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Hemingways Watamu

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Unclassified image, 1 of 108, button - Hemingways Watamu (Watamu)
A hotel room with a bed, a desk, a chair, a TV, a ceiling fan, and a view of the ocean. - Hemingways Watamu (Watamu)
A resort with a beach, multiple swimming pools, and palm trees. - Hemingways Watamu (Watamu)
A balcony with white railings, two white chairs with striped cushions, a small table with a bottle and flowers, and a view of the sea with a palm tree and boats. - Hemingways Watamu (Watamu)
A bar area with a view of the sea, wooden furniture, and a thatched roof. - Hemingways Watamu (Watamu)
Luxury
4.5 star property
9.0

Wonderful

Beachfront sanctuary in Watamu

Overlooking pristine Watamu beach, this oceanfront resort features multiple pools including a quiet one for undisturbed relaxation. The refurbished restaurant serves amazing meals from an extensive menu. Delightful gardens surround the property, creating a serene atmosphere perfect for romantic getaways.

Popular amenities

  • Spa
  • Parking included
  • Free WiFi
  • Air conditioning

Off-peak, on budget: 30% or more off select hotels in our fall sale

Skip the crowds, keep the savings. AARP members save more after Labor Day. Book by Oct 7, 2026.

Room options

Available filters for rooms
Showing 7 of 7 rooms

View all photos for Deluxe Double Room, Ocean View

A hotel room with a bed, a desk with a chair, a dining table, a balcony with a view, and a wardrobe.

Deluxe Double Room, Ocean View

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)
  • Ocean view
  • 40 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Double Bed
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for Deluxe Single Room, Ocean View

A hotel room with a bed, desk, chair, and a view of the outdoors.

Deluxe Single Room, Ocean View

  • Ocean view
  • 40 sq m
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed OR 1 Twin Bed
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for Standard Suite, 1 Bedroom, Ocean View

A bedroom with a canopy bed, a TV, a large mirror, and a view of the outdoors.

Standard Suite, 1 Bedroom, Ocean View

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful
(2 reviews)
  • Ocean view
  • 150 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for Deluxe Suite, 2 Bedrooms, Ocean View

A modern living room with a glass coffee table, two sofas, a TV, and a kitchen area with cabinets and a countertop.

Deluxe Suite, 2 Bedrooms, Ocean View

  • Ocean view
  • 240 sq m
  • 2 bedrooms
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 Double Bed and 2 Twin Beds
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for Standard Double Room, Ocean View

A four-poster bed with a balcony, a desk with a chair, a round mirror, and a TV.

Standard Double Room, Ocean View

  • Ocean view
  • 40 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for Penthouse, 4 Bedrooms, Ocean View

A bedroom with a canopy bed, a balcony with wicker furniture, and a view of palm trees.

Penthouse, 4 Bedrooms, Ocean View

  • Ocean view
  • 400 sq m
  • 4 bedrooms
  • Sleeps 8
  • 2 Double Beds and 4 Twin Beds
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for Standard Suite, 2 Bedrooms, Ocean View

A four-poster canopy bed with a view of palm trees, a wooden floor, and a balcony.

Standard Suite, 2 Bedrooms, Ocean View

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)
  • Ocean view
  • 200 sq m
  • 2 bedrooms
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 Double Bed and 2 Twin Beds
  • Free WiFi

About the neighborhood

Located in Watamu, Hemingways Watamu is next to a golf course and near the beach. Ruins of Gedi and Portuguese Chapel are local landmarks, and the area's natural beauty can be seen at Watamu Beach and Prawn Lake. Looking to get your feet wet? Snorkeling and windsurfing adventures can be found near the property. Visit our Watamu travel guide
Map
Watamu, Watamu, Kilifi County, 80202

What's nearby

  • A beach with a thatched umbrella, wooden lounge chairs, and a clear blue sea.
    Watamu Beach
    1 min walk - 0.1 miles
  • A person in a canoe on a calm body of water during sunset.
    Mida Creek
    8 min drive - 2.3 miles
  • A beach with a boat on the water and the sun setting in the background.
    Malindi Beach
    29 min drive - 17.2 miles
  • Prawn Lake
    2 min drive - 0.7 miles
  • Ruins of Gedi
    16 min drive - 5.5 miles

Getting around

  • Malindi (MYD)
    38 min drive

Restaurants

  • 7 Vizi Cafe
    17 min walk
  • Isla Cafe
    4 min drive
  • Willy Beach Restaurant
    4 min drive
  • Hemingways Bar
    2 min walk
  • Papaya Beach Bar
    4 min drive

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Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • 24-hour roundtrip airport shuttle on request for a surcharge
  • Free self parking on site

Food and drink

  • A bar/lounge
  • A restaurant
  • Snack bar/deli

Things to do

  • 2 outdoor pools
  • Children's pool
  • Fishing
  • Full-service spa
  • Gym
  • Scuba diving

Family friendly

  • 2 outdoor pools
  • Babysitting (surcharge)
  • Children's pool
  • Laundry facilities
  • Snack bar/deli
  • Soundproofed rooms

