Nairobi, the vibrant capital city of Kenya, is a bustling hub of commerce and culture, offering a unique blend of African and cosmopolitan flavors.
As the city continues to grow and expand, so do its offerings in terms of luxury accommodations.
In this article, we will take a look at some of the best hotels in and around Nairobi’s Central Business District (CBD), where guests can indulge in luxurious amenities and unparalleled hospitality.
Whether you are in Nairobi for business or pleasure, these hotels are sure to provide a memorable experience. From historic landmarks to modern marvels, there is something for everyone.
Let’s dive in and discover the best hotels around Nairobi’s CBD.
Best hotels around Nairobi CBD
The Sarova Stanley Hotel
Located in the heart of the CBD, The Sarova Stanley Hotel is a historic landmark that has been welcoming guests since 1902.
This elegant hotel boasts 217 luxurious rooms and suites, as well as a selection of world-class dining options, including Thai Chi Restaurant and the legendary Thorn Tree Cafe.
Additional amenities include a fitness center, an outdoor pool, and a spa.
Contacts: Phone: +254 20 2757000, Email: reservations@sarovahotels.com
The Sarova Panafric Hotel
The Sarova Panafric Hotel is located in the heart of Nairobi and is a popular choice for business and leisure travelers.
The hotel offers a range of facilities and services, including a swimming pool, fitness center, conference facilities, and a restaurant.
The rooms are spacious and well-appointed, with free Wi-Fi, satellite TV, and air conditioning.
Contacts: Phone Number: +254 20 271 6000, Email: reservations@sarovahotels.com
The Jacaranda Nairobi Hotel
The Jacaranda Nairobi Hotel is a boutique hotel located in the leafy suburbs of Westlands, just a few minutes’ drive from the CBD.
The hotel offers a range of facilities, including a swimming pool, fitness center, conference facilities, and a restaurant.
The rooms are spacious and well-appointed, with free Wi-Fi, satellite TV, and air conditioning.
Contacts: Phone Number: +254 20 4448714, Email: info@jacarandahotels.com
The Best Western Plus Meridian Hotel
The Best Western Plus Meridian Hotel is located in the CBD and is a popular choice for business travelers.
The hotel offers a range of facilities and services, including a rooftop swimming pool, fitness center, conference facilities, and a restaurant.
The rooms are spacious and well-appointed, with free Wi-Fi, satellite TV, and air conditioning.
Contacts; Phone Number: +254 20 221 1199, Email: info@meridianhotel.co.ke
The Crowne Plaza Nairobi
The Crowne Plaza Nairobi is located in Upper Hill, just a few minutes’ drive from the CBD.
The hotel offers a range of facilities and services, including a swimming pool, fitness center, conference facilities, and a restaurant.
The rooms are spacious and well-appointed, with free Wi-Fi, satellite TV, and air conditioning.
Contacts: Phone Number: +254 20 274 6000, Email: info@cphotels.co.ke
The Radisson Blu Hotel Nairobi
The Radisson Blu Hotel Nairobi is located in Upper Hill, just a few minutes’ drive from the CBD.
The hotel offers a range of facilities and services, including a swimming pool, fitness center, conference facilities, and a restaurant.
The rooms are spacious and well-appointed, with free Wi-Fi, satellite TV, and air conditioning.
Contacts; Phone Number: +254 709 810 000, Email: info.nairobi@radissonblu.com
The Hilton Nairobi
Just a short walk from the CBD, The Hilton Nairobi is a modern, 5-star hotel that offers a range of luxurious rooms and suites.
Guests can enjoy stunning views of the city from the hotel’s rooftop pool and terrace, as well as a fitness center, a spa, and several dining options.
The hotel also offers a convenient location near popular attractions like the Nairobi National Museum and the Giraffe Centre.
Contacts; Phone: +254 20 2790000, Email: nairobi@hilton.com
The InterContinental Nairobi
Located in the heart of the CBD, The InterContinental Nairobi offers 376 spacious and comfortable rooms and suites.
