Serena Hotel, Nairobi

...stay in the 4 star Serena lodges and hotels which are dotted around Kenya and Tanzania.

Getting there...............
It took about 45 minutes by taxi to get to the hotel from Nairobi's International airport - mainly due to the traffic rather than the distance (18kms). My main observation on this journey was the very bizarre sight of giraffes on the open spaces beyond the roads!

First Impressions.......
...
...lush green gardens - there is a security gate, guard and a sweeping driveway and porters who help you with your bags as soon as your car has stopped. The building is an immaculate construction of white stone and glass. There is a large, smart, air conditioned reception area with really comfy seating and a relaxed atmosphere - it is a good place to hang out whilst you are waiting for the safari guides to arrive.

The Staff....
... more

First contact....
This was the first stopping point that my husband and I stayed on our honeymoon to Kenya and Tazania in July 2004. My husband's parents had very kindly booked and paid for our honeymoon as a wedding present. However, it is possible to make reservations for this hotel through expedia online, calling direct and by booking a "Serena Safari" where you stay in the 4 star Serena lodges and hotels which are dotted around Kenya and Tanzania.

Getting there...............
It took about 45 minutes by taxi to get to the hotel from Nairobi's International airport - mainly due to the traffic rather than the distance (18kms). My main observation on this journey was the very bizarre sight of giraffes on the open spaces beyond the roads!

First Impressions.......
The impressive hotel is set well off the road in lush green gardens - there is a security gate, guard and a sweeping driveway and porters who help you with your bags as soon as your car has stopped. The building is an immaculate construction of white stone and glass. There is a large, smart, air conditioned reception area with really comfy seating and a relaxed atmosphere - it is a good place to hang out whilst you are waiting for the safari guides to arrive.

The Staff....
The staff are very friendly, helpful and professional and make your stay with them as comfortable as possible. They all speak excellent english. Tipping is important but difficult to get right - my rule was a small amount for porters and waiters but a more significant amount to our safari driver who looked after us for 7 days.

The Location.....
The hotel is well situated in the centre of town and overlooks the Central Park. There are bus stops directly outside but taxis are always on hand to take you to wherever you wish to go. As previously mentioned the international airport is 18kms away. There is also a smaller regional airport which can transport you to the national parks so you can forgo the bumpy road travel (surely half the fun!!). The main train station and the town centre are only 5 minutes walk away - if you are brave enough to walk that is!

The Hotel amenities.....
The hotel is a 6 storey building containing 191 bedrooms and has various amenities including - an outdoor pool with lovely terrace and bar with a good range of drinks and snacks, beauty parlor, well stocked shop (full of the usual tourist trappings!), gym, a restaurant which offers good al a carte as well as an amazing buffet. The al a carte restaurant needs to be booked in advance whereas you can just turn up for the buffet.

The rooms.......
The rooms are well furnished with a simple colonial style. They have a minibar, satelite tv, safe, a/c and a private bathroom with shower. The is also a useful decent sized table with two chairs for dining or writing which is sadly lacking in many hotels. There is 24 hour room service and a very tasty snack menu. Check in time is not before 11am and the check out at 10am (although late check out can be arranged). The rooms are cleaned thoroughly each day and the bathrooms are sparkling white with lots of yummy freebies to use (and steal!).

Money matters......
It will cost you between £40-120 per night depending on the type of room you require - there are twins, doubles and suites. There is a currency exchange located in the foyer but the exchange rate is higher than elsewhere. The hotel accepts all major credit cards including VISA and American Express.

In summary......
I would definately recommend this hotel for someone who is going on safari as it is a good place to recover from the flight and prepare yourself for the amazing journey ahead. It is not a hotel for a stay longer than a couple of nights though. 

...less