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Top 12 Hotels You must Visit in Nairobi

The affluent Nairobi upper class, a growing population of affluent expatriates, and a substantial influx of tourists create a significant demand for top-tier accommodations, especially 5-star hotels in Nairobi.

Luxury hotels in Nairobi are strategically situated in affluent neighborhoods such as Karen, Lavington, Gigiri, and Westlands. These locations offer elegant and exclusive accommodations that cater to discerning travelers seeking opulence and comfort.

While 5-star hotels within Nairobi's Central Business District (CBD) primarily focus on catering to the needs of business travelers, they still boast high-end amenities and facilities that ensure a luxurious stay for guests. These establishments may emphasize convenience for business purposes while providing an exceptional level of service and comfort.

Overall, Nairobi's array of luxury hotels, whether nestled in upscale suburbs or within the CBD, offer a blend of sophistication, upscale facilities, and personalized services to meet the diverse needs of its varied clientele, contributing to an unforgettable and indulgent stay in Kenya's vibrant capital city.

1.The Giraffe Manor

This luxury giraffe hotel holds a prestigious spot as one of Nairobi's finest five-star hotels. The Giraffe Manor captivates guests with its colonial-era architecture located in Hardy and is intricately linked to the Giraffe Sanctuary. Here, visitors gather to hand-feed wild giraffes. While visitors can engage with the giraffes at the sanctuary for a nominal fee, the affluent clientele can relish the opportunity to reside and dine amidst the rare and endangered Rothschild Giraffe, making for an exclusive and exceptional experience.

Nestled within 12 acres of private land ensconced in 140 acres of indigenous forest in Langata, Nairobi, the Giraffe Manor stands as an iconic and historically significant building. The original manor, built in 1930, exudes timeless charm with its ivy-clad, stone-built architecture. A second building, constructed in 2011 with original materials, echoes the same unique and inimitable style, ensuring continuity of the manor's distinctive appeal.

2.Hemingways Nairobi Hotel 

Mbagathi Ridge, located in Karen, holds the distinction of being one of the finest roads in this area, and nestled within its serene surroundings is the prestigious Hemingways Nairobi Hotel. This luxurious plantation-style hotel embodies a tranquil grandeur set amidst a rural landscape. Although Karen sits approximately 15 kilometers away from the city center, making it a bit distant for business meetings in Nairobi CBD, its lush and leafy charm is an undeniable draw.

Karen serves as an ideal location to base oneself for exploring attractions such as Nairobi National Park, the Giraffe Centre, and the David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage, offering convenient access to these renowned destinations.

Hemingways Nairobi stands as the epitome of luxury, boasting a spa, an inviting outdoor swimming pool, and a five-star restaurant renowned for serving contemporary European cuisine, including their acclaimed Jopur steaks. The hotel's elegant cocktail bar adds to its allure, providing a sophisticated setting for guests to unwind.

Additionally, Hemingways Nairobi features multiple meeting rooms, catering to the needs of business travelers seeking a refined and conducive environment for corporate gatherings or events.

The allure of Hemingways Nairobi, situated in the charming setting of Karen, lies not only in its opulent amenities but also in its proximity to some of Nairobi's most iconic attractions, making it an ideal retreat for those seeking both luxury and exploration in Kenya's capital city.


3.Fairmont at The Norfolk

The Norfolk, a true national treasure, has stood proudly since opening its doors in 1904, maintaining an air of sophistication and elegance that has captivated its guests over the years. This colonial-era building stands as a cherished Kenyan landmark, nestled within lush tropical gardens and conveniently situated just 3 kilometers from Nairobi's Central Business District (CBD). While it may lack the ostentatiousness of more contemporary structures, the hotel exudes timeless charm and boasts an array of facilities that ensure a luxurious and comfortable stay for its patrons.

Among its many offerings, The Norfolk features a health club, fitness center, and sauna, providing guests with opportunities to relax and rejuvenate. An inviting heated outdoor pool adds to the hotel's allure, inviting guests to unwind amidst serene surroundings. Additionally, The Norfolk is home to six distinct restaurants, each offering a unique dining experience. These include a steakhouse, a wine bar, a poolside restaurant, and the historically significant Lord Delamere Terrace restaurant, which offers a full à la carte menu in an evocative setting.

Despite its age, The Norfolk has retained its reputation for providing exceptional service and a range of amenities that cater to the diverse needs of its guests. Its colonial-era elegance, combined with modern comforts and an array of dining options, ensures that visitors can revel in both a sense of history and contemporary luxury during their stay at this iconic Nairobi hotel.


4.Radisson Blu Hotel

The Radisson Blu Hotel in Nairobi, strategically positioned in Upperhill, an affluent area, provides a prime location close to both the vibrant nightlife of Westlands and the bustling business venues of the central business district. For travelers seeking a reputable and familiar name, the Radisson group assures its trademark of upscale decor, impeccable service, and outstanding facilities within this highly recommended Nairobi hotel.

