Kobe Suite Resort

The service was uneven, sometimes slow or rude, and our bills had mistakes. Breakfast was basic and repetitive. Non-guests can use the facilities, so paying guests don’t get priority for sunbeds. Often there weren’t any available, and once there were none at all. We drove three hours from Diani after a great stay elsewhere, but the welcome here felt lukewarm. Our Standard Suite, No. 22, felt like a budget apartment: no bedroom window, dated décor, stained bedding, a very firm bed, mosquitoes without a net, and no AC in the living area. At £290 a night, it was very poor value. The bathroom was hot, dark, and smelly, and the shower was weak and noisy. We raised these problems soon after arriving, but staff seemed confused instead of apologetic and offered no fix or follow-up, even though other rooms appeared available online. We moved to a higher category after two nights. It was brighter, but little else was better, and no one checked in then either. The dolphin trip we booked through the hotel was late, disorganized, and poor value. At checkout, no one asked how the stay had gone until we brought up the problems ourselves. For a place presenting itself as high-end and charging premium rates, the poor service and lack of attention to detail stood out. One of our most disappointing hotel stays.

The location is good, with easy beach access, but the day pass left us expecting more for the hotel’s listed rate. Staff were slow and reluctant to sort out minor problems, and their responses felt shaky and unclear. The restaurant waiter was positive and professional, though, so credit to him. We didn’t feel welcome, which was sad and a bit surprising. As we left, nearby staff didn’t offer to help carry our luggage to the taxi, which is unusual around here. Luckily, we had a taxi operator we knew and could manage the bags ourselves.

The breakfast was decent in quality, but there wasn’t much variety or quantity compared with other properties at the same price. The gardens are lush and well kept, and the paths around the grounds give the place a relaxed, tropical feel. Staff throughout the hotel were professional, helpful, and exceptional. There are plenty of seating spots by the two pools, more than you often find elsewhere, and the beach is beautiful. You can reach it easily and still have some privacy from people on the public beach without losing the view. The beachfront restaurant has several places to sit, drink, and eat from lunch through dinner. Its menu and prices are in line with many other Watamu restaurants. It’s a lovely property for couples or families, with good facilities and a great location for the price. Parking is mentioned, but there’s no onsite parking. Helpful security staff wait outside the compound on the public beach access road and assist guests in finding a spot.

The beach is easy to get to, and the location has a quieter, more private feel, though Watamu town is only a 15-minute drive away. Food was good and priced about the same as similar places nearby. Our room was clean and nice, and the staff were welcoming and amazing. Best hotel staff of our two-week trip around Kenya. An easy five stars.