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Summary of reviewsLily Palm Resort in Watamu offers a captivating beachfront experience that appeals to many travelers seeking a blend of convenience and coastal charm. Its prime location on Blue Lagoon provides stunning sea views and easy access to local attractions, making it an ideal base for exploring the vibrant surroundings. Guests consistently highlight the resort's warm and welcoming staff as one of its standout features, enhancing the overall experience with their exceptional service and friendliness.
Accommodations at Lily Palm Resort are generally praised for cleanliness and spaciousness, although some guests mention the need for updates, particularly in bathrooms. Most visitors find the rooms comfortable, with amenities like air conditioning and mosquito nets contributing to a restful stay, despite occasional critiques on the dated decor.
Dining at the resort is a memorable affair, with the Italian and Kenyan dishes receiving particular acclaim. Special highlights like poolside gala dinners add a touch of sophistication and joy. The breakfast offerings receive mixed reviews, with many appreciating the variety and ocean-view dining, while others call for greater variety and better coffee options.
The resort's pools are a major attraction, offering spectacular ocean views and a serene environment for relaxation. Facilities include beachside cabanas and diverse swimming areas that guests find delightful. However, the nearby beach, while stunning, has some areas affected by seaweed and local vendors, which may detract slightly from the otherwise idyllic setting.
For families, Lily Palm Resort is lauded as an excellent choice thanks to its welcoming atmosphere, interconnecting room options, and activities like the African-style massage. The proximity to the beach and attractions enriches the family experience, offering quality time amid beautiful surroundings.
Overall, despite minor issues with Wi-Fi connectivity and the dated aspects of some facilities, Lily Palm Resort provides a comfortable and friendly accommodation option. Its winning combination of location, attentive service, and lovely pool facilities makes it a favored option for those seeking a relaxing escape on the Kenyan coast. Show more
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Categories
Hotel near Golf Courses
Lily Palm Resort is located in Watamu National Marine Park. This provides guests with a short driving distance to the Watamu Pitch & Putt Golf Course, a local 9-hole Par 3 course.
Beachfront Hotel
Located in Watamu National Marine Park, Lily Palm Resort provides direct access to the beach and features comfortable accommodations. It is known for its relaxing environment and proximity to marine life.
Hotel near The Beach
Situated in Watamu National Marine Park, Lily Palm Resort offers access to the beach and marine activities. Its beachfront location makes it ideal for those interested in exploring the marine environment.
Hotel with Spa
This resort is listed among spa hotels in Kilifi, suggesting it offers spa services. Details on specific spa amenities would require additional information.
Family Friendly Hotel
Lily Palm Resort is located near Watamu National Marine Park. It offers a family-friendly environment with a swimming pool and various activities. Its proximity to the park makes it ideal for families interested in marine life.
Dog Friendly Hotel
Lily Palm Resort is a 4-star hotel in Watamu that allows pets. It is a popular choice for travelers looking for pet-friendly accommodations.
Romantic Hotel
Located near Watamu National Marine Park, Lily Palm Resort offers a blend of nature and relaxation, making it ideal for romantic getaways. The serene atmosphere and beautiful surroundings create an unforgettable experience.
4-Star Hotel
Located in Watamu near the National Marine Park, this hotel provides a convenient base for exploring the local marine life and attractions. It offers comfortable accommodations and is well-suited for nature enthusiasts.
Hotel with Outdoor Pool
Lily Palm Resort features an outdoor pool surrounded by tropical gardens, creating a serene and relaxing atmosphere. It offers a variety of activities and amenities for a comfortable stay.
Hotel with Swimming Pool
Outdoor Pool
Business Hotel
Hotel with Parking
Room Types
Standard Double RoomThis twin/double room features a balcony, sofa and air conditioning, free WiFi connection and fridge
Duara Comfort Room with balcony.This double room has a balcony, cable TV and air conditioning, free WiFi and fridge.
Mapango Superior with BalconyThis triple room features a balcony, sofa and patio, free WiFi, cable TV, air conditioning and fridge.
Standard Family RoomGuests will have a special experience as the family room features a pool with a view. The spacious family room provides air conditioning, a wardrobe, a balcony with garden views as well as a private bathroom featuring a shower.
