Ocean Beach Resort & Spa

First of all it is clear that this hotel is far from 5 stars. While the rooms (in fact cottages) are not bad (4/5 for me) and the hotel staff is very friendly (5/5 for me) the breakfast choice was dissatisfying (3/5 for me). The offer of fruit juices was limited to 2, while one always was watermelon and the other changed between mango and pineapple. The overall selection (fresh eggs, other English breakfast items) was o.k., but the offered variety was far from other 5 Star hotels I ever visited. There was as well a issue with small biting animals in the family pool. I don’t know whether this has been corrected after complaining because we were afterwards using the adults pool. Due to the nearby creek the beach is quite dirty and can’t be really used. There is not much nearby, so be prepared to have a drive of at least 15 minutes to Malindi restaurants. The restaurant was o.k. to good when eating á la carte but certainly not on 5 star Niveau. The prices for food and drinks were on the other hand reasonable. The evening buffet was never tempting. We were staying over New Year and the accommodation prices asked for were out of this world and in no relation to the services provided. So the hotel might be recommendable when you get good rates, you want to get a clean and quite comfortable room and want to hang out at the adult pool.

The first night we were placed at another location nearby in a low standard room despite the superior room booking paid 2 months in advance. The manager was not fully clear in his communication and only by escalating the issue we were able to avoid a 31st December celebration in a very poor room. Unexpected from a 5 star hotel. An upgrade to junior suite was provided. Room, ambiance, front desk people very pleasant. Buffet food not at the 5 star level. Restaurant much better. Wi-fi very weak in room and unstable in lobby.