Diani Beach is a world-renowned tourist destination and for a good reason: beaches, hotels, and a warm tropical climate. The clear turquoise waters, soft white sand beaches, and lush vegetation make it the perfect place to relax and escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
There are many hotels to choose from in Diani Beach to make the experience easy for you, but we’ve compiled the Top 10 for you. Whether you are looking for an all-inclusive resort with onsite dining and activities or a more intimate boutique hotel, there is something for everyone. There are also half-board options if you want to cut on cost.
Related: The Best Tourist Hotels in Mombasa
The Best Diani Beach Hotels
| Hotel | Cost Est./night | Meal Plan |
| The Sands at Chale | $200-$700 | breakfast only
half-board full-board all-inclusive |
| Baobab Beach Resort | $100-$400 | full-board |
| Sands at Nomad | $200-$700 | breakfast only
half-board full-board all-inclusive |
| Papillon Lagoon Reef Diani Beach | $100-$200 | Full-board |
| The Maji Boutique Hotel Diani | $100-$400 | breakfast only
half-board full-board all-inclusive |
| Afrochic Boutique Hotel Diani Beach | $500-$1000 | breakfast only
half-board full-board all-inclusive |
| Kaskazi Beach Hotel Diani Beach | $50-$300 | breakfast only
half-board full-board all-inclusive |
| Neptune Hotel Diani Kenya | $200-400 | All-inclusive |
| Mangro Hotel Diani Beach | $50-$300 | breakfast only
half-board full-board all-inclusive |
| Southern Palms Hotel Diani | $200-$400 | Full-board |
1. The Sands at Chale Island
This is one of the most beautiful resorts in Diani Beach, with an all-inclusive option that includes house wines and local spirits. The resort is located on its island, which means it’s away from the noise and has a private beach to enjoy.
Accommodation
There are different types of accommodation. You can choose a Double-room, Banda, Penthouse Suite, Superior Suite, or Deluxe Bungalow option. There are also villas with private infinity pools. All rooms have free Wi-Fi, air-conditioning, and a private balcony.
Meal Plan
You can choose any meal plan: breakfast only, half-board, full-board, or all-inclusive. The lodge offers onsite dining with indoor and outdoor seating to enjoy fresh seafood dishes and African cuisine.
Facilities
You will also find an infinity pool, spa treatments, water sports activities like kayaking and windsurfing, and a fitness centre.
Cost
The average price for locals and residents is between $200-$700 per night. The cost for non-residents is between $400-$850 per night. They offer different discounts based on the season and room type, so check their website for more details.
2. Baobab Beach Resort
Baobab Beach Resort is located on the famous Diani Beach, with 80 acres of tropical gardens and a picturesque location overlooking golden beaches. The resort has 500 meters of beachfront to enjoy and shady trees that provide an oasis for relaxation.
Accommodation
There are different accommodation options: superior rooms, deluxe rooms, and family suites. All are air-conditioned and have a private balcony with views of either the ocean or garden. Some accommodation options also include personal butler service.
Meal Plan
Baobab Beach Resort is a full-board hotel that includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner. They also offer a buffet-style dining experience with both indoor and outdoor seating.
Facilities
Baobab Beach Resort offers an array of facilities, including several freshwater swimming pools, water sports activities like windsurfing and kayaking are available, as well as snorkelling excursions to nearby coral reefs. You can also enjoy a relaxing massage or facial at their onsite spa.
Cost
The average price for locals and residents is between $100-$400 per night. The cost for non-residents is between $200-$600 per night. They offer different discounts and partnership voucher codes, which can help you reduce the cost.
3. The Sands at Nomad
This leading boutique hotel in Diani Beach offers luxurious accommodation with impeccable service. The Sands at Nomad has won numerous awards, including the prestigious Travellers’ Choice Award in 2021.
Accommodation
The Sands at Nomad offers different rooms to choose from double rooms, junior suites with terraces, and family suites. All rooms have air-conditioning, free Wi-Fi access, and a private balcony with an ocean view.
Meal Plan
They offer different meal plans: breakfast only, half-board, full-board, or all-inclusive. The Sands at Nomad has two onsite dining establishments that provide indoor and outdoor seating. You can enjoy a variety of international and African cuisine.
Facilities
The Sands at Nomad has many facilities, including an infinity pool, spa treatments, a fitness center, water sports activities, and more.
Cost
The average price for locals and residents is between $200-$700 per night. The cost for non-residents is between $400-$850 per night.
4. Papillon Lagoon Reef Hotel Diani Beach
Are you looking for a budget hotel in Diani Beach? Then the Papillon Lagoon Reef is for you. The traditional Swahili decorations mixed with modern comforts make this a unique place to stay.
Accommodation
The common types of rooms include twin, double, and family rooms. The options make Papillon Lagoon a popular destination for group or family vacations. You can choose a garden or sea view depending on your budget.
