Diani Backpackers

The staff were friendly, and there are always tuk-tuks and bodas waiting just outside the gate. The pool is great for relaxing, with lots of little spots to hang out. Days are calm and laid-back, while nights have more of a party feel, mostly on Fridays and Saturdays, not every night. It's definitely a backpackers, so know what you're signing up for. If that's your kind of place, this is perfect. I had a good stay at Diani Backpackers and would come back.

I don't understand all the positive reviews. I spent a week at Diani Backpackers, and the experience was disappointing from the start. I arrived on a Sunday to staff who seemed unfriendly and unwelcoming, with no smiles or basic warmth. They came across as hungover from the previous night. Whatever the reason, guests should feel welcome, and I didn't. The music played loudly day and night, making it hard to relax or sleep. The WiFi was painfully slow, so I wouldn't recommend it for remote work. I was in the jacuzzi dorm, which had almost no ventilation. The ceiling fan was broken and couldn't be fixed; the standing fan was loud but barely helped. On my fifth night, three men were put in the dorm and spent the night shouting and throwing things around, so I couldn't sleep. When I complained, staff only offered to move me. The available dorms weren't acceptable: one is right beside the music system, and monkeys constantly enter another. They said I could pay extra for a private room, but other guests told me the music is still loud enough to make sleep difficult there too. I eventually moved to a resort instead. There was also a woman on site offering massages and pedicures at very high tourist prices. It felt quite scammy and left a bad impression. The overall vibe wasn't good, the staff seemed unprofessional, and the place feels artificially hyped. I can't recommend it.

The hostel makes it easy to explore, with activities organized for guests during the day and at night. It almost feels like a resort because there's always something happening and the atmosphere is great. The owner and staff were lovely and made the place welcoming from the moment I arrived. The tab system was handy, and the drinks and food were both tasty and really affordable. This was hands down the best place I've stayed. I couldn't recommend it more!

If you're after a weekend party in Diani Beach with some Europeans, this is a decent option. It's not too far from the beach, and it's easy to meet other travelers and locals. The accommodation is pretty barebones, though, and it's not for everyone. If you want to sleep before 03:00am, avoid a weekend or party day. The DJ's music comes straight through because there's no insulation, so it's as loud in bed as it is in a club. I got the sense management trained the staff well at one time, but standards may have slipped. Reception and bar staff were inconsistently friendly and attentive. It's a cool spot, just a little overrated.