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Driftwood Beach Club – reviews, photos

Silversands Road | PO Box 63, Malindi 80200, Kenya
Hotel amenities
Driftwood Beach Club
Ranked #5 of 27 hotels in Malindi
4.5 of 5 stars 75 Reviews
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75 reviews from our community

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Larvik, Norway
Contributor
18 reviews 18 reviews
Reviews in 12 cities Reviews in 12 cities
8 helpful votes 8 helpful votes
“A place in Freefall ?”
3 of 5 stars Reviewed 30 January 2012

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.

Room Tip: There really are,nt any.
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  • Stayed January 2012, travelled as a couple
    • 3 of 5 stars Value
    • 3 of 5 stars Location
    • 2 of 5 stars Sleep Quality
    • 1 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 2 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 4 of 5 stars Service
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This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Senior Reviewer
8 reviews 8 reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
“Bit dissapointing”
3 of 5 stars Reviewed 8 January 2012
1
person found this review helpful

Overall my experience hear was a bit dissapointing. It was really difficult to get information from the staff as we constantly had to ask questions and were never offered relevant information. During the check-in process we were offered juice, whereas others were also offered a hot towel. No information was provided regarding the room safe, wireless access or any other ammenities, which all had to be asked for in later inquiries. For example, the air conditioner key was mentioned during check-in, but not provided until we specifically asked later. Wifi is availble, though only in the bar, reception and on the beach within close proximity to either.

Meals were ok, but we ended up eating out most nights in Malindi at the various Italian restaurants. The beach area is ok, though very limited number of beach chairs so you need to claim them before breakfast which for most is as late as possible. Lots of locals on the beach trying to sell things, but you're not bothered on the hotel property. The provided tuk-tuk tour of Malindi is worth it, especially rhe visit to the local co-op to buy handmade gifts.

Room Tip: try to get one close to the beach as others were near washrooms
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  • Stayed December 2011, travelled with friends
    • 3 of 5 stars Value
    • 3 of 5 stars Location
    • 3 of 5 stars Sleep Quality
    • 3 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 3 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 3 of 5 stars Service
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This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC
USA
2 reviews
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
“Fabulous Resort”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 4 January 2012
1
person found this review helpful

I was part of a large group of medical personnel who stayed for nearly two weeks at the DBC while working in Malindi. I have nothing but high praise for Roger (the manager), his beautiful facility, and wonderful staff. While Malindi in general has a decided Italian flavor, the DBC has an English predilection. If you do what I do when looking at reviews (exclude the top and bottom 10%), the DBC gets a well deserves 4.8 stars. If your travel plans include Malindi, this is a no-brainer.

  • Stayed November 2011
    • 5 of 5 stars Value
    • 3 of 5 stars Location
    • 5 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 5 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 5 of 5 stars Service
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This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC
Vancouver, Canada
Senior Reviewer
6 reviews 6 reviews
Reviews in 6 cities Reviews in 6 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
“Excellent place to relax over Christmas”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 28 December 2011

We loved our Christmas holiday at the Driftwood Beach Club, from the moment we arrived the service was personal, attentive, and friendly. After months of aid work, it was nice to get away and eat some good food (the chef was very eager to cook us a special vegetarian Christmas Dinner) and drink the highly recommended Dawas. The swimming pool was large enough to swim laps in, and the sea was just a few meters away if you wanted to leave the sanctuary of the pool. Rooms were clean and well kept, we much preferred the room with a proper double-bed (our first room had two singles pushed together). Would happily come back again. Low-key, informal, and comfortable enough for a great Christmas. Highly recommended.

Room Tip: Ask for a room with a proper double-bed if that's what you want. Sea-facing rooms are very nice...
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  • Stayed December 2011, travelled as a couple
    • 4 of 5 stars Value
    • 5 of 5 stars Location
    • 4 of 5 stars Sleep Quality
    • 3 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 5 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 4 of 5 stars Service
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This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC
Canadian in Africa
Reviewer
5 reviews 5 reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
9 helpful votes 9 helpful votes
“More than expected.”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 20 November 2011
3
people found this review helpful

From the first request for information and availaility I knew this was going to be a good stay. The reply was prompt, detailed and honest. The booking was made without a problem and on arrival everything was in order, we had a welcome drink and were in our room in minutes.

The low rise resort offered spacious rooms attractively laid out, clean and comfortable with all facilities available and in working working order. All rooms came with a porch to enjoy the view of the beach or garden. Service was friendly and efficient regardless of the request.

Considering the location, the rooms and the service; the price was definitley within reason. It was a short tuk tuk ride to Malindi a quiet friendly, scenic seaside town: a pleasant contrast to Mombasa. The hotel itself was a quiet friendly place not for the party animal, but there is enough night life in Malindi to satisfy most tastes

The reataurant had a varied menue and served fresh quality meals. The chef was often available to discuss the menu and the food. The included breafast was a cut above having the usual buffet items kept fresh and hot but with the added touch of one or two specialty items made to order. The quality of the restaurant was proven by the number of the local population who crowded the hotel to enjoy their Sunday brunch.

The pool was a haven on a hot afternoon and the wide beach provided a safe and pleasant place for a stroll in theearlyb morningor evening. Activities or excursions were available at reception or, for the more daring on the beach.

For a enjoyable quiet, reasonably priced getaway, I certainly can recommend Driftwood Beach club. Just enjoyed the stay.

Room Tip: The beach front rooms come at the same price. Take one if available to enjoy the sound of the surf...
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  • Stayed August 2011, travelled as a couple
    • 5 of 5 stars Value
    • 5 of 5 stars Location
    • 5 of 5 stars Sleep Quality
    • 4 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 5 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 5 of 5 stars Service
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Driftwood Beach Club Also Known As

  • Driftwood Beach Hotel
  • Driftwood Beach Malindi
Address: Silversands Road | PO Box 63, Malindi 80200, Kenya

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