Papillon Lagoon Reef is beachfront, offering scuba diving and an arcade room. Enjoy local and international dishes at two restaurants. Kids have a playground. Practical amenities include laundry services, free WiFi in rooms, and poolside loungers for sunbathing.
Located in Diani Beach, Papillon Lagoon Reef is on the beach. Diani Beach and Shimba Hills National Reserve reflect the area's natural beauty and area attractions include BoraBora Wildlife Park and Colobus Conservation. Visit our Diani Beach travel guide
Kwale County, Diani Beach, Diani Beach Road
What's nearby
Diani Beach
11 min drive - 8.1 km
Tiwi Beach
31 min drive - 23.1 km
Kaya Kinondo Sacred Forest
8 min walk - 0.7 km
BoraBora Wildlife Park
17 min walk - 1.4 km
Galu Kinondo Beach
4 min drive - 2.2 km
Getting around
Ukunda (UKA)
28 min drive
Restaurants
Karibu Restaurant
10 min drive
Nomad's Beach Bar And Restaurant
13 min drive
Tapa Beach Bar
9 min drive
Havana Bar, Diani Beach
14 min drive
Lala Galu
6 min drive
About this property
Papillon Lagoon Reef
Family-friendly hotel
Take advantage of a playground, a hair salon, and an arcade/game room at Papillon Lagoon Reef. This hotel is a great place to bask in the sun with a beachfront location and scuba diving. At the two on-site restaurants, enjoy breakfast, lunch, dinner, light fare, and local and international cuisine. Free in-room WiFi is available to all guests, along with dry cleaning/laundry services and a bar.
Additional perks include:
An outdoor pool and a children's pool, along with sun loungers and pool umbrellas
Free self parking
A roundtrip airport shuttle (surcharge), concierge services, and free newspapers
Table tennis, a TV in the lobby, and wedding services
Room features
All 149 rooms have comforts such as laptop-friendly workspaces and air conditioning, as well as perks like free WiFi and separate sitting areas.
More conveniences in all rooms include:
Free toiletries and hair dryers
Wardrobes/closets, separate sitting areas, and ceiling fans
All inclusive details
All-inclusive room rates at Papillon Lagoon Reef are available. These rates are higher because they include onsite food and beverages in the room rate (some restrictions may apply).
24-hour roundtrip airport shuttle on request for a surcharge
Free self parking on site
Food and drink
2 restaurants
A bar/lounge
Restaurants on site
Baobab Restaurant Terrace
Lagoon Lounge
Pool Bar
Poolside Bistro
Things to do
24-hour gym
Arcade/game room
Billiards/pool table
Children's pool
Outdoor pool
Playground
Scuba diving
Table tennis
TV in common areas
Family friendly
Arcade/game room
Children's pool
Outdoor pool
Playground
Conveniences
24-hour front desk
Free newspapers in lobby
Gift shop/newsstand
Hair salon
Luggage storage
Guest services
Concierge services
Dry cleaning/laundry service
Housekeeping (daily)
Multilingual staff
Porter/bellhop
Tour and ticket assistance
Turndown service
Wedding services
Outdoors
On the beach
Pool loungers
Pool umbrellas
Spa
Spa treatment rooms
Accessibility
If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
Upper floors accessible by stairs only
Well-lit path to entrance
More
Designated smoking areas
Mosquito nets
Reception hall
Room amenities
Bedroom
Bedsheets provided
Bathroom
Free toiletries
Hair dryer
Shampoo
Soap
Toilet paper
Towels provided
Food and drink
Free bottled water
Limited room service
More
Air conditioning
Ceiling fan
Desk
Iron/ironing board on request
Laptop workspace
Phone
Separate sitting area
Policies
Check-in
Check-in start time: 2:00 PM; Check-in end time: 9:00 PM
Late check-in subject to availability
Minimum check-in age: 18
Check-out
Check-out before 10:00 AM
Late check-out subject to availability
A late check-out fee will be charged
Special check-in instructions
Guests must transfer via boat and shuttle to the property; guests must contact the property at least 48 hours before travel, using the contact information on the confirmation received after booking
This property offers transfers from the airport (surcharges may apply); guests must contact the property with arrival details before travel, using the contact information on the booking confirmation
Guests must contact the property in advance for check-in instructions; front desk staff will greet guests on arrival at the property
To make arrangements for check-in please contact the property at least 48 hours before arrival using the information on the booking confirmation
If you are planning to arrive after 9:00 PM please contact the property in advance using the information on the booking confirmation
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools
This property enforces a smart-casual dress code at the restaurant in the evenings. Collared shirts and closed shoes are required for men.
