What can we say - we just love this place, less for the accommodation than for the atmosphere, which is exactly the kind of friendly personal vibe that gets people backpacking in the first place. The roof terrace acts as a social lounge, the staff are great fun and the breezy top… Full Lonely Planet Review ›

The architects clearly had a field day designing the Jannat House; it's essentially two houses spliced together around a courtyard, with several levels and multiple terraces. The lower rooms are disappointing, but the upper levels are as nice as you'd hope for. Follow the signs f… Full Lonely Planet Review ›

A borderline budget option set around a neat rectangular courtyard. All rooms have fans, nets and fridges, though the toilets lack seats. Prices include breakfast and are usually negotiable. Full Lonely Planet Review ›

Just along the waterfront, this friendly hotel has trouble entirely justifying even this modest price tag, and there's certainly nothing villa-like about it. Useful as a fall-back or cheaper alternative to the popular Swahili places. Full Lonely Planet Review ›

A lick of fresh pink paint has left the Castle looking rather spruce, but inside it's just the basics, and even some of the walls seem to be left a little short. Full Lonely Planet Review ›

The basic rooms here are very plain, but the upper-floor ones are better and catch the sea breeze. The 'official' rates posted in reception are definitely not worth paying. Full Lonely Planet Review ›

Oh my gosh. It almost rankles to recommend something so new in such a traditional town, but the pale stone design of this luxury establishment is such a perfect modern interpretation of Swahili style that it frankly outshines even some of the authentic places. There are just 10 r… Full Lonely Planet Review ›

This modern hotel is not as sensitively designed as its peers, but rooms are smart and comfortable and there's a good restaurant and a bar serving alcohol. The problem, as with all the top-end options here, is that you could rent a whole Swahili house for these prices. Full Lonely Planet Review ›

Originally set up in the late 19th century by Percy Petley, a somewhat eccentric English colonist, Petley's has plenty of traditional touches but is looking a bit worn these days, despite extensive renovation after a fire in 2003. It's a fine place though, especially the 'penthou… Full Lonely Planet Review ›

Pole Pole is north of the centre of town and back from the waterfront. One of the tallest buildings in Lamu, it has bright doubles with fans and nets. There's a spacious makuti-roofed terrace area with great views and its own mini 'tower'. It's a good place to stay, but relies he… Full Lonely Planet Review ›

Another wonderful old Swahili place, with Escher-like stairways and a fine leafy courtyard. The hotel has its own superb rooftop restaurant (no alcohol) with excellent views over the town and waterfront. Rooms can be booked with Kisiwani Ltd (020-4446384) in Nairobi. Full Lonely Planet Review ›

The effort put into the SunSail sadly doesn't do justice to the waterfront location - there are some great views from upstairs rooms, but the downstairs rooms are pretty cramped. Still, the rooftop terrace is huge (if a little bare) and it's generally quiet. Full Lonely Planet Review ›

Sunshine is a bit old-looking, but it is cheap and there's a kitchen with a fridge for guests. Entry is via the steps up over the alleyway, which doubles as a neat vantage point to peer at the street below. Full Lonely Planet Review ›

Yumbe is a tall, traditional house set around a leafy courtyard. The pleasant rooms have fridges and are spotlessly clean, decked out with kangas, woven rugs and Lamu furniture. If you can, go for the big, chic 'tower' room right under the thatch. If the house is full, staff can … Full Lonely Planet Review ›