Kenyaways

After staying here I’m done with the larger hotels and say goodbye to volley ball in the pool and music for most of the day! Here it’s peaceful with everything I could want or need. It’s right on the beach, has sun beds, a small pool and the professionally run and reasonably priced Salty Squid restaurant/coffee/bar. The rooms are very clean, have toiletries, beach towels, mosquito nets, Wi-Fi and outside seating areas. I was given a candle lamp to use for added atmosphere at dusk. Rooms at the top front are very desirable as have the use of a small kitchen - fridge/freezer ideal for ice to put in drinks or preparing the odd snack if required as well as an exquisite view. Keep windows and doors closed if not around or the monkeys may pay you a visit! The beach is quiet here being away from the larger hotels with long stretches to walk along in the morning. Perfect.

The complex is next door to a large building site: cement mixers, screetching grinders and hammering all day and until well into the night - eleven, twelve, fifteen hours - non-stop. In the garden area, the noise is ear-piercing and even indoors, with doors and windows shut, it's still loud enough to disrupt zoom calls. One night, it went on until 2am. I wore noise cancelling earphones most of the time, but even that wasn't enough to cut out the racket and at night, the vibrations from every bang were palpable through the mattress. Despite complaints, the noise levels did not drop. It was so relentless, I moved out. Be aware that your payments are not protected as they use Pesapal, rather than Paypal or Credit card that offer a reasonable amount of protection against scams like this. And yes, it is a scam: it's been going on for months and the owner did nothing to warn prospective guests. The houses being built are nowhere near finished. My advice to anyone contemplating booking this year (2023) - don't.

The so called pool room l was in, stank of mold. Was told l would be moved, three days later was offered the room nextdoor which was equally dank. On the 4th morning the room flooded (guess I know why it stinks of mold) and after repeated requests someone finally came to clean it. I checked out the next day, Earlier than my booking. Found a place on airbnb for 25% cheaper & 100% nicer. Go elsewhere! Ps; have uploaded a pic of my shower so you can see what it really looks like NOT the pics they have online.

I really enjoyed my stay at Kenyaways. It's a very homely, rustic old house set on beautiful Diani beach. The rooms are very attractive and scrupulously clean and the staff are delightful. We really enjoyed eating at the Salty Squid, so much so that my friend and I ate every meal here throughout our four night stay. I cannot recommend this place highly enough.

We stayed here for 6 nights on our honeymoon and it was an absolute delight. Our bedroom opened onto the beach, what more could you want (I didn't see any other hotels on Diani with this). Also the best body scrub and full body massage I've ever had! Amazing and helpful staff with heaps of local knowledge and there is a beautiful boutique on site selling local products and a fab restaurant next door - can't recommend enough.