Nairobi was founded around a water hole in 1899 as a supply depot for the Uganda Railway which runs from Mombasa to the eastern shores of Lake Victoria. The words for "cool waters" in Maa, the language of the Maasai, are Ewaso Nyirobi. As the supply depot grew larger and larger the township that developed became known as Nairobi. Today, modern Nairobi is the African safari capital of the world and has evolved into one of Africa's largest and most interesting cities.
Nairobi Hotels
House of Waine
The House of Waine is an 11-bedroomed boutique hotel in the forested suburbs of Nairobi. Renowned for fine dining and its quiet location, the hotel is only 40 minutes from the international airport and 20 minutes from Wilson Airport. Each bedroom is individually styled with en-suite bathroom. All rooms have satellite TV, mini bar, room safe, coffee & tea making facilities. Within the surrounding gardens there is a heated swimming pool and poolside bar. The hotel also offers a small conference room complete with equipment. It is closely located to the Giraffe Centre, Nairobi National Park, the Elephant Orphanage and arts & crafts centers.
Ngong House
Ngong House is a private retreat, only half an hour’s drive from downtown Nairobi yet a world away from the city bustle. Offering a memorable experience in an area once part of Karen Blixen’s vast coffee estate, Ngong House has five, individually designed tree-houses, each with a view of the Ngong Hills, in addition to two double rooms in the main house. Personal care, gracious service, and exclusive accommodation are the hallmarks of Ngong House. Excusions to the nearby Giraffe Centre, Sheldrick Elephant Orphange, Karen Blixen Museum and a variety of curio shops and galleries can be arranged.
Palacina Hotel
For weary travelers who have seen many a hotel room, Palacina is a breath of fresh air. Offering all the luxuries of a five star hotel, with special personalized service, a relaxed atmosphere and attention to detail, the Palacina is one of Nairobi’s top boutique hotels. As a family owned and run hotel, the core emphasis is on making guests feel at home during their stay in Nairobi, in an atmosphere of understated elegance and warm hospitality. It features 14 Luxury suites, including 2 stunning penthouse suites. In addition, the Palacina has an award winning restaurant, called the Moonflower, and various facilities such as a swimming pool and gym.
Nairobi Serena Hotel
The Nairobi Serena is a quiet, flower-filled sanctuary located minutes from the city’s business centre and also from most of its attractions, including art and cultural institutions, shopping, nightlife and entertainment. The Nairobi Serena Hotel is a member of the Leading Hotels of the World. The hotel has 184 elegantly designed, air-conditioned bedrooms, including five superior rooms and 15 suites, including the luxurious State Suite. Serena’s Mandhari Restaurant offers some of Kenya’s finest cuisine. As well as the Maisha Health Club and swimming pool, the hotel also boasts up-to-date business services and conference facilities. Nairobi excursions can be arranged from the hotel.
Giraffe Manor
Thanks to its 1930s elegance and 14 resident Rothschild giraffe, Giraffe Manor, located on the outskirts of Nairobi, is regularly used for film and fashion shoots. But it is its warm hospitality, fine dining and refined modern comforts which has made it one of Nairobi’s most popular residences. Giraffe Manor can accommodate ten guests in comfortable, elegant rooms offering sanctuary in an untouched wilderness on the outskirts of Nairobi. Guests staying at Giraffe Manor will have the opportunity to visit Nairobi National Park and to explore some of the more eclectic shopping experiences, galleries and restaurants in the area.
The Norfolk Hotel
A landmark in the city since opening its doors in 1904, The Norfolk has welcomed royalty, statesmen and stars alike, including Theodore Roosevelt, Lord Baden-Powell and Baroness Karen Von Blixen-Finecke. The Norfolk has six restaurants, three bars and a swimming pool and 116 spacious guest rooms, set around tranquil courtyards, all with satellite TV. Internet services, conference facilities, and a Health Club are also available.
Fairview Hotel
The Fairview Hotel was established in Nairobi in 1946 and has been run by the same family ever since, maintaining to this day a welcoming, friendly and efficient service, but with up-to-date business and conference facilities. Fairview has108 en-suite rooms with Satellite TV and internet services, five restaurants, a swimming pool and gym.
Macushla House
Macushla was one of the first fully licensed Guest Houses in Langata - 20 minutes from Nairobi city centre - established in the last century. While on vacation in Ireland, the founder was inspired by the many lovely small establishments, which all had their own special ambience. Macushla House has six bedrooms and two lounges with open log fires a welcome retreat in the cold months and a swimming pool with spacious verandas. Many places of interest are within a short driving distance of Macushla - Nairobi National Park, Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage and the Giraffe Centre.
