Just back from a week at Diani with my girlfriend and pleased to report we had a lovely time.

On the plus side the setting is beautiful, the hotel is very secure and clean, the staff friendly and attentive and the buffet style food was varied though neither the hotel or the food should be rated as 5* in my opinion.

Entertainment in the evenings was 'low' budget but we did appreciate a buffet style dinner on the beach on Friday night supported by a live band and dance act. A lot of effort went in to making this happen and everyone I spoke to loved it - well done :)

Areas for improvement: The bathrooms are looking a bit tired, the air con system is adequate at best (though worked ok while we were there) and the lake meandering around the grounds looks stagnant and needs some attention.

Main gripe: If only we could enjoy a walk on the beach without being constantly hassled from the beach boys trying to sell something! Hopefully soon, either the hotel will secure rights to the beach to prevent the boys from harrassing the holiday makers or better still, the Kenyan tourist board will deal with this issue and ban these lads from the beach like they do in Mexico. Only then would I be happy to recommend this resort to a young family as the constant hassle from these lads could be construde as being threatenting to younger kids.

Would I go back!? Yes, hopefully later this year but we won't be visiting the beach until the beach sellers are removed.

We arrived on New Years Eve and had a fantastic holiday thanks to all the helpful, attentive and friendly staff. The location on the beach is superb, the facilities at the hotel are excellent but are a little " tired " in parts. However the service and location more than make up for this. The New Years Eve party on the beach was amazing and the effort put in by the staff was second to none. We were so tired after our over night flight that we wondered whether we could stay awake until midnight but the attention from the staff and the entertainment kept us going. Thank you to everyone for making this possible. I can definitely recommend this hotel and we will be returning as soon as we can

I had heard so many positive reports about Diani Reef Resort & Spa so naturally I was looking forward to a wonderful and relaxing holiday when we chose to stay at the hotel in December.

First, let me say that the hotel has beautiful grounds. The beach is beautiful and clean and I commend the hotel for putting security staff at the beach who ensure that hotel guests are not harassed and can enjoy the beach.

Kudos too to the staff at the Kids Club. They were friendly, patient and always had a smile for all the guests. On many occasions, they went out of their way to ensure that our daughter and her friends were comfortable and having fun.

However, I was quite disappointed by the attitude of most of the other staff. Most of them were unfriendly and our requests for assistance were most of the times treated as a bother.

The dinners were disappointing. There was no variety and on the one themed night dinner we attended, there was hardly anything that the children could eat.

All in all we tried our best to make the best of our stay but I have no plans of making a return visit and neither would I recommend the hotel to anyone.

Having travelled to many 5 star hotels around the world and being a fussy customer, I am not easily impressed, but this place is something special. We had a tear in our eyes as we said goodbye! Living in London, we are always on the go, so to come away with the rest and relaxation that we got at this place is priceless!!
If you are looking for sun, sea, food, relaxation, you dont need to look anywhere else!!

Reasons to book this hotel above others:
- The hotel has a large area around the pool and beach so you will always get a lovely sun lounger (super comfy like beds)
- Best most specitacular large beach in the area - like a picture postcard with beautiful palm trees,warm water and activities
- Fantastic large pool (warm) with pool bar
- Fabulous restaurants with a large selection of foods to try - if you have a special request, just ask and you will receive (will make special meals for kids/babies too)
- The warmest, friendliest staff you could find
- Great hotel rooms with aircon
- FANTASTIC SPA - we were in there every other day (and good prices)
- The best new years dinner on the beach we have ever had (during the week they do a dinner on the beach as well, which is just as spectacular so you wont miss out)
- Visible hotel manager & deputy hotel manager who will respond immediately if you have any complaints/comments
- Great casino/night club/evening bars
- Safe area around the hotel with lovely restaurants if you want to eat out
- Kids club
- TOTALLY Ideal for honeymooners as well, there is an adult only pool in its own area near the spa so you can have peace and quiet if you want.
- They will do special romantic dinners on the beach if you wish (and this is a spectacular beach)
- Entertainment every evening
- Policed beach
- We met many repeat customers who say they go every year, they said the hotel has low staff turnover, so they see the same faces every time they go which is fab!
- Its so HOT THERE!!!

THANKS to each and every one of the staff for looking after us. And of course Roberto, the hotel manager, for running such a tight ship and making our trip so special. We are already talking about coming back soon!

Tips:
1) We took malarone which was a great anti malarial with no side effects
2) Take a mini first aid kit with you containing nurofen etc as I found the heat gave me a few headaches (but did NOT put me off)
3) If you have any ideas to make your stay more special, just ask the management, they will try anything to make your stay extra ordinary
4) Get the beach boys to take you on a little boat to the sand islands - stunning