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Hemingways Watamu

4.5 star property
Luxury hotel on the beach, with 2 outdoor pools

Photo gallery for Hemingways Watamu

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

Reviews

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful

Popular amenities

  • Bar
  • Pool
  • Gym
  • Spa
  • Room service
  • 24/7 front desk
The current price is NZ$515
includes taxes & fees
1 Mar - 2 Mar

Explore the area

Map
Watamu, Watamu, Kilifi County, 80202
  • Watamu Beach
    ‪14 min walk‬
  • Prawn Lake
    ‪18 min walk‬
  • Mida Creek
    ‪7 min drive‬
  • Malindi (MYD)
    ‪27 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

Highlights

Balcony
Soundproofed
Air conditioning
TV
Ceiling fan
Premium bedding
Hairdryer
Shower/bath combination
  • 40 sq m
  • Ocean view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

View all photos for Standard Double Room, Ocean View

Premium bedding, minibar, in-room safe, desk

Standard Double Room, Ocean View

Highlights

Balcony
Soundproofed
Air conditioning
TV
Ceiling fan
Premium bedding
Hairdryer
Shower/bath combination
  • 40 sq m
  • Ocean view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

View all photos for Deluxe Single Room, Ocean View

Premium bedding, minibar, in-room safe, desk

Deluxe Single Room, Ocean View

Highlights

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

View all photos for Standard Single Room, Ocean View

Premium bedding, minibar, in-room safe, desk

Standard Single Room, Ocean View

Highlights

Balcony
Soundproofed
Air conditioning
TV
Ceiling fan
Premium bedding
Hairdryer
Shower/bath combination
  • 40.0 sq m
  • Ocean view
  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Single Bed

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

Premium bedding, minibar, in-room safe, desk

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

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

Premium bedding, minibar, in-room safe, desk

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

View all photos for Penthouse, 4 Bedrooms, Ocean View

Penthouse, 4 Bedrooms, Ocean View

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

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

Premium bedding, minibar, in-room safe, desk

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

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includes taxes & fees
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About the area

Watamu

A luxury stay in Watamu awaits you at Hemingways Watamu. Within a 20-minute stroll, you'll find Watamu Beach and Prawn Lake. Highlights at this beachfront hotel include 2 outdoor swimming pools, a full-service spa and a restaurant. .A day of pampering can include massages, body wraps and mani/pedis. The hotel's own lounge bar is a nice place to enjoy a drink. Spend the day at the beach and enjoy the on-site gym, kids' swimming pool and pool loungers. Business amenities include a meeting room and a business centre. Plus you'll find free Wi-Fi in public areas, a snack bar/deli and laundry facilities. There's also free self parking, along with the convenience of an airport shuttle. .Sights within a 10-minute drive of this 4.5-property class Watamu hotel include Mida Creek and Watamu Marine National Park.

What's nearby

  • Watamu Beach - 14 min walk
  • Prawn Lake - 18 min walk
  • Mida Creek - 7 min drive
  • Watamu Marine National Park - 8 min drive
  • Ruins of Gedi - 15 min drive

Getting around

  • Malindi (MYD) - 27 min drive

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

Luxury hotel on the beach, with 2 outdoor pools
Hemingways Watamu offers its guests a full-service spa, 2 outdoor swimming pools, a fitness centre, and a children's pool. There's a restaurant on site, as well as a snack bar/deli. You can enjoy a drink at the bar/lounge. WiFi is free in public spaces.

A business centre and a meeting room are available. Spa services, a terrace, and gift shops/newsstands are also featured at the luxury Hemingways Watamu. An airport shuttle (available 24 hours) is available for a fee. Self parking is free.

This 4.5-star Watamu hotel is smoke free.

  • 60 guestrooms or units
  • Deli
  • Childcare (surcharge)
  • Poolside lounge chairs
  • Umbrellas for the pool
  • Business facilities
  • Dry cleaning
  • Self-service laundry
  • Front desk (24 hours)
  • Storage area for luggage
  • Front desk safe
  • Tour and ticket information
  • Concierge
  • Terrace
  • Garden
  • Gift shop
  • Beauty salon
  • Newspapers in lobby (free)
  • Lift
  • No smoking on site
  • Bar or lounge
  • 1 conference room
  • Dining venue
Hemingways Watamu offers 60 air-conditioned accommodations with minibars and a safe. Rooms open to balconies. Beds feature premium bedding. Televisions come with satellite channels. Bathrooms include a shower, bathrobes, slippers and complimentary toiletries.

Guests can surf the web using complimentary wireless Internet access. Business-friendly amenities include desks and telephones. Additionally, rooms include coffee/tea makers and a hairdryer. Housekeeping is offered on a daily basis and an iron/ironing board can be requested.

