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Where to Stay in Nairobi

Where to Stay in Nairobi

Nairobi Nairobi County, Kenya Travel Guide

Accommodation Types

Hotel & Rental Options

  • Luxury Hotels

    International chains like Fairmont, Radisson Blu, Sarova, Kempinski, and Villa Rosa, along with high-end independent properties. They feature all services, fine dining, extensive amenities, and often boast excellent security and business facilities. Find them mainly in Upper Hill, Westlands, and the CBD. IHG Hotels

  • Boutique Hotels

    Smaller, stylish properties with unique character plus tailored attention. They often focus on design, local art, and a more intimate atmosphere. These appear in upscale neighborhoods, presenting a unique experience.

  • Mid-range Hotels

    A broad selection of 3-star and 4-star lodgings that have comfortable rooms, on-site restaurants, and standard amenities like Wi-Fi and often a pool or gym. These hotels present a good balance of quality and value, found over several commercial and residential areas.

  • Guesthouses & Bed & Breakfasts

    Often locally owned, these establishments give a more intimate and personal experience. They usually include breakfast and have a homely atmosphere, often located in quieter residential areas.

Extended Stay & Budget

  • Serviced Apartments

    Ideal for longer stays, families, or groups, serviced apartments feature more space, privacy, and kitchen facilities. They are widely available in areas like Kilimani, Westlands, and Upper Hill, offering a comfortable home-away-from-home experience.

  • Hostels

    Budget-friendly options cater mainly to backpackers and solo travelers. They typically have dorm beds and private rooms, shared common areas, and a social atmosphere. Find hostels in places such as Westlands and parts of the CBD outskirts. Hostelworld

  • Vacation Rentals

    Platforms like Booking.com, Agoda, and Vrbo feature numerous options, from single rooms in shared homes to entire houses or apartments. Find them across different districts, giving flexibility and a local living experience.

  • Camping & Outdoor

    While Nairobi National Park does not have public campsites, nearby areas like Hell's Gate National Park or private conservancies have camping and safari lodge options for day trips or overnight stays outside the immediate city. Some eco-camps near Nairobi present a glamping experience.

Neighborhood Guide

Nairobi's diverse neighborhoods each have a distinct character, influencing your stay. Consider safety, proximity to attractions, and ambiance when choosing your area.

Central Business District CBD

Pros
  • Central location for convenient access to public transport (matatus) and local services.
  • Proximity to some museums, markets, and the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC).
Cons
  • Can be noisy and heavily congested during the day.
  • Security concerns increase after business hours.
  • Limited high-end accommodation options.

Westlands

Pros
  • Wide range of accommodation, from mid-range to luxury.
  • Diverse dining and entertainment options.
  • Generally safer for walking during the day than the CBD.
Cons
  • May encounter significant traffic congestion, notably at busy times.
  • High noise levels due to traffic and nightlife.

Karen & Lang'ata

Pros
  • Quiet, generally safe, and has a relaxed atmosphere.
  • Close to Nairobi National Park, Giraffe Centre, and David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust.
Cons
  • Further from the city center, requiring private transport.
  • Limited public transport options.

Other distinguished Neighborhoods

Upper Hill

Professional atmosphere, well-suited for business travelers. Generally safe during the day. Close to the CBD with good road connections. A formal, corporate ambiance.

Kilimani & Lavington

Mainly residential areas, popular with middle-class residents and expats. Good for longer stays due to apartment options. Generally safe and quieter than Westlands but still feature amenities.

Booking Strategies

Smart booking practices make it possible to secure preferred accommodations at favorable rates.

Advance Booking Recommendations

  • High Season (June-October, December-January): Book accommodations well in advance, ideally 3-6 months prior. This period aligns with the highest safari season and major holidays, leading to high demand and potential scarcity.
  • Off-peak Season: Booking 1-2 months in advance is typically enough. You might find better discounts or even walk-in rates during these periods due to lower demand.

