Nairobi’s vibe is one that allures tourists from all over the world, perhaps after getting word of this city’s boisterous reputation. It’s no doubt that this is East Africa’s business and entertainment hub, with millions visiting to either get a piece of its bustling economy or experience its fun-loving nature. With famous attractions like Nairobi National Park, those who want to experience an African safari can do so from within the capital. Naturally, a destination that constantly welcomes visitors is bound to have a vast array of hotels and vacation rentals. If you’re planning a trip here, keep reading to find out where to stay in Nairobi, Kenya.
Tip from tour guide
Within 30 km (18.64 mi) of the capital city, we have both high-end and budget places that you can choose from based on your budget and the availability of the accommodation. You can go to Karen if you want to be close to Giraffe Center or stay in Rongai if you want to be close to the national park. I don't advise staying in the capital city because there's a lot of noise and crowds. The further you move out of the city, the better.
Depending on your interests, you can book different accommodations within the city, but not more than 20 - 30 km (12.42 mi - 18.64 mi) from the capital city, so you have access to all the infrastructure and facilities. If you're a solo traveler, we have backpackers' accommodations, homestays, Airbnbs, and small hotels, where you can pay as little as 20 USD a night for a bed and breakfast. You can also stay in a hotel within the city and still only pay 20 to 90 USD. Most backpackers go to the Westlands, Milimani, and Kilimani areas.
We handpicked these listings carefully, considering (wherever possible) Superhost status, recent guest reviews, location, accommodation type, prices, availability of dates, decor, and amenities. The image galleries get refreshed with the latest updates regularly. They were last updated on June 25, 2024.
Hotels
1. Villa Rosa Kempinski (from USD 362)
Luxury pricing with great value for the amenities and service offered.
Spa, fitness center, pool, and various dining options including an Italian restaurant.
Convenient location in Nairobi with high security and easy access to downtown and the airport.
Great breakfast with healthy choices, excellent room service, and a variety of dining options.
This is the perfect place to start; a lavish hotel that’s synonymous with affluence and luxury. Admittedly, Villa Rosa is for the deep-pocketed folks. In fact, former US president Barrack Obama had dinner here when he last came to Kenya. However, if your budget isn’t too tight, you might as well experience the extravagance, even if just for a day. Its location is perfect for businessmen, with just an easy 10-minute drive to Nairobi’s nerve center. If you want the full Kempinski experience, treat yourself to a meal at one of their restaurants. Lucca, a fine-dining Italian joint, is one of the best.
2. Movenpick Hotel & Residences Nairobi (from USD 240)
Varies according to conference usage, but can be high. Some services, like laundry, may be overpriced.
Spacious rooms, free access to sauna and steam room, efficient room service, and helpful concierge service. However, gym hours are limited, and the swimming pool is not heated and lacks sufficient loungers.
Centrally located in Nairobi, with easy access to shopping areas and the airport. However, the busy location can lead to traffic and a tedious security process at the hotel gate.
Good breakfast options, but the breakfast rate is considered overpriced. The hotel offers a variety of delicious foods, but some guests found the breakfast spread to be limited and the quality of certain meals to be lacking. The rotating restaurant is a standout, but some guests found the lunch buffet to be mainly carb-based.
If you’re a frequent traveler, you might be familiar with the name Movenpick. This Swiss brand has left its footprint in Nairobi’s Westlands area, a bustling district that’s known for its lively persona. As you would expect from a highly reputed brand, Nairobi’s version of Movenpick is no different from what you would find in other cities. Its rooms are exquisitely decorated and elegantly furnished, with an option for anyone from solo travelers to families. If you desire to splurge, there’s a presidential suite that costs a tidy sum but is worth every penny you spend. Although their restaurant serves cuisines from all over the world, you ought to try out their range of African cuisines just to remind yourself that you’re on African soil.
