Andavelo House

Andavelo House, a 4-star hotel rated 9.8 on Booking.com, occupies a restored 19th-century Swahili mansion in the oldest part of Lamu Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The property features a year-round outdoor swimming pool, a sun terrace, and a lush garden, with guests praising the preserved traditional architecture, carved plasterwork, and thoughtfully selected furnishings. Deluxe Queen Suites include a traditional carved grand bed with a step, mosquito nets, a private balcony or terrace overlooking Lamu's rooftops and the water, and a spacious sitting area. Rooms at Andavelo House also have private bathrooms with free toiletries, work desks, and ceiling and standing fans, though no air conditioning is available. The on-site restaurant at Andavelo House serves breakfast with juice, pancakes, and fresh fruits, catering to special diets, while dinner is prepared by chef Abu, who has created dishes like mango soup. The hotel's bar offers wine and champagne, and kids' meals and special diet menus are available. Common areas include a shared lounge with a TV, outdoor furniture, and a plunge pool, and staff assist with tours and airport pickups via the complimentary shuttle service, which includes a boat and walk through the alleyways. The location is a short walk from the seafront, Lamu Museum, Lamu Fort, and the 18th Century Swahili House Museum, though navigating the narrow streets and passing by traditional livestock may require following the staff's directions.

Staff like Safari, Abubakr, and Abu receive high praise for warm, attentive service, including airport pickups.

Rooms are large, beautifully decorated with traditional Swahili details, and feature comfortable beds and private terraces.

The pool and plunge pool provide welcome relief from the heat, and standing fans are provided.

The restored historic architecture and interiors are considered superlative by guests.

The house is a short walk from seafront restaurants and key landmarks like Lamu Fort and Lamu Museum, and a boat ride from the airport.

No air conditioning, and the room may get hot without a breeze, though ceiling and standing fans are provided.

The pathway to the hotel is often littered with donkey dung, and you may pass open sewers, which can be surprising for some visitors.

Wi-Fi may not work inside rooms but is accessible in common areas.

The hotel is a few blocks from the waterfront, requiring a short walk through narrow streets.