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Cheaper
Average
Higher
About
4.5
#1 of 3 resorts in Shanzu
Location
4.5
Rooms
4.3
Value
4.3
Cleanliness
4.6
Service
4.6
Sleep Quality
4.5
Tripadvisor gives a Travelers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travelers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Serena Beach Resort & Spa in Mombasa welcomes guests to an oasis of tranquillity, enveloped by whispering coconut palms and lush gardens, alongside one of the Indian Ocean's most beautiful beaches. Explore a new realm of relaxation and comfort in this warm, family-friendly tropical paradise. Nestled in Shanzu, Kenya, our resort boasts the timeless allure of a 13th-century Swahili village, with charmingly arranged guest rooms, restaurants and social areas among winding lanes and manicured oceanfront lawns. This hotel, offering 109 rooms, blends impeccable service and gracious hospitality with local tradition. Choose from an array of premium rooms and suites, savor superb dining at the oceanfront Jahazi Grill and enjoy leisure pursuits like the free-form pool with a swim-up bar or indulgent spa therapies at Maisha Mind, Body & Spirit Spa. Serena Beach Resort & Spa harmonizes a deep respect for local surroundings and heritage with contemporary amenities, ensuring an inspired stay.
Star ratings are intended to indicate the general level of features, amenities, and services to expect. This property is classified according to Giata.
HOTEL STYLE
Quiet
Family
Languages Spoken
English, Swahili
Location
Serena Rd, Shanzu, Mombasa 90352-80100 Kenya
Serena Beach Resort and Spa
990 reviews
Getting there
Car recommended
Places to stay are graded on a 0-100 scale. The higher the grade, the easier it is for travelers to find restaurants and things to do within walking distance.
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Serena Beach Resort and Spa is celebrated for its spacious and well-maintained rooms, complete with an array of amenities that ensure guest comfort and security. Nestled on a tranquil beachfront, the resort offers breathtaking views, although some areas could benefit from further maintenance.
The service at the resort is generally lauded for its professionalism and attentiveness, contributing to the serene and culturally immersive atmosphere that guests adore. With its extensive amenities, including a luxurious spa, diverse water activities, and multiple dining options, the resort is recognized for providing excellent value and an overall premium experience.
Location
Beachfront
Atmosphere
Serene
Rooms
Spacious
Value
Remarkable
Cleanliness
Meticulous
Service
Attentive
Amenities
Comprehensive
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We have stayed at several beach hotels at the coast , Serena is an pioneer in this sector and has been present for many years. We stayed at the Serena after Christmas through New Years. I can highly recommend the family room, its 2 bedroomed and very spacious . Some sections of the hotel are run down, the pool is too small for the crowd, sun beds are not enough too. The hotel is beautiful and well manicured. Half board meal option offers Breakfast and Dinner, both meals offer wide options of fresh and tasty buffett food but unfortunately almost the same after a few days . We appreciated the fact that the management was present everyday and would stop by and speak with guests. We also appreciated the warm and professional service of all hotel staff members . Our Kids visited the educative Butterfly centre, great idea We also took part in the beach cleaning . We would highly recommend Serena to families and couples as well even though its a little on the expensive side .
