Bold facelift for varsity hotel

By Philip Mwakio

Twenty-five kilometres north of Mombasa town and along the busy Mombasa-Malindi highway is the North Coast Beach Hotel.

Previously named Le Soleil Beach Resort, the hotel was bought by Kenyatta University early this year. Its serene white sandy beach is one of the hotel’s main attractions.

According to General Manager Robert Kinyua, the new management has invested heavily to transform the beach resort, which had been run down before the acquisition, into a first-class tourist destination.

A walk through the hotel reveals major refurbishments right from the entrance where blue gates have been installed and a parking lot constructed. The hotel’s exterior gleams from a new paint job.

Inside, the rooms have been transformed into luxurious standard and deluxe rooms. An additional executive suite is fit for presidents and royalty. In total, the hotel can accommodate more than 120 guests at one go.

All rooms have ensuite facilities. For business travellers and conference tourists, three large rooms that can sit up to 150 people are available.

A well-ventilated restaurant dubbed Kikambala stands next to a large swimming pool. It offers a wide array of meals.

Three bars — beach, sundeck and pool — are stocked with great wines, beers and spirits. The sundeck bar enjoys a panoramic view of the sea while the pool bar caters mainly for guests enjoying a swim.

An animation team provides leisure activities for guests, including children, both day and night.

A variety of indoor and board games are available for guests’ enjoyment.