Friendly staff who are welcoming and attentive to guests' needs. The Swahili breakfast gives a taste of Lamu/Shela, and the location close to the beach was ideal for a getaway. We didn't use the pool, but it was one of the reasons that drew us to the place, in case there was a day where outside conditions weren't the best to go out to sea. We stayed in one room that had a great view of the sea in the distance, and the buildings in the village too. The next room we stayed in had a view of other buildings - great for people watching but not so much for sea views. The rooms were well serviced upon request.

The rooms could have been cleaned daily, as the windows have shutters that let in dust and sand from the sea. When requested, this was resolved. As it is situated in Shela village, sounds of life like nearby school and children's playground can be loud and does not make for good day sleeping. There is not much signage leading to the property, and many ways to get there (or to get lost!) Guests may have to use Maps to get around at times.

We stayed in the seaview suite. I did not see the other "normal" rooms, so I don't know about them, but our room was just superb. The room in itself is just a normal and very ok room, but you get a large private area just outside with several seating/relaxing arragements and a super nice view. We actually ended up spending most of our days there just because it was so nice and relaxing (especially after 3 nights in the old town with a lot more noise). We had dinner at the hotel the first night, and got it brought to our outside area upstairs. The same with the breakfast both days. You go down, order what you want, and they will bring it to you. The staff are very friendly and helpful. Just tried the swimming pool once, but it was ok. Nice to be able to taka dip after a warm day. The property is not directly on the beach, but unless you get lost it should not take more than 5 minutes to walk there.

It could be a little bit difficult to find the place when you try to go home from the beach. Both days, we walked in the wring direction several times before we just ended up making sure we had some signs to follow, and then it was easy. But anyone you ask will be more than willing to help you out and point you to the right direction, so it is not really a problem.

We absolutely loved our 3 nights at Msafini, I would highly recommend it and would definitely go back. The building is beautiful, the staff were so friendly and helpful, and the swimming pool was gorgeous. The location was perfect for exploring Shela and only a few minutes walk from the jetty and maybe 10-15 mins to the beach (it's quickest at low tide when you can just walk along the coast path). We had the King suite on the top floor which was fantastic with a huge private balcony/terrace with lots of comfortable seating and even a dining table and a fridge. The stand out feature though was the gorgeous view across Shela to the sea - a very calm spot to sit and relax. I highly recommend booking the suite if you can! The beds were comfortable too, and while it was hot at night, the fans helped a bit and the mosquito nets kept the insects out. Oh and the breakfast was great - fresh fruit, incredible smoothies, and various combinations of eggs/toast/pancakes. You have to try to Swahili breakfast (coconut lentils, samosas, swahili doughnuts and various other bits) at least once!

I guess the only thing that could be improved is the water pressure in the shower, but it was just about good enough to have a decent wash. Oh and the lady who runs the hotel wasn't quite as smiley and friendly as the rest of the staff.

We had an excellent stay at Msafini. The staff were wonderful and the facilities (for the price) were really great. Also super location that is in walking distance of everything and lovely food.

If I am being really picky, the room was very slightly too warm - could maybe be solved with slightly stronger fans? Shower head could probably do with being updated and more sun loungers needed by pool. Really nothing very important though!

Staff were very helpful and friendly. Fans for cooling worked well. Great location.

Room was small for a couple with an 11 year old child. We were told we would have a slightly larger room but we think you gave it away to the couple who was complaining at the desk who got there before us. The pool was not clean so sadly we did not use it. No shampoo or conditioner.

The first night i didn't stay at the room that corresponded to the photos and description of what i booked and i didn't like it much, but they changed me the next day to that room and it was perfect. It was a mistake in booking that was fixed. I totally recommend to stay at room number 3, third floor. It is perfect to relax, enjoy the views and take amazing photos. The views from the restaurant are also great. The hotel in owned by a local and they help children of the village (i caught children doing an exam at the restaurant to win a scholarship) and they also help a women association from the village. The staff is super kind and nice. Rukia, a sweet lady and person, who is in charge, try to fix anything and help. They just need to inform better the clients about the pick up/drop off at/to the airport, about the tours and how to go from/to Lamu. A "captain" of a boat, that also works with the hotel, named Che (Shee) is very good and make good prices (+254704679628) for pick up/go to the airport, also for tours, and I really recommend him. I also recommend to do the Takwa Ruins. The wifi is good. The breakfast is also good. You have to have in mind that you will not have really hot water but keep in mind that you still are a privileged person in Africa.

The lack of information before going about the pick up/drop off system at the airport and how to go to Lamu.

Great place to stay in Shela! We've got 2 spacious rooms on the highest floor with ocean and island view, connected by a huge terasse with places to lounge. Beds comfortable and equipped with a mosquito set. Ventilators working well, although the heat could not be beated. The staff was extremely helpful, satisfying all our needs, always smiling. The rooftop restaurant also has incredible views over the island and sea, sunrise and sunset with a breeze. Food - breakfast and dinner - was delicious. The place is highly recommended!

This was a lovely hotel and we had a wonderful stay. I didn't expect the architectre would be so beautiful but then I had no idea about the architechtural style of Lamu before I arrived. We were in the luxury suite that I would say is really important. I wouldn't be able to review the other rooms, but we had the most incrediblly terrace with swinging bed, table, sofa and beautiful views. The breakfasts were good and the food of the restaurant was extremely good and it was on the roof so lovely views. It was very quiet when we were there so we sometimes had the whole roof to ourselves, like a private restaurant. The place is also situated 5 minutes from the beach. Please note that to get to the really really nice beaches you have to walk about 10-15 minutes, but there is not a hotel or café in site which is great but you should bring your own refreshments. Last thing, the staff were wonderful, so friendly and helpful and just great.

We stayed 4 nights and no-one came to clean our room.

My stay at Msafini Hotel was great! The staff (including but not limited to Joshua, Dickson, and Davis) were exceedingly kind and friendly and I can tell that they went above and beyond to make me feel comfortable. I really enjoyed the large breakfasts included with an array of options to choose from and I could also choose when and where I wanted to take my breakfast. My room was on the top floor with a stunning view and the location was convenient with the jetty and Shela Beach close by. I got my money's worth for 3 nights.

I wish drinking water (besides the small bottle upon check-in) came with the room and breakfast, but I suppose not providing it is standard at many places. It would also have been nice if they provided shampoo and conditioner in addition to the soap. I made sure I brought my own in case which was a good call.

Great location, happy and friendly staff going extra miles to ensure our happiness ( we salute Joshua and David), nice and we'll organized facility, yummy yummy food!😋😋

Communication by phone to the reception. All our calls a day before the trip went unanswered, all our calls before leaving home to the facility went unanswered, on arrival at the airport we still couldn't reach the receptionist by phone for clear direction. We had to guess our way to the facility. However, our previous contact by email was a great success.