Great location, gorgeous room with terrace looking over the old fort, breakfast was amazing and the staff were great (especially John).

Stayed in August 2025

Just my own ability to cope with the tour touts who hang about nearby, but they got to know my face after a few days. The uneven paths and dark alley in this area may not be suitable for those with limited mobility.

This place is so special. The staff really made me feel at home and as someone traveling alone, this was really welcome. The location was both amazing and challenging - in the heart of everything but sometimes the bustle (and tour touting) of the harbour was a bit too close. My room was stunning, as was the whole building - it was like staying in a movie set or a living museum for Swahili architecture. The food was really great - and grown on their own permaculture farm. One thing that was very interesting was that whenever I told a local where I was staying, they all had very positive things to share about the hotel and about Mama Subira, including how she has invested in local people and was an advocate for preserving their cultural heritage. Sometimes I wonder if places like this are PR spin, but this is the real deal.

Stayed in August 2025

Beautiful building with gorgeous style and comfort. An oasis in Lamu. The staff are wonderful. Would stay here again if I came to Lamu.

Stayed in August 2025

Amazing building, very friendly staff, excellent food.

Stayed in August 2025

Subira house is a pure nest of Lamu for travelers. Every detail has a story and a soul. The place is magical filled with history of the island and beyond. The homemade food is delicious made from scratch, from yogurt to bread and homegrown fruits and vegetables. Christina and the Subira team are incredibly welcoming, kind and helpful. With many suggestions and arrangements they made my stay completely unique and unforgettable. Cannot wait to return Thank you Subira House!

Stayed in July 2025

The staff was incredibly friendly and welcoming. Mama Subira was a very accommodating host and kindly assisted us throughout our entire stay. The breakfast was excellent. Make sure you try the banana bread by John, an excellent and creative chef! The location is ideal - very close to the arrival port from Manda airport and even within a nice walking distance to Shela.

Stayed in June 2025

Nothing to complain. I only wished the towels would have been switched more frequently because of the humid weather, but I respect the hotel's commitment to an ecofriendly accomodation style.

Great historical building with an amazing Swahili architecture. We came back to Lamu after two years and even though we browsed a little bit, there was no other place that we rather wanted to stay at. Perfectly located behind the Fort, right behind the main square, Subira is easy to find, offers the greatest views and privacy. Everyone working there made our stay a true pleasure. Absolutely loved it, also this time. Some part of the downstairs area is now a café for the public which invited people during the day – really nice touch that makes it more lively.

Stayed in March 2025

Personally not a fan of ecosan toilets, but I appreciate the effort that they took in installing them.

Nicely refurbished ecolodge with locally grown food from the owner's garden. The staff were very helpful and arranged outings. The location was easy to find (once found the first time). The balcony areas were lovely in the exceptional heat of Lamu. Breakfast and dinner were amazing.

Stayed in November 2024

On the first night we had some noise from a neighbouring metal sheeting. The noise was gone the next day. I suspect Christina took care of it :-)

Very authentic atmosphere, with kind welcome from Christina and Paul, helping us to guide. Amazing dinner, lovely trip to their shamba and nice exchange with other guests. Staying in the old town makes you witness the "real" life in Lamu which is quite an experience

Stayed in February 2025

Nothing... loved everything.

We loved everything. The serenity of this old Lamuian House is very welcome after a day of exploring Lamu town and Shela. The staff was super welcoming and the food was exceptional and wholesome. The sustainable concept of the hotel with strong focus on farm-to-plate was impressive. If we ever make it back to Lamu: Subira is where we will stay (keep it up)!!

Stayed in February 2025

It would be good to have a fridge Upstairs, Some extra fans in the rooms or water cooler. fan,. Also Mosquito heat pads in all the rooms. Also the Wifi at times was quite troublesome, it would be good if you could improve this. Maybe a smart TV in the sitting area .

Breakfast was good with fresh fruit, The tours arranged were excellent, Muhammed was a great host and you must try the cinnamon and ginger lemon drink and the unique Coffee downstairs you will be hooked.

Stayed in December 2024

Amazing location with a very special atmosphere. Even more beautiful than the photos. Great views fron the room including the fort and sea. Food (both breakfast and dinner) was delicious, highly recommended. Staff were amazing and service great.

Stayed in October 2024

Nothing

The house is very well located, making it convenient to get your bearings and experience Lamu’s authentic ambiance. The house in itself is gorgeous and well ventilated, with several resting areas. The room was very spacious and well maintained, with eco-friendly towels and toilets. The breakfast was particularly good and filling, with everything homemade or locally sourced and very tasty. The staff is very polite, hospitable and skilled.

Stayed in September 2024

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.

Stayed in September 2024

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!

Stayed in August 2024

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!

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.

Stayed in June 2024

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

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.

Stayed in May 2024

Tough to escape the heat on really hot days.

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

Stayed in March 2024

Loved this place! Spotless, good food, great staff, authentic, breezy and bright room And best of all the location is smack bang in the middle of old Lamu- we loved it.

Stayed in March 2024

No A/C so its a bit hard to sleep when you are used to it :) There is some nice breeze though. But I understand the concept, A/C will ruin that atmosphere.

Very cool owners, great staff and attitude. A house full of history. Very authentic. In the heart of the island with great food.

Stayed in March 2024

Nothing.

Mostly, I was totally relaxed and the longer O stayed, the more relaxed I became. It is very well maintained and beautifully renovated hotel in the middle of the old town of Luma. Great effort has been made to reduce its environmental footprint and it is very eco friendly.

Stayed in February 2024

Wifi was spotty at best.

Mohamed & staff were wonderful. The food was amazing.

Stayed in February 2024

Definitely subira house staff makes the place more valuable. Muhammed is a great manager and chefs have amazing talents. I had the beautiful moringa omelette breakfast and delicious Cashewnut ice cream.

Stayed in February 2024

Beautiful eco-certified hotel in Lamu Town. Whilst the town itself is not everyone’s cup of tea, recommend you visiting it or even spend the entire time here saving you lots of money whilst commuting to Shela and Manda Bay. The hotel itself is picturesque and well maintained with a delicious breakfast and slow food dinner offering. Everything from the towels to the soap and water is sustainably sourced. The couple that runs the hotel is humble and passionate, full of life stories. Be mindful of the sustainable latrine toilets but if you’ll ever try them, it’s here. Indulge in a yoga class and enjoy the beautiful sky at night.

Stayed in February 2024