Mövenpick Hotel & Residences Nairobi
Address: Mkungu Close, Westlands
3. Crowne Plaza Nairobi Airport (from USD 243)
This is perfect for those with a long layover in Nairobi or perhaps an early flight. Found in Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, Crowne Plaza Nairobi Airport is where you head to when you first land in the city. Its proximity to the airport means you don’t have to deal with the crazy traffic, allowing you to have a drink in hand or a warm bath just minutes after landing. It’s certainly a luxurious establishment, evident from the sleek interior. And the comfort is resonated in the rooms that boast stylish furniture and fixtures. Facilities like a gym, sauna, and swimming pool are perfect if you want to blow off some steam.
Nairobi Tour Guide
Lewenei Japhet
I am 26, born and raised in Kenya. In the year 2015, I started my journey in the Travel & Tour Industry :- Tour Consultancy and Safari guiding. I established Happy Feet Travel in 2019 and have been operating private and small group tours in Kenya and Tanzania - planning, organizing, guiding and leading the ultimate, unique and exclusive safari to key destinations in East Africa. I have ... Read more
Tours by Lewenei
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4. Best Western Plus Meridian Hotel (from USD 90)
Good value for money, ideal for business trips, reasonably close to the airport.
Clean rooms, 24-hour front desk, rooftop pool with bar, gym, vehicle services, heated pool, security measures.
Convenient central location, easy access to Nairobi and tourist areas, close to shuttle stop for Arusha.
Great breakfast with local and international options, helpful staff, good restaurant food, delicious buffet, accommodating chef.
Known locally as just Meridian Hotel, this establishment may not have the extravagance of Villa Rosa Kempinski or the affluence of Movenpick. However, it doesn’t fall short of luxury albeit at a more pocket-friendly price than the abovementioned hotels. Meridian is, indeed, a classic hotel with all the bells and whistles of a modern establishment: WiFi connectivity, televisions in the rooms, en suite bathrooms, and an on-site restaurant. It is also quite close to the heart of the city, just a walking distance from popular attractions like Kenyatta International Conference Center.
5. Four Points by Sheraton Nairobi Airport (from USD 250)
Another globally renowned brand, Sheraton Nairobi Airport is a great place for those on a short stay in Nairobi. With the airport terminals just a stone’s throw away, you should be settled in shortly after landing. As you would expect from the Sheraton brand, this hotel has beautiful rooms and modern amenities. They also boast a fitness center, hot tub, and an outdoor swimming pool. However, one of the best things about this property is the view, complemented by the large windows in all the rooms.
Four Points by Sheraton Nairobi Airport
Address: 9042/1044 Tower Avenue, Jomo Kenyatta International Airport
Hostel
6. Naisula Place (from USD 17)
From lavish hotels to a modest hostel, Naisula Place is for those on a tight budget. Despite its ‘hostel’ label, this accommodation option is actually quite homey and has a very cozy setting. The rooms are vibrant and lively, thanks to the use of multiple colors in the decor. Naisula seems unpretentious, allowing guests to let their hair down and explore Nairobi like a local. Its location places you close to the CBD, about five kilometers (three miles) away. Enjoy preparing your own meals in the shared kitchen, a place where you’ll also get to meet other travelers and make new friends.
Naisula Place
Address: Mbagathi Road Highview Estate
Vacation rentals
7. Serene and spacious apartment (from USD 40)
If you want a place all to yourself, then rent out this two-bedroom apartment that’s located in Nairobi’s Parklands area. This is a perfect place for a family or perhaps a group of friends visiting Kenya’s capital. A 15-minute drive should get you into the city center, but there are several shopping outlets and eateries located just a walking distance away. This apartment has everything you would need in a modern home. There’s a fully equipped kitchen so you can prepare your own meals. You also get free WiFi connectivity. The decor is chic and the African accents give it a unique appeal.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
vivian is as lovely a guest as her nairobi apartment isits specious & comfortableCleanliness:
perfect location and clean cozy place center of everythingHost:
vivian is a great host very attentive and available to any questions and requeststhe house is good but the host is way excellentvivian is a great hostvivian is a very welcoming host who replies fast and was helpful throughout our staygood for short term or long term stay cute decor & attentive hostRead more reviewsLocation:
great location in the middle of parklands just a 15 minute walk to westgate mallthe location is prime walking distance to diamond plaza for groceries dining out etclovely place even in the middle of busy streets and traffic the flat was so quiet and peacefuleverything is close by even a great breakfast/coffee is placed just next doorbeautiful place next to shops easy to find and an amazing hostess
Superhost
8. Stunning apartment in Muthaiga
An affluent neighborhood in Nairobi, Muthaiga is known for being the home of the well-to-do. It can also be your home away from home, in this magnificent three-bedroom apartment. Not only is the location one of the safest in Kenya’s capital, but it’s also just a short drive to the city center. If you intend on staying indoors, the luxury in the home should keep you comfortable throughout your stay. One of its best features is the glazed wall in the living area, through which you can walk out onto a balcony that offers a calming view of Muthaiga’s greenery. And if you stay here, you’ll have access to a swimming pool and gym, both of which are part of the building’s facilities.