Conveniences

  • 24-hour front desk
  • Free newspapers in lobby
  • Gift shop/newsstand
  • Hair salon
  • Laundry facilities
  • Luggage storage
  • Safe at front desk

Guest services

  • Concierge services
  • Dry cleaning/laundry service
  • Housekeeping (daily)
  • Tour and ticket assistance

Business services

  • Business center
  • Meeting room

Outdoors

  • Garden
  • Pool loungers
  • Pool umbrellas
  • Terrace

Full-service spa

  • Body scrubs
  • Body wraps
  • Facials
  • Manicures/pedicures
  • Massage

Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • Elevator
  • Grab bar near toilet

More

  • Banquet hall
  • Mosquito nets
  • Smoking not allowed

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Premium bedding

Bathroom

  • Bathrobes
  • Free toiletries
  • Hair dryer
  • Private bathroom
  • Shower
  • Slippers
  • Towels provided

Entertainment

  • 32-inch TV with satellite channels

Food and drink

  • 24-hour room service
  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Electric kettle
  • Minibar

More

  • Air conditioning
  • Ceiling fan
  • Desk
  • Iron/ironing board on request
  • Phone
  • Safe
  • Soundproofed rooms

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 1:00 PM; Check-in end time: midnight
Late check-in subject to availability
Minimum check-in age: 18

Check-out

Check-out before 10:00 AM
Late check-out subject to availability
A late check-out fee will be charged

Special check-in instructions

This property offers transfers from the airport (surcharges may apply); to arrange pick-up, guests must contact the property 24 hours prior to arrival, using the contact information on the booking confirmation
Guests must contact the property in advance for check-in instructions; front desk staff will greet guests on arrival at the property
To make arrangements for check-in please contact the property at least 24 hours before arrival using the information on the booking confirmation
If you are planning to arrive after 5:00 PM please contact the property in advance using the information on the booking confirmation
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Access methods

Staffed front desk

Pets

No pets or service animals allowed

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome
1 child, up to the age of 5 years, can stay for free if using existing beds when occupying the parent or guardian's room
Rollaway/extra beds are not available
Cribs (infant beds) are not available

Property payment types

Important information

Optional extras

  • Airport shuttle fee: USD 20.00 per person (one way)
  • Late check-out is available for a fee (subject to availability)

The above list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits may not include tax and are subject to change.

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
This property accepts credit cards, debit cards, and cash
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children; if you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room

We should mention

No pets and no service animals are allowed at this property

Frequently asked questions

Does Hemingways Watamu have a pool?

Yes, this property has 2 outdoor pools and a children's pool.

Is Hemingways Watamu pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much is parking?

Self parking is free at this property.

What time is check-in at Hemingways Watamu?

Check-in start time: 1:00 PM; Check-in end time: midnight. Late check-in is available during limited hours.

What time is check-out at Hemingways Watamu?

Check-out is at 10:00 AM. Late check-out is available for a fee (subject to availability).

Does Hemingways Watamu provide a shuttle to the airport?

Yes, there's an airport shuttle that runs on request. A fee of USD 20.00 per person applies.

Where is Hemingways Watamu located?

This family-friendly Watamu hotel is located by the sea, within 1 mi (2 km) of Watamu Beach and Prawn Lake. Mida Creek is 2.4 mi (3.9 km) away.

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Reviews

Hemingways Watamu Reviews

9.0

Wonderful

9.6

Cleanliness

9.2

Location

9.4

Staff & service

9.4

Property conditions & facilities
Rating 10 - Excellent. 51 out of 72 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 13 out of 72 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 4 out of 72 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 72 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 4 out of 72 reviews

Reviews

Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Andrew

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Excellent hotel, great staff, very comfortable and spacious room, highly recommend
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

robert

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I would Recommend Hemingway hotel to everyone as must stay place. Third was not anything I could pick that wasn’t top class. The beach had a lot of seaweed but that is a natural issue not the hotels fault. I went out on the fishing charter and couldn’t a nice big sale fish. Do not go out if you are not tough!! The sea is choppy. The food and bar where especially great. ♥️ Loved every minute. 5 stars
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Ian

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Fantastic staff and beautiful views of the ocean
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

robert

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Beautiful resort. Great staff. Such a relaxing time.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Tracy

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Beautiful room spotlessly cleaned every day
Stayed 7 nights in Jan 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

cynthia

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very clean and staff went out of their way to make my family comfortable. We were there for my dad’s 90th birthday and it was quite memorable. I highly recommend
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Caroline

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Lovely to stay at Hemingways! As beautiful as ever. Staff and facilities first class!
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2025
Verified review

6/10 Okay

Luke

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
A very good hotel which has prime location on the beautiful Watamu beach. Food is amazing for both breakfast and dinner, you won't go hungry. But leaves a lot to be desired for a 5* hotel. For some reason water is rationed to a few small bottles of water in the room, y
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2024
Verified review

