Diani Backpackers — Hotel in Ukunda ward

My partner and I spent 2 nights at Diani backpackers - they're affiliated with Distant Relatives in Kilifi (which is amazing!) and, after spending 8 nights at 1, you get 2 free nights in a dorm at the other. We'd been in Kilifi for weeks so we took 2 free nights at Diani.

We upgraded from the dorms to a private room for the difference in price - 1000 kes per night. We were in “Kevin's” room which normally goes for 3600 kes - this would have been a total rip off and we wouldn't have paid it.

The room itself could be nice and probably was 5+ years ago. Now it's just damp and dark. The mattress was the lumpiest, most uncomfortable thing I've ever slept on. We learned that none of the mattresses have been changed since the place opened! The mosquito net was filthy with holes in (see pics). The fan was rusty and noisy. The windows had been forced (to get in or out - not sure) so it wasn't secure and the windows couldn't be opened or closed.

The toilet facilities are fine but the showers are poor. You're charged 200 kes if you want to cook your own food (which negates the cheaper cost of doing so). You're also charged 50 kes to make a cup of tea or coffee. We only ate breakfast there but the shakshuka is not shakshuka (it's scrambled eggs with vegetables in) and we don't recommend it. The staff, apart from Ali, were unfriendly and uninterested.

The pool and the surrounding area is cool, as is the music, but everything looks like it needs to be updated and a little reinvestment would go a long way.

Given all of the above, and the fact that the hostel feels the need to post signs reminding guests that “being drunk isn't an excuse” to bring prostitutes back to dorms, we concluded that, if you were a solo / young (18-25) backpacker looking to party with no standards for cleanliness/comfort, you'd love this place. It's not for older (26+) backpackers/couples, though, and we moved to Footprints (amazing new, clean, friendly and chilled backpackers in Diani!) after our two free...

Great variety of rooms - I stayed in the International Dorm which is the cheapest and cabin-style. It had plenty of space, good ceiling fans, mozzy nets and each bed has it's own electric point (such a luxury!!) and a big underbed storage box (although not all are lockable - a few new hasps are needed to replace the ones clumsy Backpackers have broken!). There are lockers for valuables outside too. Other dorms are in the main house and look very nice. Cleanliness is really good throughout and although a couple of the seating areas could do with some fixing (the indoor one is completely broken but there are some great outdoor areas to hang out in), things generally are in a fairly decent state of repair. The pool is remarkably clean, and surprisingly deep!

Staff are friendly and kind from the moment of arrival until the second you leave, the kitchen serves up good, reasonably priced food (and the chefs are very flexible too), bar happy hours are decent (a happy hour on a few basic spirits rather than just beer & house cocktails would be a lovely minor improvement). The hostel works on a tab system and you pay at the end, and unlike in a few other hostels with this system, it works perfectly. Plus while all prices are in local currency (as they should be) they also accept payment in USD (and they'll also exchange USD, both at a very fair rate), Mpesa, and (I think for a surcharge) credit card - having so many ways to pay is super convenient as it's easy to rack up a bill in a place that's so good you won't want to leave!

Would I stay again? If I hadn't made other plans before getting to Diani Backpackers, I'd still...

I slept 3 nights mid March in private room with AC. The room, pool, bar, service, food, party - all met my expectations. I strongly recommend this Hostel.

I booked priv AC room via Hostel website, which was easy and safe process. The room itself was big and pleasant, huge double-bed with mosquito nets, AC working perfectly, spacious priv shower and toilet. I had a glimpse at dorms and they look cool too (comfy wooden beds, nets, fans, nice colours), however when filled up with people- they get quite warm inside (temps in the night range between 26-29. Shared bathrooms are very clean and neat. Great value.

There is good selection of breakfast, lunches and dinners ranging from 400-1000+ ksh. And a  nice bar with any drinks one can imagine, great service there!

The leisure area is fantastic, with multiple lay-down spots scattered around small but quite deep (yes you can jump safely!) pool. Couples and groups would lay down around, eat, drink, talk, mixup and have fun till late night. Great place to relax, meet new people, blend in!

The distance to the beach is about 5 mins walking. There is Colobus Conservation next door and some fruits, water and bar/restaurant spots around too. Tuk Tuks and boda bodas waiting 24hrs just outside a gate to take You anywhere for 150-400ksh.

Be aware that on Fridays there are bigger Parties with a DJ and some loud music. Many many people come in to join, incl locals, even Masaais dance in their wild-red clothing. I personally had great fun but if you need some sleep, then ask for a more remote dorm or carry earplugs.

Thank You Diani...