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3-star hotels in Mombasa
A shortlist of 3-star hotels in Mombasa, drawn from the 644 places to stay the site lists for the city. It is for travellers who want a mid-range base on Mombasa Island or along the north and south coast beaches, and who care about how previous guests rated their stay.
Staying in Mombasa
Mombasa is Kenya's main seaport and second-largest city, set on the Indian Ocean coast and the county seat of Mombasa County. The old town and Fort Jesus, a 16th-century Portuguese fort listed by UNESCO, stand on Mombasa Island, while Nyali and Bamburi on the mainland north of the island are the main beach areas. Visitors come for the coast and the historic sites, and the city is served by Moi International Airport, the Madaraka Express train from Nairobi and the Likoni ferry to the south coast.
The hotels on this shortlist sit in several different parts of that geography. Tower House Apartment, Hotel Sapphire and Pollmans Resort have island or island-edge addresses, while Jumeirah Beachfront, Bliss Resort, Woolsack Suites, Bahari Beach Club and Sheratton Beach Villagio are on the north coast around Nyali and along Malindi Road. A third group lies south of the ferry along Diani Beach Road and Galu Beach. The mix suits couples and families wanting beach time, and short-break visitors who want the old town within reach.
The shortlist
Ranked by hotel class, then guest rating and number of reviews.
Tower House Apartment
Haile Selassie Road
Why stay hereBooked on Haile Selassie Road in Mombasa, Tower House Apartment is a 3-star address whose standing rests on its guests' verdict: 4.7 out of 5 from 120 reviews. That record suits travellers who read reviews carefully before committing to a stay and who want a central base rather than a resort strip. With no facilities listed, come for the location and the rating, not for on-site amenities.
See Tower House ApartmentAsha Boutique Hotel
Diani Beach Road
Why stay hereAsha Boutique Hotel sits on Diani Beach Road, and its 4.6 out of 5 from 264 reviews makes it one of the better-reviewed 3-star options on this stretch of the coast. The boutique tag and the Diani address point to a small-scale stay near the beach rather than a large complex. Best for couples or solo travellers who value a strong guest record over a long list of facilities.
See Asha Boutique HotelJumeirah Beachfront
Nyandarwa Road Nyali
Why stay hereJumeirah Beachfront carries a 3-star class and a 4.5 out of 5 score drawn from 2,090 reviews, by far the largest review base here. That volume is itself the argument: many previous guests, a consistent verdict. On Nyandarwa Road in Nyali, it places you on Mombasa's north coast mainland. Suits travellers who prefer a tried-and-tested address with a beachfront name to an unfamiliar one.
See Jumeirah BeachfrontHotel Sapphire
Mwembe Tayari Road Mombasa
Why stay hereOn Mwembe Tayari Road, Hotel Sapphire is a 3-star Mombasa property rated 4.5 out of 5 across 1,058 reviews. The review count signals a busy, well-established hotel rather than a quiet retreat, and the central-road address puts guests in the thick of the city. A practical choice for travellers who want Mombasa town as their base and a long track record behind the booking.
See Hotel SapphireSimba Oryx Beach Cottages
Galo Kinondo Diana Beach Road
Why stay hereSimba Oryx Beach Cottages stands on Galo Kinondo Diani Beach Road, and its 4.6 out of 5 comes from 146 reviews. The cottage format implies a more private, self-contained stay than a conventional hotel, and the Kinondo end of Diani is away from the busiest stretch. Suits guests who want their own space near the beach and prefer a smaller property's review profile.
See Simba Oryx Beach CottagesWoolsack Suites
Off Beach Road
Why stay hereWoolsack Suites is a 3-star property off Beach Road, rated 4.6 out of 5 from 121 reviews. The suite layout and the modest review count together suggest a small, quietly run address rather than a high-turnover hotel. Good for longer stays or travellers who want apartment-style room to spread out while staying within reach of Mombasa's beach side.
See Woolsack SuitesGalu Tulivu
Diani Beach Road
Why stay hereGalu Tulivu holds the highest guest score on this list, 4.8 out of 5, though from only 49 reviews, so read it as a strong but small sample. It is a 3-star property on Diani Beach Road, at Galu. The name and setting point to a peaceful south-coast stay. Suits travellers who would rather gamble on an exceptionally rated small property than a heavily reviewed one.
See Galu TulivuHotel Comster Mtwapa
Muli Gardens Mtwapa
Why stay hereHotel Comster Mtwapa is a 3-star hotel at Muli Gardens in Mtwapa, rated 4.5 out of 5 from 177 reviews. Mtwapa lies on the north coast beyond Mombasa island, so this suits guests who want that area as their base rather than the city centre or Diani. A steady review record from a moderate number of guests makes it a reasonable pick for a straightforward coastal stay.
