Galu Ecolodge - Diani Beach

SO many things to love. And I would definitely stay here again. Restaurant and food is fantastic. We didn't eat out once because the food was so good. Great selection for breakfast. Beachfront location is amazing. Beach is super clean. Fantastic place for families and genuinely child friendly. My son called it 'kiddie paradise'. Friendly staff (especially all the bar staff and Pauline at reception). Approachable and friendly owner. Main restaurant area by the beach is well-looked after and really nice.

I can't help but feel the place is letting itself down slightly in the organisation. We booked a room online for 2 adult singles and a kid, but we were given a room that had a toilet with no door on it, not even a curtain. The owner did say it's being fixed soon, but a warning might have been better. We paid to upgrade to a very nice larger cottage. But even that felt a bit shabby and unloved. Bathroom drains smell bad. It just all needs a good scrub/more love. And twice at breakfast we sat down to eat to the sound of drilling and hammering right by the service. When we asked if they could stop until breakfast service was over, and it was suggested we eat by the beach instead - that was fine, and actually nicer - but again, it would have been good to have a warning, especially when with a little kid, and especially given staff knew it was going on for more than one day (on the first day we were told it was only happening the once hence sitting down next day to the same). A coffee flask at breakfast was rusted inside (although I told the owner about this and to be fair it was very promptly changed). The pergola beds by the pool have really worn mattresses and ants are nesting inside the foam making it pretty hard to ever sit on them comfortably. No one ever seemed to check that space. The beachfront is busier and that seemed much more looked after. It's a WONDERFUL place, and I would definitely return there. But I can't help but feel staff may need more self-empowerment or better training to keep on top of things a bit better. The owner did tell me that some of the rooms are due a full refurb. So I don't want this to put anyone off - rather it's written in the spirit of feedback. It's godd value but it's not cheap cheap, so I think if some of the cleaniness issues could be addressed then it would be an even more magical place to stay.

This place has the best vibes and views. It's like staying at a resort, only much smaller and more welcoming. We had a blast! We didn't actually realize the property is right on the beach! Our room was the farthest from the beach, but it was still so close. Being in the garden bungalow gave us more privacy. There were plenty of loungers and sunbeds available to us with gorgeous views of the beach. The beach in front is much quieter than other parts of Diani. You can have the whole beach to yourself for a while! You can easily walk around to other hotels, but other than walking on the beach, we never really left the property. Breakfast is absolutely delicious. I tried a couple things and loved it all! The food is really good (although it is a lot of fried food which was fine for a few days!) All of the staff were so friendly. The place is very welcoming and we got to meet and spend time with other guests too. There is plenty for kids to do as well. We felt comfortable letting our kids run around and play while we lounged around by the beach or had some food and drinks. We were in Kenya to visit family, but this part was the real vacation! I highly recommend you take kitesurfing lessons at the property too. We didn't have much time so we just did a mini one and it was so fun. We plan to come back and learn for real!

The monkeys terrified me, but I'm told they are harmless! :)

Location was excellent.

Oh my shower didn’t work properly but they were very apologetic and even offered me a room in an accommodation nearby, but I was leaving the next day after I complained so I didn’t take it. The manager was so nice about it and I love the response I got.

The gardening staff does a great a job. The staff at the bar/ restaurant were friendly and attentive. Howev is, the reception staff and the kitchen personnel showed a clear lack of caring and energy. I found them neither hospitable nor accommodating.

I asked for a big spoon for my breakfast smoothie and the response was, we don't have one. Really no normal sized spoons on the entire premises. I had to insist and then a soup spoon magically appeared. Unnecessary and unprofessional. The hotel states breakfast included, but your morning coffee is complimentary only from 7-10 am. And don't expect anything fancy. You get Nescafe or tea bags and hot water. Cappuccino or alike must be paid for... This place is proud to be ecological but the fridge in my room had an ice compartment completely frozen. If you care about the environment, you de-ice the compartment on a regular basis in order to save energy and avoid wasting it. All light switches in my room were sticky and dirty, as if no one had ever cleaned them.