Hotel reviews: Diani Sea Lodge

• Location
• TO KNOW
• Overview
• Accommodation
• Food and drink
• Beach
• Photos

For those who are more inquisitive by nature, Mombasa has little in the way of tourist attractions, but it would, nevertheless, be a shame not to take the time to visit the old town. The neighbourhood could do with some renovation, but Fort Jesus is an interesting place to discover. Built in the 17th century by the Portuguese, its purpose was to protect the port from foreign invasions.
Those who like to sunbathe topless should bear in mind that this is simply forbidden in Kenya, and is punishable by law.

• Location
• TO KNOW
• Overview
• Accommodation
• Food and drink
• Beach
• Photos

The establishment opened in the 90's but it was last renovated in 2007. This is a well-kept establishment, which is a good thing as there is not much else to say for the Diani Sea Lodge. The lobby is strangely reminiscent of an ancient home, probably because of the old furniture. Nevertheless, the staff at the reception desk is friendly. Further on in the building there is the hotel's swimming pool. The size of the pool is too small considering the number of rooms, but thankfully there is a sufficient quantity of deck-chairs. You might find the area around the pool rather crowded, but there is enough space on the lawn. The sports centre deserves a special mention. It consists of a room that includes... two table tennis tables! If you're in need of a massage, however, there are two massage parlours just next to it.

• Location
• TO KNOW
• Overview
• Accommodation
• Food and drink
• Beach
• Photos

The Diani Sea Lodge has 161 rooms organised into three categories: the standard rooms, superior rooms and the "Baharis". The standard rooms are located at the rear of the building and face the parking lot... They are housed in small bungalows and are rather nice, with their private terraces. However, once inside, the setting is very different. The room offers little other than furniture. Luckily there is a bed... The lack of detail, not even a painting on the wall, makes the place unbearably dull. There is no mini-bar, no telephone, no room service, and no hair dryer... If you want to watch TV, you'll have to book a superior room. There is a €10 price difference, but it's worth every cent. As for the bathrooms, these are rather well-kept but there is a strong smell of damp.

• Location
• TO KNOW
• Overview
• Accommodation
• Food and drink
• Beach
• Photos

The Diani Sea Lodge has two restaurants, if you take into account the fact that the bar at the swimming pool serves breakfast and lunch. The main restaurant is located in the same building as the lobby and serves dinner, in the style of a buffet. The buffet is located at the far end of the room and is not easily accessed. The open room is quite enjoyable but one regrettable feature is the fact that the tables are all lined up next to one another. It is therefore more pleasant to eat outside. As for the food itself, the menu changes every three weeks, so you can quickly become bored with what's on offer... The hotel has some nice garden tables, used during its barbecue evenings.

• Z Location
• TO KNOW
• Overview
• Accommodation
• Food and drink
• Beach
• Photos

The establishment is situated next to the beautiful beach of Diani. There are deck-chairs, set up along a small wall, which prevents guests from being pestered by the beach sellers, who come in numbers to these parts. There are also some steps, leading directly down to the Indian Ocean. Like most beaches in Kenya, the coral reef is not very far from the shore. It is therefore preferable for those with fragile feet to wear sandals when bathing in the sea. Due to the weather, and especially to the tides, the beach can be invaded by seaweed. Swimming presents no particular risk: the waves are gentle and the beach is not very windy.