See Hotel Comster MtwapaBliss Resort
Links Road Nyali Beach
Why stay hereBliss Resort, on Links Road at Nyali Beach, is rated 4.4 out of 5 from 1,895 reviews, one of the largest review bases among these 3-star hotels. Nyali Beach gives it direct north-coast positioning, and the resort label suggests grounds and space rather than a plain room block. Suits families and travellers who want a beachside north-coast base with plenty of prior guest feedback.
See Bliss ResortAestus Villas Resort
Neptune Road Palm Park 1 Galu Beach
Why stay hereAestus Villas Resort occupies Neptune Road, Palm Park 1, at Galu Beach, and holds 4.5 out of 5 from 159 reviews. The villa-and-resort format implies separate units rather than standard rooms, which suits groups, families or friends travelling together on the south coast. Galu Beach keeps it south of Diani's main concentration. A good fit for those wanting space and a quieter shoreline.
See Aestus Villas ResortBahari Beach Club
North Coast;
Why stay hereBahari Beach Club is a 3-star property on the North Coast, rated 4.4 out of 5 across 1,409 reviews. The club format and the substantial review count suggest an established, activity-oriented beach property rather than a small guesthouse. Suits travellers who want a north-coast beach base with a busy social character and a long record of guest stays to weigh up.
See Bahari Beach ClubSheratton Beach Villagio
Malindi Road
Why stay hereSheratton Beach Villagio is a 3-star hotel on Malindi Road with a 4.4 out of 5 rating from 332 reviews. The Malindi Road corridor runs north from Mombasa along the coast, so this suits guests heading that way or wanting a location between the city and the northern beaches. A moderate review base and a consistent score make it a reliable, uncomplicated option.
See Sheratton Beach VillagioAfricanhuts
Off Diani Beach Road Diani Beach Kenya
Why stay hereAfricanhuts sits off Diani Beach Road, a 3-star property rated 4.4 out of 5 from 259 reviews. The name suggests hut-style accommodation, which points to a low-rise, relaxed south-coast setup rather than a multi-storey hotel. Suits travellers looking for that kind of informal Diani stay who still want a solid, well-populated review record behind their choice.
See AfricanhutsPollmans Resort
Mahesh Doshi Street Off Malindi Road 80100 Mombasa Kenya
Why stay herePollmans Resort is a 3-star hotel on Mahesh Doshi Street, off Malindi Road, rated 4.4 out of 5 from 235 reviews. Its position on the Malindi Road side of Mombasa places it away from the beachfront strips, which suits travellers whose plans centre on the town and the road north. A dependable mid-range choice backed by a fair number of guest reviews.
See Pollmans ResortVillakwetu Cottages Diani Beach
Off Diani Beach Road Galu Beach Ke Diani Beach Kwale County
Why stay hereVillakwetu Cottages Diani Beach posts the top score here, 4.9 out of 5, but from just 28 reviews, so the sample is small. It is a 3-star property off Diani Beach Road at Galu Beach in Kwale County. The cottage format suits families, groups or longer self-catering-style stays on the quieter southern stretch. Pick it if an exceptional score outweighs a thin review base for you.
See Villakwetu Cottages Diani Beach
The shortlist side by side
| Hotel | Class | Guest rating | Reviews |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tower House Apartment | ★★★ | 4.7 | 120 |
| Asha Boutique Hotel | ★★★ | 4.6 | 264 |
| Jumeirah Beachfront | ★★★ | 4.5 | 2,090 |
| Hotel Sapphire | ★★★ | 4.5 | 1,058 |
| Simba Oryx Beach Cottages | ★★★ | 4.6 | 146 |
| Woolsack Suites | ★★★ | 4.6 | 121 |
| Galu Tulivu | ★★★ | 4.8 | 49 |
| Hotel Comster Mtwapa | ★★★ | 4.5 | 177 |
| Bliss Resort | ★★★ | 4.4 | 1,895 |
| Aestus Villas Resort | ★★★ | 4.5 | 159 |
| Bahari Beach Club | ★★★ | 4.4 | 1,409 |
| Sheratton Beach Villagio | ★★★ | 4.4 | 332 |
| Africanhuts | ★★★ | 4.4 | 259 |
| Pollmans Resort | ★★★ | 4.4 | 235 |
| Villakwetu Cottages Diani Beach | ★★★ | 4.9 | 28 |
From each hotel's own listing on this site; a dash means it is not listed.
How to choose
For beach stays
These sit on or just off the sand: Asha Boutique Hotel, Simba Oryx Beach Cottages, Galu Tulivu, Aestus Villas Resort and Villakwetu Cottages Diani Beach all carry Diani or Galu Beach addresses, while Jumeirah Beachfront, Bliss Resort and Bahari Beach Club are on the north coast. Guest ratings run from 4.4 to 4.9.
Asha Boutique Hotel · Simba Oryx Beach Cottages · Galu Tulivu · Aestus Villas Resort · Villakwetu Cottages Diani Beach · Jumeirah Beachfront
For the old town
Tower House Apartment on Haile Selassie Road, Hotel Sapphire on Mwembe Tayari Road and Pollmans Resort off Malindi Road put you on or beside Mombasa Island, the side of the city that holds the old town and Fort Jesus. All three are 3-star, and Hotel Sapphire carries 1,058 reviews at 4.5.
