10 Best Nairobi Hotels

If you’ve been searching for where to stay in Nairobi, you’ve come to the right place. Nairobi is the urban core of the hospitality industry and the country’s largest city. It hosts over 2500 hotels ranging from bed and breakfast hotels to 5-star hotels. Yes, you got it right, over 2500 choices, but don’t be overwhelmed. In this guide, we’ll review the ten best hotels in Nairobi Kenya detailing all exquisite features, services, and amenities available in these Nairobi hotels. Without further ado, let’s get started!

10 Best Nairobi hotels

If you were to randomly search for the best places to stay in Nairobi Kenya, you’d probably land on those with great reviews only, leaving out precious gems you’d otherwise not know. That’s why as you read through our review, you’ll notice we were sure to include different types of hotels, but still the best hotels in Nairobi Kenya. If you plan to visit places outside Nairobi, we’ve got you covered with the best hotels in Kenya as well!

From boutique hotels to business-friendly accommodations, as well as excellent cabin-style safari hotels. We meticulously added each hotel Kenya Nairobi, that represents and targets different clientele so you will be spoilt for choice. First up, we have a comfy Bed and Breakfast hotel called Edaala Comfort.

1. Edaala Comfort – B&B

Located just 12km from the Wilson Airport and 9 miles from the Central Business District, Edaala Comfort is a little enchanting bed and breakfast hotel that truly describes an African homage. From the drive up to the hotel to its rustic interior decor theme, this location is the perfect home away from home destination.

Furthermore, the cottages are set amid the middle-class suburbs of Karen with lush greenery all around, offering plenty of private spaces to unwind and recharge. While looking for where to stay in Nairobi, this homestay would be an ideal choice because it’s warm and welcoming, and the homestay also offers additional amenities similar to many four and 5-star Nairobi hotels.

These amenities include a fitness center, a relaxing lounge, a well-maintained garden, and barbecue facilities, among others. Again, like other hotels in Nairobi, each unit has basic facilities for a satisfactory stay. In terms of activities, the cottages offer a few outdoor activities you can be sure to enjoy like cycling using their bicycle rental service.

2. Karen Gables

The next Nairobi hotel that earned its spot in the best places to stay in Nairobi, Kenya, is the Karen Gables. Conveniently located just 30 minutes from the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport and even less from the Wilson Airport, this luxurious lodge is the perfect getaway from the hustle and bustle of the city. The exquisite hotel in Kenya Nairobi sits on a 1.5 acres lush garden along the Oloolua Nature Trail creating the perfect and serene environment for relaxation.

One look at this prime location, you’ll notice its unique Cape Dutch style with whitewashed walls, thatched roofs, a structural H-shaped exterior with a triangular symmetric front, and decorated ornately rounded gables, hence the name Karen Gables. This characterful Nairobi hotel is similar to the one reviewed above in that this is a private residence turned hotel. Therefore, you can expect coziness, comfort, and privacy during your stay.

Even with a homey vibe, this hotel in Kenya Nairobi offers three different room sceneries: views of the lush garden, the pool, or the Nairobi river. Lastly, you can expect full-board, freshly prepared meals, a 24/7 electricity supply, fresh borehole water, and a backup generator.

3. Ololo Safari Lodge

From a Cape Dutch-inspired hotel to a tranquil colonial-style lodge, the Ololo Safari Lodge is one of the best hotels in Nairobi Kenya, thanks to its southern vibes and convenient location. The lodge is nestled on the beautiful banks of the Mbagathi River along the southern border to the Nairobi National Park. That means, guests can see the park right from the lodge.

Owned and run by an Australian farming family, this old Kenyan homestead sits on a 20-acre productive farm that offers fresh farm produce, tending to some delicious meals you’re sure to enjoy at the simple home-style restaurant. Of course, this aligns with their aim to have the small lodge operate like a home.

One of the most exciting and captivating details about the lodge is how much style, design, and intention the owners put into the accommodation. From the feature earth tones in every room to the tasteful farm’s old converted stables; all decorations and furnishings are meticulously put together for guests’ comfort and enjoyment.

