Where to Stay in Nairobi
Your guide to the best areas and accommodation types
Nairobi sprawls across hills and valleys, each district beating to its own rhythm. Westlands buzzes with glass office towers, rooftop bars and large malls. Karen delivers leafy residential calm behind gated compounds, the Karen Blixen Museum sitting only 20 minutes from city center. City Centre packs in most business hotels, while Gigiri shelters embassies and the UN headquarters. Lang'ata keeps Nairobi National Park on its doorstep, and Parklands dishes out mid-range apartments favored by Indian families.
A comfortable mid-range double runs mid-range in Westlands and Parklands, luxury in Karen and Gigiri, and budget-friendly in the City Centre. Hostels cluster around Parklands and City Centre, while boutique guesthouses hide in Karen and Lang'ata.
Budget
budget-friendly nightly rates for hostels and basic guesthouses
Mid-Range
mid-range nightly rates for 3-4 star hotels with pools and reliable Wi-Fi
Luxury
a splurge nightly for 5-star hotels with spas and fine-dining restaurants
Where to Stay in Nairobi
Hand-picked hotels across price tiers for every visitor.
Our Top Picks
The highest-rated hotel in each price range, selected from all neighborhoods.
Top Pick — Karen
Budget
Swiss-Belinn Nairobi
"Pros The room has tea, coffee, water, safety deposit box, tv etc. Nice, clean r…"
Gym
Parking
Priority airport pick-up
Luggage storage
Top Pick — Karen
Mid Range
Crowne Plaza NAIROBI AIRPORT by IHG
"If you want top notch service and amentities near the airport, this is the place…"
Outdoor swimming pool
Sauna
Spa
Massage room
Top Pick — Westlands
Luxury
JW Marriott Hotel Nairobi
"A highly recommended hotel with a great location. There's a shopping mall across…"
Sunbathing area
Outdoor swimming pool
Sauna
Spa
Westlands
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Best Areas to Stay
Each neighborhood has its own character. Find the one that matches your travel style.
Hotel recommendations verified
Westlands
Mid-range
Skyscraper canyon of glass and steel, neon-lit malls and rooftop lounges overlooking the Nairobi skyline. Traffic flows thick along Waiyaki Way, but tree-shaded side streets hide apartments with cool balconies.
- ✓ Dozens of restaurants within 5 minutes
- ✓ Safe to walk after dark on main roads
- ✓ Malls with ATMs and pharmacies
- ✓ Easy Uber access to all city points
- ✗ Traffic gridlock 7-9am and 5-7pm
- ✗ Music thumps from bars until 3am on weekends
Recommended places to stay in Westlands
"Good location if you want to be fairly central with a few minutes walk to plenty…"
Public parking
Airport pick-up
Luggage storage
Bar
✓ Verified
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Mid Range
Pan Pacific Serviced Suites Nairobi
"Service: There were some frictions but they were all solved well. One time I ran…"
Sunbathing area
Outdoor swimming pool
Sauna
Executive lounge
✓ Verified
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Luxury
JW Marriott Hotel Nairobi
"A highly recommended hotel with a great location. There's a shopping mall across…"
Sunbathing area
Outdoor swimming pool
Sauna
Spa
✓ Verified
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Luxury
Pax Manor Muthaiga
"沒看到有點評，但是真的相當不錯的酒店，無論硬件還是軟件，還有猴子。特別安靜私密，在這裏應該算是相當不錯的酒店了。下次來還會考慮 設施：非常好 衞生：非常好 服務…"
Pool
Private parking
Restaurant
Children's pool
✓ Verified
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Karen
Luxury
Wide avenues shaded by jacarandas, colonial-era houses behind bougainvillea hedges, and the scent of frangipani drifting from manicured gardens. Horse stables, art galleries and the Karen Blixen house sit among the rolling hills.
- ✓ Quiet nights with only crickets
- ✓ Karen Blixen Museum and giraffe center nearby
- ✓ Large rooms with garden views
- ✓ Less traffic than central Nairobi
- ✗ 30-45 minute drive to city center at rush hour
- ✗ Few restaurants open after 9pm
Recommended places to stay in Karen
Budget
Swiss-Belinn Nairobi
"Pros The room has tea, coffee, water, safety deposit box, tv etc. Nice, clean r…"
Gym
Parking
Priority airport pick-up
Luggage storage
✓ Verified
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Mid Range
Crowne Plaza NAIROBI AIRPORT by IHG
"If you want top notch service and amentities near the airport, this is the place…"
Outdoor swimming pool
Sauna
Spa
Massage room
✓ Verified
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"Traveling to Nairobi to participate in business negotiations to stay at this hot…"
Outdoor swimming pool
Sauna
Gym
Private parking
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Mid Range
Best Western Premier Westlands
"What an amazing experience! Me and my wife have luckily travelled to many countr…"
Massage room
Gym
Parking
Priority airport pick-up
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"The food at this hotel was delicious (though I personally don't like aged steak)…"
Outdoor swimming pool
Gym
Priority airport pick-up
Car rentals
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City Centre
Budget
Concrete towers and colonial stone buildings shoulder together along Moi Avenue. Matatus honk, vendors sell roasted maize, and the scent of strong Kenyan coffee wafts from Java House outlets.
