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.
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.
Set on the most beautiful unspoiled crystal white sandy beaches on the south coast of Kenya. The expansive compound is shaded by coconut palm and a myriad of exotic tropical trees & flowers; the resort offers the ultimate tropical paradise. Animal life abounds in the compound and various varieties of monkeys can be seen jumping around in the vicinity. Bright white against the blue sky, the hotel has 170 rooms. The rooms are of 3 main categories: Comfort rooms with a garden view, Family rooms & Bahari rooms with sea/pool view. All rooms have TVs, coffee/tea making facilities, minibars are in the Bahari rooms
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
Mid-range
Classic
Languages Spoken
English, French, German, Italian
Location
Diani Beach Road, Diani Beach, Ukunda 80400 Kenya
Diani Sea Resort
4.5 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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Nestled near a paradise beach, Diani Sea Resort is celebrated for its vibrant atmosphere and breathtaking sea views, making the location a standout feature for guests. While the hotel's cleanliness and well-maintained spaces earn compliments, visitors also appreciate the daily maintenance of the spacious rooms.
The service receives mixed reviews, with commendations for the staff's friendliness but some concerns over inconsistency. Opinions on value are divided, as some guests enjoy the activities and setting, but others find room for improvement in cost and amenities.
Location
Beachfront
Atmosphere
Lively
Rooms
Comfortable
Value
Mixed
Cleanliness
Meticulous
Service
Inconsistent
Amenities
Satisfactory
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Detailed Reviews
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We stayed at the Diani sea resort from 12 to 26 September 2024. Couple in a Bahari room on the 2nd floor (no lift). Very good Pension, warm welcome from all employees. They are, day in and day out, taking care of us without ever claiming any tips. The Pension is very clean and the gardens well maintained. The pool is spotless and the surroundings are not slippery or broken. The mini bar in the room is restocked daily for free: beers, coca cola, Fanta, Sprite, mineral water. The meals are good, there is choice and as often in hotels, it is repetitive. 3 to 4 times a week, in the evening they do the outdoor service with barbecue. Very friendly atmosphere. Activities are planned in the evening for the delight of tourists: acrobats, Maasai & Maasai market, singers, karaoke etc.
Excursions: at the Pension we booked the boat trip with glass bottom (which we even did 2x on the stay so it was good 30USD/2P) a real feeling to be in an aquarium when you swim near the sandbank at the boat stop. At the exit of the Pension, 50 m on the right, there is a tour and souvenir seller: John Mit Krawate, welcoming and warm with whom we booked our safari at Tsavo East Park as well as a day at Wasini Island. He works with FKILO, whose office is a 2-minute drive from John's Shop. Do not hesitate to go find him and negotiate with him. Your well-being is his priority as for many Kenyans. +254710135669 is his number (free wathsapp).
For Francophones, we had the chance to meet Abdul, a Kenyan who speaks French well and is a Tuk Tuk driver. We also recommend it. He took us "everywhere": from the magic fairy tale to the misery behind the scenes. Thanks to him, for example, we had the chance to go Kongo River and the mangroves/sunset for 21USD/2 directly to a friend of his. +254727398839 is his number (free wathsapp).
Finally, Kenya was a discovery for us. It was a magical and unforgettable holiday. We took full eyes to it throughout our stay. The Diani Sea Resort has something to do with it. We were very, very well. As for the hospitality and kindness of the employees or the natives, there is no Award.
Last thing: go on a safari no matter which one but do not leave this country without having lived it.
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Date of stay: September 2024Trip 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.
10 of us stayed in this hotel for 4 nights and we were all delighted with our all-inclusive stay. The surroundings are beautiful, complete with cheeky monkeys, lizards and exotic birds. The wonderful beach is very close and the Indian Sea is warm. The pool was warm too and one evening per week everyone can dine poolside. There was an African evening during our stay and we dressed in our costumes given to us by our friends in Nairobi. The food was good and there was plenty of choice for all tastes. Staff were delightful, smiling and helpful. Jambo they said and we felt welcome. The only downside was the housekeeping in our top of the range room overlooking the sea. We had to constantly ask for clean towels, tea and coffee, fresh water and we made the bed ourselves. This may have been due to a misunderstanding on our part as we were meant to hang a green sign on the room door to indicate the room could be cleaned. The floor was mopped twice but cups weren't washed nor the washbasins and toilet cleaned except the day before departure. Guests are supposed to scan a QR code for information. We don't like this idea and there was no printed information sheet as mentioned in the welcome letter. Our minibar was replenished regularly and Reception were quick to supply an iron. Apart from these little hiccups we would certainly recommend this hotel
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Date of stay: October 2024
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Trip type: Traveled with friends
Room Tip:Â American dollars are acceptable for tips etc.
