Indian Raj meets North Africa, is the general architectural feel of the Planhotel Malindi Beach, the only problem being, they met in the 1950’s and that is where the hotel has stayed ever since. Maintenance appears to have been carried out on a minuscule budget; repairs are superficial, temporary, and botched. No matter how many layers of ‘white-wash’ are plastered on the walls and ceiling,s will disguise the fact that this hotel is in desperate need of a major refit.
The hotel appeared to cater for a particular demographic; the retired and very elderly, so there was little atmosphere. Would not advise this hotel for anyone young and/or with children.
Our ‘Beach View’ room was large & airy with a wonderful view across the hotel pools, gardens, beach and Indian Ocean. But within the first hour after arrival we had to have the bathroom cleaned, fridge, TV, and Satellite receiver all replaced. The bedding and pillows smelt stale, as if the room had not been used in a while. All repairs/cleaning was conducted eagerly by the staff, but begrudgingly by the on-duty receptionist (Ester).
The food is best described as average with a heavy Indian influence, and a major reliance on Coriander. The food was plentiful; with 5 course meals served at both lunch & diner, unfortunately when the dining room was busy, food was often served cold. No matter, because Robert the always joyful barman kept your glassful with your favourite tipple.
The beach in front of the hotel was also a bit of disappointment, covered in tonnes of rotting seaweed, in places you could barely see the white sand. When not dodging the piles of seaweed you were being harassed every 10 metres by what the hotel referred to as the “Beach Boys”, trying to sell you and endless list of goods and services. Unfortunately their activities despite the hotels warning were being encouraged by the mass of Italian tourists, who seem to dominate this stretch of beach.
A very disappointing end to a wonderful safari holiday.

Excellent staff! The food here is great. It is an all-inclusive resort. At the Malindi Beach Resort this it done al-la-carte. So no long queues for some buffet. The pasta's are really great.
Only 20 rooms, so a relaxed, familiair atmosphere. A few of the rooms have sea views, and are not very much more expensive.
If needed you can go to neigboring resorts for diner etc. But that is not recommended. These are really crowded places, with loud italians.

A two day safari to Tsavo is a great break. The local golf course is nice to play.

The only annoying thing are the beachboys, and the ignorant tourists that are to scared to go out of the resort (Malindi is a great place to visit) and pay a beachboy 20 EUR for a trip in a Tuk Tuk, because the beachboy tells them that it is to dangerous to go on the street and stop a tuktuk yourselves!! :Let me tell you all, getting out of your resort in Malindi is no problem!

three day safari and week at Malindi Beach, perfect combination

Me & my coworkers stay there for business, & we love it. African Night buffet is to DIE for. I could eat that food every day from here on out. The place is nice & quiet, the staff is helpful, and the managers go way out of their way to help you out if you need it. The internet works, the safes work, the doors & locks work, the air conditioning works, & the washrooms are nice. The little refridgerator in your room is stocked with all sorts of soda. The best is the coke in glass bottles, made from the original formula. Can't get enough of it. (it's not served like that in my hometown) All food is inclusive, as are the well drinks. The wine is superbe. On a clear night, you can sit in the dining area, and gaze into the Indian ocean while the moon beams its single stripe across the sea, and let the sound of the waves hypnotize you. I do it often, & will sorely miss it when I return home. In fact, I'm dreaming of the gazelle stew, samosas, and chapati bread right now as I write this. Overall this is a nice, quiet hotel to relax in, and I love doing just that. Relaxing, and doing a whole lot of nothing. Which is exactly what I plan on doing, my next trip there. I can't wait :)