Guest Reviews
7.8
Good
Location
Situated in the heart of Watamu, Lily Palm Resort boasts an exceptional beachfront location that offers direct access to the pristine Blue Lagoon. This central position makes it a favored choice for travelers wanting both convenience and coastal beauty. Guests consistently praise the idyllic setting, highlighting the stunning views of the sea and two picturesque islands nearby. The resort's proximity to various local attractions ensures that visitors can easily explore the vibrant surroundings of Watamu. The hotel is only a short stroll from the bustling village center, providing easy access to small beach bars and diverse eateries that cater to both local and international tastes, including gluten-free Italian cuisine.
In addition to its enviable location, Lily Palm Resort is renowned for its warm and helpful staff, considered the best aspect of the resort by many guests. The welcoming atmosphere is complemented by well-maintained facilities, including multiple swimming pools that offer a serene retreat. Despite some remarks about the hotel's dated appearance, the overall value for money remains strong due to its strategic position and attentive service.
Whether wandering the charming streets of Watamu or relaxing by the crystal-clear ocean, Lily Palm Resort offers an ideal base for a memorable coastal getaway.
Breakfast
Nestled by the ocean, Lily Palm Resort presents its guests with a breakfast experience that garners mixed reviews. Many visitors praise the breakfast for its freshness, plentiful options, and the delightful balance between savory and sweet dishes. The breakfast buffet is particularly favored for its variety, with omelets and pancakes standing out as notable highlights. Guests enjoy good food with the benefit of an ocean view from the Mapango restaurant, which enhances the morning dining experience.
However, some guests find areas for improvement in the breakfast offering. The menu can feel monotonous, with the same food served daily. While fresh and plentiful for some, others describe the breakfast as meager and uninspired, with critiques pointed towards the quality of pastries, eggs, and particularly the coffee, which is often instant unless purchased separately.
In summary, while many guests enjoy a satisfying and delightful breakfast at Lily Palm Resort, some feel that enhancements, especially in variety and beverage options, could elevate the overall morning fare.
Dinner
Lily Palm Resort's dining experience receives plenty of praise for its delightful food and warm hospitality. Mercy, a key member of the dining team, stands out for her exceptional care and attention, adding a personal touch to the overall experience. The resort's restaurant earns high marks for its excellent Italian and Kenyan dishes, with many guests particularly enjoying the varied menu offerings and the curated selection of fantastic Italian wines and prosecco. Dining areas, such as the Mapango restaurant, managed by Italians, are exceptional and known for their clean presentations and delicious meals, often exceeding expectations.
Special events, like the gala dinner by the pool featuring grilling and seafood, are highlights, enhancing the sense of occasion and atmosphere. The resort’s cuisine consistently impresses with its quality and presentation, earning descriptors like "fabulous" and "romantic". However, it should be noted that options for vegans remain limited, and some guests find the half-board buffet underwhelming and in need of improvements.
Overall, Lily Palm Resort's dining offers a varied and enjoyable experience with an emphasis on Italian cuisine, supported by attentive staff and excellent presentation.
Rooms
Lily Palm Resort offers a mixed experience with its room accommodations, focusing on spaciousness and cleanliness despite some dated features. Guests frequently highlight the rooms as clean, with daily cleaning services that extend to evening touch-ups such as changing shower mats. The rooms are noted for being spacious, often equipped with comforts like air conditioning and fans, which prove essential in the tropical climate. Many rooms include attractive features like balconies or patios with serene views of the pool and Makuti rooftops.
While beds are generally comfortable, some guests feel that the rooms, particularly bathrooms, could benefit from renovations and modernization. Despite this, the atmosphere remains welcoming, supported by a responsive and friendly staff. The hotel caters well to families, offering functional connecting rooms and large family-friendly spaces.
Overall, while the decor may be a touch outdated for some, the rooms provide a relaxing base with an agreeable atmosphere, enhanced by efficient air conditioning and the convenience of basic amenities. The central location and hospitable service further enrich the stay, ensuring guests find comfort and ease during their visit.