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Date of stay: December 2019Trip type: Traveled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from SerenaHotels, Deputy General Manager at Serena Beach Resort and Spa
Responded Mar 11, 2020
Dear Linda, Thank you very much for taking the time to review and share your wonderful experience about stay with us, we are very pleased to hear that it was a pleasant one. We are very delighted to hear that you loved our location,rooms,food,as well as our festivity programme and thank you for participating in butterfly center and periodic beach clean up. I am also happy to hear your kind compliment to all our staff at all levels that made you feel at home . management has taken note of areas of improvement and will be worked upon in a timely manner. Thank you once again for sharing your wonderful experience and we pledge to continue offering the very best of the Serena Hospitality and Service. Regards, Chahenza Dan|Deputy General Manager
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I'm currently on my 6th and last night of my holiday at resort today. So sad to be leaving because it's a wonderful homely resort. Very child friendly. Was not crowded and not noisy unlike neighboring hotels.The staff are so attentive, ever jovial and ready to assist. The room is spacious, has good finishing including the bathtub and shower cubicle. The hot water in the bathroom is consistent. Our room is garden facing but being on top floor and having both a balcony and a private veranda gave us a beautiful glimpse of the ocean amidst the green lush beautiful garden.Definitely would recommend the top floor rooms. The staff assigned to do housekeeping in our room did a great job, was very friendly, considerate and professional and ensured the impeccable beautifully neat and tidy set up we found on Day 1 was always restored daily.Much appreciated. The food is great; despite being a buffet, I have so far not felt like I have kept repeating the same meal daily, there was always a unique twist to each starch, protein, veggies, pastries etc. There was even a separate buffet for kids. Got a chance to eat at their seafood restaurant called Jahazi and the food was great as well. Though, a downside, the fresh juice selection during dinner at the main restaurant and at the Jahazi restaurant was limited to only passion and melon juice. Hope the overwhelmingly wider selection of fresh juices available during breakfast could be considered during dinner as well in future. I had a welcome fruit basket on day 1 in the room, wouldn't have minded having the basket replenished daily or every other day even if at an additional cost. Delivery of food in the room via room service took quite some time though maybe it's because we ordered during mid afternoon when probably the staff were clearing lunch and prepping for dinner but needless to say, once delivered, the food did not disappoint at all, was worth the wait. The WIFI is strong and consistent though limited devices access to only 3 per the assigned username, must be some sort of internal controls thing, I don't know. But overall, this has been a wonderful stay, I'm leaving relaxed and refreshed. Thumbs up !!
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Date of stay: July 2021
Rooms
Cleanliness
Service
Room Tip:Higher floor garden facing rooms have combined ocean and garden view; do take your kids to the...
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Mombasa Serena, General Manager at Serena Beach Resort and Spa
Responded Aug 5, 2021
Dear Dnelima Hope you are well. We are soo pleased to read of this wonderful review. I am happy that our team delivered and made your stay a memorable one. We will will share your appreciation to them and have also noted the very positive feedback on where we could do better. We thank you once again for choosing Serena Beach Resort and Spa for your holiday as we look forward to hosting you again very soon. With kind regards Alphaxad Chege
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I arrived very late in the night but received a warm welcome from reception staff and the offer of some complimentary room service as I arrived after the time of dinner service. Once shown to my room the staff member accidentally trod in some dirt and sent for someone to clean it up right away which was very kind. The kindness seen of staff continued throughout my stay.
The rooms were showing their age but were clean, tidy and spacious. There are complimentary slippers, bathrobe and some shampoo/body wash/lotion available for use in the bathroom. The room had a large wall mounted TV with a good selection of channels, mini fridge and tea/coffee making facilities which are replenished as used. There is no decaf option available as you might in other hotels and no milk provided but instead a powered creamer. Each day there are 2 (glass not plastic) bottles of water provided in the room and a turndown service each evening which included the drawing of the bug net. The pillows and bed are beyond comfortable!
Beach area was OK, but I sadly avoided it due to the plethora of men who were both gawking or trying to sell stuff which I found quite overwhelming as a solo traveller. Despite this I did feel safe within the resort itself. There are guards present at all times day and night, walk ways are lit in the evenings, rooms have a double lock system and security cameras are present in public areas.
The grounds are stunning with beautiful architecture and many tropical plants and foliage where you’ll find some local wildlife (monkeys, lizards and birds).
Doing some reading before arriving I was looking forward to entertainment but this did not seem apparent during my stay? Only live music during my first 2 evenings. Water aerobics each morning was enjoyable!
There are plenty of spaces to relax during the day on the lawn, including sun loungers, chairs and hammocks. Towels are complimentary for use during the day too! Lawn staff are around to offer food and drinks as you relax by the pool - although service was sometimes a little slow but always with a smile! The pool had some insects seen it it, and although smaller than it looked it the pictures, was spacious enough for everyone!
The food was amazing and in plenty too! There was a selection of hot and cold food, fruits and cereals at breakfast time with complimentary tea and coffee brought to the table as well as the option of a glass of bubbly! In the evening there is a wide variety of sweet treats, salad items and meat and fish offerings. All the food is labelled with allergens (contains meat, lactulose etc) for those that need it!