Meal Plan
Like Baobab Beach Resort, Papillon Lagoon Reef is a full-board hotel. This means that breakfast, lunch, and dinner are all included in the price of your stay. They also have an à la carte restaurant with seafood options and a beach bar.
Facilities
The hotel has freshwater and children’s swimming pools. Some of the activities you can enjoy are windsurfing, diving (additional charge), kayaking, and more. You can also relax with a massage or facial at the onsite spa. The hotel has other games like darts, a tennis court, Ping-pong, and table tennis.
Cost
The average price for locals and residents is between $100-$200 per night. The cost for non-residents is between $200-$400 per night. The hotel accepts different cards and mobile payments. They also offer a currency exchange service.
5. The Maji Boutique Hotel Diani
Are you looking for a luxurious and unique experience while in Diani Beach? Look no further; the Maji Boutique Hotel is perfect for you. The hotel blends the old and new with eclectic décor, original tribal handicrafts, and modern African paintings.
Accommodation
The Maji Boutique Hotel has 15 unique rooms and suites that include a private balcony with ocean views, air-conditioning, Wi-Fi access, and more. You can choose Single Garden View, Superior Garden View, Garden Suite, Deluxe Ocean View, Ocean Suite, or Jacuzzi Suite.
Meal Plan
The Maji Boutique Hotel offers different meal plans: breakfast only, half-board, full-board, or all-inclusive.
Facilities
The hotel has an outdoor pool with a palm-fringed terrace. The Maji Boutique Hotel is located near the beach; you can enjoy water sports activities like diving (additional charge), snorkelling, windsurfing (extra charge). You can also visit the Moringa Spa, where you can enjoy different treatments.
Cost
The average price is between $100-$400 per night. The hotel accepts different cards and mobile payments as well. You can get a 10% discount through platforms like Expedia and Booking.com.
6. Afrochic Boutique Hotel Diani Beach Kenia
The hotel is referred to as the Jewel of Diani Beach. The hotel has been a favourite for travellers looking to enjoy an authentic African experience while enjoying the comforts of a boutique hotel in Kenya. It is also a popular wedding and honeymoon destination.
Accommodation
Afrochic Boutique Hotel has rooms that overlook the beach and tropical gardens. The rooms are decorated with African décor and have all the comforts of home like air-conditioning, Wi-Fi access, hot water, ceiling fans, and more. They also offer family rooms.
Meal Plan
The hotel offers different meal plans: breakfast only, half-board, full-board, or all-inclusive.
Facilities
The hotel has a freshwater pool and sun deck where you can relax after a day of exploring the area. They also have water sports activities like diving (additional charge), snorkelling, windsurfing (extra cost).
Cost
The average price is between $500-$1000 per night. Although the cost is higher than some of the other hotels on this list, it is well worth it.
7. Kaskazi Beach Hotel Diani Beach
If you are looking for a hotel that offers an authentic African experience, Kaskazi Beach Hotel is the perfect place for you. The hotel has been in operation for over 18 years and is one of the most popular hotels on Diani Beach. It is conveniently located on the world-famous south coast of Kenya.
Accommodation
Kaskazi Beach Hotel has comfortable rooms and suites that include air-conditioning, Wi-Fi access, hot water, ceiling fans, and more. The hotel also offers family rooms with a garden or sea view.
Meal Plan
The hotel offers different meal plans: breakfast only, half-board, full-board, or all-inclusive.
Facilities
Some of the facilities at Kaskazi Beach Hotel include a freshwater pool and an outdoor area where you can enjoy barbecues and other fun activities. You can also visit the spa to relax after a long day of exploring.
Cost
Kaskazi is one of the cheapest hotels in Diani. You can get an offer of as low as $50 per night. The highest rates are less than $300 per night, but the prices don’t include meals.
8. Neptune Hotel Diani Kenya
Do you want to experience the warm Kenyan coast climate? A stay at Neptune Hotel Diani is the perfect opportunity to do just that. The hotel offers an all-inclusive package, including three meals a day and non-alcoholic beverages.
Accommodation
Neptune Village Beach Resort & Spa has 78 comfortable rooms. The rooms include air-conditioning, Wi-Fi access, hot water, ceiling fans, and more.
Meal Plan
Neptune Hotel Diani offers an all-inclusive package, including three meals a day and non-alcoholic beverages. You can enjoy local and international cuisine at the hotel’s restaurants.
Facilities
Neptune Village Beach Resort & Spa has an outdoor pool with a palm-fringed terrace, where you can relax and enjoy the warm Kenyan coast climate. The hotel also offers water sports activities like diving (additional charge), snorkelling, windsurfing (additional cost).
Cost
The average price for a stay at Neptune Hotel Diani is between $200 and $400 per night. Like most hotels, the second quarter of the year has the best prices.
9. Mangro Hotel Diani Beach
The Mangro Hotel is one of the best hotels in Diani. The hotel is a favourite if you want a conference venue with accommodation or a wedding venue on the beach. Like most coastal hotels, it offers sea views and an outdoor pool.