Beds
Nestled in a serene environment, Lily Palm Resort offers a unique experience when it comes to accommodation, particularly with its beds. Most guests agree that the beds are comfortable, and several reviews highlight their size, with some noting the presence of over-size beds. An added touch of comfort is provided by the mosquito nets that surround the beds, ensuring a peaceful night's sleep untroubled by pesky insects.
While some individuals found the beds to be a bit too hard or soft for their liking, this variation is somewhat typical in the region, and many guests appreciated the solidity of the wood used in the furniture. Noteworthy service by the staff enhances the experience, as they are commended for their attentiveness and willingness to ensure guest satisfaction.
The ambiance of the rooms, coupled with solid wooden doors and quality bedding, plays a significant role in making guests feel at ease, despite some mentions of dated furniture and the need for refurbishment. Overall, the comfort of the beds, paired with the charming features of the rooms, leaves a pleasant impression on visitors to Lily Palm Resort.
Cleanliness
Lily Palm Resort consistently impresses visitors with its high standards of cleanliness. Guests frequently comment on the immaculate condition of the rooms, noting their spaciousness and comfort. The hotel staff diligently maintains a routine of daily cleaning, ensuring fresh towels and impeccable rooms, contributing to an overall sense of tidiness and order throughout the property. The resort's pools also receive praise for their cleanliness, providing a refreshing escape in an attractive setting. While the hotel excels in cleanliness, some guests have noted occasional lapses, particularly concerning the condition of poolside cushions and restaurant chairs. Despite minor issues such as power outages and sporadic upkeep challenges, the resort's attentive and friendly staff help to maintain a welcoming atmosphere. Positioned close to the beach, which guests have applauded for its cleanliness and private access, Lily Palm Resort offers a pleasant stay with a firm emphasis on keeping their environment clean and inviting.
Staff
Lily Palm Resort in Watamu receives remarkable praise for its extraordinary staff, a factor that consistently enhances the guest experience. From the moment of arrival, guests feel at home, thanks to the exceptional warmth and kindness exhibited by every member of the team. Whether interacting with waiters, bartenders, or receptionists, the professionalism and friendliness of the staff make a lasting impression. The restaurant team, particularly Jane, is noted for going above and beyond to provide attentive service, contributing to a welcoming atmosphere that guests deeply appreciate. The team's genuine eagerness to assist, coupled with their cheerful demeanor, ensures that visitors feel comfortable and well-cared for throughout their stay. The staff's ability to remember guest preferences adds a personal touch that further elevates the hospitality. Fluent in several languages, the staff further enhances accessibility for a diverse range of guests, making the resort a pleasant and relaxing destination. Management's professionalism and the staff's commitment to exceptional service solidify Lily Palm Resort as a standout choice for travelers seeking a warm, attentive, and friendly environment.
Wi-Fi
Lily Palm Resort boasts a serene beachside setting, yet its Wi-Fi connectivity faces significant challenges. Guests often report intermittent and weak signals, both in rooms and public areas, with some improvement observed near the reception and pool area. Despite efforts by the helpful reception staff to assist with access, frequent power outages further exacerbate connectivity issues, particularly in the evenings. The resort offers Wi-Fi connections that tend to drop frequently and are sometimes limited to certain devices, creating inconvenience for larger travel groups. While the overall coverage can be described as functional, the internet experience at the resort is far from seamless, echoing a common issue found in many coastal hotels.
Pool
Lily Palm Resort offers a remarkable experience with its stunning pool facilities that are consistently praised by guests. The resort boasts multiple clean and visually appealing pools that face the ocean, providing guests with breathtaking sea views. Among the highlights is the dream-like infinity pool, which is strategically placed near the beach and accessed via beautifully kept gardens. Each pool is spacious, with varying depths to accommodate different swimming preferences, making it ideal for relaxation or a refreshing swim.
Guests appreciate the resort's thoughtful layout, which includes beachside cabanas and terraces that provide direct ocean views. This setup enhances the overall atmosphere, offering a perfect balance of beach access and poolside leisure. The pools are complemented by a great location, friendly staff, and convenient amenities such as lounge chairs and nearby restaurant options, making the resort an excellent choice for both relaxation and activity.
