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Hemingways Watamu

4.5 star property
Luxury hotel on the beach, with 2 outdoor pools

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Photo gallery for Hemingways Watamu

Relax by the pool surrounded by palm trees and enjoy the ocean view.
Relax in a tropical ambiance with comfortable seating and ocean views.
Relax by the oceanfront pool surrounded by palm trees and enjoy stunning sea views from your balcony.
Guests can jump into the turquoise sea from the covered deck, offering access to the sandy beach.
Enjoy ocean views from the comfort of your balcony, featuring a bed with a canopy and a window overlooking palm trees.

Reviews

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful

Popular amenities

  • Bar
  • Pool
  • Gym
  • Air conditioning
  • Spa
  • Room service

Explore the area

Map
Watamu, Watamu, Kilifi County, 80202
  • Watamu Beach
    ‪17 min walk‬
  • Mida Creek
  • Prawn Lake
    ‪2 min drive‬
  • Malindi (MYD)
    ‪28 min drive‬

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

View all photos for Standard Double Room, Ocean View

Premium bedding, minibar, in-room safe, desk

Standard Double Room, Ocean View

  • 431 sq ft
  • Ocean view
  • 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

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

View all photos for Standard Single Room, Ocean View

Premium bedding, minibar, in-room safe, desk

Standard Single Room, Ocean View

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

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

Premium bedding, minibar, in-room safe, desk

Deluxe Apartment, 2 Bedrooms, Ocean View

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

  • 2153 sq ft
  • Ocean view
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 Double Bed and 2 Twin Beds

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

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

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)
  • 1615 sq ft
  • Ocean view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

About the neighborhood

Watamu

Within a short walk of Watamu Beach, Hemingways Watamu is within a mile (2 km) of Prawn Lake. This 60-room, 4.5-star hotel has 2 outdoor pools along with a full-service spa and a restaurant.

What's nearby

  • Watamu Beach - 17 min walk - 0.9 miles
  • Prawn Lake - 2 min drive - 0.9 miles
  • Ruins of Gedi - 20 min drive - 5.5 miles
  • Malindi Beach - 33 min drive - 17.2 miles
  • Marine Park - 35 min drive - 14.2 miles

Getting around

  • Malindi (MYD) - 27 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪PilliPan - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪Licht Haus - ‬7 min drive
  • ‪Casa Tex Mex - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪Papa Remo Ristorante - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪crab shack - ‬7 min drive

About this property

Hemingways Watamu

Luxury hotel on the beach, with 2 outdoor pools
Guests of Hemingways Watamu have access to a full-service spa, 2 outdoor pools, and a children's pool. There's free parking, and an airport shuttle (available 24 hours) for USD 20.00 per person one way. The 24-hour front desk has staff standing by to help with tours or tickets, dry cleaning/laundry, and securing valuables. Other amenities at this beach hotel include a gym, free WiFi in public areas, and a business center.
32-inch TVs come with satellite channels, and guests can stay connected with free WiFi. Bathrooms offer hair dryers and free toiletries, and beds are dressed in premium bedding. Other amenities include balconies, minibars, and coffee makers.
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.

Languages

English

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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
  • 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

Access methods

Staffed front desk

Pets

  • This property doesn't allow pets or service animals

Children and extra beds

  • One child 5 years old or younger stays free when using existing bedding

Property payment types

Important information

Optional extras

These fees and deposits will be charged at check-in, check-out, or the time of service.

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

This list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits might 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
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
  • Check-in: 1:00 PM
  • Check-out: 10:00 AM
  • Minimum check-in age: 18
The front desk is open 24 hours a day. For convenient arrivals and departures, you can take advantage of the airport shuttle (available 24 hours), which is offered for a fee. Driving? This property offers free parking.

We should mention

Details about charges, deposits, or other important information:

  • This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession.
  • 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.
  • Charges for extra guests may apply and vary depending on the property's policy.
  • A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges, as well as a government-issued photo ID, may be required at check-in.
  • Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in and can't be guaranteed. Certain requests may come with additional charges.
  • This property accepts credit cards, debit cards, and cash.

Additional information about polices, regulations, and more:

  • No cribs or infant beds are available.
  • No rollaway or extra beds are available.

Property is also known as

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

Frequently asked questions

Is a free cancellation option available at Hemingways Watamu?

Hemingways Watamu provides free cancellation on select room rates. To learn more, review the cancellation policy on Orbitz.

How much does it cost to stay at Hemingways Watamu?

As of Jul 12, 2025, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Hemingways Watamu on Jul 21, 2025 start from $277.75, excluding taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

What can I see within easy reach of Hemingways Watamu?

This hotel is located in Watamu, a short 14-minute walk from Watamu Beach and also 18 minutes on foot from Prawn Lake. You'll also find Mida Creek and Ruins of Gedi within a short drive.

Is parking available on site at Hemingways Watamu?

Yes, self parking is offered for free at the hotel.

Is there a spa at Hemingways Watamu?

There is a full-service spa available for guests to enjoy and services include body wraps, mani/pedis, facials, and massages.

Does Hemingways Watamu feature a casino at the property?

No, Hemingways Watamu doesn't have a casino.

Will I find an indoor pool at Hemingways Watamu?

No, this hotel doesn't have an indoor pool; however, there are 2 outdoor pools.

Is Hemingways Watamu a good place to stay for couples?

This beachfront hotel offers plenty of amenities for couples including 2 outdoor pools, a bar, and a restaurant.

Does Hemingways Watamu have a hot tub?

No, there isn't a spa tub at this hotel.

Does Hemingways Watamu have a restaurant with a breakfast menu?

Yes, Hemingways Watamu serves breakfast for a surcharge from its restaurant.

Will Hemingways Watamu allow pets to stay for free?

No, pets and service animals aren't allowed at Hemingways Watamu.

Does Hemingways Watamu have connecting rooms?

No, there aren't connecting guestrooms at this hotel.

How far is the airport from Hemingways Watamu?

The closest major airport to Hemingways Watamu is Malindi (MYD), which is 12.7 mi away (27 minutes by car).

Are there rooms with balconies that I can book at Hemingways Watamu?

Yes, every guestroom at Hemingways Watamu comes with a balcony with some featuring ocean views.

Hemingways Watamu Reviews

Reviews

9.0

Wonderful

Rating 10 - Excellent. 34 out of 47 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 7 out of 47 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 3 out of 47 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 47 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 3 out of 47 reviews

9.6/10

Cleanliness

9.2/10

Staff & service

9.2/10

Amenities

9.2/10

Property conditions & facilities

8.6/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

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

2/10 Terrible

Kosi, Marrakech

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

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

10/10 Excellent

JEANETTE MARIE

Traveled with partner
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

10/10 Excellent

Yasin Samatar

Traveled with family
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

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2022

8/10 Good

michael

Traveled with partner
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

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

10/10 Excellent

Eleanor

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

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2021