Leopard Beach Resort and Spa. I have posted my photos which follow my review to my room and restaurants, bar, pool bar and pool, beach and way to me room thru the gardens Simply a terrific stay in a friendly, attentive, comfortable resort. The most convenient way to reach the hotel from Nairobi is via the many available flights from Wilson and JFK airports to Ukunda Airport which is just few minutes from the LBR. In safe modern jets or turbo props. My recent trip back to Diani Beach to stay at LBR was nothing short of amazing from the time of arrival with the welcoming dancers and cool drink. The lobby of LBR I knew now that I had arrived back in paradise on the best beach in Kenya. Joan the manager in charge of The Residences the explained to me that, they decided not to put me in The Residences since they had chosen a quiet room on its own with sea views. Enchanting walkways Room entrance secluded and welcoming So down a few steps from the beautifully manicured gardens a room that had everything, space, comfortable settee, king size bed and separate sitting area. Room interior I walked out on what may be called an extended balcony which was rather like being on the bridge of a ship with panoramic sea views of the azure blue Indian Ocean and, like a majestic ship the drop down to the sea on both sides, which had serene lighting at night. The balcony was well equipped with sun lounger and table, with a bigger table and chairs just outside the room in case you wanted to take breakfast on your own balcony. The room was absolutely stunning as befits the premier hotel on this part of the Kenya Coast. Because Kenya was still obeying Covid19 rules I found it be reassuring that the measures taken to safeguard the guests was first class I never had the slightest doubts. Sanitizing and checking temperature was necessary in the restaurant and bars of course wearing masks was also adhered to. With Kenya being so safe and diligent I can’t imagine how they got on the UK red list. I felt so much safer in Kenya then in UK One my first day I had lunch with a gentleman that I met on the aircraft and convinced him to stay at LBR Super Lunch prepared just the way you like it at the pool bar excellent menu below After Lunch I walked around the hotel seeing the beach and its amenities and the extensive hotel grounds Bar overlooking the pool magnificent view and drinks are so good they can make whatever cocktail you wish for, including great Kenya Beer Lounge area leading to main Horizon Restaurant I had my dinner and breakfast in the Horizon Restaurant The make a sumptuous display of cold, hot, BBQed fish and meats, salads and homemade desserts including a fine array of fresh fruits. You will always find something to tickle your taste buds here. It’s a spacious and super place to eat in the evening after sundowners at the bar, including the most famous Kenyan drink of them all The Dawa. it's good to relax with one of these whilst watching the sensational sunset sink beneath the horizon, it’s the Magic of Kenya for sure. Many cold dishes to choose from see here and below The BBQ meat and fish choices Together with tempting choices of hot dishes to follow. From the front of the resort the lovely meandering walk through super gardens to my room very beautiful indeed. After the relaxing walk I arrive at my super Villa Peponi On Sunday morning I had a very special surprise with breakfast cooked and serves on my balcony. What a magnificent breakfast it was. Table was laid with nice linen and some cool tropical delights. Breakfast fit for a King so, I happily shared with these three lovely gentlemen that made the whole breakfast an event to remember. Dinner that the Head chef showed me how to prepare one evening And in case the need arises for medical treatment there is an excellent hospital minutes away. The hospital is modern, state of the art equipment and first class nurses and doctors. Fred Finn Guinness World Records 15 million miles 718...