Constructed in 2015, the hotel boasts contemporary interiors and modern amenities, catering to the discerning needs of its guests. Its proximity to the Nairobi Arboretum, a sprawling forest sanctuary housing a diverse range of indigenous trees, wildlife, and birds, offers guests a tranquil escape from the urban landscape, providing a glimpse into Nairobi's natural heritage as it stood a century ago.

This five-star Nairobi hotel offers a range of amenities, including a swimming pool, a spa complete with sauna and steam rooms, and a fully equipped fitness center. Additionally, the hotel caters to business needs with extensive facilities encompassing a vast 500 square meters of event space, inclusive of a ballroom, ideal for hosting corporate gatherings, meetings, or special events.

The Radisson Blu Hotel in Nairobi merges comfort, convenience, and sophistication, making it an ideal choice for both business and leisure travelers seeking a luxurious retreat amidst the dynamic cityscape of Nairobi.


5.The Sarova Stanley

The Sarova Stanley is the oldest recommended 5-star hotel in Nairobi, surpassing Fairmont at the Norfolk by just two years. The Sarova Stanley, formerly called The Stanley, was built in 1902 and occupies a prime spot in the centre of the business district, on the corner of Kimathi Street and Kenyatta Avenue. This Nairobi CBD hotel offers easy access to the shops, markets, bars, restaurants, and, of course, the business areas of central Nairobi. 

The hotel has an outdoor pool, a fitness centre and spa, and a ballroom. Boutique shop, chemist and optician. There are nine meeting and conference rooms, audio-visual equipment, and a business centre.

This 5 star hotel in Nairobi CBD has three restaurants: the Thorn Tree Café, the Thai Chi Restaurant, and the Pool Deck Restaurant. The Thai Chi restaurant has been voted one of the most authentic Thai restaurants in East Africa and is worth a visit.  

The Exchange Bar, named for the Nairobi Securities Exchange, is the successor to the Long Bar, where local stocks were first traded in Nairobi.

The Sarova Stanley has seen many incarnations; it began life as The Victoria, where it was four rooms above a shop. The café is named after the Naivasha thorn tree in its centre. Travellers used to pin messages for friends onto the thorns of the tree. The current tree is the third of the same variety.


6.Sankara Hotel

Sankara Hotel stands out as a premier luxury destination in Nairobi, representing the esteemed Autograph Collection by Marriott International. Strategically located in the vibrant heart of Westlands, an area renowned for its diverse culinary scene, the hotel holds a prime spot among the city's top-notch dining destinations.

Positioned in close proximity to the business district, Sankara Hotel Nairobi offers an excellent choice for those seeking a prestigious and globally recognized brand-name hotel in the heart of the city.

The hotel's culinary offerings are diverse and impressive, with six distinct restaurants, including the acclaimed Graze, an award-winning steakhouse, a Parisian-themed eatery, and the iconic Sarabi rooftop bar. Sarabi offers breathtaking panoramic views of Nairobi alongside a pool, providing a picturesque setting for guests to unwind.

Sankara Hotel also boasts a gym, an outdoor pool, complimentary parking, and Wi-Fi accessibility throughout its premises. The hotel's interior design exudes a classy and elegant ambiance, characterized by dark wood accents, stylish walls and floors, punctuated by vibrant splashes of color. Notably, the hotel features art pieces by renowned African artists, adding to its sophisticated appeal.

This meticulous blend of world-class amenities, exquisite dining options, and refined decor positions Sankara Hotel as a leading luxury destination in Nairobi, appealing to guests seeking a distinctive and upscale experience in the heart of the city.


7.Dusit D2

The exquisite Dusit D2 Nairobi hotel graces the luxurious Riverside Drive development, nestled amidst a vibrant hub that hosts offices, renowned cosmetic surgeons, and an array of delightful dining spots. Riverside Drive stands as a hidden gem within Nairobi's bustling Westlands area, characterized by elegant stone buildings, opulent marbled floors, and an air of sophistication evoked by robust crystal whiskey glasses.

Dusit D2 Nairobi boasts an outdoor pool that invites relaxation, along with the acclaimed Devarana spa and fitness center, an award-winning sanctuary for rejuvenation. The hotel offers a range of meeting rooms, ample conference spaces, and an onsite business center, catering to the needs of both business travelers and event organizers.

The hotel's two cafes often buzz with the presence of business professionals, while its bar and restaurant, including the beloved Soko restaurant, serve as focal points. Soko restaurant is renowned for its offerings of traditional Kenyan cuisine, appealing to guests seeking an authentic culinary experience.

Dusit D2 Nairobi's blend of upscale amenities, wellness facilities, and a focus on business convenience makes it an ideal choice for travelers seeking a sophisticated retreat in Riverside Drive's elegant surroundings. This establishment stands as a symbol of elegance and modernity, enriching the experience of guests visiting Nairobi.


8.House of Waine 

That's an intriguing connection! House of Waine, situated in the serene and picturesque neighborhood of Karen, stands as a testament to boutique luxury in Nairobi. As a family-run establishment, the hotel is operated with the same quiet efficiency that you might remember from your landlord's management style, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a smaller, yet sophisticated, luxury hotel experience in Karen.

