Boxo Diani — Hotel in Kinondo ward

So I would categories this is a high standard back packer kind of accommodation sich, I've never been to any back packer type of accommodation and I am always one for new experiences, so it offered for an interesting one. Being a low cost accommodation it is perfect in its category (minimalistic, clean and very eco forward) I loved the concept, however if you are used to spoils of certain room services such turndown service you will not get that there and you can't have a tub everything is pre-paid, I don't know if the think you'll bail🤣 but maybe the fact that it's a back packer kind of place, the guests are deemed high risk...🤷🏽‍♀️ There is no quiet area, the rooms are surrounding the entertaining areas so no zzz's if you are a light sleeper, the whole no loud music after 10pm is a hoax. The WiFi is horrendous and food is quite costly considering it's category but worth it if you don't mind digging into your pockets.

I loved their communication but it was interesting how they leave out hidden costs i.e you HAVE TO PAY IN DOLLARS which is ok but WITH A RATE OF THEIR CHOOSING. They wait when you've already travelled, are exhausted and are at their doorstep😂😂 (no pay means no room so it's like your being held hostage). You are put in a situation where you have no other choice but to pay because how are you going to start looking for accommodation at that point. I tried to voice the concern and adamantly insisted on prior communication of this...this didn't matter to them. Not having such a complaint before doesn't mean it's a none issue, being put in that situation very few will have the courage to call an entity out but hey🤷🏽‍♀️. You never know how someone has prepared themselves fund wise, even if people are always prepared for such situations, I feel transparency and integrity are key in any industry.

As for service that was obviously affected once I had the payment issue, being a very small hotel, I got the sense that they discussed me otherwise they would have been less fake nice (which I commend was also an effort) but I made the best of my situation because I am not a people pleaser🙂. Minus the hidden costs experience it is a beautiful place and pretty cush for a ...

This is my second time at Boxo Diani, and honestly, my first stay was better than my second.

The place advertises itself as a beachfront, but despite that, you are not allowed to use the beach beds in front of the hotel. They claim those belong to a different hotel, which was very disappointing because one of the main reasons I chose Boxo was to sleep facing the beach and enjoy the beach beds.

When I called earlier, they even mentioned that you can pay KES 2,000 to use the pool and beach beds of the front hotel under management. But on arrival, they refused and said it’s not possible. This felt misleading.

The breakfast was also very poor in both quality and taste. They serve instant coffee and the options are very limited. Honestly, I would prefer they don’t include breakfast at all and instead offer a paid option with better quality.

The restaurant food was also disappointing. I ordered fries and a burger—the fries were served cold, and the burger had no taste. I’ve had the same meal here before, and it was much better, so it feels like the quality has dropped.

On safety, the stairs leading to the beachfront and parking are very slippery. I had reported this issue on my first visit after someone in my company fell, yet nothing has been done. There’s still no anti-slip surface, which is a big concern.

On cleanliness, I stayed for three days and my room was not cleaned once. The cleaner asked to come in, I told her to wait 15 minutes while I stepped out, but when I came back later, the room was still not cleaned.

Now, the positives: • The 24-hour operational bar is convenient. • The air conditioning in the room is excellent—the best I’ve seen so far. • They also have ample parking for cars, bikes, and scooters.

Overall, the negatives outweighed the positives on this...

We were a couple that stayed here. The beach is 2 min away with private access. The staff is attentive and super friendly!! Special shout-out to Emily, Elizabeth and the security guard. Emily gave us so many recommendations of places to visit and we loved them all, she was helpful and attentive. The security guard helped us with transportation as we were confused about which transport is the best. They call Tuk Tuks for you and it feels much safer as they take their names. Elizabeth helped us with the booking and communicated with us throughout our stay. ||The rooms are modern and very clean. They also offer complimentary water during meals and the breakfast (was included for us) was good. ||We definitely recommend this place if you’re looking to explore Diani yet still want a hotel that offers a beach, restaurant,...