When ordering alcoholic drinks, make sure they are...
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.
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After an arrival delayed by 26 hours (flight cancellation by Discover Airlines) we were in paradise. The hotel has everything you need from a 4* AI hotel. Unlike other AI hotels, you are served here, there is no disposable plastic. The staff are great in all areas. That suggests great management. I would like to highlight the super helpful FO manager. Unlike DERTOUR, who did not care, we were helped here to trace our missing suitcases. These were lost somewhere between Frankfurt and Mombasa. A special thanks goes to this great employee. We were unlucky that during our stay the beach was littered with seagrass at low tide. Since the hotel can't help but should be mentioned. It was a bit annoying that there are probably not enough salt shakers and sugar cans. They had to be constantly asked about it and the employees sent to search. I'm sure that's easy to change. Our rooms had a 1a location with sea views and were in impeccable condition. Only the air conditioning in one of the rooms was not very efficient. This could not be changed by the technology. The pool area was well maintained. However, the pads of the loungers could be renewed on occasion. Annoying was the partly very weak WLAN. Of course, complaining is at a high level. But if it's already on offer, then please use a little more bandwidth. The Safari Camp in the wilderness was much better. Nevertheless, we would book the hotel again and recommend it gladly.
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Date of stay: August 2024
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
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.
We spent eight wonderful days in this family resort (family room formula all inclusive) and I recognize that the days passed faster than we would have liked. The resort is located near the town of Diani, overlooking a beautiful white beach, unfortunately in August it is seaweed season, but I must admit that they were not present everywhere and in limited quantities so in the end they were almost insignificant. The resort is managed in an excellent and professional manner, all the staff, without exception, go out of their way to satisfy your every desire, always with a smile. Relaxing on the beach or in the shade of the palm trees, sipping a drink and eating a fresh coconut offered by the priceless gardeners with the wind caressing your skin is a priceless sensation. The swimming pool was excellent... not too big but it made a difference for our two children too, young entertainment team, very good but not intrusive, really nice staff. International clientele, few Italians but that's fine. Assorted buffet with some freshly cooked foods, excellent value for money. Water is always available and this is also important. Security always present, both at the entrance and on the beach front to avoid unwanted entry. Monkeys present morning and evening, they entertained us and we often willingly spent time watching them fight with each other. As an excursion we took a Dow and during low tide we visited a sand reef overlooking the resort avoiding the crowded Robinson and Wasini Islands. The Dow stranded on the sand reminded us of some scenes from the movie Pirates of the Caribbean. In some cases the presence of souvenir sellers on the beach prevented us from fully enjoying the sensations we would have liked to have... but we were prepared for that so ok. Worthy of note, however, is the resort immersed in a very green and well-kept garden. Fabulous breakfasts and dinners at the restaurant with a table facing the garden and the wind that brought us freshness and fragrances of the ocean. Definitely an experience to repeat
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Date of stay: August 2023Trip 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.
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Our 3-night stay at Diani Sea Resort as two families was disappointing despite a few positives. The rooms were clean and spacious, the swimming pool was well-maintained, and the WiFi worked efficiently.
However, the service was subpar and discriminatory. From the start, the reception was cold and unwelcoming, with minimal assistance from staff. Basic essentials like hand soap were missing and only provided after complaints. Shower gels and shampoos were unlabelled, creating confusion.
The food service was frustrating. Items like bacon and salads weren’t replenished toward the end of meal times, and breakfast was often served cold. Staff at live cooking stations and the dining area were slow and lacked warmth. At the pool bar, drinks and items like ice cubes were often unavailable but were later served to white guests.
The most disheartening aspect was the clear preferential treatment of white guests. Staff treated African guests coldly, while being cheerful and accommodating to others. For instance, fruits denied to us were later given to white guests without hesitation.
While the facilities met expectations, the discriminatory service marred the experience. I would not recommend this resort to Kenyan or African travelers. It fell far short of a 4-star standard.
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Date of stay: November 2024
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
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.
First impressions of the hotel were good, was bright, clean, well maintained. I've stayed at their sister hotel Diani Sea Lodge previously. Staff were all friendly, lots of apprentices learning hospitality. Pool was lovely and the bed comfy. Lots of sun beds and nice dappled shade.
