"Pros: This really is the best place to stay on the Kenyan coast. It's not fancy, but it's a fantastic place in a perfect spot right next to a gorgeous stretch of beach. I live in Nairobi and have stayed at lots of places on the Kenyan coast, and the Watamu Beach Cottages is my favourite by far. The staff were friendly and helpful, the bungalow was beautiful and comfortable, and the viewpoints (where you can sit and enjoy the view of the ocean) were amazing. And the snack bar has great food! I'll definitely be back. Cons: The beach is gorgeous and is one of the cleanest stretches of beach on the coast, but I was able to collect a huge bag full of plastic trash in just 5 minutes. I went out every day for a walk, and every day I carted back huge bags full of various bits of plastic. I know the trash doesn't come from the hotel, but it would be great if the hotel could arrange regular beach clean-ups. Perhaps pay local teenagers/youth to collect trash (with safe equipment)? This would lead to local awareness of the issue and provide employment for locals. Perhaps ask guests to chip in. I'm sure hotel guests would be keen to sponsor beach cleanups -- because getting rid of plastic trash would save the lives of turtles, fish and birds. Also, the guests would enjoy their walks on the beach more if they weren't tripping over trash. I also suggest that the Watamu Beach Cottages hotel tries to stop the trash at the source (the trash comes from the local towns and villages, fishing boats, etc). Maybe work together with other hotels on the coast, and pool funds to support local governments to organize trash collection trucks in coastal towns along with responsible disposal of trash in landfills, so that local communities have somewhere to put their trash, and the trash doesn't end up in the ocean causing problems for Kenya's marine life." ~Ellen