Razbi Guest House
A secure place with small, mosquito net-clad rooms, some decidedly brighter than others. The shared toilets pass the nostril test and there is a private TV lounge/restaurant upstairs.
Kisumu hotels and hostels
Joy Guest House
Located 3km south of town near Hippo Point's turn-off, this welcoming place has a homey feel. Cooking facilities, solid-rock sofas (sit slowly or risk a broken arse) and cramped rug-clad rooms, with fans and the odd balcony, call Joy's home.
Imperial Hotel
Offering friendly 1st-class service, this old dame is Kisumu's most luxurious hotel.
Nyanza Club
While this blindingly white option is slightly past its prime, its leafy and sporty surrounds make for an entertaining stay. The rooms are huge and those upstairs have lovely shaded balconies with lake views.
Hotel Vunduba
Rooms here surround a sunny courtyard and offer good value. The singles are small but squeaky clean, while the twins are more sizeable and comfy. The suites are perfect for families and the courtyard is an ideal spot for weary vehicles to snooze.
New East View Hotel
Although less atmospheric than it's neighbour, Hotel Palmers, this hotel's rooms offer more character. The bathrooms are rather aged.
Hotel Mamba
While rundown, this is a very friendly place to stay. The rooms are small and have TVs (only a bonus if you speak Swahili).
Hotel Palmers
An understated place with a perceptible warmth to its atmosphere. The rooms are on the small side, but they see some sun, have decent bathrooms and are home to breezy fans.
New Victoria Hotel
Bright on the outside and gleaming green on the inside, this hotel has some good options. Rooms have fans, mozzie nets and comfy foam mattresses, and a few boast balconies with lake views. The hotel also has a good café and TV lounge.
Hotel Natasha
A simple place with bright rooms featuring fans (but no mozzie nets), hot water and old but clean bathrooms.
Sunset Hotel
This modern hotel, 2.5km south of town, climbs numerous storeys above the trees to offer unmatched vistas over Lake Victoria. Although simple, all rooms are very comfortable and boast breezy balconies with astounding views.
Ywca
Bare-bones bunks in airy rooms for bottom dollar. The shared bathrooms look clean, but are rather pungent.
Kisumu Beach Resort
This scruffy lakeside 'resort' is set across the bay from town. With loads of space, wicker lounges, a pool table, volley ball net, decent restaurant and a well-stocked bar, it's easy to see why it's popular with overlanders and campers.
Western Lodge
This lodge has a number of smallish singles (or cosy doubles) with mozzie nets and bathrooms. There is a nice common balcony with plants, tables and a slice of lake view.