Just returned from my third New Year's Eve in a row staying at Stopover in Shela, and happy to report it's going from strength to strength. They've repainted all the rooms and public areas, fixed the fridge (it now makes ice...!), and in the process not lost any of the charm. The location is hard to beat, right on the waterfront overlooking the channel, five minutes walk from the beach. You can order food from the restaurant on the ground floor, which has a pretty extensive menu - ginger crab or jumbo prawns were favourites in my group (we were 11 and hired all six rooms).
They've also now built a beautiful pentouse suite on the top floor, with two double beds and its own private (enormous) terrace. Highly recommend that, even if its a couple of thousand shillings more per night.
There are still some quibbles over the speed of service - if you order from the restaurant downstairs and busy times, it can take a very long time for your food to arrive. But, hey, this is Lamu, there's no hurry (and if there is, just be sure to chase your order if it's taking long).
Aside from that, can't recommend it high enough. Prices have risen slightly (about 50 to 80 euros a night B+B for a room), but it's still the best mid-priced option in Shela, or even all of Lamu, I'd say.
Best points? The huge airy rooms, the day beds on the terraces, the cool breeze, the food, the location, the staff, the price/value.
Mike Pflanz
East Africa Correspondent
The Daily Telegraph (UK)
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