Hotels in Nairobi
As you might expect from a capital city, Nairobi has a very wide choice of places for the weary traveller to stay: everything from five-star luxury to cheap backpacker digs. Where you stay depends entirely on your wants and your wallet. The good news is that most accommodation represents good value for money, especially compared to prices in the UK.
For cheap but classy accommodation, head to Kenya Backpackers Guesthouse, which breaks the youth hostel mould somewhat. It's located in a smart area of town and has lovely gardens to stroll about in, resembling a country hotel more than a hostel. It's not in the heart of Nairobi, which might be a disadvantage for some travellers, but daily transport to the centre is included in the price of your stay. You'll get a double room with your own en-suite bathroom for less than £20 per person per night - pricier than hostels elsewhere in Kenya, but the standard of accommodation makes it worth the money.
Business travellers like the four-star Utalii Hotel, about a quarter-hour's drive from the centre. It has everything you'd expect from a four-star hotel: tennis courts, swimming pool, golf course and a choice of restaurants and bars. It is geared mainly for businesspeople, which means it's a little lacking in atmosphere, but the staff(mostly trainees from a nearby hotel management college) are helpful and friendly, and each room comes with its own bathroom and balcony. Prices start at about £45 per room per night.
If nothing less than five stars will do, you have plenty of choice in Nairobi. There's the Grand Regency Hotel overlooking Central Park, the Nairobi Hilton in the city centre or the InterContinental on City Hall Way, to name just a few. Prices for a five-star hotel can be as little as £50 per room per night, which means only £25 per person if there are two of you sharing, but the low prices don't represent any difference in quality compared to other hotels in the same chains.
If you're thinking of splashing out on a five-star room but you're not set on any one hotel, don't forget to skim the Internet for deals. Many online sites offer cheap deals that will almost halve the price of a luxury room. You should also check out which hotels are running promotions at the time of your visit. If you do your homework, you should be able to get some real luxury for less.