8/10 Good

Kyrylo

Liked: Staff & service, amenities
Overall nice place. Pools can be bigger. Ocean is very close but there are no sunbeds or bars on the beach, so it is harder to hangout near the ocean. Everything is clean but ants can be a problem. We had to take our clothes out of the closet because of the large numbers of ants. Some individual ants can make it into the bed as well. Also need to be careful about leaving your food and drinks on the side tables near the pool because they attract many ants too.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Kathryn

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Hemingways Watamu was just what we were looking for in terms of somewhere to relax and rest after an injury and work. Watamu itself is a bit less interesting in the off season (I.e. most restaurants are closed, as are many of the gear shops), but it’s still lovely if not a tad bit windy. Staff were amazing! Highly recommend.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Vincent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Lovely resort. Staff were very kind and friendly. The bar and restaurant are very well appointed; I think they refurbished it not that long ago. The menu was extensive and the food good quality. Good pools, including a ‘quiet pool’, which is such a great addition. We had a lovely spacious room with sea view. Everything was clean and in good working order, nice bed and linens. The AC was working just like you’d want it to and made relatively little sound. Perhaps the bathroom could do with a little touch up. I would love to stay here again!
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2024
Verified review

8/10 Good

Raj

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Excellent property with superb views. The staff are extremely helpful too. The beach unfortunately is covered with sea weeds and you hardly see the sand and not ideal to walk or lie on the sun lounger. Not much choice on the menu for vegetarians either.
Stayed 4 nights in May 2026
Verified review

8/10 Good

Pilar

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
It’s a very lovely place for people who want the resort experience.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Sharmistha

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Beautiful
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Albert

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Watamu With Friends

This was a very good hotel giving value for the money
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Poonam

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Excellent property on the beach. All rooms are ocean facing. Perfect for a romantic getaway or adult friends
Stayed 2 nights in May 2024
Verified review

6/10 Okay

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Could be better

Upon arrival the staff at the reception just watched as we struggled with our luggage. Their welcome was quite cold. Had requested for rooms close to each other but was given given separate rooms and only informed there weren’t close rooms together ones we got to the rooms. Service at the restaurant was quite slow and the staff seemed confused with no coordination. Only one guy think the manager/supervisor seemed to try but you could clearly see he was overwhelmed. Overall, we expected much more from a hotel like Hemmingways. Standards were quite low and definitely not value for the amount charged.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2022
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Katie

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
We stayed in a 2 bed apartment which was well appointed and extremely spacious with a huge balcony (sadly not much sun as facing east) but overlooking the Indian Ocean. The bathrooms were good though beginning to look a little tired otherwise the apartment was fabulous. Plenty of bottled water provided each day and milk, tea and coffee (instant only). Substantial breakfast with plenty of options provided each morning. Lovely little coffee shop selling variety of cakes and muffins, coffee etc and range of smoothies. Hemingways bar fabulous spot for sundowner. Main restaurant was offering a buffet every night we were there but also à la carte, which in our opinion was the better option - and less expensive if you don’t have a huge appetite (buffet was ksh4,500 pp vs eg 3800 for huge freshly grilled king prawns and accompaniments or 1800 for delicious freshly cooked catch of the day). The pools were very clean (one main, one child’s and one quiet pool) and the pool staff attentive. There isn’t a beach to sit on though you can access beach to walk along. Gardens were delightful and well kept. All the staff we dealt with were charming and friendly and made us very welcome. We stayed in July and it was extremely windy (though I liked this as humidity reduced) and a lot of seaweed on the beach. We also used the gym which was well appointed, good a/c and I was allowed to borrow a yoga mat for my stay so I could do yoga on the peace of my balcony overlooking the ocean: nameste!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023
Verified review

2/10 Terrible

Kosi

Disliked: Staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Terrible food, terrible service, annoying inefficient staff that has no sense of customer service. The only thing going for it, the rooms are clean and shower is good. 5 star hotel, very far from it.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2022
Verified review

8/10 Good

Hua

Liked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

We wish you could do better

I think I would rate it 6 out of 10; 1, The Spa session was really BAD, no music, no green tea, no underware, the Lady who was massaging my husband was not very professional to say the least; 2, the house keeping service was not up to the normal standard, cups not washed, tissues not filled up; 3, Very minimum Seafood served and yet we are next to the sea.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2022
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

JEANETTE MARIE

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
The staff were helpful and pleasant all the time. The hotel was right at the beach and the food was excellent
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2022
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Yasin Samatar

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great hotel property with lots of amenities and access to the beach! Enjoyed our stay and highly recommended!
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2019
Verified review

8/10 Good

michael

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
The rooms were clean and had comfortable beds obviously newly renovated. The hotel had very little atmosphere. The lighting was terrible and the layout of the restaurant and bars was poorly conceived. Most people that we spoke to went the the hotel next door to eat. The menu design is badly done as we couldn't see half the dishes on it and didn't realise how comprehensive it was. When we did eat there it was good but you didn't want to eat there in the evening. The bar was also the same . you would expect Hemmingway to be a feature in the hotel but it wasn't.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2021
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Nancy

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Stunning property and location! Even more impressive was the attentiveness of the staff and their outstanding hospitality. Every need was anticipated and met with a smile.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2021
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Eleanor

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Excellent I would definitely go back
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2021