- ✓ Shortest walk to National Archives and City Market
- ✓ Cheapest accommodation in Nairobi
- ✓ Multiple breakfast spots open at 6am
- ✓ Central rail and bus connections
- ✗ Street hawkers follow tourists
- ✗ Sirens and matatu horns until late
Recommended places to stay in City Centre
"We stayed here twice. Safe, secure, terrific staff, close to Naivas supermarket,…"
Outdoor swimming pool
Sauna
Spa
Massage room
✓ Verified
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Mid Range
Sarova Stanley Hotel, Nairobi
"A beautiful hotel - we quite enjoyed our stay. All staff are very friendly, prof…"
Outdoor swimming pool
Sauna
Spa
Massage room
✓ Verified
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Luxury
Hemingways Nairobi
"Excellent hotel. Abit far from the city centre but it had an amazing environment…"
Golf course
Outdoor swimming pool
Hot springs
Sauna
✓ Verified
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Mid Range
Palacina the Residence & the Suites
"Such a peaceful quiet beautiful part of Nairobi. Hassan was brilliantly helpful…"
Golf course
Indoor swimming pool
Outdoor swimming pool
Hot springs
✓ Verified
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Mid Range
Nairobi Serena Hotel
"Very comfortable hotel to live in. The security check in the store is very stric…"
Outdoor swimming pool
Beach bar
Sauna
Spa
✓ Verified
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Gigiri
Luxury
Diplomatic enclave of embassies behind high walls, jacarandas dropping purple petals onto wide, well-paved roads. The air carries jasmine from embassy gardens and grilled meat smoke from local nyama choma joints.
- ✓ Safest area with UN and embassy security
- ✓ Karura Forest trails for morning runs
- ✓ High-speed internet in most hotels
- ✓ Quiet residential feel
- ✗ 15-20 minute drive to nightlife
- ✗ Limited budget options
Recommended places to stay in Gigiri
Budget
Soluxe Club
"It's safe and clean when you go out. I booked a small window room, and the staff…"
Gym
Parking
Priority airport pick-up
Luggage storage
✓ Verified
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Mid Range
Hyatt Place Nairobi Westlands
"The Hyatt is centrally located for convenience it's across Sarit Center which ha…"
Sunbathing area
Outdoor swimming pool
Gym
Public parking
✓ Verified
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"The service is warm and thoughtful. Everyone here will respond enthusiastically…"
Golf course
Indoor swimming pool
Hiking
Sauna
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Mid Range
Argyle Grand Hotel Nairobi Airport
"The hotel supposed to provide free transport to airport and while we checked in…"
Sunbathing area
Pool
Sauna
Spa
✓ Verified
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"The hardware is very good, the breakfast is very good, the overall environment i…"
Outdoor swimming pool
Spa
Massage room
Gym
✓ Verified
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Lang'ata
Mid-range
Low-rise residential blocks and safari lodges edging Nairobi National Park. Zebras sometimes wander near the fence line while planes glide into Wilson Airport just beyond the acacia trees.
- ✓ 5-minute drive to Nairobi National Park gate
- ✓ Larger rooms and outdoor space
- ✓ Less traffic than central neighborhoods
- ✓ Giraffes visible from some hotel balconies
- ✗ Airplane noise from Wilson Airport
- ✗ Limited restaurant choices after dark
Recommended places to stay in Lang'ata
"I had a pleasant stay at The Panari Hotel, conveniently located near Jomo"
Indoor swimming pool
Skiing
Sauna
Spa
✓ Verified
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Mid Range
Mövenpick Hotel & Residences Nairobi
"It was a comfortable stay with good service. Food was good. As im a tourist from…"
Golf course
Outdoor swimming pool
Spa
Massage room
✓ Verified
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Mid Range
Novotel Nairobi Westlands
"Here are some details for your information： Reason why you should not stay unles…"
Sunbathing area
Outdoor swimming pool
Massage room
Executive lounge
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Mid Range
Fairmont the Norfolk
"This is a real treasure of a place! The atmosphere is old world charm, the food…"
Golf course
Outdoor swimming pool
Sauna
Spa
✓ Verified
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Mid Range
Radisson Blu Hotel Nairobi, Upper Hill
"#酒店控##Radisson Blu Hotel Narobi# Actually, I just want to send a picture. 5.🤪 🤪 …"
Golf course
Outdoor swimming pool
Sauna
Spa
✓ Verified
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Parklands
Mid-range
Grid of apartment blocks and townhouses with Hindu temples and sari shops. The aroma of cardamom chai drifts from street stalls, and children play cricket in dusty lots beside Jain temples.
