Mombasa hotels

HI Alexpo that will be an interesting trip. I was last there about 7 years ago I guess, and stayed at the Voyager Beach Hotel, which had been recommended by a client. It was not over the top, probably a good 3*, maybe 4, but certainly very pleasant indeed. It was clean, seemed fresh, lovely grounds and staff all helpful. The reception staff felt sorry for me as I was travelling alone (as was working) and gave me a very good room facing out to sea, which was a stunning site.

It is also not so far out of town. Be warned though that if venturing on to the beach some of the people to be found there can be very friendly indeed…

How long will you stay for and which airlines are you using to get there?

Thanks for that sparkyflyer…will have a look. Flying Condor and will be there for 5 nights.

And thanks Charles-P.

Hi alexpo1
Don’t know Mombasa all that well, my choice on the Kenyan coast is a town north of Mombasa called Malindi, alas its proximity to the Somali border has probably put a few travellers off.

From what I’ve heard the hotels south of Mombasa (Shelly Beach to Diani Beach) are better than those on Nyali beach which if memory serves me right is pretty much in Mombasa just to the north.

In full agreement with sparkflyer regarding the beach, and you definitely want to go to the beach, absolutely stunning.

So I’m going to share with you, my toppest travel tip ever…….
Here is some Swahali phrases to practice…….

Jambo …….Hi
Habari ….. How are you
Mesuri sana ….I’m good
Si nia, rafiki yangu……Not interested, my friend
I kuishi karibu Nyeri…….. I live near Nyeri or somewhere similar Nakuru or Naivasha
Asante…….Thanks or Hakuna asate which is a firmer “ No thank you”

Speak to the barman to get your pronunciation right, and the hawkers et al will not pester you because they’ll believe you’re a Kenyan down from the highlands, a common practice to escape the high altitudes of the Highlands.

Tip 2
Take old clothes /socks (in good condition) to trade for souvenirs rather than cash with the beach hawkers. In many cases clothes are more valuable than money and avoid paying in US dollars. Oh, and obviously wait until your last day otherwise there’s no point of taking advantage of my tip above : )

And naturally Safari salama to you.

Alexpo trust me, if I can pull it off with my Edinburgh/Vancouver hybrid accent, and not forgetting my North Sea blue skinned hue… Like most people from up here I have to turn white before I can start to think of getting a tan anybody can.

The secret is to assertively and confidently engage minimally with them, after they hear Nyeri and asante sana just head into the water, they wont follow and if you’re as lucky as I’ve been they tend to spread the news that you’re a no go area because they don’t want hassle from the local constabulary !

And yes, Kenyan’s are incredibly friendly and I rate Kenya in my top 3 places I’ve ever been. Be aware though, go once and you’ll always have a yearning to go back !

I meant to add top tip 3, try booking directly with the hotel rather than through the web, my Dad sweras its saves him a fortune. make sure you mention in your e-mail that your comparing with other hotels and don’t be afraid to haggle.

Hello sparkyflyer

In the end I have gone for your recommendation. Apparently the place was renovated in 2010. Hope they let me check in early! Will let you know how I get on….Thanks

Be very careful about the “very friendly” beach people Alexpo. Forgive me if I’m trying to teach Grandma etc but when you’re alone, missing family and a bit vulnerable is when they approach you. Usually an attractive, seemingly well educated woman (or man) who shoes away all those who may be bothering you.

They engage you in intelligent conversation and are very good company which is what you want. You then find out they’re staying in your hotel, this of course is only announced after you say where you’re staying. What a coincidence as they even flash the same room card / key you have to prove it. Nothing improper is being suggested as s/he invites you to dinner. Yes, they will pay, so why not?

Next thing you know you’ve been slipped a Mickey Finn, your room’s been cleared along with cards, passport etc and the safe is no protection either as they can quickly crack that.

Enjoy the company but decline any invites. They’ll soon find another victim. If at all unsure just check with reception they’re really staying there.

OMG LP

Should I take my bodyguard? I am not very beachwise.

Seriously though, very sound advice thanks.

And thanks sparky for driver’s name.