Renovations and closures
This property is closed from May 4 2026 to May 31 2026 (dates subject to change).
The property is closed between May 6 and June 15.
Access methods
Staffed front desk
Pets
Pets not allowed (service animals are welcome, and are exempt from fees)
Children and extra beds
Children are welcome
Important information
Optional extras
Airport shuttle fee: KES 6426.16 per vehicle (one-way, maximum occupancy 3)
Airport shuttle fee per child: KES 6426 (one-way)
Late check-out is available for a fee (subject to availability)
The above list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits may not include tax and are subject to change.
You need to know
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
This property accepts cash
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children; if you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room
Please note that cultural norms and guest policies may differ by country and by property; the policies listed are provided by the property
Property Registration Number 0
We should mention
This property does not have elevators
Reservations are required for spa treatments; reservations can be made by contacting the property prior to arrival, using the contact information on the booking confirmation
Property is also known as
Papillon Lagoon Reef Hotel
Papillon Lagoon Reef Diani Beach
Papillon Lagoon Reef All Inclusive
Papillon Lagoon Reef Hotel Diani Beach
Frequently asked questions
Does Papillon Lagoon Reef have a pool?
Yes, this property has an outdoor pool and a children's pool.
How much does it cost to stay at Papillon Lagoon Reef?
As of Mar 18, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Papillon Lagoon Reef on Apr 8, 2026 start from ¥22,642, excluding taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.
Is Papillon Lagoon Reef pet-friendly?
No, only service animals are welcome at the property.
How much is parking?
Self parking is free at this property.
What time is check-in at Papillon Lagoon Reef?
Check-in start time: 2:00 PM; Check-in end time: 9:00 PM. Late check-in is available during limited hours.
What time is check-out at Papillon Lagoon Reef?
Check-out is at 10:00 AM. Late check-out is available for a fee (subject to availability).
Does Papillon Lagoon Reef provide a shuttle to the airport?
Yes, there's an airport shuttle that runs on request. A fee of KES 6426.16 per vehicle applies.
Are there all-inclusive benefits at Papillon Lagoon Reef?
Some rate plans available at this property are all-inclusive.
Where is Papillon Lagoon Reef located?
Nestled on the beach, this Diani Beach hotel is within 1 mi (2 km) of Kaya Kinondo Sacred Forest, Galu Kinondo Beach, and BoraBora Wildlife Park. Diani Beach and Chale Beach are also within 6 mi (10 km).
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Reviews
Papillon Lagoon Reef Reviews
8.0
Very Good
All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travelers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.More informationOpens in a new window
Everything was so exceptional so clean, welcomg staff, amazing food and great drinks
Leilah
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2025
Verified
8/10 Good
Nishit
Nov 8, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
Very friendly and felt relaxed.
Nishit
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2025
Verified
8/10 Good
Daniel
Feb 19, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Great room and friendly staff
Food average, same, repetitive
Drinks poor…bad cups, never cold, no carbonation…really need to be “ on tap” not from warm bottles
Pool water never clear…not balanced
Daniel
Stayed 8 nights in Feb 2025
Verified
6/10 Okay
Edward
Jan 16, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
The property and rooms are great. The day to day staff was friendly and always willing to help. The front desk and reservations staff were difficult to deal with. They were very slow on responses to issues. We were often told accommodations are not possible, asked to wait long periods or come back when trying to address issues. We later found out it is their tactic to get you to pay more or tip them to get the help that should come with good service. The restaurant manager Elijah and staff member Kendi had outstanding customer service.
Edward
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2024
Verified
6/10 Okay
Sameer
Jan 13, 2024
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
OK Experience
I booked a Beachfront Suite which was nice (but first they tried to put me in a regular room). My friends had rooms booked - no A/C, No TV, Damp smell. Service was overall good, some staff were friendly and nice, some were straight up rude & propositioning “friendly” times after entertainment to my female friends. It’s on the beach, but next time will rebook another hotel that i know has a private beach & multiple pools. They have so many signs & rules, but it’s like zoo as they don’t really enforce it so it’s a mess & ruins experience. Food was ok. Not dying to return here. My suite had views of ocean & beach which was the ONLY great part.
The beach location is amazing. The only challenge is getting to and and from Moi International Airport as it is a bit far and sets you back around 60 US dollars one-way.
Dining options is low
Some receptionist not friendly: it looks like you force them to respond when you ask a question or you only get partial response/information
Very old and dated hotel. Food very bland and always the same. Pool extremely dirty.Very expensive for what you get. There are much better options in the area.