Nairobi, Nairobi County, KenyaTop guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
access to the pool is a real treat with forest viewswe enjoyed the beds and the amenities the host offeredthe jacuzzi and swimming pool are great would definitely book again next timeCleanliness:
great place clean and comfortable enjoyed our stay thoroughlyit’s very clean secure and comfortablethe place was very clean and comfortable as we previously experienced at her propertiesthe place is clean well decorated available all amenitiesplace was beautiful and clean the hosts were very helpfulHost:
the security was nice and helpful after checkini feel like the host should notify the receptionist with our names and identificationbrilliant host and an incredible apartmenteleni also provides perfect driving instructions for uber so that was extremely helpfulRead more reviewsLocation:
perfect location and easy access to central nairobithe location felt safe and was minutes away from shopping restaurants and entertainmentvery central location and good securitythe location was calm and serene worth another visit
9. Chic three-bedroom home
Make this three-bedroom rental your home in Nairobi, the perfect accommodation for a family visiting Kenya. Kilimani’s proximity to the city center makes it an ideal location for visitors who intend to see popular attractions like Nairobi National Museum and Nairobi National Park. Nearby, there are several shopping outlets just a walking distance from the apartment. This elegant rental is a bright and welcoming space that’s equipped with all that you need in a place to stay. You’ll also get creature comforts like a flat-screen TV and WiFi connectivity.
Nairobi, Nairobi County, KenyaTop guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the beds are amazing the river near and the balcony would make enjoy you your eveningsgreat facilities safe location and communication was accurate and easyHost:
she was very responsive and assisted with all requests we hadwanja was a wonderful host and responded very quickly to my questionsRead more reviewsLocation:
great location walking distance to a good shopping mall with supermarketnice place close to many great restaurantswanja's place is in a good location and spaciousoutstanding location and communicationbeautiful place beautiful location everything you want and need
10. Vibrant artist’s space
It’s evident that this home belongs to an artist; there are photos and murals on the walls, which liven up the interior. Its decor is quite vibrant, and the bright splashes of color give this place a fun-loving personality. Couples will love staying here since the rental can host up to two guests. Located just 6 kilometers (3.6 miles) from the CBD, you should, ideally, take just a few minutes to enter the city center. Whether you opt to use public transport or a private cab, this rental is quite easy to access.
Nairobi, Nairobi County, KenyaTop guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the fitnessroom on the ground floor is a nice extra facilitythe apartment is safe has great amenities and is centrally locateda very nice place with equipped kitchen in a good area of nairobiCleanliness:
her place is clean and comfortablevery clean and modern place and everything is close bya clean and comfortable apartment in a great central locationplace was clean and very conveniently locatedclean and well equipped beautiful and new furnitureHost:
she was responsive to my questions and was available for supportthank you for your kind hospitality wangechigreat space secure location and the host was prompt in her responses and any help when requestedwangechi was such a wonderful hostwangechi was a great hostRead more reviewsLocation:
great location good value for moneyyour place is beautiful neat secure enticing and very well located within easy proximity to downtown and other mallsnice location in a quiet green and safe environmentperfect place to spend your wkendgreat place well situated and even has a gym to use
A place to call home
Kenya’s capital is certainly a vibrant place to visit, with lots to do whether you’re here on business, yearning for some time in nature, or are curious about the nightlife. With the list of places to stay above, you can explore the city knowing that you have a place to call home.
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