Read moreWe stayed here in the Chui cottages over the December break. The rooms are absolutely stunning I would definitely recommend the Chui cottages, they were decorated beautifully and were very luxurious, even better than the pictures. We booked a full board experience meaning that all our food was included. The resort amenities and facilities are lovely and we really enjoyed the evening activities and shows. The food was really good and they offered a wide variety of foods to enjoy. The waiters and kitchen staff were really kind. We really enjoyed the different dining experiences they offer whether it is the beach bbq night or the night under the stars. There definitely needs to be some kind of control in the eating area when it comes to the flies. There arent any candles or fans to make sure they are not sitting on the food.Special thanks to the entertainment team they are a young vibrant group who are amazing at what they do, their evening performances and activites were lovely.The spa experience was incredible one of the best massages I ever had and the staff were incredible at the spa. We particularly enjoyed the adult pool and quiet relaxation it offers. Unfortunately we did have a lasting unpleasant experience on the second last day of our stay. One of us was terribly sick and we decided to order room service which was included in our package. The food never arrived and none of the staff nor the manager could explain why. This meant that we had to completely miss lunch. Forcing us to drag out of the room despite being sick, to get food at dinner time, knowing that the room service was not functional.The manager was extremely unhelpful and not very apologetic. Nor did they offer to try and make sure we got our order. They very much tried to sweep the issue under the rug. And were very dismissive. We don't expect to pay the prices we do to have a full board package only to be recieved like this especially when one of us was very sick and couldn't leave the room. I had escalated the matter to the main manager of the resort and nothing was addressed. Overall for a luxury resort the service and standard is not up to par when it comes to issues like this, or communicating with anyone at the front desk at reception. Please be very wary of a gentlemen named Wilson selling tours on the beach at the hotel, he is affiliated with the hotel but he will try and con you for extra money. We had booked a tour with him to wasini island, paid for our tour only to have him requesting for more money the morning of the tour. He is extremely disrespectful and very unprofessional, book with reputable companies.I have also reported this to the management of the hotel, and like the other issue I had it went completely dismissed. As they allow him to sell tours to guests on the beach.For a luxury resort there is much to be improved when it comes to customer service. Particularly the management staff of the hotel which is concerning. Personally I would not stay here again despite the beauty of the rooms and the facilities, the management staff do not have the place under control and are extenely dismissive of issues like this. There are plenty of beautiful resorts in Diani to chose from. That I'm certain will not ignore you...
Read moreWe have mixed feelings about our stay at the hotel. Let’s start from the beginning.
Upon arrival around midnight, a prepared meal was waiting for us, which was a very nice gesture. Check-in was quick and efficient. The rooms are sufficiently spacious, refreshed, but already show signs of wear and tear. Nevertheless, they are fine – cleaned regularly. Unfortunately, the bed linen was not changed even once during the entire two-week stay.
Breakfasts and lunches are average but adequate. However, dinners make a great impression – a wide selection of tasty dishes, often served in a very atmospheric setting on the beach. It must be said that the staff put a lot of effort into this. A nice touch was also the Christmas gift from the hotel. The mini bar in the all-inclusive option is replenished daily, which we consider a big plus.
The hotel staff is really friendly and helpful. They bring drinks and snacks directly to the sun loungers, which is a great convenience. From 11 AM to 4 PM, snacks such as pizza, burgers, salads, and ice cream are available, so you can spend the whole day on the beach without having to go back for lunch. This is a fantastic option.
Unfortunately, the pools leave a lot to be desired. They are dirty – after one visit, we decided not to use them again because there was green residue on the pool walls, which damaged a swimsuit.
Drinks are served in glass bottles, and the alcoholic beverages included in the all-inclusive option are decent – no complaints here.
The hotel has two beaches – one livelier and more entertaining on the left side, and a quieter, adults-only beach on the right. Unfortunately, during our stay, there was a lot of seaweed on the beach, which took away its paradise-like appearance. The hotel attempted to clean it, but their efforts were rather ineffective – burying the seaweed along with trash, such as bottles, was completely below our standards.
The hotel itself is located in a beautiful garden, but it could definitely use some renovation. The huge chandeliers in the restaurant and lobby are particularly noticeable – so dirty and covered with insects that they really ruin the impression.
The biggest disappointment came on the last day. Checking out at 10 AM meant the end of the all-inclusive option. This was quite surprising, especially since we spent the first day traveling and arrived late at night. To top it off, the hotel charged $2.50 for a small bottle of water, which, after two weeks on an all-inclusive plan, left a very bad impression.
To sum up – the hotel has many advantages, such as tasty dinners, good service, and beautiful surroundings, but its shortcomings, especially regarding the pools, cleanliness, and the end of the stay, leave us with...
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