Having stayed at many Marriott hotels worldwide, our recent visit to the newly opened JW Marriott Hotel Nairobi at the Global Trade Center Tower, or GTC, stood out and surprised us. This stay exceeded all our expectations, and we can confidently declare JW Marriot Nairobi the most luxurious 5-star hotel in Nairobi, Kenya. We have stayed in all major 5-star hotels in Nairobi and Mombasa and can back up this bold statement.
Setting a New Standard in Hospitality
From the moment we arrived, the staff at JW Marriott Nairobi set a new benchmark for hospitality. The doorman’s friendly welcome with the unique Masai dress and the concierge’s personalized recommendations made every interaction feel sincere and attentive.
But let’s go back and start with our initial reservation. Our exceptional experience began with our initial reservation. Shortly after booking, we received a personalized email greeting us and inquiring about our arrival time, preferences, dietary restrictions, and offering an airport transfer. They even checked our Marriott Bonvoy profile and asked if we preferred a higher floor—all in one thoughtful email.
Arriving in Nairobi during heavy rains and floods, we were soaked. Our shoes were literally like a swimming pool. At the hotel, we were offered a hot beverage and seated in a cozy sitting area that felt more like home than a typical reception desk. The doorman’s unique Maasai dress added a charming touch.
First Impression Matters
From security to reception and porters, everyone was welcoming and smiling, creating a great first impression—something that is lacking in many 5-star properties in Kenya.
We asked housekeeping to dry our soaked shoes, expecting a simple hairdryer job. Instead, they washed, dried, and treated the suede leather of our trainers, making them look new. They also washed and dried our trousers, returning them on a nice tray—all complimentary, a delightful and thinking outside-of-the-box gesture. Believe me, common sense and unique thinking is something that is missing in many properties, you will read this soon in our review of Sarova Whitesands in Mombasa.
These small details and extra touches are often missing in other Kenyan properties, but JW Marriott Nairobi goes the extra mile.
Spacious and Elegant Rooms
The rooms are generously sized. We booked a standard double room with two beds and requested a cot. The room was spacious, about 38 m² according to their website.
Compared to London, where entry-level rooms are half that size, staying at JW Marriott Nairobi felt like a luxury. For example, Nobu in London offers a standard room of 18 m², feels like a shoebox, while their junior suite is 35 m²—still smaller than our room in Nairobi.
The interior design was airy and sophisticated, with earth-toned colours and patterns unique to Kenya. The marble bathroom and the contrast of white and earthy colours were stunning. The headrest and minibar cabinet colours stood out beautifully. The bathroom, a highlight for us, was spacious with luxurious towels and bathrobes that felt like a warm hug. All branded with JW Marriott logos, amenities like the body lotion felt luxurious.
Impressive Facilities
The ambiance is a perfect blend of luxury and comfort, merging modern style with African elements, truly out of this world. The lobby features high ceilings, large and modern chandeliers, detailed wooden carvings, and natural materials, creating a cozy and welcoming atmosphere. Every detail, from handmade furniture to carefully chosen artwork, subtle lighting, and warm colours, is thoughtfully considered.
The main restaurant, MYNA, also serves as the buffet breakfast spot. There’s a coffee and patisserie in the lobby, an Indian cuisine restaurant called MUGHAL, and a pool bar. A Sky bar and lounge were under construction during our stay.
The hotel boasts a large outdoor pool overlooking the city and a spa, which was unfortunately closed during our visit. The gym, though small, had new amenities.
Dining
We dined at MYNA and enjoyed some bites at the lobby’s coffee shop. Breakfast at MYNA was delicious with a wide variety of choices. We couldn’t explore all the food options due to stomach issues but plan to return for a more detailed review.
Conclusion
Yes, it is on the pricy side, but JW Marriott Nairobi is currently the best and most luxurious hotel in Nairobi in our view. This exceptional property, with its incredible staff who pay attention to every detail, goes beyond just providing a place to stay. It’s a destination that captivates and delights in every way.
Having stayed at more expensive properties in London, such as Marriott Grosvenor House, Nobu, and Raffles, we can confidently say that JW Marriott Nairobi is in a league of its own.
We’re already planning our next stay.
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