The Best Hotels to Book in Mombasa, Kenya

Sat on the coast, Mombasa is the oldest city in Kenya
Sat on the coast, Mombasa is the oldest city in Kenya | Courtesy of Kahama Hotel Mombasa / Expedia
Corlena Bailey

Mombasa is the second-largest city in Kenya and a prime tourist destination. Thanks to its prime location on the Indian Ocean, it has long been an important trading centre, and today is a modern city with vast infrastructure, including a range of top places to stay. If you’re planning a visit, try one of the best hotels in Mombasa – bookable on Culture Trip.

1. The Funzi Keys Resort

Hotel

Located near the coast, The Funzi Keys Resort is perfect for anyone searching for barefoot luxury. This paradise features nine private bungalows, has no dress code and offers activities like windsurfing, kayaking, diving and fishing. Be close to nature and enjoy beautiful sunsets; have dinner by the roaring fire at the beach or at the pool; sleep peacefully in a hut with no doors, no TV, no wifi and witness the water lapping your doorstep when the tide is in. The friendly, courteous staff will take care of all your needs.

2. Ziwa Beach Resort

Hotel

Covered seating area with rustic wooden furniture at Ziwa Beach Resort
Courtesy of Ziwa Beach Resort / Expedia

Located along the Bamburi beach, Ziwa Beach Resort (formerly Bamburi Beach Resort) is the ideal destination for anyone looking for having a good time in an Afrocentric setting. This rare gem has open plan cottages with safari-style designs that are ensuite with private verandas, spacious bathrooms and fitted with modern equipment and air conditioning. Enjoy poolside cocktails or relax on the beach while watching the local fishing dhows, or tourists riding by on camelback. What makes Ziwa so appealing is that it has a natural environment, but does not compromise on modern facilities.

3. Diani Reef Beach Resort and Spa

Hotel

Outdoor swimming pool at Diani Reef Beach Resort and Spa
Courtesy of Diani Reef Beach Resort and Spa / Expedia

If you’re looking for a hotel in Mombasa in which you’ll be pampered and surrounded by luxury, Diani Reef Beach Resort and Spa is for you. This luxury resort offers 143 pleasingly decorated rooms with modern architectural design that blends well with the African natural scenery. A perfect romantic getaway for honeymooners or a leisure vacation spot, this award-winning five-star resort has everything to make you feel like royalty. Enjoy an on-site cinema, pool, kids club and evening entertainment. Alternatively, call a taxi and explore outstanding wildlife parks, experience adventure safaris and enjoy the Swahili culture around Kenya.

5. Kahama Hotel

Hotel

Double bedroom at Kahama Hotel with netting above bed
Courtesy of Kahama Hotel / Expedia

Kahama is a budget-friendly hotel for visitors who would like to experience Kenya’s culture at reasonable prices. The family-oriented hotel in Mombasa showcases genuine Kenyan hospitality and is set within tropical lush gardens with a large swimming pool as its centrepiece. Rooms are elegantly decorated and have air conditioning and mosquito netting around king-size or twin beds. They offer complimentary breakfast and free wifi and the beach is just a two-minute walk away. Enjoy nightly entertainment from resident DJ at Kahama’s own sports bar and restaurant, a popular hangout spot for locals and visitors alike.

6. Hotel Radiance

Hotel

Double bedroom at Hotel Radiance
Courtesy of Hotel Radiance / Expedia

Tucked away along the busy Mombasa Road is the business-oriented Hotel Radiance. Only ten minutes away from Moi International Airport, Hotel Radiance provides easy access to Mombasa’s central business district and major tourist attractions. Its convenient location and the fact that it has a conference room that can accommodate up to 150 delegates make it ideal for mixing business with pleasure. Wifi and stationery are complimentary and an overhead projector is available for rental. Enjoy delicious Indian, continental and local dishes along with choice alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages all day at the restaurant on site.

7. Tijara Beach Hotel

Hotel

Outside seating area at Tijara Beach Hotel with rust coloured cushions
Courtesy of Tijara Beach Hotel / Expedia

Tijara Beach Hotel offers exclusivity, privacy and extravagance at any of their four cottages. Situated only a short distance from Mombasa Island, Tijara is locked away in a dream world of leisure, luxury and lavish living. Each cottage is spread far apart to ensure privacy. The rooms are decorated in Swahili designs with handcrafted furniture, king-sized beds, sofas, coffee tables and a private deck with sunbed, daybed and plantation chairs for comfort. Have a swim in the pool or take leisure strolls in the garden and along the oceanfront. Don’t forget to take a walk to the historic cave nearby.

8. Ocean View Nyali Boutique Hotel

Boutique Hotel, Hotel

Double bedroom at Ocean View Nyali Boutique Hotel with balcony and view over water
Courtesy of Ocean View Nyali Boutique Hotel / Booking.com
Ocean View Nyali Boutique Hotel is located in close proximity to Mombasa beach and has a beautiful view of the ocean, an outdoor pool and a restaurant. The rooms are simple but elegantly designed and offer cable TV and private bathroom facilities. Enjoy a panoramic view of the ocean, garden and pool from the rooms. The reasonably priced hotel also has a 24-hour desk to cater to all your needs. Shopping malls and clubs are very close by. Feel free to blend in with the locals who are warm and friendly.

9. Kenya Bay Beach Hotel

Hotel

Situated on the Bamburi stretch of the city, Kenya Bay Beach is one of the most popular hotels in Mombasa 106 air-conditioned rooms with balconies. The hotel is suitable for both business and leisure, as it boasts a conference room and a private meeting room. What better way to close that business deal? Try scuba diving, jet skiing, or simply stop at the on-site nightclub and entertainment spot, there to serve tasty meals and beverages.

10. The Maji Beach Boutique Hotel

Hotel

Large double bedroom at The Maji Beach Boutique Hotel with rustic looking rugs and wall art and a balcony
Courtesy of The Maji Beach Boutique Hotel / Booking.com

The Maji Beach Boutique Hotel caters to any type of holiday budget while maintaining excellent customer service for all guests. The word maji is Swahili for water, the focal theme for this captivating hotel. Feel the enchantment of the aquatic setting that boasts a swimming pool springing from the hotel lobby and surrounding three sides of hotel, along with other water features. Be pampered with personalised service and be sure to purchase stunning African art from Diani Beach Art Gallery showcasing at the hotel.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.

Culture Trip Spring Sale

Save up to $1,100 on our unique small-group trips! Limited spots.

X
Edit article