Fairview, Hotel, Nairobi, Luxury, Kenya, Colonial

This great Nairobi hotel has witnessed eras come and go but retains its wonderful colonial charm and is the place to stay in town for great service, facilities and the best food Nairobi.

The Fairview is one of the few remaining hotels from the elegant colonial era whose character has survived modernisation and improvement. Situated centrally in Nairobi - next to the Israeli embassy! - The Fairview is extremely practical for a visit to town or stop-off between flights - but is also much more. There is a whiff of the colonial past, the service ethic is of another age and everywhere there is a gentle hum of Kenya society.

Recently arrived from the Norfolk, Eamon Mullen brings his world famous cuisine to grace The Fairview’s four restaurants. Whether guests require a quick bite between meetings or a relaxing lunch by the pool, The Fairview has the ideal environment and Eamon’s cordon bleu ‘Pango Gourmet Brasserie’ is magnificent, not to mention the Wine Cellar which is great fun before dinner or as a private (and potentially quite dangerous) venue in itself.

Pergolas on the lawn, atrium hotel lobby seating in ‘Mitende’ and sushi prepared by the Japanese chef - Eamon’s latest innovation - have all gone to establish The Fairview as one of Nairobi’s top dining experiences.

The pool and lawn are always littered with the flotsam and jetsam of East African safaris - guests relaxing before heading to the coast or en route for international departures. Rooms are comfortable, fitting into the shell of the century-old building and the concierge can achieve more than most government ministers.

The Country Lodge, younger sister and next door to the main building is the Szlapak Family’s newest brainchild and offers basic accommodation for those requiring only the fundamentals. Clean white interiors with a very modern feel, Wifi, telephone, television, satisfy every need whilst the reception (equipped with flat screens) houses a very upbeat modern breakfast room which wouldn’t look out of place in Stockholm or Helsinki. Guests at The Country Lodge have easy access to The Fairview’s excellent choice of dining venues and as, in our opinion, the best hotel in Nairobi, that can not be bad.