“Joseph compensates for the lack of TLC”

Joseph is the man, and he's the reason why so many people recommend the place. He's very helpful and can arrange almost everything on the island. He's very relaxed and friendly. The breakfast was delicious and plenty. The place is very clean. I liked its location, only a 10-15 minute walk to the beach, near to a school.

“Perfect stay in Lamu!”

It was clean, comfortable and perfectly located. Joseph, the manager, was absolutely amazing!

“Memorable authentic stay for 1 night at Shela”

The communication from ‘Booking.com was clear as was communicating with the host Saada which made organising easier. I liked the authenticity of the property and the traditional doors structure of the place. The room had ample space and was pleasant for my stay. The kind and friendly guide Joseph even organised a local henna lady to paint a traditional Swahili design onto my hands. He took me to a lovely breakfast and coffee place overlooking the jetty and was always ready to take pics of me so I could capture the vision. Joseph walked me through all the winding narrow sand streets to meet the captain of the boat which Saada had organised for me so I could go back to Lamu to catch my flight back to Mombasa. Asante Sana Joseph for making my experience so memorable.

“I enjoyed it”

The hospitality was great! Joseph was warm and very helpful

“Peaceful”

Quiet guesthouse with big rooms, lovely staff, great views from the roof terrace and a fantastic breakfast.

Went to celebrate my birthday and it was my first time in Lamu. A simple request to shiban house to make it feel special, ended up being the best birthday surprise ever...Sada thank you, my heart is overwhelmed by how you managed to surprise me 😊. Joseph took excellent care of us and was ready to help us around. I must say, I feel fulfilled even as I have turned a year younger 😂😊😂. Thank you mapenzi too for the awesome breakfast we got every day.

“Wonderful short break in Shela, Lamu”

The cleanliness, the sparkling floors , great place to relax and enjoy a short break. Shiban House indeed felt like a home away from home. Saada the Manager was very helpful. Joseph her assistant was exceptional - he took me around Shela. Unfortunately I didn't eat there so I cannot comment about breakfast, etc.. Bottom line: great value for money!

“Very comfortable with everything we needed, very helpful obliging staff”

Spacious well-equipped bedrooms and bathrooms each with small balcony, nice roof-top space with view over town

“A beautiful Hotel in Shella, Lamu”

I loved everything about it! The place is so clean that you can literally leave your shoes outside and roam around everywhere and be comfortable. They even upgraded my room for free and gave me the topmost suite which has some magnificent views of Shela. I loved everything about it. The staff were so helpful and I am definitely coming back again during my next trip

Fabulous staff. Very helpful

Very nice experience 🙏🏽

The hospitability of the host who ensured we were comfortable during our stay.

“Fine accommodation but careless staff”

I waited an hour to check in. The host didn't respond to any form of communication. They basically forgot they had a guest.

“Great budget stay, spotless!”

Joseph was the most welcoming host and he helped me with everything I needed. He also arranged the boat from and to the airport which is cheaper than what I had been told by friends visiting so I recommend seeking to Joseph about any questions you have.

Amazing place. We were treated like we were at home from the beginning. Since it was just us in the building, we were upgraded to the big suite. Delicious breakfast too.

“Great stay!”

Joseph was really a treasure for Shiban House. He was helpful whereever he could and brought me from and to the boat. Apart from that he is a very nice person. The bed was very comfortable. Also the sitting area on the roof is very nice.

My stay at Shiban house was fantastic. The hotel is situated in one of Shela’s winding backstreets. This makes its location convenient, being a mere five minute’s walk from Shela’s harbour, and very quiet, ideal for a good night’s sleep. The room was spacious, clean and comfortable. Staff members Joseph and Saada were exceptionally polite and welcoming. A highlight was the breakfast (they catered very well for gluten free), which was delicious and abundant ! I look forward to returning

“Excellent, accommodating and attentive service”

I was upgraded to a bigger room. Very clean. Joseph, the guest house manager, went above and beyond to provide an excellent service. He was always available and ready to help. The breakfast was varied and tasty.

“Nothing short of incredible”

Joseph made my stay easy and enjoyable. The breakfast was incredible and the room was in a great shape.