Best Hotels in Mombasa: Old Town to North and South Coast

Mombasa divides into three distinct zones when it comes to accommodation. Old Town on Mombasa island is compact and walkable, with history on every corner. The North Coast resorts at Nyali, Bamburi, and Shanzu stretch along a 10km beach strip accessible by road. The South Coast, reached by the Likoni Ferry, is quieter and home to Diani Beach — consistently ranked among Africa’s best beaches.

Old Town and City Centre

Mombasa Beach Hotel (North Beach, Mombasa) is set on a small beach at the northern tip of Mombasa island with views across the old harbour. Rooms from approximately KES 9,000/night. The hotel has a pool and a seafood restaurant with fresh catches daily. It’s older than the newer North Coast resorts but has more character.

Swahili House (Old Town) is a restored Swahili merchant house in the heart of Old Town, with carved wooden doors and traditional furnishings. Only a handful of rooms are available; rates from approximately KES 8,000/night. Breakfast is served on the rooftop terrace. Advance booking is essential as it books out weeks ahead.

Tamarind Village (Nyali, opposite Mombasa city) is the accommodation arm of the Tamarind Dhow operation. Apartments and villas from approximately KES 12,000/night, sleeping two to six people. It’s on the northern shore of the Old Harbour with direct access to the dhow jetty.

North Coast — Nyali, Bamburi, Shanzu

The North Coast is Mombasa’s main resort strip. Most resorts here offer all-inclusive packages, which can represent good value if you plan to spend most of your time on the beach.

Serena Beach Resort and Spa (Shanzu) is the most consistently well-run large resort on the entire Kenya coast. The 164-room property at Shanzu sits on a wide beach section with a full-service spa, a PADI dive school, and one of the stronger children’s clubs in Kenya. The Mvita Restaurant serves Swahili coastal cuisine with fresh seafood daily. Rates from approximately USD 200/night room-only; all-inclusive from approximately USD 280/night as of 2026.

Pride Inn Paradise Beach Resort (Shanzu) has one of the largest pool complexes on the North Coast — several connected pools including a dedicated children’s splash area. The beach section is average but the on-site facilities and lively atmosphere more than compensate. A good-value choice for families and couples who prioritise pool and activity facilities. From approximately USD 100/night as of 2026.

Sarova Whitesands Beach Resort and Spa (Bamburi Beach) is one of the North Coast’s most established large resorts. It has multiple pools, direct beach access, and a large watersports operation. Rooms from approximately KES 18,000/night room-only; all-inclusive packages from approximately KES 25,000/night as of 2026. The beach section is wide and well maintained.

Voyager Beach Resort (Bamburi) is popular with families and couples. It has a good pool area, kids’ club, and direct beach access. Rooms from approximately KES 15,000/night room-only. It’s one of the better-maintained mid-range options on the North Coast.

Nyali Beach Hotel (Nyali) is an established property on a private beach, with a pool, multiple restaurants, and a water sports centre. Good balance of convenience and beach access. From approximately USD 100–180 / KES 13,000–23,500 per night as of 2026.

Sun and Sand Beach Resort (Shanzu) is a large all-inclusive resort with extensive beach frontage, multiple pools, and a kids’ club. Well-run and popular with families. From approximately USD 130–230 / KES 17,000–30,000 per person per night as of 2026 for all-inclusive.

Reef Hotel Mombasa (Nyali) is a long-established Nyali property directly on the beach, with reliable service and a more tranquil atmosphere than some of the larger all-inclusives. From approximately USD 180–300 / KES 23,500–39,000 per night as of 2026.

Tiwi Beach Hotel (Nyali) is a smaller property compared to the large all-inclusive resorts. Rooms from approximately KES 10,000/night. Its intimate scale suits independent travellers who want beach access without the sprawling resort atmosphere.

English Point Marina (Nyali) is a boutique hotel on a private marina with Mombasa harbour views. Rooms from approximately KES 22,000/night. It’s better placed for exploring Old Town and the city than for pure beach time.

Bamburi Beach Hotel (Bamburi) is a long-running resort that offers reliable three-star accommodation at approximately KES 11,000–14,000/night. Not glamorous, but consistent.

Budget Hotels — Old Town and Island

Lotus Hotel (Mombasa Old Town) is a reliable mid-budget option in the heart of Old Town, close to Fort Jesus and the harbour. Simple but clean rooms, rooftop restaurant with views over the Old Town rooftops. From approximately USD 35–65 / KES 4,500–8,500 per night as of 2026.

PrideInn Hotel Mombasa CBD is a well-managed chain property in the CBD, popular with regional business travellers and domestic visitors. Clean rooms, air conditioning, and a restaurant. From approximately USD 50–80 / KES 6,500–10,500 per night as of 2026.

New People’s Hotel (Mombasa Old Town) is a long-running budget standby near the Old Town, basic but functional. Shared or private bathrooms available. From approximately USD 25–45 / KES 3,250–5,800 per night as of 2026.

Booking Tips

All-inclusive vs room-only: On the North and South Coasts, all-inclusive packages can save money if you drink and eat at the resort. But they reduce incentive to explore local restaurants, which are considerably better than resort buffets.

Long rains April–May: This is low season on the Kenya coast. Many resorts close for maintenance and those that remain open discount by 30–50%. Avoid if rain bothers you, but excellent value if it doesn’t. For tours from Mombasa including dhow cruises, day safaris to Tsavo, and snorkelling trips, book in advance through online operators.

North vs South Coast: The North Coast is closer to Mombasa city and has a more commercial resort atmosphere. The South Coast has better beaches (Diani is consistently rated among Africa’s top beaches) but requires the ferry crossing and longer transport.

For dining recommendations in Mombasa, see our Mombasa food guide. For activities and sightseeing, see our things to do in Mombasa guide. For a comparison of Diani Beach on the South Coast versus the North Coast beaches, our Diani Beach guide explains the differences. For combining a Mombasa stay with a beach holiday, see the Mombasa beaches guide.