appetite for lunch or dinner at the hotel's restaurant, or stay in and take advantage of the 24-hour room service. Quench your thirst with your favorite drink at the bar/lounge.

Featured amenities include a business center, complimentary newspapers in the lobby, and dry cleaning/laundry services. A roundtrip airport shuttle is provided for a surcharge (available 24 hours), and free self parking is available onsite.

Make yourself at home in one of the 60 air-conditioned rooms featuring minibars. Rooms have private balconies. Complimentary wireless internet access keeps you connected, and satellite programming is available for your entertainment. Bathrooms feature showers, complimentary toiletries, and hair dryers.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the cancellation policy at Hemingways Watamu?

The cancellation policy at Hemingways Watamu depends on your room type and booking terms.

What are the check-in and check-out times at Hemingways Watamu?

Check-in at Hemingways Watamu starts from 13:00, and the standard check-out time is by 10:00.

What amenities, facilities, and services are offered at Hemingways Watamu?

Popular amenities and services at Hemingways Watamu include Shuttle service.

Is breakfast available at Hemingways Watamu?

Yes, Hemingways Watamu provides breakfast. Options include Full English/Irish.

Are pets allowed at Hemingways Watamu?

No, pets are not allowed at Hemingways Watamu.

How do I get to Hemingways Watamu from the nearest airport?

The nearest airport is Malindi Airport, located about about 33 mins from hotel by car (20.8 km) away.

Does Hemingways Watamu offer airport transfer services?

Yes, Hemingways Watamu offers airport transfer services. Contact the hotel in advance to confirm availability and fees.

About This Property

Nearest AirportMalindi Airport
Distance to Airport20.77KM
Average Price FromNZD1580
Hotel Star Rating5