Overview
Mombasa, Kenya’s bustling coastal city, is a melting pot of Swahili, Arab, Portuguese, and Indian cultures. It boasts a rich history, vibrant old town, lively markets, and some of East Africa’s best beaches—Nyali, Bamburi, Shanzu, and Diani (just south). Whether you seek luxury, history, fun for the family, or a wallet-friendly stay, you’ll find your ideal base for exploring the Kenyan coast.
1. Luxury Beach Resorts & Five-Star Hotels
Top-tier amenities, oceanfront pools, gourmet dining, and world-class service—ideal for honeymoons, events, or pure indulgence.
- Sarova Whitesands Beach Resort & Spa (Bamburi Beach): Expansive resort, multiple pools, spa, watersports, kids’ club, beachfront.
- Serena Beach Resort & Spa (Shanzu Beach): Lush gardens, traditional Swahili architecture, fine dining, spa, activities, family-friendly.
- Voyager Beach Resort (Nyali Beach): All-inclusive, ship-themed, lively entertainment, three restaurants, pools, family focus.
- PrideInn Paradise Beach Resort & Spa (Shanzu Beach): Huge waterpark, modern rooms, conference facilities, family suites.
- Leopard Beach Resort & Spa (Diani, near Mombasa): Award-winning, luxury suites, spa, kids’ club, excellent food.
- Swahili Beach Resort (Diani): Multi-level pools, Arabian style, luxury rooms, yoga, and spa.
- EnglishPoint Marina Hotel & Spa (Nyali Creek): Urban luxury, marina views, infinity pool, fine dining, modern suites.
2. Boutique Hotels & Heritage Stays
Unique, intimate, and often owner-managed—great for couples, solo travelers, and culture lovers.
- The Maji Beach Boutique Hotel (Diani): Adults-only, stunning pool, personalized service, beachfront.
- Tamarind Village (Nyali Creek): Apartments with kitchens, access to Tamarind Restaurant, marina views.
- Jahazi House (Old Town): Restored Swahili mansion, elegant decor, full service.
- Ziwa Beach Resort (Bamburi): Swahili-inspired, lush gardens, quiet beach spot.
- Makao Beach Hotel (Nyali): Chic, intimate, walking distance to Nyali Beach.
- Cowrie Shell Beach Apartments (Bamburi): Modern, self-cater, pool, beachfront.
- Jumeirah Beachfront Apartments (Shanzu): Boutique style, pools, sea views.
3. Family-Friendly Resorts & Hotels
Pools, kids’ activities, spacious rooms, and safe swimming beaches—ideal for all ages.
- Sarova Whitesands Beach Resort & Spa: Kids’ club, playground, children’s pool, babysitting.
- Voyager Beach Resort: Lively family atmosphere, animation team, games, family rooms.
- PrideInn Paradise Beach Resort: Waterpark, kids’ club, large rooms.
- Serena Beach Resort & Spa: Interconnecting rooms, children’s menus, cultural events.
- Travellers Beach Hotel & Club (Bamburi): Spacious grounds, multiple pools, kids’ club, all-inclusive.
- Bamburi Beach Hotel: Family rooms, beach volleyball, activities.
- Bahari Beach Hotel (Nyali): Large pools, gardens, direct beach access.
- Neptune Beach Resort (Bamburi): Pools, kids’ club, buffet, entertainment.
- Leopard Beach Resort & Spa: Family suites, kids’ activities, watersports.
- Severin Sea Lodge (Bamburi): Garden and beach, family rooms, pool, great food.
4. Mid-Range Hotels, Apartments & Serviced Suites
Great comfort and location at reasonable prices—good for longer stays, small groups, and business travelers.
- PrideInn Nyali Hotel: Business and leisure, pool, modern rooms, good value.
- Sun Africa Beach Resort (Nyali): Modern hotel, seafront, pool, popular for events.
- Cowrie Shell Beach Apartments: Self-catering, pool, direct beach access.
- Jumeirah Beachfront Apartments: Stylish, serviced, sea views, pools.
- CityBlue Creekside Hotel & Suites (Nyali Creek): Modern, central, pool, suites with kitchens.
- Sanana Conference & Holiday Resort (Shanzu): Suites, restaurant, pool, business-friendly.
- Makao Beach Hotel: Boutique, value, close to beach and malls.
- Royal Court Hotel (CBD): Rooftop pool, central, fitness center, popular with business travelers.
- Mei Place Apartments (Nyali): Self-cater, pool, affordable, secure.
5. Budget Hotels, Hostels & Guesthouses
Affordable, sociable, and convenient—ideal for backpackers, overlanders, and solo travelers.
