Basic Information

Venue Name: Karen Blixen Coffee Gardens & Cottages

Tagline: “A harmonious blend of history, luxury, and natural beauty”

Secondary Tagline: “Where Out of Africa legacy meets contemporary elegance”

Star Rating: Luxury boutique hotel

Property Size: 5 acres of lush landscaped gardens with century-old trees

Historical Significance: Former coffee estate of Danish author Karen Blixen (Out of Africa), operated from 1917-1931

Year Established: Historic Swedo House built 1906-1908, hotel established on historic grounds

Accommodation

Total Rooms: 16 en-suite accommodations across 7 cottages

Room Breakdown:

3 Classic Rooms (standard cottages)

6 Junior Suites

3 Deluxe Rooms/Suites

1 Honeymoon Suite (Executive Suite)

3 Family Cottages (two en-suite bedrooms each with shared living room)

Room Features:

Private verandas with garden views

Fireplaces (can be lit on request)

Colonial-inspired décor with modern amenities

Plush king-sized beds with mosquito nets

Spacious bathrooms with twin basins and walk-in showers

Small lounge areas with armchairs

Satellite TV and free Wi-Fi

Mini-fridges and coffee/tea making facilities

Electronic safes

Iron and ironing boards

Hair dryers

Baby cots available on request

Extra beds available in deluxe rooms and honeymoon suite

Dining & Restaurants

4 Distinctive Dining Venues:

Hattons Lounge: 24-hour all-day dining serving freshly roasted coffee, pastries, brunch, light lunches, and dinner dishes with cocktails

Babette’s: Fine dining restaurant (evening only) offering “French Danish fusion with an African twist”

The Garden Restaurant: Outdoor dining experience perfect for brunch, lunch, and dinner (open 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM)

The Atrium & Bar: Versatile indoor/outdoor seating with light, airy ambiance, perfect for drinks and casual dining

Special Dining Features:

Historical recipes from Karen Blixen’s 1920s-30s era

Cosmopolitan flavors inspired by Far East, India, and Africa

Monthly Swahili Brunch (first Sunday of each month)

24-hour room service available

Poolside dining options

Private dining in rooms or gardens

Full board and half board packages available

Key Features & Amenities

Recreation & Wellness

Heated outdoor swimming pool (for in-house guests only)

Spa and wellness center with sauna and Jacuzzi

Small fitness gym with modern equipment

Access to Karen Country & Golf Club (golf course, tennis courts, additional pool)

Extensive landscaped gardens with walking paths

Bird watching opportunities with diverse species

Butterfly gardens among frangipani and bougainvillea

Business Facilities

Conference room seating up to 20 people (boardroom style)

85-inch TV screen for presentations

Free Wi-Fi throughout property

24-hour security

Business center services

Meeting support and refreshments

Entertainment & Leisure

Gift shop selling local crafts and artifacts

Coffee garden for relaxation

Historic Swedo House (1906-1908) as reception building

Garden terraces for social gatherings

Poolside bar and restaurant

Additional Services

Free private parking (up to 30 vehicles)

Airport transfer services (30 minutes to JKIA, 20 minutes to Wilson Airport)

24-hour front desk

Laundry services (extra cost)

Concierge services

Tour and excursion arrangements

Car rental assistance

Event Types

Weddings and Romantic Celebrations

Corporate Meetings and Conferences

Private Parties and Receptions

Special Celebrations and Anniversaries

Team Building Activities

Product Launches

Intimate Dinner Parties

Garden Parties and Outdoor Events

Business Retreats and Seminars

Unique Selling Points

Historic Out of Africa estate with authentic colonial charm

One of Kenya’s oldest landscaped gardens with century-old trees

Boutique luxury experience with only 16 rooms ensuring personalized service

Four distinctive dining venues each with unique ambiance

Prime location in Karen – Nairobi’s most affluent suburb

Easy access to major attractions (Karen Blixen Museum, Giraffe Centre, Elephant Orphanage)

Sister property to Karen Blixen Camp in Maasai Mara

Historic Swedo House reception building from 1906

Lush gardens with diverse flora and fauna

Perfect safari start/end point with proximity to Wilson Airport

Guest Experience Highlights

“Beautiful environment, food and even more amazing service and staff”

“We had a wonderful stay… The beautiful rooms, gardens and restaurants look just as the pictures”

“The service is excellent. Ambience is refreshing and nice in the outdoor seating”

“This historical restaurant building is a gem and so well maintained”

“Beautiful location, convenient to many attractions, and many hidden gems on the property”

“Wonderful service and exceptional friendly and helpful staff”

“The gardens were full of sweet-smelling frangipani and colourful bougainvillea”

“A peaceful and well located place to spend a night or two”

Location Benefits

Located in Karen suburb – Nairobi’s most prestigious area

20 minutes from downtown Nairobi

Short walk to Karen Blixen Museum

10 minutes to Giraffe Centre

10 minutes to David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage

10 minutes to Nairobi National Park

Half mile from Karen Golf and Country Club

Easy access to Kazuri Bead Factory

Close to upscale shopping and dining in Karen

Excellent connectivity via Southern Bypass

Accessibility Features

One fully accessible room available

Ground floor accommodation options

Wide pathways through gardens

Elevator access where needed

24-hour front desk assistance

Airport transfer services

Wheelchair accessible dining areas

Accessible bathroom facilities

Awards & Recognition

TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice Award (top 10% of properties)

Historic preservation of 1906 Swedo House

Sister property to award-winning Karen Blixen Camp

Recognized for exceptional service and historic significance

Popular filming location for Out of Africa themed content

Boutique luxury standard in Nairobi hospitality