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Reviews of Cowrie Shell Beach Apartments Official 5 stars

Mombasa-Malindi Highway ;next to Shanzu on Bamburi Beach, 82386 Bamburi, Kenya

#4 of 27 hotels in Bamburi

Guests' Choice

Review score

Based on 376 hotel reviews

7.7

Score breakdown

  • Cleanliness

    8.6

  • Comfort

    8.2

  • Location

    8.4

  • Facilities

    7.9

  • Staff

    8.6

  • Value for money

    8.1

  • Free WiFi

    8.1

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Showing 1 – 25

  • Reviewed: 1 September 2025

    8.0
    I am satisfied with my short stay at cowrie. This was my second stay there
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Studio
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    The building opposite is very close and it doesn’t give so much privacy, but anyhow the balcony was good to sit on. But not any see view

    It was a good place to stay in. The rooms was had all equipment and was of big size.The WiFi was good and the staff was friendly. AC was also good. Cowrie is a place where I like to come back. Also the beach is just at the front, a beach that is good for long exercise walk

    Stayed in August 2025

  • Reviewed: 22 August 2025

    7.0
    Overall good stay with some inconvenient service issues that were resolved by management.
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Studio
    • Stayed 4 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    They asked me to pay a larger amount than what was agreed upon in the application, and when I asked why, they said that this amount does not include the application percentage, and I must pay this amount as an increase over the amount I booked on the basis of.

    Stayed in August 2025

  • Reviewed: 18 August 2025

    9.0
    I was satisfied
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveller
    • Studio
    • Stayed 3 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    It was only one contact that had electricity so I had to use that only contact for both the waterboiler, the toast and charging my phone. And I told it to the electrician but he did not come back. as far I know. But it was not a too big problem. The view from my room did not have a seaview. It was a studio, 1 bedroom. But there was a good balcony to sit on but very close to the other rooms on the the other side.

    I was very satisfied the 2 days I stayed there, both the equipments in the room and the staff. The WiFi and the AC was very good. The water in the shower was hot and good And the location directly at the beach was excellent

    Stayed in August 2025

  • Reviewed: 14 August 2025

    8.0
    Great and fun
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Studio
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    Beddings day one were not very clean.

    The proximity to the beach. It's just there

    Stayed in July 2025

  • Reviewed: 11 August 2025

    7.0
    Fine computers slow and no transition from one shift to the other
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Studio
    • Stayed 4 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    Bad Internet cafe not connected to apartments slow to serve meals

    Quiet beach access secure area

    Stayed in August 2025

  • Reviewed: 9 August 2025

    7.0
    Cool
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveller
    • Studio
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    the foods are expensive

    The Music band at the afternoon

    Stayed in July 2025

  • Reviewed: 6 August 2025

    9.0
    Our stay in Cowrie was enjoyable. We met our expectations
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Studio
    • Stayed 4 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    There were cockroaches in our kitchen. They should desinfect it for other users. But we loved thege eral aspects of our room

    There was no breakfast and I was overtaxed if I refer to what I noted from my booking day.

    Stayed in August 2025

  • Reviewed: 17 July 2025

    7.0
    Good
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Two-Bedroom Apartment
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    Some construction noises within the day from upper rooms

    Proximity to the beach

    Stayed in June 2025

  • Reviewed: 23 June 2025

    9.0
    Serene
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveller
    • One-Bedroom Apartment
    • Stayed 5 nights

    Slight delays in room cleaning but it's okay , not my first time at Cowrie Shell; they normally deliver quality services.

    I loved the standard of the facilities offered, always a good time at Cowrie Shell , can't complain. Clean rooms, strong Wi-Fi, live music, accessible restaurant, overally convenient.

    Stayed in June 2025

  • Reviewed: 21 June 2025

    8.0
    I enjoyed my stay at Cowrie Shell Beach apprtment.
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveller
    • Studio
    • Stayed 6 nights

    The road to the hotel can be improved. The nature of the road makes it scary using it, especially at night.

    I like the friendly staff at the reception, cleaners and the restaurant. I very much appreciated the tailor-made meal preparation and the beach-front.

    Stayed in June 2025

  • Reviewed: 14 April 2025

    8.0
    Very good
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveller
    • Studio
    • Stayed 3 nights

    The air conditioning was not optimal and can be improved.

    The property has direct access to the beach.

    Stayed in April 2025

  • Reviewed: 23 March 2025

    7.0
    Very nice, but the property needs an update
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Studio
    • Stayed 4 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    Both tv's didn't work properly, the airconditioning in the living room didn't work and the wifi didn't work evenings

    Very nice location

    Stayed in March 2025

  • Reviewed: 17 March 2025

    7.0
    Good value in Bamburi.
    • Leisure trip
    • Group
    • Studio
    • Stayed 4 nights

    A bit inconvenient with the renovation of the roof. A lot of dirt on the surface of the water in the pool, probably as a result of the renovation. The restaurant is a costly for what you get. Unfortunately there is much more plastic on the beach now than earlier years.

    As always good. Great staff, Always so helpful and human. Really an A for staff performance! Location of Cowrie Shells is very nice. Will be even better once the new road is finished.

