This place is so special. The staff really made me feel at home and as someone traveling alone, this was really welcome. The location was both amazing and challenging - in the heart of everything but sometimes the bustle (and tour touting) of the harbour was a bit too close. My room was stunning, as was the whole building - it was like staying in a movie set or a living museum for Swahili architecture. The food was really great - and grown on their own permaculture farm. One thing that was very interesting was that whenever I told a local where I was staying, they all had very positive things to share about the hotel and about Mama Subira, including how she has invested in local people and was an advocate for preserving their cultural heritage. Sometimes I wonder if places like this are PR spin, but this is the real deal.

Just my own ability to cope with the tour touts who hang about nearby, but they got to know my face after a few days. The uneven paths and dark alley in this area may not be suitable for those with limited mobility.

Great historical building with an amazing Swahili architecture. We came back to Lamu after two years and even though we browsed a little bit, there was no other place that we rather wanted to stay at. Perfectly located behind the Fort, right behind the main square, Subira is easy to find, offers the greatest views and privacy. Everyone working there made our stay a true pleasure. Absolutely loved it, also this time. Some part of the downstairs area is now a café for the public which invited people during the day – really nice touch that makes it more lively.

Nothing to complain. I only wished the towels would have been switched more frequently because of the humid weather, but I respect the hotel's commitment to an ecofriendly accomodation style.

Subira house is a pure nest of Lamu for travelers. Every detail has a story and a soul. The place is magical filled with history of the island and beyond. The homemade food is delicious made from scratch, from yogurt to bread and homegrown fruits and vegetables. Christina and the Subira team are incredibly welcoming, kind and helpful. With many suggestions and arrangements they made my stay completely unique and unforgettable. Cannot wait to return Thank you Subira House!

Breakfast was good with fresh fruit, The tours arranged were excellent, Muhammed was a great host and you must try the cinnamon and ginger lemon drink and the unique Coffee downstairs you will be hooked.

It would be good to have a fridge Upstairs, Some extra fans in the rooms or water cooler. fan,. Also Mosquito heat pads in all the rooms. Also the Wifi at times was quite troublesome, it would be good if you could improve this. Maybe a smart TV in the sitting area .

Very likeable are the very kind and attentive staff and very attractive the historic Arabic architectural and furnishing style were stunning. This guest house was the former house of the Lamu governor appointed way back by the Sultan of Zanzibar and its rooms and spaces echo said times. Staff very accommodating and helpful. Its location is right behind the historical Lamu fort which makes it a great landmark to ask for when originally lost in a warren of bewildering yet charming tiny alleys. Old Town Lamu is solely experienced on foot and the occasional donkey (cart), no modern motorized vehicles anywhere to be found. Good walking shoes recommended and sturdy bags as the alley surfaces do not usually invite bags to be 'rolled'. At the ready young men can be found at the airport or landing pier to carry bags for a few hundered KES. Locals are very friendly and greet you regularly upon encountering them in the alley warren.

Subira House has ecological standards and this covers the area of their plumbing. All is doable, but requires adjustments. There is no "modern day sewage system" under the roads and alleys of Old Town Lamu and while charm abounds and individual places are well-maintained or restored, many areas are crumbling, forgotten and dirty. Nothing unsurmountable, but it might stretch usual tourist expectations...it is however authentic!

Subira house is a beautiful oasis of calm in the heart of Lamu town. The communal areas are lovingly furnished and comfortable, and the whole house has an otherworldly feel to it which we really loved. The views across the Lamu rooftops are delightful and the star gazing opportunities at night are fantastic. The food is good, we really appreciated their eco values (including the provision of free filtered water) and the staff are really attentive and friendly. We enjoyed getting to know the owners, who were helpful and always willing to impart local knowledge. We would recommend a stay here.

When we were there there were several lengthy area-wide power cuts - it was incredibly hot in our room overnight with no power for the fan, and our room didn’t seem to get much of a breeze (maybe other rooms were better located from that point of view!). The only other criticism is that things like the communal water dispensers could have been topped up a bit more frequently, and our room sometimes could have benefitted from a slightly more thorough clean each day (important when there are bugs around, and we had a snack-obsessed toddler with us) and, lastly, there were quite a few flies bothering us at breakfast (probably a Lamu-wide issue) which made an otherwise very pleasant meal slightly less relaxing!

Beautiful eco-certified hotel in Lamu Town. Whilst the town itself is not everyone’s cup of tea, recommend you visiting it or even spend the entire time here saving you lots of money whilst commuting to Shela and Manda Bay. The hotel itself is picturesque and well maintained with a delicious breakfast and slow food dinner offering. Everything from the towels to the soap and water is sustainably sourced. The couple that runs the hotel is humble and passionate, full of life stories. Be mindful of the sustainable latrine toilets but if you’ll ever try them, it’s here. Indulge in a yoga class and enjoy the beautiful sky at night.

The house is very well located, making it convenient to get your bearings and experience Lamu’s authentic ambiance. The house in itself is gorgeous and well ventilated, with several resting areas. The room was very spacious and well maintained, with eco-friendly towels and toilets. The breakfast was particularly good and filling, with everything homemade or locally sourced and very tasty. The staff is very polite, hospitable and skilled.

Nothing

What can I say.. Subira House exceeded all our expectations and if you are looking to travel to Lamu - do not hesitate to book! On our first night, we had a lovely dinner with the owners (Kiki & Paul), Mohamed as well as other guests. I highly recommend this experience - delicious dinner with amazing company plus learned a lot about Lamu and its history! Mohamed organised a walking tour, sunset dhow cruise + snorkelling trip for us. All of it was seamless and just amazing! On top of this, Subira House is a grade 1 listed property in the heart of Lamu. The attention to detail, beautiful artwork and eco friendly ethos makes it one of the best guesthouses I have stayed in the world!! We made some amazing friends from the guesthouse that we will never forget... And we were treated like QUEENS! Best experience in Lamu :)

I can't think of anything!

Very authentic atmosphere, with kind welcome from Christina and Paul, helping us to guide. Amazing dinner, lovely trip to their shamba and nice exchange with other guests. Staying in the old town makes you witness the "real" life in Lamu which is quite an experience

On the first night we had some noise from a neighbouring metal sheeting. The noise was gone the next day. I suspect Christina took care of it :-)