Want to start the year with a bang? Here are the options

Soi Restaurant at dusitD2, Nairobi.

As we begin the new year, you may want to usher in 2016 with a bang by spoiling yourself in top hotels in Nairobi. If that is the case, you will be spoilt for choice as each of the internationally acclaimed hotel brands in the city showcases its gourmet repertoire. Here are some of the top-notch locations you may want to check out if you want to give yourself and your loved ones the treat of a lifetime:

Villa Rosa Kempinski

In its three years of operations in Kenya, the hotel has distinguished itself not only as a hub of international cuisine but a place for accommodating top global honchos. In July this year, the hotel was thrust into the public limelight for playing host to the United State’s President Barack Obama.

So far, the hotel management has neither confirmed nor denied if Obama actually spent the nights in the hotel’s prestigious presidential suite. In February this year, the hotel launched high-end overnight luxury package for Valentine’s Day offering the top of the line luxury services.

The package included diamond and sapphire jewelry from Onyx Jewelers, East Africa’s most prominent exporters of gemstones as well as retailers and wholesalers of fine jewellery.

Aptly named A Night of Diamonds, the offer came with a butler, private chef, dinner serenade, champagne, 40 bouquets of roses and massage treatments.

This came at a price. Sh2.34 million a night. The offer was snapped up as soon the announcement went out. You don’t have to fork out millions but with Sh6,000, you can enjoy a night and breakfast tomorrow morning while your child below eight years stays for free.

Its newest restaurant, Tambourin, with its Mediterranean cuisine and a belly dancer to boot has proved popular with Kenyans and maybe an apt choice for an evening dinner.

Radisson Bl u

The latest entrant into the city’s hotel scene is equally charming. Claiming its rightful spot in Upper Hill, Radisson Blu’s Larder Restaurant offers splendid views of Athi plains, a vintage feel of Nairobi. The African décor at the restaurant adds local flavour to an international brand.

The Tribe

“Tribe was conceived from a simple belief: that we coexist on a single planet and there is only one tribe that matters — humankind,” states the hotel’s official brochure.

Stepping into the hotel situated on the lower edge of Village Market is akin to taking a trip back in time. The hotel resembles a piece of art with its waterworks, sculptures and hundreds of artifacts collected from all over Africa. Dining on the “floating islands” off the main restaurant can be an unforgettable experience. Remember to come with any family members under five years of age — they might just dine for free.

Nairobi Hemingways

It can never be a bad idea to dine where international celebrities, including movie stars, European soccer stars and renowned musicians keep popping in and out at will. Nairobi Hemingways is an architectural masterpiece patterned after the old plantation houses in Southern Georgia.

However, the hotel has also made good use of African themes in its rooms to resonate with the nearby Ngong Hills that were dear to travel enthusiast Ernest Hemingway after whom the hotel chain is named.

Each of the rooms is aptly named after famous Kenyan and settler figures that influenced Kenya’s modern history. In the main dining area are photo renditions of famous motion pictures that opened Kenya to the world such as Born Free, Out of Africa and Lion King.

Last time I checked, their grilled steak was among the best in town.

Dusit D2

It is probably the crown jewel at 14 Riverside Business Complex. Thai hospitality, coupled with tasteful décor, are written all over the hotel. Soko, Zing and Soi are names you may want to keep close to your heart as they represent the best hospitality.

Tonight, Chef Khun’s five-course set menu will be the palate’s delight — with a Sh7,500 price tag.

Smaller Outfits

Standing alongside the giants are some smaller outfits that have the ability to steal the thunder from the big cousins.

They include Ole Sereni and Eka Hotel — both on Mombasa Road — where the wild expanse of Nairobi National Park stares at you as you wine and dine.

Then there is Sankara in the heart of Westlands where terms like aged beef and succulent seafood represent foods sourced directly from local farmers and fishermen.