    Stayed in March 2025

  • Reviewed: 10 March 2025

    7.0
    not a perfect stay / would had expected more help in such a situation
    • Leisure trip
    • People with friends
    • Studio
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    The aircondition had issues. And it was loud. This should had been checked from the management before renting the room to a client. That's why I had decided to cancel the reservation for this accomodation and requested a refund. Additionally on top a local kenyan friend from Mombasa who was travelling with me and which who I had shared the booked room turned out to be a fake friend and had stolen something from my property. Of course that's not a fault of the hotel. But however when I tried to contact the security about this issue I had realized that at night the door at the gate was even open and not immediately someone was available. People easily could have walked in and out. Even some people inside the hotel where sleeping. And when I initially reported the issue to the security about my stolen property and ask for help to call the police the security told me to ask "a boss" for permission first to call the police though it was a clear case. I had to make a bit more pressure. At other hotels the security would had taken such issues immediately more serious. However at the end the security (different people) was kind and brought us to the police station where the police finally handled that issue. Though the police obviously was not called or informed as I had requested. The statements from security at the police station could have been helpful and could certainly could have speeded things up. But after arrival at the police station I was left alone though the security had interrogated me and the friend who had stolen my property before. So I wondered why all this interrogation if I as the client of the hotel was left than alone at the police station. So actually the security would had been a good witness (especially as the friend had confirmed already during the interrogation by the security that had taken my property) and therefore could have assisted me at the police station.

    It was very affordable. The room was spacious. The bed was comfortable.

    Stayed in February 2025

  • Reviewed: 7 March 2025

    7.0
    Good
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveller
    • One-Bedroom Apartment
    • Stayed 12 nights

    roof repairs going on, which was not mentioned on booking or a follow on email to give chance to change hotel, loud banging and reduced seating by the pool, should be finished by mid may 2025. strange mixture of pots/pans/plates in the apartment i was in. the lots on either side are abandoned on one side and very run down on the other.

    easy direct beach access on a quite part of the beach, staff friendly and helpful. good security

    Stayed in March 2025

  • Reviewed: 18 February 2025

    7.0
    Ok
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveller
    • Studio
    • Stayed 3 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    I was called and accused of breaking a toilet which was not up to standard to begin with and was going to be charged but I refused to pay . This was very weird

    The location is very good

    Stayed in February 2025

  • Reviewed: 1 February 2025

    9.0
    Very good place to stay.
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Studio
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    Construction work taking place. It's a bit isolated so you need to take an Uber to the action in neighboring Nyali.

    Beach access. Big room. Restaurant.

    Stayed in January 2025

  • Reviewed: 26 January 2025

    9.0
    Superb
    • Business trip
    • Family with young children
    • Studio
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    Friendly and dedicated staff.

    Stayed in January 2025

  • Reviewed: 14 January 2025

    9.0
    Very enjoyable stay, near to everything !
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • One-Bedroom Apartment
    • Stayed 4 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    The building could do with some minor upkeep but overall a very enjoyable stay.

    Nice 1 bed apartment overlooking the pool. Direct access to quiet white sandy beach. Outdoor restaurant & bar is good value for money with good choices of food and drinks. Cocktails are very good and the staff are very good and friendly.

    Stayed in January 2025

  • Reviewed: 13 January 2025

    7.0
    Good
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Studio
    • Stayed 3 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    The only real problem was on arrival. The receptionists called us one side to inform us that the rates for the rooms have almost doubled and that we had now to pay double for our room that was booked a month ago. According to her the problem was with booking.com. We told her that this was not our mistake, and that we travelled so far, spending so much on flights to be told this on arrival. Why could they not inform us before we travelled? We were tired and insisted on seeing the manager, which sorted it out eventually. I would have rated this place as 9, but because of the reception we got i am rating it as 7.

    Location was great. Room comfortable, but a little outdated, especially the cupboards. Liked the balcony too. Restaurant and service in restaurant and bar was superb especially John. Right on the beach which was great

    Stayed in December 2024

  • Reviewed: 12 January 2025

    7.0
    decent would recomend
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveller
    • Studio
    • Stayed 2 nights

    morning coffee not the best

    beach, room was large

    Stayed in December 2024

  • Reviewed: 6 January 2025

    7.0
    Value for money indeed, it gives a proper beach vibes
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveller
    • Studio
    • Stayed 4 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    The new years evd party was really amazing however the entrance fee too expensive and the buffet whi h did not include any complimentary beverage. Also the 75% charge for late checkout was also steep...

    Cowrie beach is amazing. I enjoyed my stay, and the rooms were cleaned every day. Security is always on the premises and at the gate towards the beach. The staff very friendly. And the food at the restaurant was amazing. The size of the fridge was big, another plus.

    Stayed in January 2025

  • Reviewed: 3 January 2025

    8.0
    Very good
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • One-Bedroom Apartment
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    There was a private party which restricted access, unless one paid extra, to facilities like the restaurant, the beach which was the critical factor in choosing the apartment. Management need to consider this.

    Excellent location,good service, clean apartment and facilities. Would definitely be back. Highly recommended.

    Stayed in January 2025

  • Reviewed: 27 December 2024

    8.0
    Incredible!
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Studio
    • Stayed 3 nights

    Nothing...

    The location and proximity to the beach. This was my second visit, and I still like the ease of access to the beach.

    Stayed in December 2024

Showing 1 – 25

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