Whitesands is a fantastic hotel. I like others had read some negative comments before travelling but I really am at a loss to understand them.

On arrival we were greeted with a complimentary drink and cold towels and this level of service was maintained throughout our stay.

Our room was clean and comfortable and better still no hanging around for an afternoon check-in. We arrived at 11:00am and we were unpacked and ready to enjoy our holiday by midday.

The food at Whitesands is exceptional good. All the restaurants offer a great variety and for vegetarians the choice is excellent. I normally avoid buffet style meals but here the quality is very high. We used the main restaurant on most evenings. It has just been refurbished to an impressive specification. To be honest the breakfast is one of the best I have encountered outside the USA or Caribbean. (Bacon like we have it at home)

We took the all inclusive option which meant various bottled beers, "real" coke or fanta in bottles for the children, wine, spirits and several cocktails were available all day. What a change from the dreadful “draft” versions that most all inclusives offer nowadays. Tea and coffee was available right through the day. The children loved having fresh pizza delivered to the poolside. On the all inclusive lunch menu at the Lido Cafe the selection was remarkable. (Fillet or T-bone steak through to Thai Curries and fresh fish). The service is a little slow at the Lido but as they are cooking everything to order sit back and enjoy the view and maybe a glass of wine).

The swimming pools are fresh water and of a good size. The vast expanse of the grounds meant there were plenty of quiet areas and lots of sun beds. The quiet pool and spa facilities are in a separate area for those wanting a grown-up holiday. (Children under 14 are not allowed in that area). I am surprised that other hotels haven't adopted this approached.

It is clear that this hotel is well managed and the staffs are making a real effort. I have already booked to return next year and that is the best recommendation anyone could give.

We stayed at the Whtesands Hotel between 1st and 8th August following a 7 day safari in Tanzania. I was concerned about the hotel as I had read some of the awful reviews earlier in the year and even tried to change the hotel, however I am very glad we didnt.

On arrival we were given cold flannels and a drink and made to feel welcome. We were staying for a week, all inclusive with First Choice and were upgraded, at no expense to us, to a sea view room in the central part of the hotel (room 2053). The room was dry and clean, comfortable bed, TV worked, mosquito nets without any holes and the only fault I would give is that the bathroom and decor is a bit dated.

The hotel was terrific. The evening buffet was great, there was a good selection to a high standard but if you like plain english food, you may be put off, however every evening there was a hot BBQ selection. If you didnt like the buffet you could eat in the other restaurant which served Pizzas, Burgers and steaks all to a good standard.

We ate at the Lido restaurant at lunchtime which had a good selection and you overlook the sea, sometimes the service was a bit slow, but hey you're on holiday, relax and enjoy.
The staff throughout the hotel were very friendly, polite and helpful, nothing was too much trouble.

There are three interconnecting pools which suit families and those wanting water polo etc, or there is a silent pool at the opposite end of the complex where children are not allowed. Look after the pool man and he reserves your sunbed every day.

I was really concerned about the hotel following negative reviews, but we had a terrific time, good food, good drinks and excellent friendly staff.

If we go back to Kenya we will definately go back to the Whitesands hotel.

This was one of the worst hotel experiences I have ever had. The room we were given was damp and mouldy, a far cry from the pictures shown on the web site. Both the telephone and the television were not working. Safe, clean drinking water is not provided on site and guests are prohibited from bringing in bottled water. When we attempted to bring in water we were treated like criminals and shouted at in the lobby. Mombasa is a beautiful place to visit - don't ruin your holiday by spending it at this hotel.

Prior to going to the Sarova Whitesands I had read a number of the reviews on Trip advisor - needless to say I was slightly concerned and even thought of changing my hotel. However, I decided to make my mind up for myself as in my experience there is just no pleasing some people!!!

I have to say I'm glad i did. On arrival at the Whitesands we were greated by very friendly staff, handing out cold drinks and cool towels to refresh us after our journey. We had to wait a while for the rooms to be sorted out but when we were escorted to our room I was pleasantly surprised. I was expecting a mosquito invested hovel (going by some of the reviews) however, I found the room to be comfortable and clean - ok the decor may have been a bit out of date and it may benefit from modernisation but at the end of the day I was there to enjoy being in Kenya and didn't plan on spending much time in the room anyway. What you need to remember is that this hotel is 4 star by Kenyan standards not by Western standards. Kenya is a developing country and if you go there expecting the equivalent to the Hilton in any european city well your setting yourself up for disappointment. Our room was cleaned thoroughly everyday and we got fresh towels everyday - the cleaner on our floor was great (Daniel). We had a partial sea view room prior to Safari and on return we were allocated a Sea View Room - we were very happy.

I found the staff to be very friendly and would do anything to help you (obviously these people are motivated by tips as the average salary is 220KES per DAY!!!! Not even £2), particulary Joyce, Suleman & Patrick in the Mizami restaurant, Michael in the Mizami bar.

As for food - I find it hard to believe that anyone would go hungry at this resort!!! I am not a big fan of buffets however any night we did eat at the buffet it was very nice. We ate mostly at the Mizami restaurant which did fab burgers (freshly made) and pizzas, they also did a mean fillet steak and chips! We ate at the Lido restaurant for lunch also and this was very good too, we also paid the extra and ate there at night and it was value for money (£17 for 2, 2 course meals).

I would definately return to this hotel and would recommend it to friends and family.

If you go to Mombasa you can't miss the Safari - it was absolutely amazing. The lodges we stayed at were superb - we booked ours prior to arriving via First Choice (safari is run by Somak in Kenya) - 1st class.

I hope this review is helpful.

Enjoy