Basic Information

Venue Name: Sarova Stanley

Tagline: “A story to tell”

Secondary Tagline: “Kenya’s first luxury hotel”

Star Rating: 5-star luxury hotel

Property Heritage: Established in 1902 by English businesswoman Mayence Bent, making it the oldest luxury hotel in Nairobi

Accommodation

Total Rooms: 217 rooms (varying sources mention 210 stylish rooms and suites)

Room Breakdown:

160 deluxe rooms

32 club rooms

21 themed suites

2 courier singles

1 presidential suite

1 penthouse (The Windsor penthouse suite)

Room Features: Victorian elegance combined with modern comforts, antique furnishings, restored period details, air-conditioning, black-out curtains, sound-proofing, satellite TV, tea/coffee facilities, mini-bar, safe-deposit box, direct dial telephone with VOIP wireless internet connectivity, private bath, shower and WC

Dining & Restaurants

3 Specialty Restaurants:

Thai Chi Restaurant: Authentic 13th-century Thai cuisine, winner of multiple awards including “Best Hotel Restaurant and Chef Nairobi” from the Chefs Delight Awards in 2013

Thorn Tree Café: Open air café serving continental and nouvelle dishes, including pizza from a wood-fired oven

Pool Deck Restaurant: Located on the fifth floor serving al fresco buffet-style meals

2 Bars/Lounges

The Exchange Bar: Living piece of Nairobi’s history, original home of the Nairobi Stock Exchange in 1954, with original wood-paneled walls, leather sofas, and Victorian-era artifacts

1902 Club Lounge: Exclusive lounge with panoramic city views, named after the hotel’s founding year

Key Features & Amenities

Recreation & Wellness

Heated rooftop swimming pool

Health club with sauna and steambath

Yoga and aerobics lessons available upon request

Tulia Spa offering deep-tissue massages, aromatherapy, and mani/pedis

Business Facilities

Business center with computers, fax, photocopier, and secretarial services

Wireless internet (WiFi) in all meeting rooms

24-hour room service

Concierge services

Additional Services

Complimentary private parking

Airport shuttle service available 24 hours (fees apply)

24-hour front desk

Dry cleaning/laundry services

Medical services access

Event Types

Corporate conferences and meetings

Product launches

Executive board meetings

Wedding ceremonies and receptions

Baby showers and cocktail events

International conferences

Corporate galas

Seminars and workshops

Team-building activities

Unique Selling Points

Kenya’s first luxury hotel, opened in 1902

Historic venue that has hosted royalty, politicians, movie stars, and authors including Ernest Hemingway, Winston Churchill, and Prince Edward

Traditional meeting place for those going on safari in Kenya

Heritage-rich ambiance blended with modern comforts

Named suites honoring famous past guests (The Windsor penthouse, The Karen Blixen suite, The Hemingway conference suite, The Churchill Ballroom)

Prime location in Nairobi’s Central Business District

Guest Experience Highlights

“Probably the cleanest and most well appointed room and hotel I’ve ever been in during my 60 years of international travel”

“The staff was fantastic! They went above and beyond to make our stay the best”

“Helpful, friendly staff. We loved the old, elegant hotel. Right in the down-town, but very secure & safe”

“The hotel has character, which I love. The rooms are really large. The staff was so friendly and helpful”

“Excellent and warm service. My massage at The Spa was exceptional”

Awards & Recognition

World Travel Awards – Kenya’s Leading Hotel 2016

World Luxury Hotel Awards – Regional Luxury Hotel 2017, Africa Luxury heritage hotel 2017

World Travel Awards 2022 – Kenya’s Leading Hotel

Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice award, ranked within the top 10% of properties