The food was better than expected, nice pool with no loud music. Right by the beach in the south end. Staff helpful and Even gave us a WiFi booster. Unfortunately it didn’t help so only WiFi in lobby. Monkeys steal your stuff. But good value for money.
Our recent stay here was beyond what we expected!
Every single member of the staff as outstanding from the manager Anthony who assisted our needs.
Frederick in reception that helped us book our train/flights.
Fredrick and Mary at the cash bar who make the most incredible pina coladas.
Sarah and her daily massages.
Henry, Raphael, Albert and Victor.
The rooms were very comfortable, clean and we enjoyed the monkey, baboon visitors each day.
The atmosphere here is calm, clean and relaxing.
We will be back!
Very disappointing stay. We booked a family room with one double and two single beds but were given a room with only one double and one single. When we raised this, the reception staff were rude and dismissive, insisting it was “sufficient.”
The room itself had serious issues: loud scratching noises from the ceiling at night (likely insects in the wood), staff only sprayed insecticide in the room in the middle of the night while some of us were sleeping which was unsafe and temporary.
On the last day, the ceiling began leaking in the bathroom, then directly onto the bedroom and on my bed, leaving the room wet and unusable. Despite reporting it in the morning, we were not moved until 2pm, wasting most of our final day.
Wi-Fi was practically non-existent outside the lobby, and staff kept repeating “someone is working on it” without resolution.
Overall, poor service, some unprofessional staff members, and unacceptable room conditions made this a very stressful holiday. I would not recommend this resort.
Aniza
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2025
Verified
6/10 Okay
Verified traveler
Jan 18, 2024
Liked: Room comfort
Disliked: Staff & service
If you want a getaway, get away from this hotel!
This Hotel certainly has its positive points. It is beautiful, well located, and has some magical attractions, such as a huge and ancient Boabab tree on the property.
That being said, although it has good bones, it suffers from poor service and lack of maintenance.
Staff is not well trained. I came to my room being left wide open all day by housekeeping, even after having reported a faulty latch, which was never fixed.
I found ripped paintings in rooms, sick cats on the property who are in desperate need of veterinary help.
Food is bland and not diverse. Lots of flies around. Staff do not know what of the food is vegetarian and what is not.
Beach is horrible. You cannot step our without 5 or 6 vendors following you. They are beyond persitant. They will in fact peer into the hotel itself and try to sell you a coconut, or a boat, or a ride, while you are at the pool. It is not restful and very invasive. If you want a beach getaway, get away from this place.
The beachboys will stalk you and will follow you and will watch you. Very creepy.
There is extremely loud music from the hotel itself at night. Badly mixed, and with loud base. If you want to have a good nights rest, you might want to stay elsewhere.
Basic etiquette among staff is lacking. I asked for a kettle in my room, and I was told if I booked a more expensive room, I might have got one. A very unnecessary comment to make, where a simple no, would have done the job.
Overall: Not even a last resort.
Zimmer waren gut.Zwar etwas in die Jahre gekommen aber völlig ausreichend. Personal war sehr freundlich und hilfsbereit.
Jens
Stayed 10 nights in Jan 2026
Verified
10/10 Excellent
osman
Nov 21, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
"Yes, the room was spotless. Housekeepers Clinton and Mohamed were very polite and provided excellent customer service. They cleaned our room and offered outstanding service."
Excellent hôtel. Belle deco, simple,propre,convivial. Plage magnifique et piscine.Singe sur place. Si vous les ignorés ils feront de même. Chat gris au bar de la plage. Prenez un peu de nourriture pour lui donner. Il meurt de fain. Restauration a améliorer. Bon mais répétitif. J' y retournerai si je reviens au Kenya
top freundliches personal, fruehstuecksauswahl v buffet, lage direkt am strand, kein malle tammtamm, ausspannen, massage tolles zimmer, schoener garten.. gerne und immer wieder
Piccolo villaggio in cui non manca nulla: cibo vario, personale cortese e molto disponibile, animazione soft e non stressante, camere sempre pulite..... insomma tutto perfetto
Séjour très agréable, lieu superbe avec piscine et mer à proximité. Services impec, je recommande +++
Delphine
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2023
Verified
6/10 Okay
Verified traveler
Dec 15, 2021
Liked: Cleanliness, room comfort
Disliked: Staff & service
6 out of 10
The stay was okay but I wouldn't return. I paid for a type of room and upon arrival they had assigned me something totally different. I would have been okay with it if they would have asked me first. The family rooms don't have tvs. The AC is on a schedule and does not run during the day. You can't feel the ceiling fan when sleeping because they have a piece of fabric over the beds. It would have been smarter to put mesh. The room's already decent size. The food was good. The property needs updating. I primarily chose this location because it was all inclusive.