As a solo traveller it would be nice to share my experiences here with someone else and I hope to return in the future to make use of the spa facilities and water sports centre which I did not access during my stay.
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Date of stay: January 2024
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Traveled solo
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Valentine Majanga, Guest Services / Front Office at Serena Beach Resort and Spa
Responded Jan 25, 2024
Dear Madsc32022, Thank you for taking the time to share your detailed feedback about your recent stay with us. We're delighted to hear that despite arriving late, you experienced a warm welcome from our reception staff, and the gesture of complimentary room service was our pleasure. Your observations about the room, amenities, and the accidental incident swiftly addressed by our staff are appreciated. We're glad you found comfort in the well-appointed room and enjoyed the thoughtful touches like the turndown service. Regarding your beach experience, we apologize for any discomfort caused by external vendors. Guest safety is a priority, and we appreciate your acknowledgment of the security measures in place within the resort. We've duly noted your comments about the entertainment options and poolside service. Your insights provide valuable areas for improvement, and we'll address them internally. It's heartening to know you enjoyed the beautiful grounds, the variety of food, and the overall atmosphere. We understand the importance of a relaxed and enjoyable stay, and we appreciate your patience with any lapses in service. We look forward to the opportunity of hosting you again, and we hope your next visit allows you to explore the spa facilities and water sports center. Thank you once again for choosing our resort, and we wish you safe travels and memorable experiences on your future journeys. Warm Regards
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Stayed here for two nights. The first night I arrived late and was ushered into a room that was very mouldy. It smelt very old and I had trouble breathing. I complained in the morning and they assured me they would change the room. When I arrived the next day in the evening I inquired on getting another room and the lady at the reception categorically refused to moved me stating that it was aerated. Never mind that I told her that I was struggling to breathe. However there were other government officials who could make requests to get good rooms which they seemed to honor. It's very unfortunate to receive that kind of service at such a hotel. The lady at the reception should be more courteous, even the runners were more considerate in trying to offer me a solution. I will not choose to stay at Serena again, there are other better hotels that value their customers wellbeing. Additionally, perhaps I looked young, and at breakfast the staff made me and my colleague sign bills which they didn't make anyone else having breakfast sign. It should suffice to ask the room numbers but they acted very unprofessionally. I will not return here on my own volition. They need to improve their customer service.
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Date of stay: February 2020Trip type: Traveled solo
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from SerenaHotels, General Manager at Serena Beach Resort and Spa
Responded Feb 21, 2020
Dear Msafir2018 Thank you very much for the candid feedback. We appreciate you bringing this to our attention. We have taken note of your concerns and it is our duty to ensure the comfort of our guest is up held. We regret that our values of courteous service delivery were not upheld. Our efforts are to ensure we get to the bottom of this. It is my hope I would be able to get in touch with you. It is our hope that we will be able to reach you express our apologies for the experience. Thank you, Herman Mwasaghua
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Serena is only a venue to be in if one is on a resident basis. Just to drop over for a meal or a drink especially in the evening may not be a good idea. Serving hotel residents is concentrated on. We ordered some drinks and starters like chips and garlic bread which took very long to come and of course ridiculously priced. The waiters of course and staff were very courteous and polite. The hotel is a heritage hotel so lovely swahili old architecture and great maintenance. However... not a place to visit if not a hotel resident.
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Date of stay: February 2020Trip type: Traveled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Valentine Majanga, Guest Services / Front Office at Serena Beach Resort and Spa
Responded Feb 5, 2024
Dear Esteemed Guest, Thank you for taking the time to share your experience with us. We appreciate your feedback, and we're pleased to hear your positive comments about the courteous and polite service provided by our staff, as well as the beautiful Swahili old architecture and maintenance of the hotel. We apologize for any inconvenience you experienced in terms of the wait time for your drinks and starters. Your feedback regarding the service speed and pricing is valuable, and we'll certainly review and address these concerns to enhance our overall guest experience. Thank you for choosing to visit Serena Beach Resort, and we hope to have the opportunity to welcome you again for a more enjoyable experience.