Was disappointed with the food, it was the same variations each day with slight tweaks. I started dreading dinner. Would normally miss breakfast, have lunch by the pool and then dinner in the restaurant. The theme nights were better. I can thoroughly recommend Asha Boutique restaurant a few doors up along the beach to your right (will do separate review)
Incident with the room and a few safety issues. I woke up to step into water by my bed and my electrical extension lead sitting in it. I could've been electrocuted. The housekeeping staff hadn't checked or emptied the water bottle that the condensate pipe was put into. They sent head housekeeper and then a restaurant manager to deal with who just kept saying sorry. Management didn't take seriously and TUI ignored my complaint
Hairdryer in room didn't work, staff brought hairdryer with euro socket and then proceeded to try and force it into the Kenya/UK socket by pushing something into the plug. I wasn't happy as a safety issue and told him so (3 hairdryers later) and reported to management. I reported a number of times the sockets not working or light by the bed not working but not fixed.
Often didn't have towels or face cloths. Yes its Africa, but attention to detail needs to be improved.
The staff were all lovely and I'll miss my planters wonder. Location was good. Oh and had a number of massages from Priscilla (the punisher as I nicknamed her).
Would I stay again.....no, which is disappointing as it takes a lot for me to find fault and complain as I always look on the good side.
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Date of stay: December 2024
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Trip type: Traveled solo
Room Tip:Â Be careful of your belongings. I left my new bluetooth headphones on the pool bar table and went...
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.
I really liked this place. The welcome is warm, polite and helpful. My room was clean and the bed super comfortable! Some options offered (beach towels, drinking water in the room, fridge, safe...) and wifi The airport transfer very well organized and simple! Located in front of a small supermarket (very convenient!) The restaurant is great, lots of choices and tasty dishes Even if the locals on the beach may seem sticky, they are very friendly , kind and negotiate very easily (they just earn their daily bread!) Ideal location on the beach Many activities (ask Frankilin +254 722 883998 on whatsapp ) on the beach, it is top and activities much cheaper than those offered by the hotel. Small "tuk tuk" are at your service outside for 100 to 400 shillings depending on the race. I retained Josphat to whom I appealed +254 790 016337, kind, honest and deserving! Here we go!
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Date of stay: July 2024
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Trip type: Traveled solo
Room Tip:Â Tres belle piscine
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.
Room Tip: Die Steckdose am Schreibtisch hat zusätzlich 2x USB-A Slots, also wer nur sein Handy laden will...
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.
Cons: very dated and poorly maintained structure. Rooms with poor amenities, old and noisy air conditioners, bathroom at the limit of decency, very old beach amenities, the "sea view" is very secluded and can only be seen from the balconies on the upper floors of the only rooms located towards the beach. Despite having booked a sea view room on the top floor, they gave us a ground floor room that smelled of damp (changed the next morning only because one was free...). Pros: very kind and attentive staff, excellent and very assorted meal buffet, good quality massages at very affordable prices, pleasant evening entertainment and various entertainment activities, beautiful swimming pool. The sea is nothing special, with the interesting phenomenon of the daily tides. Basically the classic cheap hotel for tourists (essentially German) who spend their summer holidays playing volleyball during the day and cards in the evening. The price is decidedly disproportionate, even though we are in Africa and the prices are those of London.
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Date of stay: August 2023Trip type: Traveled as a couple
Room Tip:Â Piani alti vicino alla spiaggia
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.
My Wife, me and 2 teenage daughters have been visiting this hotel as a part of our 2 weeks stay un Kenya. Except to this hotel we stayed in 2 different lodges during Saffari, 1 night in Mombasa, and 7 nights in Malindi. Diani was the worst one. Service was nearly requesting to be tipped, and always were looking with disguist on the amount given regardles it was 1 euro, 10 dollars, or 1000KSH. If it was not enough for lagguage help (4€/ 1 to each carrier) i have found toilet paper unrolled (~1/2 roll) and partially placed in toiled. Drinks if you did not waited for it(or probably tipped probably each waiter), but let service bring it, wrere stinking with something so highly likely they were adding something "from themselves" to it. It was applicable mostly to beer, but also other drinks smellt like the glass was wipped with dirty cloth. Balcony doors were broken and not possible to lock them, not fixed during our 4 days stay (this is most likely, how the toilet roll unrolled itself magically). The same with safe - that was not working and not fixed even though reported 1st day. We have had 2 rooms, so sensitive items we placed in safe of room where our daughters were staying. Food average, and beef was always hard and gummy. Chicken dry. Fish was edable but 5 days having only fish... it was to tempt to search outside cathering even having all in package. Ill definately will avoid Diani.
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Date of stay: June 2024
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Trip type: Traveled with family
Room Tip:Â Wait for drink served. Dont let top the beer with the drop container.
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.
There are more places to choose from in the Diani Beach area.
PRICE RANGE
$50 - $294 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
ALSO KNOWN AS
diani sea hotel ukunda, diani sea resort
LOCATION
KenyaCoast ProvinceUkundaDiani Beach
NUMBER OF ROOMS
170
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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