- Diani Backpackers (Diani): Dorms and private rooms, lively bar, pool, walk to beach.
- Mombasa Backpackers Hostel (Nyali): Pool, communal kitchen, social scene, dorms and private rooms.
- Tulia House Backpackers (Nyali): Swimming pool, activities, budget dorms and rooms.
- Stoke House Backpackers (Nyali): Affordable, friendly staff, close to Nyali Beach.
- Backpackers Haven (Bamburi): Dorm beds, communal kitchen, budget rates.
- Bamburi Beach Hotel (Budget wing): Off-season deals, simple rooms, beachfront.
- The Folly House (Old Town): Hostel vibe, rooftop views, budget beds.
- Leinmach House Nyali: Clean, quiet, budget rooms, garden.
- Arya Guest House (CBD): Central, good rates, basic amenities.
6. Self-Catering, Villas & Airbnb Stays
Perfect for longer stays, groups, or travelers seeking independence.
- Tamarind Village: Apartments with full kitchens, pool, on the creek.
- Cowrie Shell Beach Apartments: Studio to 3-bedroom, beach, pool.
- Jumeirah Beachfront Apartments: Modern, pool, kitchenettes, sea views.
- Kivulini Beach Villas (Shanzu): Private villas, kitchen, pool, group stays.
- Nyali Sun Africa Apartments: Fully equipped, close to malls and beach.
- Creek Villa Mombasa: Private villa, kitchen, pool, views.
- Royal Palms Apartments (Bamburi): Budget, full kitchens, close to beach.
- Airbnb/Booking.com: Many listings in Nyali, Bamburi, Shanzu, and Mombasa Old Town.
7. Unique & Alternative Stays
For something truly different.
- EnglishPoint Marina: Stay in the marina, enjoy boat trips and waterfront restaurants.
- Jahazi House: Historic Swahili house, Old Town, cultural experience.
- Swahili Beach Resort: Arabian-African fusion, design-forward, pools.
- Serena Beach Resort: Swahili palace style, immersive cultural shows.
Mombasa Accommodation Comparison Table
| Property/Category | Location | Type/Style | Price Range (pppn) | Key Features | Family Friendly | Pool | On Beach | Self-Cater Option |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sarova Whitesands Resort | Bamburi | Luxury Resort | $250–$450 | Multiple pools, spa, kids’ club | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Serena Beach Resort & Spa | Shanzu | Five-Star Resort | $200–$400 | Swahili style, spa, gardens | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Voyager Beach Resort | Nyali | All-Inclusive | $180–$350 | Themed nights, pools, family fun | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| PrideInn Paradise | Shanzu | Resort/Waterpark | $180–$300 | Waterpark, family suites | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| EnglishPoint Marina | Nyali Creek | Luxury Hotel | $180–$350 | Marina, infinity pool, urban luxury | Yes | Yes | Creekfront | Yes |
| The Maji Beach Boutique | Diani | Boutique Hotel | $350–$600 | Adults-only, private, stylish | No | Yes | Yes | No |
| Tamarind Village | Nyali Creek | Serviced Apartments | $120–$200 | Full kitchen, pool, marina view | Yes | Yes | Creekfront | Yes |
| Cowrie Shell Beach Apartments | Bamburi | Apartments/Villas | $80–$200 | Self-cater, pool, beachfront | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| PrideInn Nyali Hotel | Nyali | Mid-Range Hotel | $80–$150 | Pool, business, great value | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Mombasa Backpackers Hostel | Nyali | Hostel/Budget | $15–$50 | Pool, kitchen, social | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
| Diani Backpackers | Diani | Hostel/Budget | $10–$40 | Social, pool, walk to beach | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Sun Africa Beach Resort | Nyali | Mid-Range Hotel | $100–$200 | Modern, seafront, pool | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Royal Court Hotel | CBD | Business Hotel | $60–$120 | Rooftop pool, central, business focus | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Arya Guest House | CBD | Budget Guesthouse | $15–$40 | Central, basic, value | Yes | No | No | No |
*pppn = per person per night. Rates are estimates and may vary with season, offers, and room type.
Conclusion
Mombasa offers a full spectrum of accommodations:
- Luxury seekers have beachfront resorts and boutique gems.
- Families will love the resorts with kids’ clubs and waterparks.
- Solo travelers and backpackers can pick from lively hostels and guesthouses.
- Business travelers will find modern hotels with meeting spaces and central access.
- Self-caterers and long-stay guests can enjoy the flexibility of serviced apartments and private villas.