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

Languages

English

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transport

  • 24-hour return 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 centre
  • 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.
  • Grab bar near toilet
  • Lift

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Premium bedding

Bathroom

  • Dressing gowns
  • Free toiletries
  • Hair dryer
  • Private bathroom
  • 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

Access methods

Staffed front desk

Pets

  • Pets and service animals are not allowed at Hemingways Watamu

Children and extra beds

  • Children are welcome.
  • Kids stay free! One child 5 years old or younger stays free when using existing bedding.
  • Rollaway/extra beds are not available.
  • Cots (infant beds) are not available.

Payment types

Important information

Optional extras

The fees and deposits listed below will be charged at the time of service, check-in, or check-out.

  • Airport shuttle fee: USD 20.00 per person (one way)
  • Late check-out is available for a fee (subject to availability)

This may not be a comprehensive list. Fees and deposits are subject to change and might not include tax.

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
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary according to property policy.
A cash deposit, credit card or debit card for incidental charges and government-issued photo identification may be required upon check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in. Special requests can't be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.
    This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business or profession. This property accepts Visa, Mastercard, debit cards and cash.

We should mention

  • One child aged 5 years old or younger stays free in the same room as the parent or guardian when using existing bedding.
  • Pets and service animals are not allowed on site.

Property is also known as

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

Frequently asked questions

What is the cancellation policy at Hemingways Watamu?

Hemingways Watamu offers free cancellation on select room rates. Check out the cancellation policy for more info.

How much does it cost to stay at Hemingways Watamu?

As of 16 Feb 2025, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Hemingways Watamu on 1 Mar 2025 start from NZ$515.26, 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.

Is parking available at Hemingways Watamu?

Yep, Hemingways Watamu has a free self car park.

Are there any beaches close to Hemingways Watamu?

Yep, Hemingways Watamu is a short 14-minute walk from Watamu Beach. Fun beach activities include snorkelling, scuba diving and windsurfing.

Is there a spa on site at Hemingways Watamu?

Yep, there is an onsite spa at Hemingways Watamu. You'll enjoy heaps of services like body wraps, body scrubs and facials.

Does Hemingways Watamu have a pool?

Hemingways Watamu has 2 outdoor swimming pools and a kids' pool. Grab your bathers and lounge poolside while enjoying under the shade of an umbrella.

What makes Hemingways Watamu a romantic place to stay?

A lounge bar and 24-hour room service, as well as premium bedding and private balconies in the guestrooms, help set the scene for a romantic weekend at Hemingways Watamu.

Is Hemingways Watamu family-friendly?

You bet! With amenities such as a children's pool, babysitting services and laundry facilities, it's no surprise that Hemingways Watamu is a hit with families.

Is there a free airport shuttle available at Hemingways Watamu?

No, but there's an airport shuttle that runs 24 hours a day on request for a fee.

Is there a bar or restaurant at Hemingways Watamu?

Yep, they've got a lounge bar and an onsite restaurant that serves local and international cuisine. Pre dinner cocktails anyone?

What time are check-in & check-out at Hemingways Watamu?

Check-in begins at 1:00 PM. Check-out time is 10:00 AM.

Are pets allowed at Hemingways Watamu?

No, pets and service animals are not allowed.

Is there a golf course on site at Hemingways Watamu?

There is a golf course next to Hemingways Watamu.

Hemingways Watamu Reviews

Reviews

9.0

Wonderful

Rating 10 - Excellent. 33 out of 46 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 7 out of 46 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 3 out of 46 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 46 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 3 out of 46 reviews

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

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

8/10 Good

Rajay

Stayed 6 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Faith Nthenya

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 6 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

eve

Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Kathryn

Travelled with partner
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

10/10 Excellent

Margaret

Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2024

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

10/10 Excellent

Katie

Travelled with family
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

10/10 Excellent

Daniel

Stayed 1 night in Oct 2022

10/10 Excellent

John

Stayed 1 night in Sep 2022

10/10 Excellent

Bo Ra

Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2022

6/10 Okay

Verified traveller

Travelled with family
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

2/10 Terrible

Kosi, Marrakech

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

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

10/10 Excellent

JEANETTE MARIE

Travelled with partner
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

10/10 Excellent

Yasin Samatar

Travelled with family
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

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2022

8/10 Good

michael

Travelled with partner
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

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

10/10 Excellent

Eleanor

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

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2021

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Travelled with family and small children
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

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

Stayed 2 nights in May 2021

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Travelled with partner
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

10/10 Excellent

Njeri

Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2020