Hotel African Pearl

Hotel African Pearl is on quite a busy road, but the gardens and swimming pool / chill area mean you would barely notice.

Look, this is a locally-run hotel kind of in between a backpacker hostel and a basic chain-style hotel - i.e. there are things which work, other things which work less (some areas could do with a bit of TLC), so it is best assessed based on the price -which is extremely reasonable.

We travelled as a couple.

I try to support local hotels where possible, my partner would be pickier, preferring a more luxury hotel - but he was happy enough with Jeff's slightly creaky locally made beds, painted rustic bathroom, wifi in the lobby, etc etc.

Other Beach Hotels and Vacation Villas

We had a room upstairs in the main building above reception, with an airy terrace looking out over the grounds.

Location-wise, it’s not on the beach but it is a 10 minute walk from the town and a couple of good Italian restaurants.

Tuc-tucs pass often and it is easy to get to where you are going, and the young waiters in the Italian restaurant were able to put us in touch with a taxi driver friend of theirs who took us on a private tour to the Gedi ruins and Hell's Kitchen - both of which are essential viewing!

If you want mass-produced tourism run by international operators with mini bar in your room and cable TV, head to one of the tourist traps along the coast. If you want Kenya, this hotel is a good option.

Jeff came up trumps yet again the three weeks there was brilliant always a warm welcome good breakfast to start the day clean and newly decorated rooms welcoming staff nothing is too much trouble can’t wait to go back next year or sooner if we win the lottery. THANKS AGAIN JEFF HOPE TO SEE YOU SOON.