My wife and I stayed at the Travellers Beach Club Hotel for two weeks in March 2011, and had a very pleasant stay. The deal we got was all-inclusive, which we had not done before. We had read some critical comments about this and about some aspects of the hotel on tripadviser, but they were countered by the many good comments and the fact that Travelsphere, a fairly reliable company, use the hotel. We did not find any problems with drunkenness or rowdiness in the All-inclusive section (the hotel is split into two really – AI and non-AI); in fact, we found it very relaxing knowing that all drinks and extra snacks were paid for.
The hotel is attractive, in lovely grounds, vey well kept and cleaned. Although things like the chest of drawers were a bit tired and old-fashioned, the room was spacious and comfortable, with a balcony and the quietest air-con we have ever had (though the tv was old and useless).
There are several pools on the way down towards the beach, and plenty of sun beds (despite the usual selfish folk who get towels on at dawn and appear at lunchtime). The main pool and bar could be a little noisy but it was easy to find peaceful (and shaded) spots at the other pools or under the shade of the palm trees near the beach, where there was more breeze.
The beach: yes, you are...My wife and I stayed at the Travellers Beach Club Hotel for two weeks in March 2011, and had a very pleasant stay. The deal we got was all-inclusive, which we had not done before. We had read some critical comments about this and about some aspects of the hotel on tripadviser, but they were countered by the many good comments and the fact that Travelsphere, a fairly reliable company, use the hotel. We did not find any problems with drunkenness or rowdiness in the All-inclusive section (the hotel is split into two really – AI and non-AI); in fact, we found it very relaxing knowing that all drinks and extra snacks were paid for.
The hotel is attractive, in lovely grounds, vey well kept and cleaned. Although things like the chest of drawers were a bit tired and old-fashioned, the room was spacious and comfortable, with a balcony and the quietest air-con we have ever had (though the tv was old and useless).
There are several pools on the way down towards the beach, and plenty of sun beds (despite the usual selfish folk who get towels on at dawn and appear at lunchtime). The main pool and bar could be a little noisy but it was easy to find peaceful (and shaded) spots at the other pools or under the shade of the palm trees near the beach, where there was more breeze.
The beach: yes, you are pestered by the beach boys, but as others advise – chat a bit, buy something, then be firm when you want to walk alone. It is a good long beach for walking along, full of interest at all times of the day.
The evening entertainment varied: two good live bands; some excellent acrobats; the Masai dancers (once is enough). What we saw of the animation team evening was rather embarrassing. It was useful that there was another quieter bar under the restaurant. It was good to see that the noise ended at 11pm, though we were glad we did not have a room near the pool bar.
We enjoyed eating in the restaurant. Ok, the cuts of meat and the fish are not the best, and there were some old-fashioned English touches (swiss roll, jelly) but we thought the salads were varied and interesting, and there was always something we fancied. The staff were excellent – friendly and efficient.
We went with the intention of going on a 3-night safari, which meant we paid for but did not use 3 nights in the hotel – but on the other hand we did not have to pack and check out, store our luggage, and then check in again on return. After reading consistently good reviews on tripadviser, we booked from England with Antony at Wildlife Kenya Safaris (easily booked by email – see his website); we had a marvellous safari experience (see separate review) in the middle of the holiday, with time to relax before and after.
We enjoyed nearby Haller Park, a quick taxi ride away (or cheaper in the local three-wheeler taxis). Allow a couple of hours, and make sure you are there at 11 am (and again some time in the afternoon) when you can feed the giraffes. The giant tortoises are lovely, and we saw hippos and crocodiles closer than on the safari.
We felt a day trip to Mombasa was worthwhile. It’s a lot cheaper to hire your own taxi for the day, especially if there are 4 of you; check prices – the ones outside of the hotel may be more expensive (barter?). We would urge you to go to the wood carving factory: about 2,000 men hand-carving a variety of animals, small and huge. No bartering in the shop – and you know that 80% goes to the man who carved what you buy (they all have an individual number). You do need a guide to take you round the old town – your taxi driver simply passes you on for an hour or so; agree the price beforehand. We left the hotel about 9 and were back in the hotel about 3 for a welcome swim – I would go earlier to avoid the heat.
Once we realised how little it would have been to stay another week, we wished we had. Overall, we felt it was a very pleasant hotel, with great staff, and good value. Would be even better with a refurbishment, but we would use it again and look to do a flying safari to Masai Mara.More
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