The soundtrack playing in the evenings in the courtyard and lobby bars is heavy on Michael, Whitney and other 70s disco staples. The dark teak doors, ceiling fans and window frames and other interior details evoke a 1940s or 1950s colonial atmosphere. The waiters in the restaurant and bar shuffle slowly in their old, well-worn uniforms in the thick heat. Various receipts in carbon triplicate are produced slowly by hand as you check in: good luck with the credit card machine at the cashier's window. m-Pesa might work, but don't count on it.

Time has moved "pole pole" at the Lotus Hotel, or maybe not at all. Except for recent air con units in the rooms, it is the same place I enjoyed splurging on when I was a Peace Corps volunteer near Mombasa in the early 80s. Back then the price for single was about US$ 25 and it has risen now to US$ 55 for a "good double room." It seems to be a good choice for Kenyan government or university visitors (city admin and university offices are nearby).

I've stayed here many times over the years, for the memories and the fact that it's in a relatively quiet neighborhood a very short walk from Fort Jesus and the Old Town. It's a close walk to everything of interest in Mombasa, in fact. A single guy can enjoy a cold Tusker beer or gin & tonic at the bar without being hassled by young women with blood red lipstick (go to the patio bar at the Castle Royal if that's your thing). The plumbing is mostly clean but could use an upgrade. I'm sure they're the same tubs, pipes and fixtures that were in place in 1984 when I first stayed here. The only hot water in our room was from the handheld shower hose. The beds are foam mattresses, the pillows are hard unbending lumps, and mosquito nets are provided. The air conditioner in our room was great, and very much appreciated. Didn't try the TV. No safe, so you'll want a locking suitcase.

I know I'll come back to visit Mombasa again and I'll probably always book at least one night at the Lotus. Nostalgia reigns, the price is right and everything you could want in Mombasa is close at hand.

The Lotus was clean, the rooms had A/C and mosquito nets and small TV's. The location was excellent for walking around Mombasa town, just minutes from Fort Jesus and town center. Tuk Tuk taxis were prolific just two minutes walk away but the hotel was located down a quiet alley so had very little noise. The staff were very attentive. It turns out President Obama stayed there back when he was an unknown law student. I would definitely recommend this place if you want something affordable, with a town location and don't need the beach scene. I would stay there again.

Friendly staff but too pricy for nothing if paying for bed only! Stayed for three days and it was not worth it. It might not be your wish not to eat anything, coffee offered very substandard for amount paid.