Finally, we must mention that there are numerous activities to indulge in at the lodge. You could take an adventure to the safari park, partake in a cultural excursion on the history of the place, visit the Ololo Farm, or take guided tours to the David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage/ Giraffe Center.

4. Gigiri Lion Villas

From the Mbagathi River to Gigiri, experience the hallmark of luxury, modernity, and classicism embedded into one at the Gigiri Lion Villas. Situated just 14 km from the Wilson Airport, these villas elevate the standards of already-known Nairobi hotels. The atmosphere in the villas is rich, lush, and unique, from serving a la carte and halal breakfast options to in-room breakfast convenience.

All their units are well equipped with necessities including a minibar and a safety deposit box. Glancing at the rooms, you’ll also notice premium linen bedding for comfort, and different themed units to express the different Kenyan styles.

Finally, as you decide where to stay in Nairobi, you’ll be delighted to know that such hotels in Nairobi, Kenya is sure to offer more than just accommodation and fine dining. We’re talking about other services such as car hire, ironing services, child care at the children’s playground, and an open business center/ shared lounge where you can hold your private/professional business.

5. Sarova Stanley

Without a doubt, the Sarova Hotels wouldn’t be a miss amongst the best hotels to stay in Nairobi. Why? Besides their great taste in designs, as seen with their chain of hotels, the Sarova Stanley hotel in Kenya, Nairobi, lands itself in an incredible location right amid the Central Business District of Nairobi. This means you enjoy complimentary private parking, access to thousands of hotels in the town, and the vibrant nightlife in clubs just a stone away.

This 5-star Nairobi hotel boasts 212 classic suites and rooms with a pool terrace at the rooftop, a courtyard, a jazz bar, and three luxury restaurants. For a bigger crowd, the hotel also offers conferencing and banqueting facilities, a ballroom, and heritage spaces. Their rooms are elegantly decorated with classic finishes and furnishings to deliver a wondrous old-world charm. The icing on the cake is that you enjoy views of the Nairobi skyline.

The hotel prides itself on offering impeccable service from its friendly staff. What’s more, there’s plenty of delicious food from the best of local flavors to a host of international cuisines. And as for the other restaurants, you’ll also enjoy al fresco buffet-style meals and Thai cuisine from the Thai Chi cafe.

6. Fairmont The Norfolk

Dating back to 1904, Fairmont The Norfolk hotel has laid the precedent for some of the best hotels in Nairobi Kenya. This hidden gem prides itself on a historical legacy with an alluring charm, set amongst tropical gardens. The hotel offers luxury accommodation within a sophisticated retreat set on an old 19th-century colonial building.

Unlike other Nairobi hotels, Norfolk has an elegance that speaks to the ‘old money’ narrative with 27 luxurious suites and 143 sophisticated rooms enjoying breathtaking landscape views. The hotel’s guests also have access to a heated outdoor pool, an indulgent spa, a health club, and a well-equipped fitness center. That said, the hotel aims to offer guests a mix of luxury and a rich history worth commemorating.

Last but not least, Norfolk goes all out regarding dining. The hotel features six restaurants including the Historical Lord Delamere Terrace restaurant for international and a la carte meals, a modern-style American steakhouse, a classic wine bar, and a poolside restaurant all within the vicinity. That’s not to say that you can’t enjoy food from outside as service agents can arrange that at the front desk along with shopping and cultural tours of Nairobi.

7. Best Western Plus Meridian Hotel

Located at the heart of Nairobi’s vibrant district, Westlands, the Best Western Plus Meridian Hotel is the third branch of the Best Western Hotels in Nairobi. It features style, class, and creativity from its accommodation to dining experiences. This hotel in Kenya Nairobi is one of the best places to stay in Nairobi, thanks to its unrivaled location and superior hotel quality that includes excellent customer service, convenience, and comfort during your stay.

The hotel offers different accommodation options from suite to deluxe, executive rooms, and the penthouse, where you get incredible views of Nairobi’s upmarket entertainment hub. Some of the complimentary services you shall receive during your stay include complimentary breakfast choices, an all-equipped exercise room with the latest technology, a concierge, access to multilingual staff, foreign currency exchange, laundry services, express check-in and out, and conference and banqueting facilities.