The hotel’s amenities include a rooftop pool and terrace, a fitness center, and several dining options, including the popular Bhandini Restaurant, which serves authentic Indian cuisine.
The hotel is also close to the Nairobi National Park and the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust Elephant Orphanage.
Contacts; Phone: +254 20 3200000, Email: nairobi@icnairobi.com
The Nairobi Serena Hotel
Nestled in the lush greenery of the CBD, The Nairobi Serena Hotel is a serene oasis in the heart of the city.
The hotel offers 183 luxurious rooms and suites, as well as several dining options, including the elegant Mandhari Restaurant and the relaxing Aksum Bar. Additional amenities include a fitness center, a spa, and an outdoor pool.
The hotel is also located near popular attractions like the Nairobi National Museum and the Karen Blixen Museum.
Contacts; Phone: +254 20 2822000; Email: nairobi@serena.co.ke
The Fairmont The Norfolk Hotel
Dating back to 1904, The Fairmont The Norfolk Hotel is a historic landmark that exudes old-world charm and elegance.
The hotel’s 165 luxurious rooms and suites are complemented by a selection of world-class dining options, including the iconic Lord Delamere Terrace and the elegant Tatu Restaurant.
Other amenities include a fitness center, an outdoor pool, and a spa. The hotel is also conveniently located near popular attractions like the Nairobi National Museum and the Karen Blixen Museum.
Contacts; Phone: +254 20 2265000, Email: thenorfolk@fairmont.com
Advantages of getting hotels around Nairobi CBD
There are several advantages to getting hotels around Nairobi Central Business District (CBD).
Some of these advantages include:
1. Proximity to business and financial centers
Nairobi CBD is the hub of business and financial activities in the city, with many companies and institutions located in the area.
Staying in a hotel in this location means you can easily access these institutions and conduct your business affairs with ease.
2. Accessibility
The CBD is easily accessible from all parts of the city, thanks to its central location. This means you can easily move around and explore other parts of the city without spending too much time on the road.
3. Convenience
Staying in a hotel in the CBD gives you access to many amenities, such as shops, restaurants, and other entertainment options, which are easily accessible by foot.
4. Security
The CBD is one of the most secure areas in the city, with a heavy presence of security personnel, CCTV cameras, and other security measures. This makes it a safe place to stay, especially for visitors who may not be familiar with the city.
5. Cultural and historical attractions
The CBD is home to several cultural and historical attractions, such as the National Archives, Nairobi National Museum, and the Kenyatta International Convention Centre
Staying in a hotel in this area gives you the opportunity to explore these attractions and learn more about the history and culture of the city.
6. Public transportation
The CBD is also the main transportation hub of the city, with several modes of transportation available, including buses, taxis, and trains. This makes it easy to move around the city and access other parts of the country from the CBD.
Ways of traveling around Nairobi CBD
There are different ways of moving around Nairobi CBD, they include;
Matatus
These are minibus taxis that are the most common mode of transportation in Nairobi CBD. They are affordable but can be overcrowded and unsafe. You can hail a matatu at designated matatu stages or bus stops.
Buses
These are larger and more comfortable than matatus. They run on specific routes, and you can find bus stops at various locations around the city.
Taxis
These are private vehicles that can be hailed on the street or through ride-hailing apps such as Uber and Bolt. They are more expensive than matatus and buses, but offer more comfort and safety.
Bodabodas
These are motorbikes that operate as taxis in Nairobi CBD. They are fast and convenient but can be dangerous, especially during rush hour.
Walking
Nairobi CBD is a compact area, and it is possible to walk around to different locations. This is a healthy and affordable option, but it can be tiring and unsafe, especially at night.
Cycling
This is an eco-friendly and efficient mode of transport, but there are limited cycling lanes, and the roads can be dangerous for cyclists.
