Shela Pwani Guest House

This was our first stop on our Nairobi - Cape Town trip and it was simply amazing! Set right in the heart of shela which by the way is a nicer place to stay rather than in lamu town, the manager moonye gave us a deal of 3,000 KES a night. We were paying a little bit more than others as they signed up for a week whereas we only decided to stay a few days but then ended up staying a week because we had such a nice time. Our room was lovely and light and it was the first time I could lay on the bed and look out to the water - just beautiful. Good shower in the ensuite and great breakfast which included juice, tea, coffee, eggs anyway you like, toast, fruit (best breakfast we have had). It was the only place where you could have your breakfast anytime you like!! Makes a difference when you are on a budget! the guys working there - Daniel and Hassan were amazing. They would go out of their way for you always off to the shop to get you anything you wanted and were so nice and welcoming. Their food they would cook you for dinner was simply the best we have had in Kenya and Uganda. You can get them to cook anything (make sure you order the ginger crab). There is a great balcony over looking the water where you can easily chill out and have dinner with the other guests. This place is seriously a gem on shela and its crazy there aren't many reviews of this place on here (it's made me write this as my first review for T.A. as Pwani deserves more reviews than it has) the other people staying there were really lovely and sociable yet it's not noisy there (a few 30 something year old couples) and one of the guests, a famous French PR lady stays there for a month every year, so it's saying something! If you are heading to lamu, stay in shela as no beach on lamu town and its hectic rather than quiet shela with a Lin deserted beach! You can walk to lamu town which is maybe 40 minute walk next to the beach or a boat which is 100 KES each if 4 people.

Beside the Peponi Pwani has a wonderful unimpeded sea view - great staff, great food and superb good value. I would recommend without any hesitation. The rooms are fine and airy and all the amenities work. The staff have many suggestions to help and the house attract an eclectic group of travellers from all over the world. Breakfast is great and the staff offer great meal suggestions.

We stayed there for 4 nights and paid 7000 KES per night bnb for a double room with two queen size beds.||We called two days in advance to confirm the booking we did via jumia travel. Somehow they thought we would only stay for tow nights and then told us we had to switch the room after three nights so the management is not that organizatied ||The location is great and you have a nice view to the sea.||The guest house is quite old, Esecially the bathroom didn't look that nice.||we only had cold water, half of one day there was no water at all.||||The rooms could have been cleaner.||||The staff was friendly but we had to asked three times to get a second towel for example.||Breakfast is basic but good with egg, fresh fruits and juice and instant coffee or tee.||

The two rooms on the top roof are great. Nice breeze and a view that helps the hours pass away in the shared area :) Nice breakfast included, and chef bought and made fresh, simple, delicious crab and calamari on order (a few hours before). Best thing is its next door to the plush Peponi Hotel so you can pop in there for a cold bottle of wine or some of the best food I've had in the COUNTRY.

If you don't mind rustic, you'll like this place. It was quiet, the room I got was at the top and had a great view of the sea. Nice breeze. The staff were friendly and resourceful, even though it didn't have a great range of amenities or options. It was super cheap and during off-season was a good place to stay as a number of the other hotels were closed.

So Shela and Lamu - the trick is to find the balance of where to stay and how much to pay. Pwani hits all the marks in my opinion - it is not fancy but the breakfast is great, the rooms are comfortable and the top floor sitting area is really enjoyable. It's also right behind the Peponi and less than a minute from the sea.||||I enjoy eating and drinking at the Peponi but I always stay at Pwani.||||Now - don't expect too much from the rooms - but the value cant be beat.||||And they will make you great great dinners.

Managed by Mwinyi It has a perfect view of the ocean and Amazing breeze since its not blocked by other buildings. so close to the beach and Mwinyi is a great cook for the local food, enjoyed the fresh juice served for breakfast. Very affordable rates.

Traveled for 3 days to Lamu Island with my sister. Stayed at the Pwani guesthouse. This review is mixed: some good, some bad... First, the hotel. I give it 3 stars.. 1) introducing Nasir, our boat driver from air field to Shella.. He was fantastic and honest (his boat is "Lady Gaga"). 2) The view from our room (#4) was excellent and 3) Luq Tabassam Cafe next door... ***This cafe provides a fantastic dining option...Next to a little market... Here are some things to keep in mind: 1) the description of Pwani is not accurate.. No gym, no hot water and no wi-fi... (In fact, there is no wi-fi, on the island except at Peponi bar (has a so-so connection) and Hotel Palace restaurant in Lamu (fantastic internet)... Otherwise, you have to use Kenya data... Also, we learned there is a significant difference between Shella side and Lamu side of island... Shella is more peaceful. Lamu has museum and donkey sanctuary and Whispers Cafe.. Otherwise, it's bustling... Also, there is a huge difference between Christmas or Sunday (crowded) and any other day (empty and spacious).... ||Back to the room at Pwani: spacious, excellent breeze during the day, and great location... Also, breakfast was good... so, overall it's fine, but recognize it does have some shortcomings... Nevertheless, I'd return to the area to visit Luqman at the Luq Cafe and hang out by the water...