As for dining, the hotel has two on-premise cafés, an Asiatic, full-service international restaurant open 24 hours and a Craft restaurant open till late. Fortunately, with its location, you can also enjoy access to other restaurants like the Urban Eatery, Haandi Indian kitchen, and Mercado Mexican kitchen, amongst others.

8. Radisson Blu Hotel, Nairobi Upper Hill

Many know this Nairobi hotel as the number one business hotel in Nairobi and that is true. The Radisson Blu Hotel provides the perfect location for business and leisure. So if you’re looking for where to stay in Nairobi that also doubles as a workstation, this is an excellent choice. Located in Upperhill, just a 20 minutes drive from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, the Blu Hotel is an upscale and stylish hotel that prides itself as the perfect base for any guest.

The hotel features 271 rooms and suites complete with a minibar, comfortable linen-lined beds, a luxurious bathroom, and much more. On the business side, the hotel also has one of the most extensive conference facilities with 14 meeting rooms, a business center, and a pre-function area equipped with the latest audio and visual technology. Each room has the choice of city or park views and fast access to its relaxing spa, a scenic pool, and a state-of-the-art gym.

During your stay, you’ll be sure to dig into numerous nutritious meals with hot and cold drinks like their signature “Morning Mary,” and of course, an array of cuisines from famous Kenyan dishes to international classics served either at the Chop House or Larder Restaurant. Similar to other high-end Nairobi hotels, you’ll also get to choose from halal, vegetarian, or continental menus.

Lastly, in case you’re looking for an adventure, you could book a trip to the Nairobi National Park from the front desk and discover the big 5 strolling a few minutes away.

9. Khweza Bed and Breakfast

Another bed and breakfast hotel offering a 5-star experience is the Khweza Bed and Breakfast hotel in Kenya, Nairobi. It’s one of the best hotels in Nairobi Kenya due to its affordability, which comes with a 5-star experience. Located just a 5-minute drive to Nairobi’s CBD, the bed and breakfast hotel also offers safaris and tour adventures to nearby attractions like the Maasai Market, John Michuki Memorial Park, Sarakasi Dome, and the National Museum.

At no reservation costs, you can book your accommodation from a single room to a quadruple room. Their rooms are colorful, with a mild African setting to add warmth and depth. For breakfast, you can request room service or enjoy panoramic views of the city skyline from their rooftop bar and restaurant.

10. The King Post

As we wind up, the tenth spot goes to the King Post in Westlands, just 45 minutes from the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. A recipient of the excellence awards amongst Nairobi Hotels by Trip Advisor back in 2017, the hotel is one of the best places to stay in Nairobi Kenya because of its variety of world-class amenities, and versatility as an excellent hotel for business, leisure, and family vacations.

What’s unique about the hotel is its distinct architectural synthesis of the East African Coast and the Indian Ocean, making you feel like you’re on the coast, yet you’re within the city. The buildings appear castle-like with off-white walls, lots of greenery, and various mahogany and oak pieces influenced by the Swahili, Arabic, Portuguese, and Indian cultures. From the entrance to the suites, the hotel is uniquely embellished with intricate craftsmanship displaying an amalgam of four cultures that display elegance, simplicity, and a warm ambiance.

As is with multiple business boutique hotels in Nairobi, you have several accommodation options for long-term and short-term stays to meet your needs. Each unit has access to the spa, gym, boutique, salon, outdoor pool, and café. Not to mention, you can also use its conference and events services.

Wrapping up the Best Nairobi Hotels

The detailed review above shows that the best hotels in Nairobi Kenya sometimes can mean something else besides beach or garden views, expensive accommodation, or a thousand amenities. Instead, the best places to stay in Nairobi Kenya speak to comfort, unique design, heritage, and peaceful accommodation. From all the ten options above, expect a relaxed stay with excellent customer service, plus an opportunity to delve into Kenyan culture through food or adventures.