The Fairview Hotel in Nairobi is an oasis of calm on the outskirts of the city centre. It is secure and set in its own lovely gardens, run by the same family for many years. Rooms are on several levels and there are steps up to Reception so it will not suit everybody. Staff will make arrangements however to suit people with limited mobility (eg ground floor bedrooms) as long they have availability. They readily changed the room for a colleague who damaged his back (nothing to do with the hotel stay).
There is a choice of dining and bar facilities and a generous pool for guests. The food is good for Nairobi even local chef's have told me they think it is the best all round. There are three dining options at roughly the same prices with slight variations in the menu (the poolside restaurant is for hotel guests only) and a fourth, fine dining restaurant on the first floor with its own link to the wine cellar.
I have stayed there several times, usually paying a little more for the better rooms, the standard ones being rather small and uninspiring whereas the slightly more expensive ones are spacious. Bed's are firm – African style wooden base but the hotel will assist in order to make you comfortable. WiFi is available throughout, free with some rooms and mobile phone coverage is good. The Fairview is enjoyed by all ages and by many of the Nairobi elite. It hosts weddings and small conferences and workshops so can be very busy at times. It has recently expanded with the addition of a new block of bedrooms which I have not seen inside.
Taxi fares are agreed with local drivers and published, you can book your own trip direct with a driver and there is a travel agency on site. There is also a shop selling the usual souvenirs plus a good range of books and essentials that you may have forgotten.
This is very much a family hotel with a warm welcome, friendly staff who benefit from extensive training. A great place to spend a few days or stay longer.
