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Summary of reviewsJua House, located in the vibrant village of Shela on Lamu Island, is an exceptional accommodation choice praised for its superb location, delightful breakfast offerings, charming rooms, cleanliness, and outstanding staff. Situated conveniently for exploration, the guesthouse provides easy access to local activities and nearby restaurants, all while enchanting visitors with its beautiful design and breathtaking rooftop views.
The guesthouse offers a memorable culinary experience, particularly with its breakfast served on a stunning rooftop terrace. Guests rave about the incredible variety of delicious, homemade breads and pastries, alongside hearty and light options that are beautifully presented and flavorful. The welcoming staff enhances this dining experience, also offering a delightful afternoon tea with cake.
Rooms at Jua House are celebrated for their comfort and aesthetic appeal. With a stylish blend of local and African art, guests appreciate the spacious, spotless accommodations that maintain a pleasant environment. Features like balconies with hammocks, outdoor showers, and notably comfortable beds add to the relaxed ambiance, though some guests note warmth in the absence of air conditioning.
Jua House is consistently clean and beautifully maintained, with stylish furnishings and authentic decor contributing to a welcoming atmosphere. The management's dedication to cleanliness is evident throughout the hotel, providing a refreshingly immaculate retreat.
The staff at Jua House are remarkable, constantly exceeding guest expectations with their friendliness and attentiveness. Led by Amani, the team is celebrated for their kind, efficient, and accommodating nature, offering excellent support and creating a seamless experience. Their genuine care and commitment to guest satisfaction play a crucial role in making Jua House a memorable and enjoyable stay.
Overall, Jua House stands out as a charming and immersive retreat on Lamu Island, offering a perfect blend of location, comfort, and hospitality that leaves a lasting impression on its visitors. Show more
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Small Bed & Breakfast
Jua House is known for its stylish and comfortable accommodations, offering a superb breakfast and a great location near Shela Beach. It's professionally run, providing a seamless and enjoyable experience for guests seeking a charming and intimate stay.
3-Star Bed & Breakfast
Jua House is well-regarded for its stylish and clean accommodations. It is praised for its comfortable beds, multi-storied building design that allows for a pleasant breeze, and a dream-like terrace. Guests also appreciate the excellent breakfast and the overall peaceful environment.
Room Types
Double RoomFeaturing free toiletries, this double room includes a private bathroom with a walk-in shower and a hairdryer. The double room features a seating area, a wardrobe and city views. The unit has 1 bed.
Suite with BalconyThe suite has 1 bedroom and 1 bathroom with a walk-in shower and free toiletries. The suite features a seating area, a wardrobe as well as a balcony with city views. The unit has 1 bed.
Single RoomFeaturing free toiletries, this single room includes a private bathroom with a walk-in shower and a hairdryer. The single room features a seating area, a wardrobe and city views. The unit has 1 bed.
Guest Reviews
9.1
Excellent
Location
Jua House boasts a superb location in the vibrant village of Shela on Lamu Island. Ideally situated for those eager to explore, its central placement offers easy access to local activities and a delightful array of nearby restaurants. Visitors will find themselves just steps away from key points of interest, making it an excellent choice for a convenient and immersive island experience. The stunning guesthouse not only charms with its beautiful design and decor but also offers breathtaking rooftop views. While the property is slightly removed from the beachfront, it remains in one of Shela's most desirable locations. However, potential guests should be aware of some noise due to its proximity to a local school and lively surroundings. Despite the village's maze-like setting, navigating back to the hotel is straightforward, ensuring a pleasant stay with ready access to all that Shela has to offer.
Breakfast
At Jua House, breakfast is not just a meal, it's an experience that guests rave about. Renowned for its incredible and delicious variety, the breakfast includes freshly baked homemade breads and pastries that leave a lasting impression. Served on a stunning rooftop terrace with beautiful views, the morning offerings range from hearty options like eggs and Swahili snacks to lighter fare such as freshly pressed juices and homemade sourdough bread. The diverse and ample spread is consistently praised for its taste and quality, with many highlighting the homemade aspect as a standout feature. Guests also appreciate the friendly and welcoming staff who contribute to the overall exceptional dining experience. Afternoon tea with cake complements the morning delights, making it a highlight of many guests' stays. In essence, breakfast at Jua House excels in both presentation and flavor, setting the tone for a memorable visit.
Rooms
Jua House offers a charming blend of comfort and aesthetics, making it an appealing choice for travelers seeking a stylish retreat. The rooms are consistently described as beautiful, often highlighting their stunning interior design and thoughtful incorporation of local and African art. Guests appreciate the spaciousness and charm of both the private and common areas, which contribute to a welcoming atmosphere.
The beds are notably comfortable, with some guests describing them as the largest they have ever seen. Equipped with mosquito nets and fans, rooms strive to maintain a comfortable environment, although some reviews mention that they can be warm on hot days. Cleanliness is a strong suit, as reports consistently note spotless, well-maintained accommodations.
The rooms feature delightful additions such as balconies with hammocks and outdoor showers, enhancing the relaxed and inviting ambiance. While some rooms are noted for their size, others are smaller but still offer a cozy and beautifully styled environment. The communal spaces receive praise for their expansiveness and attractive décor, further enhancing the overall experience at Jua House.
Beds
At Jua House, guests find an inviting blend of comfort and authenticity. The beds stand out as a highlight, often described as very comfortable and even super comfy. Some visitors note their impressive size, with one mentioning it as the biggest they had ever seen. The high-quality fixtures in the bathrooms complement the lovely cruelty-free amenities, enhancing the overall guest experience. While some beds are quite high off the ground and one guest found theirs to be squeaky due to its authentic design, these unique aspects add to the charm of the stay. Although a bit warm without air conditioning, a common trait in the Sheila area, the friendly and homely atmosphere at Jua House shines through, making it a memorable retreat for travelers.
Cleanliness
Jua House stands out as a beacon of cleanliness and aesthetic charm, consistently impressing guests with its meticulously maintained spaces. The property exudes a welcoming atmosphere, characterized by stylish furnishings and authentic decor that reflect careful attention to detail. Guests frequently highlight the spotless rooms, airy environments, and hygienic amenities. The commitment to cleanliness extends throughout the hotel, making it a refreshingly immaculate retreat. Despite occasionally facing external issues related to the neighborhood, such as septic tank smells, the overall impression of Jua House remains overwhelmingly positive. The charming ambiance and dedicated management contribute to a delightful stay where most aspects come close to perfection.
Staff
Jua House stands out as an accommodation where the staff consistently exceeds expectations. Noteworthy for their friendliness and attentiveness, the team, led by the remarkable Amani, is celebrated for their dedication and accommodating nature. Guests frequently talk about the kindness, efficiency, and professionalism of the team. It's evident that the staff is always ready to lend a helping hand, providing excellent support and care.
The welcoming atmosphere is further enhanced by the staff's polite and courteous demeanor, as well as their willingness to engage in warm conversations. Many guests highlight the prompt communication and flexibility offered by the team, adding to the seamless experience from the moment of booking.
Amani and his team are considered the greatest stars of the show, delivering services with a smile and genuine care for each guest. This commitment to excellence goes beyond the ordinary, ensuring visitors feel looked after and valued throughout their stay. The staff at Jua House undoubtedly play a crucial role in creating a memorable and enjoyable experience for all who choose to stay here.
No, Jua House doesn't have any pool.
No, a spa isn't available at Jua House.
No, Jua House doesn't allow dogs.
No, parking facilities aren't available at Jua House.