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A return trip after a few years, staff are still helpful, cheerful and really make you feel at home. Security was comforting but not needed, we felt really safe throughout our stay. First contact was Peter who took us to our "garden room", managing two full sized bags while giving commentary on the facilities. All dinners were buffet style, except the soup was served at the table, excellent soup by the way. Room was clean and comfortable, kept immaculate every day by Rosemary. We used the on site shop, good selection of postcards and stamps were available for postage to the UK. Nathan the watersports rep entertained us with his friendly chat, made us feel welcome. Too many staff serving at dinner to mention, all were extremely helpful, Jason brightened up every meal. Service throughout was excellent, we have been to this hotel a few times in the past and have never been disappointed. A shout out to Samuel and Maurice H for their conservation work, they were expecting 111 turtle eggs to hatch later on in the year, we remembered one visit where my wife and other guests were thrilled to be able to release a baby turtle each into the ocean, keep up the good work!
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Date of stay: September 2022
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Mombasa Serena, General Manager at Serena Beach Resort and Spa
Responded Sep 25, 2022
Dear Jim Wow!! What a lovely read. We are so pleased to learn that you had such an enjoyable stay at the resort and that every team member went out of their way to ensure your total relaxation. We delight in in turning normal hotel stays into memorable experiences and are glad that the team delivered yet again. Thank you for the opportunity to serve you and we look forward to hosting again soon. With Kind regards Alphaxad Chege
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I want to believe that we ended up in one of the best rooms here as walk-in customers, the room was sea-facing and all. What stood out really was the service at this hotel, the staff were always happy to serve with a smile on their face esp Catherine at the reception. The food was tasty, the variety was tantalizing. From my experience the half board deal wasn’t a sweet deal (esp with a child), it doesn’t include drinks during dinner and ofcos no lunch, however the kids menu which was quite affordable came in handy. Also, there was only one swimming pool at this beach resort. Though I hear that further renovations are in the pipeline.
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Date of stay: July 2022Trip type: Traveled with family
Room Tip:Book directly and not through an agent, their prices are literally on the website
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Mombasa Serena, General Manager at Serena Beach Resort and Spa
Responded Aug 3, 2022
Dear MLN I trust that you are well. We are glad to know that you had a great stay at Serena Beach Resort and Spa and that our staff offered outstanding service which is the whole mark of a stay at a Serena property. Always looking forward to hosting you many more times. With warm regards Alphaxad Chege General Manager
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The overall experience during my stay was generally positive, yet there were certain aspects that detracted from its enjoyment. While the accommodations were satisfactory, there were notable concerns with the bathroom facilities. Upon inspection, it was evident that the bathroom exhibited signs of mold, which was concerning both from a cleanliness and health standpoint. Mold not only detracts from the aesthetic appeal of the space but also poses potential health risks to guests. Addressing this issue promptly and thoroughly is essential to uphold the standards expected of a reputable establishment.
Additionally, I found the food options to be somewhat limited in variety. While the quality of the available dishes was satisfactory, a broader selection would have been appreciated. A more diverse array of menu offerings would cater to the varied preferences and dietary requirements of guests, enhancing the overall dining experience. Furthermore, expanding the food options could contribute to attracting a wider clientele and enhancing the hotel's reputation for culinary excellence.
In conclusion, while my stay was pleasant overall, addressing concerns such as mold in the bathroom and expanding the food selection would elevate the quality of the guest experience. Attention to detail and a commitment to continuous improvement are essential in ensuring guest satisfaction and maintaining the reputation of the establishment.
