For the price, the hotel did NOT live up to expectations. The rooms and bathrooms were a decent size, and were probably once very, very nice. However, now everything was a bit dark, dingy and sorely in need or repair. The shower drains were incredibly slow, so the cheap plastic shower curtain was always filthy (yeech!), and the housekeeping never seemed to notice when they "cleaned". The doors to the wardrobe wouldn't close, which was extremely annoying. The refrigerator was suspect, as the tray was filled with old, stale, dank water. The terrace was nice, but small, and despite what I had been mis-led to believe over the phone, did NOT have an ocean view. The grounds were well-maintained and relaxing, and overall the staff was very nice. Beware of the dinner dining room "dress code" that they don't reveal until you arrive -- as if you actually thought to bring knee length dresses with long sleeves to the beach! -- and they WILL harass you in the dining room and "suggest" you leave. I understand a no swimwear policy, but really, a dress code? Was enough to keep me out of the dining room. Although, admittedly, the one night that I ate there the food was exceptional.
The beach is overall unexceptional and full of touts, but has lots of nice restaurants and bars along it - particularly, Yul's.
Room Tip: There are perhaps two ocean view buildings, so be wary if you want an ocean view. Some rooms have T...
See more room tips
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC
19 September 2011
Dear Amnesty1,
We would like to thank you for the comments that you have put on trip advisor and we are sorry that we did not live upto your expectations. Regarding the rooms, yes they are old and we will be renovating them in the near future. We have already completed one side of the hotel so next year we plan to do the ones that you were staying in. Regarding the cleanliness this has been taken up very seriously with our Housekeeping department and we have put all our staff on a retraining program.
I am sorry about the comments on the dress for the evening meal. This policy is not just with us but all and most Half Board Hotels have the same policy here in Kenya. All Inclusive Hotels also follow this ruling as well. We are glad to hear that the meal that you did have with us you enjoyed.
If you are back here in Mombasa in the future I would ask if you could stay with us again as I am determined to show you a better side of Severin Sea Lodge. If you do have any comments please email us directly.
Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC