Papillon Lagoon Reef

Mombasa, Kenya

Family Room
Garden Room
Beachfront Room
Terrace View
Terrace View
Baobab Restaurant
Family Room
Garden Room
Beachfront Room
Terrace View
Terrace View
Baobab Restaurant

The hotel

This popular hotel is fantastic value, and it's a very relaxing place to spend a week after the thrills of a safari. The centrepiece of the resort is the lovely freeform swimming pool, complete with the all-essential swim-up bar. Surrounding it are colourful tropical gardens that lead to the famous Diani Beach, considered to be one of the best along the Mombasa coast. Why not watch the sun go down with a drink from the beach bar which is open until late.

Amenities

  • Bar
  • Swimming Pool
  • Babysitting service
  • Evening Entertainment
  • Internet Access
  • Beachfront location
  • Tennis
  • Restaurant
  • Scuba Diving
  • Snorkelling

Where is it

On Diani Beach, south Mombasa. Transfer time from Mombasa Airport: 1 hour 30 minutes.

Hotel information

110 garden, 16 family and 24 beachfront rooms. All with balcony/patio, air-conditioning, ceiling fan, telephone, safe*, hairdryer and mosquito nets. Family Rooms with garden views, sleep maximum 4 adults or 2 adults and 2 children.

All Inclusive of: buffet breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner. Local alcoholic drinks including beer, spirits and house wine, soft drinks and selected cocktails served by the glass (there is a charge for premium wines, spirits and à la carte meals). Tennis, plus a free pool scuba demonstration and regular evening entertainment.

Garden Rooms are en-suite with shower only, 1 double bed or twin beds, sleeping maximum 3 adults or 2 adults and 1 child.

Beachfront Rooms are closer to the sea with lovely views, 4-poster bed, TV, stocked mini-fridge, kettle, shower and bath, sleeping maximum 2 adults.

  • Early booking offer: book by 31 Mar '20 for stays between 1 Jul-31 Oct '20 and save 20% off of accommodation costs.

Bistro Bar & Restaurant (poolside restaurant offering buffet breakfast, lunch and evening barbecues), Baobab Restaurant (open for buffet dinner). Pool bar and beach bar. Freshwater swimming pool and separate kids' pool. 2 tennis courts. Beach volleyball. PADI dive centre*. Evening entertainment. Indoor kids' play area. Ngutuni overnight safari excursion available*. Laundry service*. Babysitting*. WiFi is availabile in the lobby and guest lounge.

3 nights at all times.

* Denotes local charge.

Ngutuni Excursion option - price from £150 pp.

Day 1: After an early breakfast depart Papillon Lagoon Reef at 5:15am and drive to Tsavo East National Park. Enter at the Bachuma Gate and proceed on a game drive along the River Circuit to Ngutuni Game Reserve and Ngutuni Lodge. Lunch and then return to Tsavo East for an afternoon game-drive returning to the lodge at dusk. Dinner and overnight stay at Ngutuni Lodge. (B/L/D)

Day 2: Early morning game-drive in Ngutuni's private 10,000 acre game sanctuary. Return to the lodge for breakfast and then continue to Papillon Lagoon Reef arriving in time for lunch.

Dress code: smart casual for dinner. Men must wear collared shirts, long trousers or smart shoes and shoes in the evening. Breakfast and lunch is casual but modestly covered. Sleeveless t-shirts, vests and swim wear may not be worn, however please feel free to wear t-shirts (with sleeves), shorts and beach wraps.

Rating summary

  • Location Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Sleep Quality Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Rooms Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Service Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Value Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Cleanliness Image of the Tripadvisor rating

Traveller rating

  • Excellent (379)
  • Very good (291)
  • Average (82)
  • Poor (24)
  • Terrible (18)
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Paradise

Jan 28, 2020 532pennyf Oxfordshire, United Kingdom

Paradise ! Stunning does not do the location and the venue justice ! Astoundingly beautiful . What makes this ideal establishment so incredibly special are all the staff . It was a delight to encounter such professional and friendly staff in all areas of the hotel . Always a genuine beautiful smile and nothing was too much trouble . The… Read more
Paradise ! Stunning does not do the location and the venue justice ! Astoundingly beautiful . What makes this ideal establishment so incredibly special are all the staff . It was a delight to encounter such professional and friendly staff in all areas of the hotel . Always a genuine beautiful smile and nothing was too much trouble . The standards of service in all areas was outstanding . The quality and variety of food was exceptional . All meals were beautifully prepared and presented with a delicious selection of local ingredients . Special mentions for restaurant staff reception staff housekeeping staff ( I love the Hybiscus placed on the bed a beautiful touch ) The entertainment staff were so talented and their incredible energy was infectious . We had an idyllic stay of 10 days and I cannot recommend this establishment highly enough . A Wonderful relaxing Oasis in beautiful surroundings with incredible staff . Thank you to all for a most idyllic stay. We will definitely be back Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating 2nd visit - still as good

Dec 22, 2019 JulieTony2014 Bristol, United Kingdom

Stayed in a beach front room 6/12 to 19/12 View of beach from the room was good , monkeys running around keeping everyone entertained Pool lovely not to deep Always able to find something to eat at meal times. Did the one night safari to Tsavo East stayed in Ngutuni lodge for the second time was as amazing as before , saw male lions from… Read more
Stayed in a beach front room 6/12 to 19/12 View of beach from the room was good , monkeys running around keeping everyone entertained Pool lovely not to deep Always able to find something to eat at meal times. Did the one night safari to Tsavo East stayed in Ngutuni lodge for the second time was as amazing as before , saw male lions from the lodge also saw elephants , zebra , giraffe and lots more from the jeep Thanks to Raphael in the pool bar , knew what we wanted before we asked We will return again Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating The staff are what made it

Dec 8, 2019 Cathy H Ipswich, United Kingdom

What lovely staff so polite and helpful despite working very long hours - couldn’t fault them at all. Initially we were in room 116 but had to move due to the damp and musky smell , even the bed sheets were damp. Not nice at all. There was no problem getting a move I think the hotel knew these rooms were damp and just hoped we wouldn’t complain!… Read more
What lovely staff so polite and helpful despite working very long hours - couldn’t fault them at all. Initially we were in room 116 but had to move due to the damp and musky smell , even the bed sheets were damp. Not nice at all. There was no problem getting a move I think the hotel knew these rooms were damp and just hoped we wouldn’t complain! 208 was so much better. I loved the monkeys that roamed around the venue even when they shared my wine! There was always something different to eat ,BBQ night was the best and there was a lovely stir fry lunch one day. Drinks could have been better and there was only ever one bar open at a time when we were there in November. No tea or coffee facilities in the rooms.Safari was amazing but yet again another room change on our return as you have to pack up and leave the suitcases at reception whilst you are away for the night. We were put back in another downstairs room 146 on our return. Similar damp smell but no where near as bad as 116. If you get a choice go for an upstairs room. Pool was lovely however I would have preferred some music during the day as I am not one for silence but if this is your preference it would be perfect for you.. All in all a great holiday but avoid if you want 5* Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Fantastic atmosphere!!!

Dec 6, 2019 Agnieszka K

Papillon Lagoon Reef maybe is a three star hotel, but outstanding in many areas. It has a beautiful property with a very big garden, well kept and nicely planned. Access to the beach is very comfortable, rooms are really enough for vacation stay, basic but sufficient. Food is good, maybe not a very big choice, but always fresh and apart from… Read more
Papillon Lagoon Reef maybe is a three star hotel, but outstanding in many areas. It has a beautiful property with a very big garden, well kept and nicely planned. Access to the beach is very comfortable, rooms are really enough for vacation stay, basic but sufficient. Food is good, maybe not a very big choice, but always fresh and apart from breakfast it changes every day. The most important thing however is the level of service and staff. This is the strongest side of the hotel. The atmosphere they create makes you feel very relaxed and taken care of. Special thanks to waiters: Nicholas, Dennis, Tonny, Eddie and many more, sorry, I do not remember all names. Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Number 7

Dec 5, 2019 Michael B

Well, here we go with another review. It will be virtually be the same as all my other ones. Making an old man eat and drink too much, and sending him home a lot fatter than when he arrived.!!!! Its just what you expect from a good holiday. Apart from that,I must say how good it was to see all the friendly faces of people, not just staff, but… Read more
Well, here we go with another review. It will be virtually be the same as all my other ones. Making an old man eat and drink too much, and sending him home a lot fatter than when he arrived.!!!! Its just what you expect from a good holiday. Apart from that,I must say how good it was to see all the friendly faces of people, not just staff, but people I have met over my years at the Papillon, and am pleased to call friends. There are not many places you can do that . Everything was just the same,from my room, ( new decor) to the pool and the restuarants. So clean and tidy everywhere. As for the staff, what can I say, but thank you all for the friendliness and interaction from you all, even the Man U supporters.!!!! I am afraid I was not my most mobile due to a cracked kneecap on my first day there, no alcohol involved, but that still did not detract from a wonderful holiday. Once again,thank you all so very much. Once again, you made an old man very happy. Best Wishes. Regards,Mick. Read less