Accommodation
Mangro Hotel Diani Beach has comfortable single superior rooms, standard rooms with no balcony, and standard rooms. All the rooms have Wi-Fi access and air conditioning.
Meal Plan
The hotel offers different meal plans: breakfast only, half-board, full-board, or all-inclusive. Breakfast is served in the morning in the open-plan dining area. In-house guests can choose from the à-la-carte menu, which includes fresh fruits, home-baked loaves of bread, pastries, cereals, eggs as well as a full English breakfast.
Facilities
Although the facility is not along the beach, it is close. You can walk to the beach in about five minutes. The restaurant is open for in-house guests as well as external guests. Mangro Hotel combines an open-plan veranda on the ground floor and terrace/bar.
Cost
The average price for a stay at Mangro Hotel Diani is between $50 and $300 per night. You can get discounts and packages if you book ahead of time.
10. Southern Palms Hotel Diani
As the name suggests, Southern Palms Hotel Diani is located south of Diani Beach. The hotel is a favourite for couples, families, and friends who want to enjoy their holiday together.
Accommodation
Southern Palms Beach Resort sits at the edge of the Indian Ocean on the gorgeous, renowned Diani Beach. It has 298 rooms that include air-conditioning, Wi-Fi access, hot water, ceiling fans.
Meal Plan
The hotel offers all-inclusive packages. You can also enjoy fresh seafood buffets and a la carte dining at the hotel’s restaurants. The bars at the hotel serve local and international drinks.
Facilities
Southern Palms Beach Resort offers a variety of facilities to its guests, including an outdoor pool with a water slide, spa and massage services, tennis court, fitness center, and more. Visitors can also enjoy water sports activities.
Cost
The average price for a stay at Southern Palms Hotel is between $200 and $400 per night. The second quarter of the year has the best prices, but you need to book ahead of time to get discounts and packages.
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Hotels in Diani Beach FAQs
Q: How much does it cost to stay at a hotel in Diani Beach?
A: The average price for a stay at a hotel in Diani Beach is between $50 and $400 per night.
Q: What are the facilities available at hotels in Diani Beach?
A: Most of the hotels in Diani Beach offer swimming pools, restaurants, bars, fitness centers, tennis courts, and more.
Q: What is the best time to visit Diani Beach?
A: The best time to visit Diani Beach is from December to March, when the weather is cooler. However, keep in mind that this is also peak season and higher prices.
Q: What is the best time to book a hotel in Diani Beach?
A: You need to book at least one week in advance if you want to get discounted prices. If you plan to visit during peak season, make sure to book at least two months before your travel dates.
Q: Are there any hotels in Diani Beach with a private beach?
A: There are many hotels in Diani Beach that offer private beaches. These include Neptune Village, Royal Sands, Baobab, Sands at Nomad, and Southern Palms.
Q: What is the distance between Diani Beach and Mombasa?
A: The distance between Diani Beach and Mombasa is about 35 kilometres. It takes between 1 hour to 1 hour 30 minutes to drive from Mombasa to Diani Beach.
Q: What is the best way to get to Diani Beach from Mombasa?
A: The best way to get to Diani Beach from Mombasa is by car. Some buses run between the two destinations, but they are less reliable. You can also take a taxi, but it will be more expensive.
Q: What are the activities available in Diani Beach?
A: Some of the activities available in Diani Beach include swimming, snorkelling, diving, fishing, windsurfing, and more.
Q; What does ‘all-inclusive’ mean in hotel meals?
A: All-inclusive means that you don’t have to pay for your meals or drinks during your stay. Some hotels offer all-inclusive plans, while others are all-inclusive only for certain meals.
Q: What is the difference between half-board and full-board?
A: Half-board means that you have to pay for your breakfast and dinner, while full-board means that you have to pay for all of your meals. If you are on half-board, the price is usually lower.
Q: Is food included in my hotel booking?
A: It depends on which hotel you booked and what kind of deals they offer. The majority of hotels in Diani Beach include some meals and drinks during your stay. However, this depends on which meal plan you booked and whether your booking is all-inclusive or not. Please check your hotel booking details for more information.
Q: What does ‘continental breakfast’ mean?
A: Continental breakfast usually includes coffee, tea, toast, eggs (fried or scrambled), and fruit. It may also have cereal and pastries. Please check with your hotel about the exact details of the breakfast plan you chose to see what is offered.
Q: What does ‘full English breakfast’ include?
A: Full English breakfast includes cereals, juice, tea, coffee, toast with jam or marmalade, eggs (fried or scrambled), baked beans in tomato sauce, potatoes (cooked any way you like), sausages, tomatoes, and mushrooms. Please check with your hotel about the exact details of the breakfast plan you chose to see what is offered.
Q: What does ‘room only’ mean?
A: Room only means that you are not paying for any meals during your stay.
Q: What does ‘per person sharing’ mean?
A: Per-person sharing means your booking price is per person, not per room.
