My wife and I having been coming to Kenya for the last 13 years, so we know what to generally expect.
We had booked Driftwood as our “Base” whilst on the East coast for a period of 16 days.
Upon arrival we were shown our cottage. Without discussion there was no way we were going to spend 16 days in a room just about big enough to fit the double bed in (see un-airbrushed photos).
The receptionist changed the room immediately and without question or extra cost, something that told me this is not the first time this has happened.
The grounds were nice and we were on the beachfront, it really had everything going for it.
Driftwood is a very pleasant place to stay. The staff are very friendly (as are all in Kenya) the food is good with a nice assortment. The bar prices are reasonable. 1bottle of Red wine, Ksh1200.
Bottle of cola Ksh 100. A beer , Ksh 220. This place is not going to “bankrtupt” you.
So. Why am I writing this article? Really it’s just to “inform” anyone thinking of coming as what happens here, and what to expect and not expect.
Let me first say, that “Driftwood beach club hotel” was awarded “Excellence diploma 2011”, why for the life of me of I cannot say, and these are our reasons why.
Let’s start with the name. “Driftwood Beach club Hotel”. There is no Hotel!
There is Bed with breakfast, and we personally think they should change the name from Hotel to B+B would be the best move. The management are certainly not Hoteliers.
However, Driftwood is a beach club with all that a “club” entails.(members , membership ect)
After observing the rituals and routines for over 16 days I conclude the following.
The owner “Jolly” Roger is the kindest and friendliest White Kenyan you could wish to meet and I suspect that these traits have helped him “smooth” over many a complaint. Where can I find Roger?
At the bar every day. How he manages I don’t know, or even the rest of management for that matter.
It all reminds me of an establishment in “Freefall” with no one really at the helm.
The Driftwood beach club survives more from the White Kenyan and Italian locals more than tourists, and this is highly noticeable (most noticeably Sunday lunchtime).
There are” no smoking” signs everywhere, but are never enforced even with management present.
A sign outside the bar states, “All mobile phones are to be switched off”. It is neither enforced nor paid attention to.
One half of the grounds are for “Hotel residence only” (as indicated by a large sign) this is neither enforced or paid attention to.
So, it is clear to one that local residents are the priority of the day; The “Beach club” is Driftwoods “Bread and Butter”.
So, to sum up. If your coming here then, don’t expect any “Hotel frills”. Don’t expect nice rooms (we loosely describe them as primitive).Don’t expect everyone to dress for dinner. Don’t expect to not be interrupted during your meal/relaxation by a mobile phone.
Is it not about time they called it what it really is? A bed & Breakfast!
Oh and for snorkeling there is a marine park however when we were here there were lots of wind and the river nearby spewed out lots of sand, turning the Ocean Brownish red, so we have no opinion over this.
- Driftwood Beach Hotel
- Driftwood Beach Malindi