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Date of stay: August 2023
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Traveled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Valentine Majanga, Guest Services / Front Office at Serena Beach Resort and Spa
Responded Mar 21, 2024
Dear 604jamalf, Thank you for sharing your feedback with us. We're delighted to hear that your overall experience was positive, although we're sorry to learn about the concerns you encountered during your stay. Regarding the bathroom facilities we have noted your concern, please accept our sincere apologies. Rest assured, we take cleanliness and guest health very seriously as we strive to maintain the highest standards of hygiene and comfort. We appreciate your feedback regarding the food options, and we want to assure you that our chefs are always ready to customize menu offerings to suit different tastes and preferences. Our guests are not restricted to what is on offer on buffets or à la carte menus. We will certainly take your comments into consideration as we continuously strive to enhance our dining offerings and provide a more diverse array of menu options. Thank you for bringing these matters to our attention. Your input is invaluable to us as we work to improve and maintain the quality of our establishment. We hope to have the opportunity to welcome you back in the future and provide you with an even better experience. Kind Regards Valentine Majanga Guest Relations
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My long weekend at Serena Beach Resort in Mombasa was the perfect end to a three week camping trip throughout Eastern Africa. The property itself is absolutely beautiful with plenty of options for food, activities and relaxation. The room was lovely and large with a comfortable bed, separate shower and bath and breezy balcony. The snorkeling both mornings was fantastic and easy to arrange (big thanks to Said on the boat!). Breakfast and dinner (included with half-board) were delicious and provided a nice variety. Pool was lovely and the swim-up bar was an added bonus. I really enjoyed Samuel at the Butterfly Pavilion who showed me the full life cycle of many species of butterflies the Serena takes an active role in conserving. Perhaps the most important part of my stay was the staff. Everyone had a smile and went above and beyond to make sure that I was comfortable, happy and enjoying myself. My waiter both nights, Victor, was very attentive and nice to talk to. Everline at the front desk was so helpful in getting me a late check out due to my late-night flight to Nairobi. As a solo female traveler, safety and amenities are priority for me. Serena was beyond comfortable and a relaxing haven in Mombasa.
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Date of stay: February 2020
Location
Service
Sleep Quality
Room Tip:Had a garden-facing room which was nice and quiet. Nice big bed with separate shower and bath and...
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Valentine Majanga, Guest Services / Front Office at Serena Beach Resort and Spa
Responded Feb 5, 2024
Dear Esteemed Guest, Thank you for your delightful feedback! We're thrilled you enjoyed your stay and appreciated our facilities, dining options, and the attentive service from our staff. Your safety and comfort are our top priorities. We look forward to welcoming you back for more relaxing moments.
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If you have been to Serena Beach Hotel in Mombasa- Kenya, I am sure you’ll attest to the unrivaled beauty of its sandy beaches and the well-manicured garden. This was the exact set for our wedding on 26th March 2022. In Kenyan hotels Serena leads when it comes to its food and hospitality. All these factors led us to select Serena beach as our wedding venue. The staff showed up for all the meetings we arranged including the rehearsals! Serena was amenable to all our requests, gave us two changing rooms for 24hr use and a honeymoon suite fully set! They were committed to ensuring that the bride and myself would get the dream wedding we wanted. They delivered excellently and even surpassed our expectations. Kudos and sincere appreciation to the team led by Mr. Wilson Chola (Front Officer Supervisor), Mr. Andsinus Juma (the Executive Chef), Mr. Amos Odoyo (F&B Manager), Naphtali (Head, Bar Man aka the watering hole man!), Assumpta Gacheru (Conference & Banqueting Supervisor), Anastasia Muli (Reservations Manager) and Marsden Nzaro (Head of Guest Activities). My wife and I give Serena Beach Hotel a five-star in the service delivered to us. They delivered a wedding we shall remember all our life. We do not hesitate to recommend Serena Beach Hotel for good holiday time and functions including weddings.
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Date of stay: March 2022
Location
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Mombasa Serena, General Manager at Serena Beach Resort and Spa
Responded Apr 11, 2022
Dear Collins Greetings from Serena Beach. It is soo refreshing to read of your review of the hotel and the wonderful services executed by the team who once again delivered the Serena Promise. We highly appreciate your choosing Serena Beach Resort and Spa to celebrate this special day with us. We remain committed to always delivering services, beyond our guests expectations. Rest assured, we will pass your appreciation to all those mentioned and all the others who worked tirelessly behind the scenes to make this day a success. We look forward to hosting you your family and relatives, many more times. With warm regards Alphaxad Chege
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There are more places to choose from in the Shanzu area.
PRICE RANGE
$230 - $309 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
ALSO KNOWN AS
serena beach hotel shanzu, serena beach hotel and spa, hotel serena beach
LOCATION
KenyaCoast ProvinceMombasaShanzu
NUMBER OF ROOMS
109
Prices are the average nightly price provided by our partners and may not include all taxes and fees. Taxes and fees that are shown are estimates only. Please see our partners for more details.
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