Honesty ... I don't know what some of the previous previewers expect when they leave their comfort zone. This is not a 4 star hotel, and doesn't pretend to be, nor does it charge as such. Instead, it is a wonderful, comfortable, atmospheric small place in the most perfect position imaginable. If you need every little comfort in pristine condition, then stay down the road at the clinical Pepponi's, this place is not for you. But you will miss out on the the fun with the wonderful local staff, the chance to interact with the villagers over breakfast, the spectacular views from the balcony, and the general ambience. We stayed for 11 nights (we had booked, and got, the great top floor), and loved it - big comfy bed, no mosquito problems that common sense couldn't solve, wonderful day beds outside on the balcony that caught the breeze. The staff made it very easy to organize trips into town, sailing with the locals, fishing, buying alcohol, special food ... anything you wanted was organized cheerfully and willingly. While we were there we took the opportunity to check out other places to stay, and would not have changed. It was by far the best we saw, and this not influenced by the cost! We are very well travelled, and this place will stay in our memories as one of the better destinations.

We were moved from our room twice. The 1st room appeared to be without power, but who knows? The electrical wiring was so haphazard as to seem potentially deadly. Mosquito netting had visible holes. The bedding and tablecloth had visible stains. No water provided at a hotel catering to guests who *can't* drink the water. Windows dirty, cracked. Bathroom door wouldn't stay closed. Toilet seat was broken! No lights on in the common areas after dark. The entrance lock was nearly unworkable. Our room was not cleaned at any point over three nights.

In short, abysmal. I've stayed in many a flophouse. It would have been acceptable if it were cheap. It's not.

We stayed two nights at this Guest House and its a basic, no frills place but you can experience Shela village life from here. Its away from the hustle and bustle of Lamu and its a place where you can just relax and take it easy. You can take a boat ride into Lamu, which takes about 15 minutes, although be aware that it does cost you and if you are gong back and forth it can work out quite expensive. I'm sure its cheaper to take one of the local boats that the locals use, rather than hiring your personal one. Having said that, this is useful if you are not sure of your return time to Shela etc - the Captain is usually only a "text away". It is also possible to walk into Lamu but not recommended in the evening!

I would recommend Shela for the location, the friendly staff who were always on hand for advice, information etc, and the chance to sample Shela village life. It's not as equipped as Peponi, which is 3 minutes away and handy for a bottle of Tusker ! but if you want to experience local life and have fantastic views from your balcony - Shela Bahara is the place to stay!

I traveled to Lamu with 2 girlfriends for a get-away. We booked at the Shela Bahari b/c it was inexpensive. It was definitely not what i expected after the rave reviews on this website. If you go to Lamu, definitely stay in Shela and take a boat into Lamu. Shela is quiet and much less chaotic. When we arrived, we were so pleased by the water location of this hotel. And at night it's nice to sit on that shared balcony and look out over the water. And it's a close walk to the gorgeous beach. However, just be prepared. I honestly don't know what people are talking about. The place is ok, but hardly an oasis hotel. And I'm not a hotel snob. The owner/manager Toufiq is nice and helpful. Based on reviews, we asked for the top floor, which we were promised, but then when we arrived, he'd given it to someone else. And though we stayed for a week, when those guests left, he put someone else in the spot. We had a "triple" room on the main floor (the one with the balcony)...aka a tiny room maybe 10ft by 10 ft with 2 twin beds. It was really hot all the time, difficult to sleep. And the 2 rooms in the front by the balcony are just as hot. Our toilet was broken the 1st 2 nights, which was a one time thing, but very difficult. We just tried to go to the beach and stay out of the hotel as much as possible. And there is construction going on all night next door b/c someone is buiding a new home next door, so we were constantly being heckled by the workers. It felt kind of scary and unsafe. And it was really loud b/c they worked into the night b/c of the daytime heat. Both sides of the place were flanked with construction. Again, it was fine. Overall I was disappointed. I think the other reviews are a bit misleading, or they all got this top floor area that is supposedly amazing. But if you don't get that area, it's a bit of a letdown.