However, some guests noted the presence of seaweed in the shallow waters by the beach, which might make swimming in the ocean a bit challenging. Despite this minor inconvenience, the pool areas remain the highlight of the resort experience, often described as phenomenal and lovely. The Lily Palm Resort also houses its own diving center, adding an element of adventure for those interested in exploring the underwater world.
Overall, the combination of well-maintained pools, exceptional views, and accommodating surroundings makes the Lily Palm Resort a highly recommended destination for those seeking a serene and picturesque escape.
Beach
Lily Palm Resort offers a stunning beachfront location with direct access to a beautiful bay. Guests frequently praise the picturesque views and lovely white sandy beach that provide a perfect setting for relaxation. The resort is equipped with convenient amenities, such as sun loungers and shaded areas, making it an ideal spot to unwind. The beach, while noted for its crystal clear water, does have some seaweed-covered areas. However, its proximity allows easy exploration of other nearby beaches that are reputedly more pristine.
Despite these positives, guests have observed that the beach is populated with local vendors, commonly referred to as beach boys. While some guests appreciate their friendly demeanor, others find their presence overwhelming and disruptive to the tranquility of the environment. Safety concerns have been mentioned, although generally, the vendors are described as amicable individuals trying to make a living.
The resort itself boasts a beachfront layout complemented by a nicely decorated property and offers multiple pools for guests to enjoy. While some amenities, like beach loungers, show signs of aging, the overall cleanliness and availability of beach towels upon request enhance the guest experience. Friendly staff and good food further contribute to a satisfactory stay at Lily Palm Resort.
Family
Lily Palm Resort offers an exceptional experience for families seeking a welcoming and functional stay. The family-friendly atmosphere creates a warm and inviting environment, making it an ideal destination for those traveling with children. Families appreciate the interconnecting room options, which provide both convenience and comfort. The resort is praised for maintaining clean and comfortable accommodations, with diligent service ensuring a restful visit.
Guests enjoy the serene and unique beauty of the hotel, noting its suitability for spending quality family time. The combination of stunning sea views and delicious food enhances the overall experience. Additionally, the African-style massage is a highlighted feature, presenting a great value, especially compared to similar services in Nairobi.
While generally positive, it's worth noting that some guests experienced issues with water quality, an area that may require attention. Nonetheless, Lily Palm Resort is noted for offering good value for families looking to enjoy a tranquil getaway.
4 Star
Situated in the heart of an area with nearby mosques, the Lily Palm Resort offers an experience that seems to fall short of its purported four-star status, according to guest feedback. While the hotel strives to maintain its rating, some aspects, such as the use of plastic plates and the provision of instant coffee, have been noted as disappointing for a four-star establishment. Guests have expressed that the resort would benefit from renovation and modernization, as some of the rooms appear outdated compared to typical four-star standards. The ambiance and service practices also appear to detract from the overall experience, suggesting that the establishment may currently align more closely with a three-star rating. Despite these critiques, the central location remains a draw for visitors seeking convenience.
Beachfront
Lily Palm Resort offers an enviable beachfront location along the picturesque Watamu coast, providing guests with immediate access to a very large, white sandy beach. The resort is designed to take full advantage of its setting, featuring a well-arranged structure that sits practically on the sea itself. Guests can enjoy the luxurious experience of two pools, one with a view overlooking the ocean and the other designed thoughtfully for children.
Managed by Italians, the resort boasts an excellent culinary experience at its restaurant, where an Italian chef prepares awesome dishes that complement the stunning views. Private access to the beach allows visitors to immerse themselves in the turquoise waters at their leisure. The friendly staff enhances the overall experience, ensuring guests feel welcomed throughout their stay. With its perfect location facing the sea, Lily Palm Resort is a great choice for travelers seeking a blend of comfort, beauty, and a taste of Italy in Kenya.
Yes, Lily Palm Resort has pool(s) that belong to one or more of the following categories: Outdoor Pool.
Yes, a spa is available at Lily Palm Resort.
Yes, Lily Palm Resort welcomes dogs.
Yes, parking facilities are available at Lily Palm Resort.