Hemingways Watamu

4.5 star property
Upmarket beachfront hotel with spa, near Watamu Beach

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your current months are December, 2024 and January, 2025.
December 2024
January 2025

Photo gallery for Hemingways Watamu

2 outdoor pools, pool umbrellas, pool loungers
Boating
Boating
2 outdoor pools, pool umbrellas, pool loungers
Penthouse, 4 Bedrooms, Ocean View | Balcony view

Reviews

9.0 out of 10

Wonderful

Popular amenities

  • Pool
  • Bar
  • Airport transfer
  • Non-smoking
  • Gym
  • Spa
Main amenities
  • Daily housekeeping
  • On the beach
  • Restaurants and bar/lounge
  • Full-service spa
  • 2 outdoor pools
  • Fitness centre
  • Children's pool
  • 24-hour room service
  • Babysitting
  • Business centre
  • Airport shuttle
  • Terrace
For families
  • Children stay free
  • Babysitting (surcharge)
  • Children's pool
  • Private bathroom
  • Television
  • Garden

Room options

Available filters for rooms
Showing 8 of 8 rooms

Deluxe Double Room, Ocean View

Highlights

Balcony
Soundproofed
Air conditioning
TV
Premium bedding
Ceiling fan
Private bathroom
Hairdryer
  • 40 sq m
  • Ocean view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

Standard Double Room, Ocean View

Highlights

Balcony
Soundproofed
Air conditioning
TV
Premium bedding
Ceiling fan
Private bathroom
Hairdryer
  • 40 sq m
  • Ocean view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

Deluxe Single Room, Ocean View

Highlights

Balcony
Soundproofed
Air conditioning
TV
Premium bedding
Ceiling fan
Bathrobes
Hairdryer
  • 40 sq m
  • Ocean view
  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 King Bed OR 1 Single Bed

Standard Single Room, Ocean View

Highlights

Balcony
Soundproofed
Air conditioning
TV
Premium bedding
Ceiling fan
Private bathroom
Hairdryer
  • 40.0 sq m
  • Ocean view
  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Single Bed

Deluxe Apartment, 2 Bedrooms, Ocean View

Highlights

Balcony
Separate dining area
Separate sitting area
Soundproofed
Air conditioning
Kitchen
Fridge
Dishwasher
  • 240 sq m
  • Ocean view
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 Double Bed and 2 Single Beds

Standard Apartment, 2 Bedrooms, Ocean View

Highlights

Balcony
Separate dining area
Separate sitting area
Soundproofed
Air conditioning
Kitchen
Fridge
Dishwasher
  • 200 sq m
  • Ocean view
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 Double Bed and 2 Single Beds

Penthouse, 4 Bedrooms, Ocean View

Highlights

Balcony
Separate dining area
Separate sitting area
Soundproofed
Air conditioning
Kitchen
Fridge
Dishwasher
  • 400 sq m
  • Ocean view
  • Sleeps 8
  • 2 Double Beds and 4 Single Beds

Standard Apartment, 1 Bedroom, Ocean View

Highlights

Balcony
Separate dining area
Separate sitting area
Soundproofed
Air conditioning
Kitchen
Fridge
Dishwasher
  • 150 sq m
  • Ocean view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

Similar properties

About the area

Map
Watamu, Watamu, Kilifi County, 80202

What's nearby

  • Watamu Beach - 14 min walk - 1.2 km
  • Prawn Lake - 18 min walk - 1.5 km
  • Mida Creek - 7 min drive - 3.9 km
  • Watamu Marine National Park - 8 min drive - 5.4 km
  • Ruins of Gedi - 15 min drive - 7.7 km

Getting around

  • Malindi (MYD) - 27 min drive
  • Airport shuttle (surcharge)

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

With access to on-site scuba-diving, Hemingways Watamu is a great choice for your beach stay in Watamu. 2 outdoor pools provide fun for everyone, while guests in the mood for pampering can visit the spa to indulge in massages, body wraps and manicures and pedicures. The restaurant is a great spot for a bite to eat, and cold drinks are served at the bar/lounge. Other highlights at this luxurious hotel include a fitness centre, a children's pool and a snack bar/deli.

Languages

English

At a glance

Hotel size

  • 60 rooms

Arriving/Leaving

  • 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 time is 10:00 AM
  • Late check-out subject to availability

Restrictions related to your trip

  • Check COVID-19 restrictions

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
  • 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

Required at check-in

  • Credit card, debit card or cash deposit required for incidental charges
  • Government-issued photo ID may be required
  • Minimum check-in age is 18

Children

  • One child (5 years old and younger) stays free when occupying the parent or guardian's room using existing bedding
  • No cots (infant beds)
  • Babysitting*

Pets

  • No pets or service animals allowed

Internet

  • Free WiFi in public areas
  • Free WiFi in rooms

Parking

  • Free on-site self-parking

Transfers

  • Airport shuttle on request (available 24 hours a day)*

Other information

  • Smoke-free property

Property amenities

Food and drink

  • Restaurant
  • Bar/lounge
  • 24-hour room service
  • Snack bar/deli

Travelling with children

  • Children stay for free (see details)
  • Children's pool
  • Babysitting (surcharge)

What to do

  • On the beach
  • Scuba diving
  • Fishing
  • Snorkelling nearby

Working away

  • Business centre
  • Meeting room

Services

  • 24-hour front desk
  • Concierge services
  • Tour/ticket assistance
  • Dry cleaning/laundry services
  • Hair salon
  • Free newspapers in reception
  • Luggage storage
  • Pool loungers
  • Pool umbrellas

