Located in the heart of Lamu, along the shorefront cum harbor, this quaint hotel is situated at the pulse of the town. Perhaps the widest paved walkway stretches alongside the hotel's attractive entrance and verandah, and makes a perfect spot to stop for a refreshing drink or a cup of coffee even if you are not staying at the hotel and while you watch the island's daily 'activities' unfold before you. Don't be surprised if a friendly vendor stops to offer you some fresh mangoes from baskets piled high on the back of his donkey, or a friendly bunch of children en-route from school call out a cheerful greeting - here emphasis is on friendliness rather than hindrance.

There are 22 luxury double rooms and 3 suites. All rooms are air-conditioned (and a ceiling fan for your preference) and has a constant supply of hot and cold water. All rooms have Lamu style furniture, richly carved to display traditional Arabesque architecture and culture. There are comfortable beds with orthopedic mattresses while painted on the wall above are the Swahili goodnight wishes --"Lala Salama" (Sleep Well). On both first and second floors, there is an open fronted spacious lounge area overlooking the sea and filled with plump cushioned chairs and sofas.

There is an attractive dinning room serving tasty local delicacies. While the culinary emphasis is on seafood including giant prawns, lobster and crab, there is also a tempting selection of assorted meats. The hotel makes its own bread and there are croissants for breakfast in the morning. In the back courtyard, surrounded by trees and plants, is a makuti (wooden) roofed Fisherman's Bar, which offers a snack menu. A library and lounge next to the dining room area, inside, is filled with antique Arabic furniture with bright, plush cushions, and a welcoming bar.

Lamu Palace Hotel's swimming pool is a 10-minute walk from the hotel and is uniquely located on a rooftop; there is also a spacious bar/lounge offering a fantastic view over the old port and Lamu Channel. For those wanting to try something really different, taxi donkey rides through the old town are available. Visit the 15th century monuments at Takwa ruins, which takes about an hour to reach by boat. Local bands like The Matondoni Taarab group sing Swahili-Arabic songs as part of the evening entertainment.