Where to Stay in Nairobi
A regional guide to accommodation across the country
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Regions of Nairobi
Each region offers a distinct character and accommodation scene. Find the one that matches your travel plans.
The historic heart of Nairobi offers primarily business-oriented hotels within walking distance of government offices, museums, and the railway station. While convenient for daytime activities, this area quiets significantly after dark and requires heightened security awareness. Accommodation here tends to be functional rather than luxurious, catering mainly to budget-conscious business travelers and backpackers.
This bustling commercial and entertainment district is Nairobi's most cosmopolitan area, packed with shopping malls, restaurants, and nightlife. Accommodation ranges from international chain hotels to serviced apartments, making it ideal for both business and leisure travelers who want easy access to amenities. The area offers excellent value for mid-range travelers and superior dining options within walking distance.
The diplomatic quarter of Nairobi, home to the UN headquarters and numerous embassies, offers upscale, secure accommodation in a leafy, residential setting. This area provides a peaceful retreat from city chaos while maintaining proximity to Westlands' amenities. Properties here often cater to extended stays and families, with many offering apartment-style configurations and excellent security infrastructure.
Named after Karen Blixen, this affluent suburb offers Nairobi's most tranquil and scenic accommodation options, with properties set in expansive gardens and colonial-era estates. The area provides easy access to Nairobi National Park, the Giraffe Centre, and David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, making it perfect for combining city convenience with wildlife experiences. Accommodation here emphasizes space, nature, and heritage character over urban convenience.
These adjacent neighborhoods form Nairobi's modern business hub, with Upper Hill hosting corporate headquarters and medical facilities while Kilimani offers a mix of residential and commercial development. Accommodation is predominantly mid-range, with numerous serviced apartments and business hotels catering to medical tourists and corporate visitors. The area provides good value and is well-positioned between the CBD and Westlands.
The area surrounding Nairobi's international airport offers convenient accommodation for early flights, late arrivals, and quick safari connections. Properties here range from basic airport hotels to surprisingly upscale options with shuttle services. While lacking in atmosphere and local character, this area is highly practical for travelers on tight schedules or those beginning multi-destination safaris.
Unique accommodation options line the boundaries of Nairobi National Park, offering the extraordinary experience of safari-style lodging within sight of city skyscrapers. These properties provide game viewing, bush dining, and wildlife encounters without leaving Nairobi, making them ideal for short-stay visitors or safari previews. The area represents Nairobi's most distinctive accommodation offering, blending urban accessibility with authentic bush experiences.
This major artery stretching southwest from the city center is lined with budget and mid-range accommodation options popular with backpackers and budget-conscious travelers. The area offers good public transport connections and proximity to both the CBD and Karen suburbs. While lacking in charm, it provides practical, affordable bases with easy access to matatus (minibuses) and restaurants.
These exclusive residential neighborhoods offer limited but exceptionally high-quality accommodation in heritage properties and boutique guesthouses. The area exudes old-world colonial charm with tree-lined streets, golf courses, and private clubs. Accommodation here is intimate and personalized, often in converted mansions with just a handful of rooms, catering to discerning travelers seeking privacy and exclusivity.
These upscale residential areas offer a growing number of serviced apartments and boutique guesthouses in quiet, secure neighborhoods. The location provides a good balance between accessibility to Westlands and the peaceful atmosphere of suburban Nairobi. Ideal for families and extended stays, with proximity to international schools and shopping centers.
Accommodation Landscape
What to expect from accommodation options across Nairobi
Nairobi hosts most major international hotel brands including Radisson, Hilton, Sarova, Fairmont, and Villa Rosa Kempinski, concentrated primarily in Westlands, Upper Hill, and near the airport. Regional chains like Sarova Hotels and Tribe Hotel represent homegrown luxury, while budget chains like Ibis have recently entered the market. These properties maintain international standards and are particularly popular with business travelers and conference attendees.
