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Hemingways Watamu

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2 outdoor pools, pool umbrellas, sun loungers
Standard Suite, 2 Bedrooms, Ocean View | Living area | 32-inch TV with satellite channels
Terrace/patio
Penthouse, 4 Bedrooms, Ocean View | Premium bedding, minibar, in-room safe, desk
Breakfast, lunch and dinner served

Reviews

9.0 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
  • Free WiFi

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
  • Free WiFi

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

Standard Suite, 1 Bedroom, Ocean View | Balcony view

Standard Suite, 1 Bedroom, Ocean View

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

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

Coffee/tea maker, electric kettle

Deluxe Suite, 2 Bedrooms, Ocean View

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

View all photos for Standard Double Room, Ocean View

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
  • Free WiFi

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
  • Free WiFi

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

Standard Suite, 2 Bedrooms, Ocean View | Premium bedding, minibar, in-room safe, desk

Standard Suite, 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
  • Free WiFi

About the neighborhood

Watamu

Hemingways Watamu places you next to Watamu Beach and 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 - 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
  • ‪Willy Beach Restaurant - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪Amici Miei Pastries Bar - ‬17 min walk
  • ‪7 Vizi Cafe - ‬17 min walk
  • ‪Sunset Beach Restaurant - ‬4 min drive

About this property

Hemingways Watamu

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, securing valuables, and luggage storage. 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.

Similar properties

Beach
Visiwa Beach Resort
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  • Pool
  • Breakfast included
  • Restaurant
  • Room service
9.4 out of 10, Exceptional, 6 reviews
$155 nightly
The price is $184
Jun 15 - Jun 16
Total with taxes and fees
Visiwa Beach Resort

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

  • 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
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
  • 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.
  • Onsite safety features include a fire extinguisher.

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

What can I see within easy reach of Hemingways Watamu?

This hotel is located in Watamu, just steps from Watamu Beach. You'll also find Mida Creek and Prawn Lake within a short drive.

How much does it cost to stay at Hemingways Watamu?

As of Jun 3, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Hemingways Watamu on Jun 4, 2026 start from $310, including 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.

Will I be able to park 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, facials, massages, and mani/pedis.

Are there luxury amenities available at Hemingways Watamu?

Yes, guests can indulge in luxuries such as 2 outdoor pools, a restaurant, and a full-service spa at this hotel.

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 a restaurant, 2 outdoor pools, and a bar/lounge.

Does Hemingways Watamu have a hot tub?

No, this hotel doesn't have a spa tub.

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 available?

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 12.8 mi away (38 minutes by car).

Can I book a room with a balcony at Hemingways Watamu?

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

Hemingways Watamu Reviews

Reviews

9.0

Wonderful

Rating 10 - Excellent. 49 out of 68 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 11 out of 68 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 4 out of 68 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 68 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 4 out of 68 reviews

9.6/10

Cleanliness

9.4/10

Staff & service

9.0/10

Amenities

9.4/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

Verified

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

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

10/10 Excellent

robert

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

10/10 Excellent

Tracy

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

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

10/10 Excellent

Sharmistha

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

10/10 Excellent

Eleanor

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

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I like how beautiful planned the aesthetics are, it’s a very modern hotel with good finish and the shower gel smells divine. The food is so good and the staff are fantastic. We had an early morning Tsavo east tour so we requested for breakfast at 6am; they had it packed and waiting for us by then. Lovely hote
Stayed 1 night in May 2021
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very friendly, welcoming and helpful staff.Every room has an ocean view.
Stayed 5 nights in Jan 2021
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Keith

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Brilliant yet relaxed
Stayed 4 nights in Feb 2020