Hotel Suggestion in Mombassa

We are coming from Tiwi and plan to spend a day exploring Mombassa old town and then fly out midday the following day to Niarobi. I am struggling to pick a place to stay. The places in old town like Lotus and New palm Tree feel a little too budget for our last night and I am having a hard time figuring out where else to stay that doesn't mean dealing with too much unnecessary Mombassa traffic given our route is essentially tiwi-old town-sleeping-airport. Any suggestions would be helpful.

Edited by: 3surfgirls

How about the Castle Royal? It's a lovely old building in the centre of town which was restored half a dozen years ago and turned from a run-down drinking hole into a smart-looking hotel.
I haven't stayed there as the rooms cost more than my meagre budget, but I've eaten at the busy bar/restaurant on the terrace (food was good) and from what I saw of the public areas, it looks like they've done a great renovation job. Their website says it's 25 mins to the aiprort from the hotel.

Good suggestion. If you find the Castle Royal too expensive, however, try the Summerlink just one block away, on Jundani Meru Rd. It's not as grand but has a 5th floor rooftop bar with great views of the city. You could also try the Pride Inn, on Haile Selassie Rd. on the way to the railway station. A newer, mid-priced hotel.

Most tourists don't spend the night in inner Mombasa, which helps to explain why it is under-served with decent lodgings.

When I'm in Mombasa I always stay at Royal Palace Hotel in Old Town (http://www.royalpalacehotelmombasa.com/index.html). They are 8 minutes from Fort Jesus, roof top terrace with nice view of Mombasa). Rooms are self-contained (double rooms from 2600 KES/night including breakfast), very helpful staff. Usually, they have rooms available. Or you could book through phone.

I think you should look again at the Lotus - it's really good value, always full and very convenient for the old city. Less than £30 a double/twin compared with the Castle Royal, which is fine but more expensive at £70-plus.

Richard Trillo

Wow - just looked at their website - the Royal Palace rooms certainly have some impressive wallpaper!!