Subira House

Fabulous place - it's an amazing building with lots of places to hang out in the peace and cool away from the heat! It's just behind the fort in the Lamu Town so always easy to find. The breakfast was lovely and the staff were great. They also make every effort to be as sustainable as possible.

The location is good.

The facilities and washroom concept is not ideal for seasoned traveler. They use eco-toilets and expect guests to pour sawdust on the feces (faeces). you have to urinate in a small collection area in the pit. There is no flush. There was no hot water in the shower. There was green fungus on the shower head. The kettle had limescale. There were flies everywhere and furniture was sticky and unclean. The breakfast was mediocre and not worthy of any comment. (the fruits were bitter). The town guide was unclean and outdated and looking like a retired old person. The hotel staff were not trained and their appearance poor and shabby.

If you want to explore Lamu Old Town, Subira House is a perfect choice for you. The staff are super nice and will help you sort out arrangements for walking tours, sunset cruises etc. Oh and make sure to have the traditional Swahili three course dinner they offer - it was delicious and served in an incredible setting!

Very likeable are the very kind and attentive staff and very attractive the historic Arabic architectural and furnishing style were stunning. This guest house was the former house of the Lamu governor appointed way back by the Sultan of Zanzibar and its rooms and spaces echo said times. Staff very accommodating and helpful. Its location is right behind the historical Lamu fort which makes it a great landmark to ask for when originally lost in a warren of bewildering yet charming tiny alleys. Old Town Lamu is solely experienced on foot and the occasional donkey (cart), no modern motorized vehicles anywhere to be found. Good walking shoes recommended and sturdy bags as the alley surfaces do not usually invite bags to be 'rolled'. At the ready young men can be found at the airport or landing pier to carry bags for a few hundered KES. Locals are very friendly and greet you regularly upon encountering them in the alley warren.

Subira House has ecological standards and this covers the area of their plumbing. All is doable, but requires adjustments. There is no "modern day sewage system" under the roads and alleys of Old Town Lamu and while charm abounds and individual places are well-maintained or restored, many areas are crumbling, forgotten and dirty. Nothing unsurmountable, but it might stretch usual tourist expectations...it is however authentic!

The place is stunning and querky. Beautifully furnished and well maintained. Salutations to katy the owner who came to speak to us every day to ensure we were comfortable and offer suggestions.

there was a nationwide power cut that lasted close to 48 hours. No fault of the Subira, but it did effect our comfort.

Great location for exploring Lamu. The views from the balcony are stunning.

Tough to escape the heat on really hot days.