Diani Beach, Southern Palms Beach Resort Review

Overall Rating

The staff are great - when I had a potentially serious problem (mistaken for terrorist :-) ) the staff came to my aid and vouched for me - it's a major event for a Kenyan to approach the police - they really do make this hotel feel safe.

I have in the past slammed this hotel and alternatively defended it but this will be my last review - SOUTHERN PALMS like other hotels depends on an outside laundry service which I now know at times is less than efficient - perhaps living and working in AFRICA does take the edge off what is considered to be ok. I do not mean this in any way to be condescending as you will see in the next section. Towels do sometimes smell a little musty especially in the rainy season. Unfortunatelly a lot of the guests who go for the first time take advantage of the lower prices offered in the rainy season and this is their first impression of the hotel. I too have fallen prey to some of these mistakes.

Dini beach is all the sun worshipper could wish for (in the season) and southern palms does have the best pools on this coast - clean, white sandy beaches, palm trees and a light breeze.
The rooms are, compared to some, basic - there isn't even a radio which to be fair on holiday is not a great problem but it is nice to keep up with the news. The room service staff are in my opinion extremely honest and willing to help, restrained only by the hotel's own rules. Remember if you want to leave any clothing, pens or other gifts you must sign a gift form and leave it on the items - otherwise it cannot be taken away by staff (security body search all staff when leaving hotel).
MOMBASA is about 35 mins away and well worth a visit but not alone or after dark - this rule I would apply to most places in any foreign country with high poverty levels,
I have and still must say food at the Southern Palms needs attention but the new (if he is finally in place) manager is aware of this and from what I have previewed of him he has more than intent and is capable of sorting this out so things should improve soon.
I can recommend the hotel to friends on these grounds - however as I said this should be my last review as I am purchasing a place less than 500 yards from the Palms so I might still pop in for drinks and to see old friends amongst the staff.
Now for the comment on my previous review - I used a lot of capitals for two reasons - I only had the use of one hand at the time and was suffering from a severe eye infection. Also, since when is the use of capitals devious? Lazy perhaps but dishonest? - By the same criteria is the use of only lowercase a sign of truth? - only joking :)