Facilities

  • Safe-deposit box at front desk
  • Garden
  • Terrace
  • Mosquito nets
  • Fitness centre
  • Adjacent to a golf course
  • 2 outdoor pools
  • Full-service spa
  • Banquet hall

Accessibility

  • Lift
  • Grab bar near toilet

Room amenities

Be entertained

  • 32-inch TV
  • Satellite TV channels

Home comfort

  • Air conditioning
  • Ceiling fan
  • Minibar
  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Electric kettle
  • Dressing gowns and slippers
  • Iron/ironing board (on request)

Sleep well

  • Soundproofed rooms
  • Premium bedding

What to enjoy

  • Balcony

Freshen up

  • Private bathroom
  • Shower only
  • Free toiletries
  • Hairdryer
  • Towels

Stay connected

  • Desk
  • Free WiFi
  • Phone

More

  • Daily housekeeping
  • In-room safe

Special features

Spa

Guests can indulge in a pampering treatment at the hotel's full-service spa. Services include facials, body wraps, body scrubs and body treatments.

Dining

On-site venue – This restaurant specialises in local and international cuisine and serves breakfast, lunch and dinner.
On-site venue No. 2 – This restaurant specialises in local and international cuisine and serves lunch and dinner.

Fees & policies

Optional extras

  • Airport shuttle service is offered for an extra charge of USD 20.00 per person (one way)
  • Late check-out can be arranged for an extra charge (subject to availability)

Children & extra beds

  • Babysitting is available for an extra charge

Policies

This property accepts credit cards, debit cards and cash.

Also known as

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

Frequently asked questions

Does Hemingways Watamu offer free cancellation for a full refund?
Yes, Hemingways Watamu does have fully refundable room rates available to book on our site. If you’ve booked a fully refundable room rate, this can be cancelled up to a few days before check-in, depending on the property's cancellation policy. Just make sure that you check this property's cancellation policy for the exact terms and conditions.
Is there a pool at Hemingways Watamu?
Yes, there are 2 outdoor pools and a children's pool.
Are pets allowed at Hemingways Watamu?
Sorry, neither pets nor service animals are allowed.
Is parking offered on site at Hemingways Watamu?
Yes, there's free self parking.
Is an airport shuttle service offered by Hemingways Watamu?
Yes, an airport shuttle is available. The charge is USD 20.00 per person one way.
What are the check-in and check-out times at Hemingways Watamu?
Check-in start time: 1:00 PM; check-in end time: midnight. Check-out time is 10:00 AM. Late check-out is available for a charge (subject to availability).
What is there to do at Hemingways Watamu and nearby?
Have fun with on-site activities such as fishing and scuba-diving. Indulge in a treatment at the spa and enjoy a swim in one of the 2 outdoor swimming pools. Hemingways Watamu also has a fitness centre and spa services, as well as a garden.
Are there restaurants at or near Hemingways Watamu?
Yes, there's an on-site restaurant that offers local and international cuisine.
Does Hemingways Watamu have any outdoor private spaces?
Yes, every room features a balcony.
What's the area around Hemingways Watamu like?
Hemingways Watamu is a short 14-minute walk from Watamu Beach and 18 minutes' walk from Prawn Lake.

Hemingways Watamu Reviews

Reviews

9.0

Wonderful

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 Exceptional

Adrian, 4-night trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review

8/10 Very good

Rajay, 6-night trip
Verified Expedia guest review

10/10 Exceptional

Faith Nthenya, 6-night trip
Verified Expedia guest review

10/10 Exceptional

eve, 2-night trip
Verified Expedia guest review

10/10 Exceptional

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.
Kathryn, 3-night romance trip
Verified Expedia guest review

10/10 Exceptional

Margaret, 4-night trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review

10/10 Exceptional

Excellent property on the beach. All rooms are ocean facing. Perfect for a romantic getaway or adult friends
Poonam, 2-night trip
Verified Expedia guest review

10/10 Exceptional

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!
Katie, 7-night family trip
Verified Expedia guest review

10/10 Exceptional

Daniel, 1-night trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review

10/10 Exceptional

John, 1-night trip
Verified Expedia guest review

10/10 Exceptional

Bo Ra, 2-night trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review

6/10 Good

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.
1-night family trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review

2/10 Poor

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.
Kosi, 1-night trip
Verified Expedia guest review

8/10 Very good

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.
Hua, 3-night trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review

10/10 Exceptional

The staff were helpful and pleasant all the time. The hotel was right at the beach and the food was excellent
JEANETTE MARIE, 2-night romance trip
Verified Orbitz guest review

10/10 Exceptional

Great hotel property with lots of amenities and access to the beach! Enjoyed our stay and highly recommended!
Yasin Samatar, 2-night family trip
Verified Expedia guest review

10/10 Exceptional

2-night trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review

8/10 Very good

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.
michael, 3-night romance trip
Verified Orbitz guest review

10/10 Exceptional

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.
Nancy, 2-night trip
Verified Expedia guest review

10/10 Exceptional

Excellent I would definitely go back
Eleanor, 3-night family trip
Verified Expedia guest review

10/10 Exceptional

3-night trip
Verified Expedia guest review

10/10 Exceptional

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
1-night family trip
Verified Expedia guest review

8/10 Very good

2-night trip
Verified Expedia guest review

10/10 Exceptional

Very friendly, welcoming and helpful staff.Every room has an ocean view.
5-night romance trip
Verified Expedia guest review

10/10 Exceptional

Njeri, 1-night trip with friends
Verified Hotels.com guest review