Kenya’s Top 5-Star Hotels You Must Visit – 2024 Guide

Although the title says Kenya’s top 5-star hotels, in this guide we will be focusing only on Nairobi. Across Kenya, you’ll find several 5-star hotels—boutique-style, large chains, and family-owned gems—but we’ll explore those in upcoming reviews. For now, Nairobi is the spotlight. Some of the hotels mentioned in this guide are ones we’ve stayed in, while others are still on our list. We’ll make it clear which ones we haven’t experienced yet.

Also, we tend to like new, modern hotels. If you’re into older, more traditional establishments, our preferences might differ.

If you’ve read our review of JW Marriott Nairobi, you’ll know it currently tops our list of the best hotels in Nairobi. So, let’s start there.

JW Marriott Nairobi

The fairly new JW Marriott Nairobi, located in the heart of Nairobi’s Westlands inside the Global Trade Center Tower (GTC), exceeded all our expectations. So far, we’ve stayed there for about 10 nights, and we can confidently declare it the most luxurious 5-star hotel in Nairobi.

Yes, it’s on the pricier side, but in our opinion, JW Marriott Nairobi is worth every penny. The combination of its incredible staff, who pay attention to every detail, with the property’s state-of-the-art facilities, makes it not just a place to stay but a destination in itself.

We’ve already written an extensive review covering the rooms and their dining options, but here are some quick highlights:

• The staff at JW Marriott Nairobi sets a new benchmark for hospitality—extremely friendly and helpful.
• Exceptional customer service even before check-in.
• Spacious, elegant rooms designed down to the finest detail with branded amenities that feel truly luxurious.
• The ambiance is the perfect blend of comfort and high-end luxury.
• A heated outdoor pool overlooking the city, which is a must-see.

Rates: Per night ranges between $300–$400 during high season.

Tribe Hotel

Another Marriott brand, Tribe Hotel is located next to Village Market in the embassy district of Nairobi. Its modern design and stylish decor create a chic, inviting atmosphere. The rooms are clean and beautifully designed with African touches, and the views from the hotel made our stay even more enjoyable.

• Its proximity to Village Market means easy access to a wide array of restaurants and the weekly Masai market.
• The hotel’s focus on art and culture gives it a unique vibe.
• Hospitality and attention to detail are exceptional.
• The Jiko restaurant, which is housed in Tribe, is the top-rated restaurant in Nairobi according to TripAdvisor and we can confirm the position is well deserved.
• The spa is on another level—truly relaxing, luxury and well worth it.

Rates: Range from $255–$300 per night in high season, but we’ve seen rates as high as $600 in November.

Radisson Blu Hotel & Residence, Nairobi Arboretum

Radisson Blu Hotel & Residence, located near Nairobi Arboretum, is a sanctuary within the city. Located near the lush greenery of the Arboretum (A Park), this hotel provides a peaceful retreat while still being centrally located.

Having stayed here, we loved the calming atmosphere paired with Radisson’s signature luxury. The rooms are spacious, well-lit, and offer views of the beautiful Arboretum or the city skyline. The service here was top-notch, and the food from the restaurant was nothing short of amazing.

• You can enjoy walks in the Arboretum, just a short distance away.
• The outdoor pool area is serene and perfect for unwinding.
• Excellent customer service with staff that go above and beyond.
• The restaurant offers a diverse range of meals, catering to all preferences.
• The gym and wellness area are well-equipped and modern.

Rates: Typically range from $220–$280 per night, depending on the season.

Hemingways Nairobi

Hemingways Nairobi offers an experience that’s more akin to a luxurious country retreat than a typical 5-star hotel. Located in the leafy suburb of Karen for the wealthy residences of Nairobi, it provides a quiet escape from the hustle and bustle of Nairobi city life. Staying here feels like stepping into another world.

Although we haven’t stayed here yet, we’ve heard nothing but praise for its impeccable service, spacious rooms, and breathtaking views of the Ngong Hills. The hotel also prides itself on offering personalized services, making guests feel like royalty. Two of our friends stayed here and they both loved it, the only problem was the price wish can be little overpriced.

• Stunning colonial-style architecture and luxurious interior design.
• Each room comes with a private butler—talk about high-end service.
• The restaurant offers gourmet meals that are a fusion of Kenyan and international cuisines.
• The tranquil gardens make it an ideal spot for relaxation.

Rates: Generally, range between $500–$650 per night.

Villa Rosa Kempinski Nairobi

Villa Rosa Kempinski Nairobi has long been synonymous with luxury in Nairobi. It’s the go-to hotel for diplomats and dignitaries, and its reputation speaks for itself. Located along Waiyaki Way, this grand hotel offers luxurious surroundings with a touch of European elegance.

Having visited Kempinski for a business meeting, the attention to detail here is great but the hotel has seen better days. It is a fairly old building and you can tell, we have not stayed there in the rooms but we heard from others that the rooms are luxurious but the furniture and design are quite old and need improvement. The rooms are plush and spacious, the dining options are exquisite, and the spa experience is highly rated by many.

• Lavish interiors with a European flair that scream luxury but old school.
• The restaurants, including Tambourin and Lucca, offer fine dining experiences.
• An exceptional spa offering everything from massages to Turkish baths.
• Proximity to key business districts makes it ideal for business travelers, it is also next to JW Marriott Nairobi and Pan Pacific Serviced Suites.

Rates: Between $400–$600 per night, depending on the season.

Movenpick Hotel & Residences Nairobi

Movenpick Hotel & Residences in Westlands is another luxury gem worth noting but same as Kempinski very old. We stayed here for a weekend and loved the rooftop restaurant, which offers stunning 360-degree views of the city but to be honest we did not like the rooms. The room we stayed in looked very old, had a weird odour and had 80s vibe.

• The rooftop revolving restaurant is a highlight—you can enjoy your meal with panoramic views of Nairobi.
• Spacious rooms with modern amenities but need to be renovated.
• Great for business travelers but not so much for families in our opinion.
• Central location in Westlands with easy access to malls, restaurants, and nightlife.

Rates: Range from $200–$300 per night.

Nairobi Serena Hotel

An old classic that still holds its own in the luxury market, Nairobi Serena Hotel offers a timeless, elegant experience. It’s set amidst beautiful gardens, and its proximity to Nairobi’s CBD makes it perfect for business travelers. We’ve visited for an event and loved the serene atmosphere and courteous staff.

• A peaceful garden setting in the middle of the city.
• Great restaurant options, including the Mandhari Restaurant.
• Luxurious rooms with traditional decor that exudes comfort.
• The outdoor pool and spa provide excellent relaxation options.

Rates: Typically range from $250–$350 per night.

Sarova Stanley

Sarova Stanley, one of Nairobi’s oldest hotels, offers a blend of historic charm and modern luxury. Situated in the CBD, this iconic hotel has hosted many famous guests, from royalty to renowned authors. The hotel’s grand interiors and colonial architecture give it a distinct, timeless feel.

• Ideal for travelers who appreciate history and old-world charm.
• The rooms have been updated for modern comfort while retaining their classic look.
• A rooftop pool that offers stunning views of the city.
• The Thorn Tree Café, a popular restaurant, is a great place to unwind.

Rates: Range from $180–$300 per night.

Whether you’re visiting Nairobi for business or pleasure, these 5-star hotels offer more than just a place to sleep; they provide an experience that combines luxury, comfort, and a unique taste of Kenyan hospitality. Each hotel on this list has something special to offer.

Personally, we like to stay in the two Marriott properties and would love to explore Hemingways Nairobi. There are many more luxury hotels in Nairobi, and we will write about them as soon as we visit them.