- ✓ Affordable furnished apartments
- ✓ Walking distance to Aga Khan Hospital
- ✓ Multiple vegetarian restaurants
- ✓ Easy access to City Centre via matatu
- ✗ Can feel congested during festivals
- ✗ Power outages more common than other areas
Recommended places to stay in Parklands
Budget
Swiss Lenana Mount Hotel
"Great hotel in a great location! The check in process was smooth, the friendly s…"
Outdoor swimming pool
Hiking
Sauna
Spa
✓ Verified
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"【清潔さ】 新しいホテルでとてもきれいでした。 お部屋は広く、かわいらしい感じ（ホテルの名前の通り全体的に宝石感があって素敵でした）で、快適でした。 サウナも利…"
Outdoor swimming pool
Horse riding
Hiking
Sauna
✓ Verified
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Mid Range
Eka Hotel Nairobi
"Overall this hotel was good. The breakfast food spread was amazing and the A-la-…"
Outdoor swimming pool
Spa
Massage room
Gym
✓ Verified
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"The hotel is in a good location, clean, and with a great view of the city. Howev…"
Gym
Private parking
EV charging station
Priority airport pick-up
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"The hotel is in good location. Only 10 minutes to the City Market. Breakfast is…"
Gym
Public parking
Priority airport pick-up
Luggage storage
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Find Hotels in Nairobi
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Accommodation Types
From budget-friendly hostels to luxury hotels, here's what's available.
Hotels
Mid-range nightly rates, luxury options in Karen and Gigiri
International chains cluster in Westlands and City Centre, while boutique safari lodges sit in Karen and Lang'ata. Nairobi hotels offer reliable Wi-Fi, pools and airport shuttles as standard.
Best for: Travelers wanting daily housekeeping, restaurants on site, and concierge help arranging safaris
Compare prices onlinely through a comparison sites, most offer 10% discounts and free airport pickup for direct bookings
Apartments
Budget-friendly to mid-range nightly rates for weekly stays
Furnished apartments dominate Parklands and Gigiri, popular with expats and families. Kitchens, washing machines and weekly housekeeping come standard.
Best for: Long-term visitors, families with children, and travelers who prefer cooking
Contact property managers directly for stays longer than 5 nights, weekly rates drop 25-30%
Safari Lodges
Mid-range to luxury nightly rates, including meals and game drives
Tented camps and lodges on the edge of Nairobi National Park. Wake to zebra calls and enjoy sundowners overlooking the savanna.
Best for: Safari travelers wanting one night near the airport or families mixing city and wildlife
Book 4-6 weeks ahead, only 6 lodges exist in the park area and sell out during migration season
Booking Tips
Insider advice to help you find the best accommodation.
Westlands and City Centre fill first, Karen stays open longer
Westlands business hotels sell out 3-4 weeks ahead during conference season. Karen boutique properties rarely fill except during Christmas and Easter holidays.
Airport hotels offer free shuttles. But factor in traffic
Most hotels within 30 minutes of Jomo Kenyatta offer free airport shuttles. Allow 90 minutes during morning rush hour even though distance is only 18km.
When to Book
Timing matters for both price and availability.
High Season
Reserve 4-6 weeks ahead for July-October safari season, in Karen and Lang'ata.
Shoulder Season
April-May and November are ideal, warm weather, fewer crowds, 20-25% cheaper rates.
Low Season
March and January bring deepest discounts. Walk-ins accepted everywhere except Giraffe Manor.
Two weeks covers most situations. Luxury properties in Karen need 4-6 weeks during peak periods.
Good to Know
Local customs and practical information.
Check-in / Check-out
Standard 14:00 check-in, 11:00 check-out. Most hotels store luggage for early arrivals from red-eye flights.
Tipping
Tip porters $1-2 per bag and leave housekeeping $2 per day. Every restaurant tab already carries a 10% service charge.
Payment
All major hotels take cards. Smaller guesthouses lean toward MPesa or cash. ATMs sit on every corner, so you're never far from shillings.
Safety
Keep to main roads after sunset and call only registered taxis or Uber. In Westlands, Gigiri and Karen, hotel security is tight.
Frequently Asked Questions
nairobi hotels luxury
Nairobi has several well-established luxury hotels, with the Giraffe Manor being particularly unique for its resident giraffes that visit during breakfast. The Hemingways Nairobi in Karen and the Fairmont The Norfolk in the city center are also popular upscale options. Expect to pay anywhere from $300-$800+ per night depending on the season and specific property.
5 star hotel in kenya
In Nairobi specifically, the Villa Rosa Kempinski, Fairmont The Norfolk, and Hemingways Nairobi are among the top-rated five-star properties. The Kempinski is centrally located in Westlands, making it convenient for business travelers, while Hemingways in Karen offers a quieter, more residential setting about 30 minutes from the city center. We recommend checking current ratings and recent reviews, as service standards can vary over time.
best hotel in kenya
If you're staying in Nairobi, the 'best' hotel really depends on what you're looking for - Giraffe Manor offers an unforgettable wildlife experience but books months in advance, while the Fairmont The Norfolk provides classic colonial charm right in the city. For modern luxury and convenience, the Villa Rosa Kempinski in Westlands puts you near restaurants and shopping. Each serves different needs, so consider your itinerary and budget when choosing.
After You Book: Activities in Nairobi
Once your accommodation is sorted, explore these activities
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