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Hemingways Watamu

4.5 star property

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Photo gallery for Hemingways Watamu

2 outdoor pools, pool umbrellas, sun loungers
Premium bedding, minibar, in-room safe, desk
2 outdoor pools, pool umbrellas, sun loungers
Bar (on property)
Penthouse, 4 Bedrooms, Ocean View | Balcony view

Reviews

9.2 out of 10
Wonderful

Popular amenities

  • Pool
  • Spa
  • Parking included
  • Free WiFi
  • Restaurant
  • Air conditioning

Explore the area

View in a map
Watamu, Watamu, Kilifi County, 80202
  • Place, Watamu Beach
    ‪1 min walk‬
  • Place, Prawn Lake
    ‪3 min drive‬
  • Place, Malindi Beach
    ‪29 min drive‬
  • Airport, Malindi (MYD)
    ‪24 min drive‬

Room options

View all photos for Deluxe Double Room, Ocean View

Premium bedding, minibar, in-room safe, desk

Deluxe Double Room, Ocean View

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)
  • Ocean view
  • 431 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

View all photos for Deluxe Single Room, Ocean View

Premium bedding, minibar, in-room safe, desk

Deluxe Single Room, Ocean View

  • Ocean view
  • 431 sq ft
  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 King Bed OR 1 Twin Bed

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

Premium bedding, minibar, in-room safe, desk

Standard Apartment, 1 Bedroom, Ocean View

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful
(2 reviews)
  • Ocean view
  • 1615 sq ft
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

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

Premium bedding, minibar, in-room safe, desk

Deluxe Apartment, 2 Bedrooms, Ocean View

  • Ocean view
  • 2583 sq ft
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 Double Bed and 2 Twin Beds

View all photos for Standard Double Room, Ocean View

Premium bedding, minibar, in-room safe, desk

Standard Double Room, Ocean View

  • Ocean view
  • 431 sq ft
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

View all photos for Penthouse, 4 Bedrooms, Ocean View

Penthouse, 4 Bedrooms, Ocean View | Premium bedding, minibar, in-room safe, desk

Penthouse, 4 Bedrooms, Ocean View

  • Ocean view
  • 4306 sq ft
  • 4 bedrooms
  • Sleeps 8
  • 2 Double Beds and 4 Twin Beds

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

Premium bedding, minibar, in-room safe, desk

Standard Apartment, 2 Bedrooms, Ocean View

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)
  • Ocean view
  • 2153 sq ft
  • 2 bedrooms
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 Double Bed and 2 Twin Beds

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About the neighborhood

Watamu

When you stay at Hemingways Watamu in Watamu, you'll be on the beach, just steps from Watamu Beach and a 2-minute drive from Prawn Lake. .This beach hotel is 2.4 mi (3.9 km) from Mida Creek and 4.8 mi (7.7 km) from Ruins of Gedi.

What's nearby

  • Watamu Beach - 1 min walk - 0.1 miles
  • Prawn Lake - 3 min drive - 0.9 miles
  • Mida Creek - 8 min drive - 2.5 miles
  • Ruins of Gedi - 16 min drive - 5.5 miles
  • Malindi Beach - 29 min drive - 17.2 miles

Getting around

  • Malindi (MYD) - 38 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Non Solo Gelato Blue Moon - ‬8 min walk
  • ‪Sunset Beach Restaurant - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪7 Vizi Cafe - ‬17 min walk
  • ‪Amici Miei Pastries Bar - ‬17 min walk
  • ‪Blue View Cafe - ‬4 min drive

About this property

Hemingways Watamu

Hemingways Watamu offers 60 air-conditioned accommodations with minibars and safes. Rooms open to balconies. Beds feature premium bedding. Televisions come with satellite channels. Bathrooms include showers, bathrobes, slippers, and complimentary toiletries.

Guests can surf the web using the complimentary wireless Internet access. Business-friendly amenities include desks and phones. Additionally, rooms include coffee/tea makers and hair dryers. Housekeeping is offered daily and irons/ironing boards can be requested.

2 outdoor swimming pools are on site along with a children's pool. Other recreational amenities include a fitness center.

The recreational activities listed below are available either on site or nearby; fees may apply.

Guests can indulge in a pampering treatment at the hotel's full-service spa. Services include facials, body wraps, body scrubs, and body treatments.
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.
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 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.
Onsite venue - This restaurant specializes in local and international cuisine and serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Onsite venue #2 - This restaurant specializes in local and international cuisine and serves lunch and dinner.
24-hour room service is available.

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
  • On the beach
  • 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
  • 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

Property is also known as

Hemingways Watamu Hotel
Hemingways Hotel
Hemingways Watamu Hotel
Hemingways Watamu Watamu
Hemingways Watamu Hotel Watamu

Hemingways Watamu Reviews

Reviews

9.2

Wonderful

Rating 10 - Excellent. 43 out of 59 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 9 out of 59 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 4 out of 59 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 59 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 3 out of 59 reviews

9.6/10

Cleanliness

9.4/10

Staff & service

9.2/10

Amenities

9.2/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Sharmistha

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

6/10 Okay

Andrew, Swindon

Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

robert

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

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

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

10/10 Excellent

Albert

Traveled with group
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

10/10 Excellent

Joozer, Oakville

Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025

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

10/10 Excellent

Peenal

Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Robert

Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Caroline

Traveled with partner
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

10/10 Excellent

Esther

Stayed 1 night in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Adrian

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2024

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

8/10 Good

Rajay

Stayed 6 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Faith Nthenya

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 6 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

eve

Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Kathryn

Traveled with partner
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

10/10 Excellent

Margaret

Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2024

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

10/10 Excellent

Katie

Traveled with family
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

10/10 Excellent

Daniel

Stayed 1 night in Oct 2022

10/10 Excellent

John

Stayed 1 night in Sep 2022

10/10 Excellent

Bo Ra

Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2022

6/10 Okay

Verified traveler

Traveled with family
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