Top-rated picks
Tower House Apartment, Asha Boutique Hotel, Simba Oryx Beach Cottages and Woolsack Suites follow at 4.6. Review counts are modest, so weigh the score against how many stays stand behind it.
Villakwetu Cottages Diani Beach · Galu Tulivu · Tower House Apartment · Asha Boutique Hotel · Simba Oryx Beach Cottages · Woolsack Suites
Most reviewed
If you would rather trust a large sample, Jumeirah Beachfront has 2,090 reviews at 4.5, Bliss Resort 1,895 at 4.4, Bahari Beach Club 1,409 at 4.4 and Hotel Sapphire 1,058 at 4.5.
Jumeirah Beachfront · Bliss Resort · Bahari Beach Club · Hotel Sapphire
Where to stay in Mombasa
Nyali
Nyali, on the mainland north of Mombasa Island, is one of the main beach areas of the city.
Our picks here: Jumeirah Beachfront · Bliss Resort
Diani Beach
Diani Beach lies on the south coast, reached from the island by the Likoni ferry. Asha Boutique Hotel and Galu Tulivu are on Diani Beach Road, Africanhuts is off it, and Simba Oryx Beach Cottages and Villakwetu Cottages Diani Beach sit at Galu. Guest scores here are the strongest on the shortlist, from 4.4 up to 4.9.
Our picks here: Asha Boutique Hotel · Galu Tulivu · Africanhuts · Villakwetu Cottages Diani Beach
Plan your stay
Getting there and around
Moi International Airport serves Mombasa. The Madaraka Express train runs between Nairobi and Mombasa, and the city is also reached by road from Nairobi, about 440 km away in a straight line. On the ground, the Likoni ferry links Mombasa Island with the south coast, which is how you reach the Diani Beach and Galu Beach addresses on this shortlist from the city side. The old town and Fort Jesus are on Mombasa Island, while Nyali and Bamburi lie on the mainland north of it.
When to go
The coast is hot and humid all year, and daytime temperatures stay high throughout, so expect warm, damp conditions whenever you come. The long rains usually fall from April to June, which is the period most likely to interrupt beach time on the Diani and north coast stretches where these hotels sit. Outside those months the weather is still humid but generally drier, which suits the old town and Fort Jesus as much as the sand.
Things to do near Mombasa
Questions, answered
Which of these hotels is closest to the centre of Mombasa?
Tower House Apartment on Haile Selassie Road and Hotel Sapphire on Mwembe Tayari Road have island addresses, as does Pollmans Resort off Malindi Road. The old town and Fort Jesus are on Mombasa Island too, so these three sit on the city side rather than the north or south coast beaches.
Which hotel here has the best guest rating?
Villakwetu Cottages Diani Beach scores 4.9 out of 5, the highest on this shortlist, from 28 reviews. Galu Tulivu is next at 4.8 from 49 reviews. Both figures rest on a small number of stays, so read them alongside hotels such as Jumeirah Beachfront, which holds 4.5 from 2,090 reviews.
Are there hotels on this shortlist with a pool or a spa?
The booking records for these hotels do not list facilities, so no pool, spa or similar amenity can be confirmed from the data here. Check the individual hotel page for the full record before you book.
Can I book a hotel here with breakfast or parking included?
Breakfast and parking are not recorded in the hotel data on this page, so neither can be confirmed for Tower House Apartment, Asha Boutique Hotel, Jumeirah Beachfront or any other entry. The individual hotel pages hold the supplier's full record.
Which hotels suit families?
The Diani and Galu addresses are the roomiest group for a family beach stay: Asha Boutique Hotel, Simba Oryx Beach Cottages, Galu Tulivu, Aestus Villas Resort and Villakwetu Cottages Diani Beach, all rated between 4.4 and 4.9. Bliss Resort on Links Road Nyali Beach is the north coast option, with 1,895 reviews.
Which hotels are on the north coast?
Jumeirah Beachfront on Nyandarwa Road Nyali, Bliss Resort on Links Road Nyali Beach, Woolsack Suites off Beach Road, Bahari Beach Club and Sheratton Beach Villagio on Malindi Road, and Hotel Comster Mtwapa in Muli Gardens Mtwapa are the north coast entries here, across Nyali, Bamburi and Mtwapa.
Are pets allowed at any of these hotels?
Pet policies are not part of the hotel data shown on this shortlist, so none of these 3-star hotels can be confirmed as pet-friendly from what is recorded. Check the individual hotel page for the supplier's policy.
How do I reach the Diani Beach hotels from Mombasa Island?
The Likoni ferry links Mombasa Island with the south coast, which is the crossing you take for the Diani Beach Road, Galu Beach and off-Diani addresses on this shortlist, including Asha Boutique Hotel, Galu Tulivu, Africanhuts, Simba Oryx Beach Cottages and Villakwetu Cottages Diani Beach.