Nestled within 2.5 acres of lush gardens, House of Waine provides guests with a tranquil retreat. The verdant surroundings often offer sightings of monkeys gracefully leaping through the trees, the distinctive calls of hyraxes in the night, and occasionally, the distant yet thrilling sounds of a hyena.

The hotel boasts an inviting outdoor pool, an onsite restaurant, and a bar, ensuring that guests can unwind and indulge in a relaxed setting amidst the natural beauty of the surroundings.

For those with business needs, House of Waine offers a meeting room accommodating up to 20 people, equipped with state-of-the-art AV equipment, catering to small-scale corporate events or gatherings.

House of Waine encapsulates the essence of personalized luxury within a tranquil and natural setting, offering a serene oasis in the heart of Karen, Nairobi, making it an ideal choice for travelers seeking an intimate and refined boutique hotel experience.

9.Hermosa Garden Hotel

The Hermosa Garden Hotel, a newcomer to Nairobi's hospitality scene in 2021, stands tall as an impressive modern establishment situated opposite Hemingway's hotel. With its contemporary design characterized by sandstone-colored cement, generous use of marble, and an inviting swimming pool, notable for allowing non-residents to access it for a fee, this hotel offers a sleek and modern ambiance.

Positioned in the same location as Hemingways but across the road, Hermosa Garden Hotel misses out on the picturesque views of the Ngong Hills. Nonetheless, it compensates with a wealth of facilities, earning its distinction as a Five Star Hotel in Nairobi. These facilities include three bars, two restaurants, a spa & wellness facility, a swimming pool, sauna & steam rooms, a Curio Shop, a Business Center, executive boardrooms, and a spacious conference area accommodating up to 150 people.

While Hermosa Garden Hotel may lack the glamour of some of its counterparts, it compensates with its sleek and efficient design, as well as top-notch service. Its focus on providing efficient service and amenities makes it an ideal choice, particularly for business travelers seeking a sophisticated and accommodating setting for their visits to Nairobi.


10.Southern Sun Mayfair Nairobi Hotel

The Holiday Inn Hotel in Nairobi, previously known by another name, is a distinguished 4-star establishment situated in the heart of the city, a mere 1 km from the National Museum.

Boasting an array of services and amenities, this hotel enjoys close proximity to both the airport and Parklands, a bustling shopping and residential hub adjacent to the city center.

Guests can take advantage of the hotel's 24-hour gym, along with access to 2 outdoor pools and complimentary entry to the nearby casino. The bright and spacious rooms, offering serene views of lush gardens, are adorned with local wooden furnishings and designed with ergonomic mattresses, ensuring guests experience uncomplicated comfort and luxury.


11.Nairobi Serena Hotel

The Nairobi Serena Hotel stands as a serene haven away from the vibrant hustle and bustle of one of Africa's busiest cities. Nestled amidst verdant vegetation on the fringes of Nairobi's Central Park, this five-star establishment offers a sanctuary of grace and tranquility.

Fusing elements of business and leisure, art and cuisine, the hotel embodies a harmonious blend of five-star elegance and exceptional service. Drawing inspiration from a mix of Ethiopian, Maghreb, West African, and East African design influences, it exudes sophistication and cultural richness.

Upon arrival, guests are greeted by an environment conducive to relaxation, with the glittering Nairobi skyline visible just beyond their window. The hotel's proximity to the Central Business District promises easy access while allowing guests to revel in a serene ambiance.

The superior rooms at Nairobi Serena Hotel are appointed with king-sized double beds and private terraces, offering a tranquil retreat. Each room boasts a private bathroom equipped with a soaking tub and shower, expansive double-glazed windows offering impressive vistas of the Nairobi skyline and the beautifully landscaped hotel gardens. Other amenities include air conditioning, Wi-Fi access, a coffee bar, a teashop, and a 24-hour international tea shop, ensuring guests' comfort and convenience throughout their stay.


12. Ole-Sereni

The Ole-Sereni hotel boasts an expansive and deluxe gift shop, along with a well-equipped spa and fitness center. Its renowned Big 5 restaurant, featuring both indoor seating and a terrace overlooking Nairobi National Park, as well as the adjacent Waterhole's sports bar, offer splendid views. The Steakhouse and Ngong Pool Bar are also prominent spaces within the hotel.

Guests are treated to meticulously prepared cuisine, ensuring their utmost satisfaction and contributing to the hotel's recognition as one of Nairobi, Kenya's finest accommodations.

The hotel comprises 134 rooms, including:

  • 58 superior rooms with city views and walk-in showers

  • 48 'deluxe' rooms with showers and bathtubs overlooking the park

  • 26 notably spacious 'club' rooms, featuring showers and bathtubs, offering a mix of city and park views

  • 2 luxurious suites.

This diverse range of accommodations caters to varying preferences, providing guests with options suited to their desired views and comfort levels.



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