Reviews from guests who stayed at this hotel, shared by our hotel supplier. Score based on the latest 48 reviews.
Noah
Kenya · Solo · September 2026
+Spacious
−A bit difficult to navigate to the place
linda
South Africa · Group of friends · January 2026
“Noisy mosque”
+House is beautiful, located next a mosquee which is very noisy not a good location
−Location not suitable as holiday home
Sivuyisiwe
Switzerland · Group of friends · January 2026
+Great views from the roof top, accurate description of the property. Felt like the perfect getaway spot. Central accomdation and well organized host.
−Kitchen equipment was a bit dusty but we spent our time at restaurants so it wasn't a big deal.
Gregory
United States · Group of friends · October 2025
“Great for the Old Town experience.”
+Location in the Old Town was convenient for exploring Lamu. Rooftop space was particularly charming and comfortable with a nice breeze on a hot day. Beds were comfortable and equipped with mosquito nets. Bathroom was spacious.
−Muezzin’s loudspeaker was right outside my window., and work me every morning at 4:15. Call to prayer continued until 5:30.
Joanna
Tanzania · Group of friends · August 2025
“Enchanting”
+Stunning property: very elegant, tastefully restored old Lamu house using genuine Swahili/Arab finishes and details we were enchanted, refreshing little courtyard pool, lovely outside areas to relax.
−There was nothing we didn’t like, some people might find the scene school next door a little noisy but we didn’t mind, it added atmosphere
Lieve
Belgium · Family · August 2025
“Beautiful, exotic and luxurious outdoor living”
+A beautiful and spacious house with a private pool in the center of town. Everything within walking distance. Good wi-fi and hot water showers.
−The house is very open, sort of outdoor living: beware of mosquitoes, noise from the surrounding streets, neighbours and the nextdoor mosk and school.
Scott
United States · Solo · July 2025
“A great place to stay while you explore Lamu.”
+Umma House is the perfect place to stay in Lamu. Comfortable and well located, the house has everything you need from the pool to the rooftop. The team provides great service so you can relax and explore during your stay. The house has modern comforts while still feeling like a true Lamu home. I’d happily stay again and recommend it to friends.
−While conserving water is always a good thing especially on Lamu, the showers at Umma house take this to the extreme. Perhaps there is a way to find a better balance between saving water and a more comfortable level of water pressure.
Yolanda
South Africa · Family · July 2025
“Gorgeous home in the heart of Lamu”
+Wow. Couldn't believe my eyes when I walked in. Umma house is a beautiful swahili-style home right in the center of Lamu old town. The architecture and interior design was just exquisite right down to the details. Justin, the house manager, is a star and made our stay very comfortable. I really recommend Umma house if you want to experience Lamu - skip Shela and head to the heart of the island - you won't regret it.
−Just a warning - the call to prayer in the morning is very, very loud. Bring earplugs or just get out of bed and enjoy it.
Lærke
Denmark · Group of friends · May 2025
“Superb”
+Absolutely beautiful house. Plenty of space and in a good location in Lamu town. We’d have loved to stay longer and have more time to appreciate this lovely house, including the pool.
−Despite some of the other reviews here, we probably underestimated the noise from surroundings in the early mornings. Not a major drawback, but for light sleepers we highly recommend to bring ear plugs :-)
Irene
Ireland · Group of friends · May 2025
“I enjoyed the stay but struggled with stairs and was too hot to sleep at night”
+History great building near to town
−Too many stairs and no air conditioning