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Where to Stay in Malindi

Where to Stay in Malindi

Malindi The Coast, Kenya Travel Guide

Accommodation Types

Resorts & Hotels

  • Luxury Resorts

    High-end, often all-inclusive properties. Features multiple swimming pools, various restaurants, spas, and private beach access.

  • Mid-range Hotels & Resorts

    Comfortable options with amenities like swimming pools, on-site restaurants, and air conditioning. Good balance of comfort and value.

  • Guesthouses & Bed & Breakfasts

    Smaller, often family-run establishments. They carry a more personal touch and a cozy atmosphere, often with breakfast.

  • Budget Hostels/Hotels

    Basic lodging options for travelers on a tighter budget. Usually a bed and a fan, with limited amenities beyond the room.

Private Rentals & Unique Stays

  • Villas and Apartments

    Private vacation rentals work well for families, groups, or longer stays. They feature self-catering options and more space and privacy.

  • Swahili-style Boutique Hotels

    Properties designed with traditional Swahili architecture and decor, incorporating local artistry and materials for a cultural experience.

  • Homestay Opportunities

    Formal homestay programs within Malindi are limited. Some local tour operators may offer cultural village visits with local family meals.

  • Camping & Outdoor Accommodation

    No designated public campsites within Malindi. Private properties or tour operators may offer glamping as part of safari packages to nearby parks.

Neighborhood Guide

Malindi's different areas present distinct atmospheres and proximity to attractions.

Malindi Town Center

Pros
  • Easy access to local transport (matatus, tuk-tuks)
  • Authentic local experience
  • Generally less expensive food and shopping
  • Central for connecting to various parts of Malindi
Cons
  • Lacks direct beach access
  • Can be noisy from traffic and market activity
  • Less picturesque than resort areas
  • Slightly higher risk of petty crime

Casuarina Area

Pros
  • Stunning beaches with direct access
  • Peaceful and relaxed atmosphere
  • Higher quality accommodation options
  • Generally safe
Cons
  • Further from town center, needing tuk-tuk or taxi
  • Fewer local dining options
  • Fewer general amenities and shopping options
  • Exercise caution if walking on deserted beaches alone at night

Silversands Beach Area

Pros
  • Good beach access
  • Variety of resort options
  • Several beach bars and restaurants
  • Close to Malindi Marine National Park entrance
Cons
  • Can be more touristy
  • Beach vendors may approach frequently
  • General caution advised after dark
  • Less tranquil than Casuarina

Noise Levels & Ambiance

Malindi Town:

Can be noisy from traffic, market activity, and local businesses. Expect a lively, urban ambiance.

Casuarina & Resort Areas:

Generally peaceful, with main sounds being the ocean and natural surroundings. Resorts maintain a calm, relaxing ambiance.

Booking Strategies

Advance Booking

  • High Season (Dec-Mar): Booking several months ahead works best, notably for Christmas and New Year.
  • Shoulder Season (Jul-Oct): Booking a few weeks to a month ahead for popular spots is a good idea.
  • Low Season (Apr-Jun): Last-minute deals appear due to fewer tourists. Confirm establishments are open.
  • Check for closures: Some smaller properties may close or have limited services during heavy rains.

Trusted Booking Platforms

  • Online Travel Agencies: Booking.com, Agoda list many Malindi properties for wide selection.
  • Direct Booking: Hotel websites sometimes feature better rates, exclusive packages, or flexible terms.
  • Villas/Apartments: For private rentals, Vrbo works well. Also contact local rental agencies.
  • Specific Chains: Consider IHG Hotels for their global presence and loyalty programs.

Important Booking Notes

Negotiation Customs:
  • For smaller guesthouses or budget hotels, especially during low season, some room for negotiation on walk-in rates may exist.
  • This practice is less common for larger resorts or properties on major booking sites.
Deposit & Cancellation Policies:
  • Policies vary significantly by property. Always review deposit requirements and cancellation terms.
  • Many direct bookings ask for a deposit (20-50%), with cancellation terms ranging from flexible to strict.

Seasonal Price Fluctuations

High Season Impact:

Prices go up considerably during the high season (December to March) and major holidays.

Low Season Deals:

Prices typically drop quite a bit during the long rains (April to June).

Shoulder Season Value:

You may find good value during the shoulder season as prices are lower than peak times.

Accommodation Recommendations

This section has example accommodations across different budget levels and unique types.

Luxury Stays

Billionaire Resort & Malindi

Located in Casuarina, this resort offers exclusive villas and private pools.

  • High-end dining
  • Spa services
  • Direct beach access
  • Lavish amenities
Diamonds Dream of Africa

Also in Casuarina, it has an all-inclusive option for a premium experience.

  • Thalassotherapy spa
  • Multiple swimming pools
  • Fine dining options
  • Comprehensive services

Mid-Range Choices

Planhotel Malindi Beach & SPA Resort

Situated on Silversands Beach, an all-inclusive choice with great facilities.

  • Large swimming pools
  • Direct beach access
  • Entertainment programs
  • Variety of dining
Che Shale Beach Hotel

Located north of Malindi, a rustic-chic spot, known for kitesurfing.

  • Secluded beach setting
  • Focus on fresh seafood
  • Unique ambiance
  • Water sports activities

Budget-Friendly Stays

  • Tamani Jua Retreat (Watamu)

    An eco-friendly option near Malindi (in Watamu) with unique bungalows.

  • Marine Holiday House

    A basic, clean guesthouse within Malindi Town. Good for budget travelers near town amenities.

  • Local Guesthouses

    Numerous smaller, unlisted guesthouses around Malindi can be found locally for very affordable prices.

  • Consider Hostelworld

    Explore budget hostels and hotels on platforms like Hostelworld for more options.

Unique Accommodation Concepts

  • TrustedHousesitters

    Explore pet and house sitting opportunities for unique, free accommodation through TrustedHousesitters.

  • Beachfront Cottages

    Look for charming private beachfront cottages, often family-run, offering a serene coastal escape.

  • Self-Catering Studios

    Smaller, self-contained units with kitchenettes, good for independent travelers.

  • Urban Boutique Hotels

    Smaller hotels within Malindi town, blending modern comfort with local design elements.

Other Booking Options

Hostelworld

Specializes in budget-friendly hostels and guesthouses.

TrustedHousesitters

Offers house and pet sitting opportunities globally.

General Accommodation Advice

Price Variation

Prices provided are estimates and change seasonally, usually increasing during high season.

Comfort Essentials

Look for accommodations with air conditioning and mosquito nets. This makes a big comfort difference in the tropical climate.

Booking Confirmation

Always confirm specific amenities and policies with the property or booking platform before finalizing your reservation.