Independent Kenyan-owned guesthouses and boutique hotels offer more personalized experiences and better value, particularly in Karen, Lavington, and Kilimani. Many are family-run establishments in converted residential properties, providing home-cooked meals and insider local knowledge. The serviced apartment sector has exploded in recent years, with local companies offering fully furnished units ideal for weekly or monthly stays, particularly popular in Westlands, Kilimani, and Gigiri.
Nairobi's most distinctive accommodation type is the urban safari lodge, found nowhere else in the world—luxury tented camps and lodges positioned within or adjacent to Nairobi National Park where guests can watch wildlife from their rooms with the city skyline in the background. Heritage properties in former colonial estates, particularly in Karen and Muthaiga, offer historical character with antique furnishings and stories from Kenya's past. Eco-lodges emphasizing sustainability and community engagement have emerged in areas like Langata, while several properties offer the unique experience of staying with resident giraffes that visit for breakfast.
Booking Tips for Nairobi
Country-specific advice for finding the best accommodation
Airport-area hotels often offer better rates and guaranteed shuttle services when booked directly through their websites rather than third-party platforms. Many include complimentary airport transfers with advance notice, a valuable perk given Nairobi's traffic unpredictability. Confirm shuttle timings and any restrictions on luggage or group size before arrival.
Nairobi's notorious traffic jams can turn a 5km journey into a two-hour ordeal during rush hours (7-10am and 4-8pm). Choose accommodation based on your primary activities—stay near Westlands for nightlife and dining, Karen for wildlife attractions, or Upper Hill for medical facilities. Properties offering working spaces are valuable if you'll be stuck indoors during traffic peaks.
Prioritize properties with visible security measures including 24-hour guards, secure parking, and perimeter walls or fencing. Most reputable accommodations provide these as standard, but confirm before booking, especially for budget options. Ask about safe deposit boxes, room safes, and whether the property is in a gated community or compound.
While less common than previously, water and power interruptions still occur in Nairobi. Mid-range and upscale properties typically have backup generators and water storage tanks, but budget accommodations may not. Verify these provisions, especially if traveling during dry season (January-March) when water rationing is more likely, or if you require consistent power for medical devices or work equipment.
For stays of a week or longer, contact properties directly to negotiate rates, particularly for serviced apartments and smaller guesthouses. Many offer significant discounts (30-50% off) for monthly bookings and may include additional services like laundry or airport transfers. This approach works especially well outside peak seasons and in residential areas like Kilimani and Lavington.
Kenyan breakfast spreads vary dramatically between properties. International chains typically offer buffets with continental and cooked options, while local guesthouses may provide simple tea, bread, and fruit. Clarify what's included to avoid surprises, especially if you have dietary requirements. Properties in Karen and Langata often offer the most generous breakfast spreads with fresh garden produce.
When to Book
Timing matters for both price and availability across Nairobi
For July-October (migration season) and December-January holidays, book at least 3-4 months in advance, especially for safari lodges on the park periphery and mid-range hotels in Westlands and Karen. Prices during these periods can be 40-60% higher than low season, with limited availability in popular properties. Airport hotels also fill quickly during peak travel periods.
March-June and November offer the best value and availability, with 2-4 weeks advance booking typically sufficient for most properties. Rates drop by 20-30% compared to peak season, and you'll have better negotiating power for upgrades and extended stays. This is ideal timing for combining city exploration with safari planning without the crowds.
During April-May (long rains) and November (short rains), last-minute bookings often yield excellent deals, with some properties offering walk-in rates 50% below published prices. However, business hotels in Westlands and Upper Hill maintain more consistent pricing due to corporate demand. This is the best time for budget travelers, though some roads may be challenging and gardens less photogenic.
For most of the year, booking 2-3 weeks ahead provides adequate selection and reasonable rates in Nairobi. Business travelers should book further in advance during major conference periods (check the Kenyatta International Convention Centre schedule). Weekend rates are often lower than weekday rates in business-focused areas, while the opposite is true in leisure-oriented Karen and Langata neighborhoods.
Good to Know
Local customs and practical information for Nairobi