Nairobi's newest hotels

Eka Hotel on Mombasa Road. [Photo: Martin Mukangu/Standard]

Nairobi is fast becoming the region’s home of choice for multinational companies. It is with this in mind that new hotels are coming up within the city to tap into the growing client base, writes ALLAN OLINGO

In the last two years, more than eight new hotels have either been completed or are in the process of completion in Nairobi, according to industry sources, citing the increasing importance of the capital city as the regional business hub.

Recently, Kenya was voted the third most preferred investment destination in Africa after South Africa and Nigeria. Nairobi has also earned its slot as a regional transport hub, through the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport for connecting flights.

New hotels have been put up in the last decade to cater for the growing demand for hospitality services.

According to a report by HVS London, a global hospitality services consultancy, the current total room count in Nairobi’s upscale hotel market is about 5,000 with recent additions including 271 rooms opened in 2009, 421 rooms in 2010 and 70 rooms in 2011. The data from 2012 is yet to be released. About 1,100 rooms are expected additions by 2014.

Here are some of the latest entrants into the hospitality market targeting visitors in Nairobi.

Eastland Hotel

Located on Ngong Road in Nairobi, in the up-market and serene suburbs of Nairobi’s Kilimani area, this hotel offers its guests a different feel of hospitality in its 172 rooms.

It is a walking distance to Java House, Prestige Plaza, Yaya Centre and the Junction mall. It is also surrounded by Chinese, Italian, Ethiopian and Japanese restaurants, as well as many entertainment facilities, a plus for guests.

The hotel is also close to Wilson Airport, which connects guests to all safari destinations.

PrideInn

Located in Westland’s, Prideinn Hotels and Conferencing are new boutique hotels for those who want a clean, comfortable and quiet stay within the heart of Westlands, Nairobi. It has all the features of a modern city hotel and a unique location; easy access to the Central Business District, Westlands business area, international organisations, banks and other facilities.

Hemmingways Nairobi

This yet to be opened hotel is located in Nairobi’s Karen area, one of the hotels located away from the busy city centre. The hotel claims to be a boutique hotel with personalised concierge meet and greet at JKIA, transfers by limousine or chopper services. 

One of the unique amenities of this hotel is the outdoor heated pool in Nairobi that overlooks the sprawling lawns leading to the Ngong Hills.

The hotel location allows its visitors the proximity of the Daphne Sheldrick Centre, Giraffe Centre, Karen Blixen Museum, the Nairobi National Park and Carnivore Restaurant. Wilson Airport is only 15 minutes away and guests are assured of minimal traffic.

It will cost approximately $15 million (Sh1.27 billion) to put up and is expected to be operational by early next year.

Eka Hotel

Eka Hotel Nairobi is a new addition along Mombasa Road next to the former St James Hospital, joining such hotels as Ole Sereni that is a couple of hundred metres away and Panari. It offers new heights in contemporary comfort, convenience, and efficiency.

With easy access to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, Wilson Airport and Nairobi National Park, Eka Hotel is an ideal venue for business travellers, events and conferences.

It has 170 rooms that are designed and equipped with the latest in-room technology and presents a great environment to work, relax and enjoy. Guests staying  here have exclusive access to the gym and swimming pool.

The hotel also has two restaurants; the Galaxy offering selected buffet breakfast and all-day snack menu dining, and the Spur that offers steaks, chicken, seafood, carveries, salads and vegetarian meals.

The Boma Hotel

Situated in South C with close proximity to Mombasa Road, the Boma Hotel enjoys an ideal location between the airport and the city centre. This is a new hospitality gem fully owned by The Kenya Red Cross Society. It is a combination of attractive architecture and modern facilities that target both the business and the leisure traveller.

The Boma Hotel has spectacular views over Nairobi’s National Park as well as at the city’s skyline. 

Its 150 rooms and suites are furnished in a chic and stylish manner with restaurants that cater for various discerning tastes while offering indoor as well as al fresco dining experiences.

Kempinski Nairobi

This property is still under construction. The upscale 200-room Kempinski Nairobi will be located on Chiromo Road and is set to open doors in March 2013. The property is being developed by Simba Colt Motors.

Sankara Hotel

Sankara Hotel Nairobi is a contemporary luxury hotel situated on Woodvale Grove in Westlands, opposite the Sarit Centre. Sankara has been done to accommodate both leisure and business travellers.

It makes great use of its small space and boasts of meeting facilities, with the latest conferencing technology and wireless Internet connections.  Its other outstanding amenities include a stunning rooftop pool and world-class spa.

Crowne Plaza

Located in Upperhill,  Nairobi’s new ‘financial district’ with banks, international companies and embassies, the Crowne Plaza is a favourite for banquets and seminars in its elegant meeting rooms.

Its location and close proximity to multinational companies, diplomatic missions, banks, government offices, insurance companies and hospitals makes it a favourite meeting, seminar and conference centre.

Crowne Plaza boasts of 162 superbly appointed rooms, which include 13 suites and a club floor with an exclusive lounge.

Best Western Premier

The Best Western Premier is located in Hurlingham and is only minutes away from the Central Business District, main shopping centres and nightlife districts. It prides itself as Nairobi’s premier business hotel. This mid-scale hotel has 96 rooms.

According to industry sources, there are a few other hotels whose construction is in progress. They include the 98-room 14 Riverside Hotel on Riverside Drive, the 126-room Park Inn located in Upper Hill, the 128-room Leisure Park Hotel in Arboretum and the 244-room Radisson Blu Hotel in Upper Hill.