Trusted Booking Platforms

  • International Platforms: Booking.com, Expedia, Agoda, Hotels.com, and Airbnb are widely used and reliable platforms for booking in Nairobi. They have a broad selection and user reviews.
  • Local Agents: Reputable local tour operators and travel agencies book accommodations, especially if arranging a package that incorporates safaris or other tours. They often have local knowledge and connections.
  • Direct Booking: Sometimes, booking directly with hotels via their official websites may result in better rates, special inclusions, or more adaptable terms. Compare prices across platforms and direct booking platforms.

Important Considerations

Negotiation Customs
  • Smaller Guesthouses/Homestays: Some negotiation might be possible for walk-in rates, notably during the low season or for a longer stay.
  • Established Hotels/Chain Properties: Rates are generally fixed, and negotiation for walk-in rates is unlikely.
Deposit and Cancellation Policies
  • Policies vary significantly by property and booking platform. Always check specific terms and conditions before confirming.
  • Many hotels, especially during high season, require a deposit or full prepayment. Look for flexible cancellation policies if your plans might change.

Seasonal Price Fluctuations

Peak Season

Expect the highest prices due to high demand.

Shoulder Season

Reasonable prices are present, a good balance.

Low Season

The lowest prices prevail, with possible for significant discounts and special offers.

Accommodation Recommendations

Nairobi has choices for every type of traveler.

Traveler Types

Budget Traveler

Hostels: Milimani Backpackers (Kilimani), Wildebeest Eco Camp (Lang'ata), Khweza Bed & Breakfast (CBD outskirts). These give affordable dorm beds and often private rooms.

  • Guesthouses: Lots of tinier, local guesthouses around the city have basic but clean and comfortable rooms at budget-friendly prices.
Mid-range Traveler

Hotels: Sarova Panafric (Upper Hill), Park Inn by Radisson (Westlands), Ibis Styles Nairobi (Westlands), Best Western Plus Meridian (CBD). These have good amenities and service.

  • Serviced Apartments: Mvuli Suites (Upper Hill), Palacina The Residence & The Suites (Kilimani) present excellent options for more space and self-catering facilities.

Special Stays

Luxury Traveler

International Chains: Fairmont The Norfolk (CBD), Radisson Blu Hotel Nairobi Upper Hill, Sarova Stanley (CBD), Sankara Nairobi, Autograph Collection (Westlands), Kempinski Villa Rosa (Upper Hill). These places have world-class service and amenities.

  • Boutique/Unique: Giraffe Manor (Lang'ata) has a very exclusive and iconic experience, requiring booking far in advance. The Emakoko (Nairobi National Park) gives a luxury safari lodge experience within the park's boundaries.
Family-Friendly Options

Hotels in Karen or Lang'ata with spacious grounds plus pools (e.g., Hemingways Nairobi, Ololo Safari Lodge & Farm) present excellent choices.

  • Serviced apartments in Kilimani or Westlands also provide ample space and convenience for families.

Solo and Long-Stay

Solo Traveler Recommendations

Stay in well-reviewed hostels or secure hotels in Westlands or safe parts of the CBD for easy access to transport and amenities.

  • These areas often have a more social atmosphere.
Long-Stay Accommodations

Serviced apartments (e.g., in Kilimani, Westlands, Upper Hill) are very much recommended for comfort and amenities.

  • Airbnb also has many suitable options for extended stays.

Cultural & Historical Significance

Historic Hotels

Fairmont The Norfolk and Sarova Stanley, both historic hotels in the CBD, show a glimpse into Nairobi's colonial past.

Iconic Experiences

Giraffe Manor has an unique, iconic experience connected to conservation efforts.

Wildlife Lodges

The Emakoko, within Nairobi National Park, combines luxury accommodation with safari opportunities.

Where to Stay in Nairobi. Hotels, Neighborhoods, Accommodation