Nairobi is Kenya's vibrant capital city and a major hub for East Africa, blending modern skyscrapers with abundant wildlife right at the city's edge. It is the only city in the world with a national park within its boundaries, where lions and giraffes roam against a backdrop of the urban skyline. Known as the 'Green City in the Sun,' Nairobi offers world-class dining, diverse culture, and serves as the gateway to Kenya's legendary safari destinations.
Accommodation overview
Hotels by budget
Find accommodation that fits your travel budget.
Budget-friendly (under $50/night)
Yellow House Nairobi
A cheerful and well-run guesthouse in Kilimani offering private rooms and dormitories in a safe, friendly environment. Popular with backpackers and budget travellers looking for a social atmosphere.
Check rates on Booking.comMvuli Studios
An exceptionally well-run budget apartment guesthouse in Westlands offering clean studio rooms with kitchenettes at around $30 per night. Outstanding value in one of Nairobi's best neighbourhoods.
Check rates on Booking.comKenya Comfort Hotel
A clean and affordable hotel in Westlands popular with budget travellers and local business visitors. Basic but functional rooms with breakfast included and good security.
Check rates on Booking.comNairobi Backpackers
Nairobi's most established backpacker hostel in the Milimani area, offering dormitory and private rooms, a lively common room with a pool table, a garden bar and excellent safari booking assistance.
Check rates on Booking.comOle Langata Hotel
A comfortable budget hotel in the Lang'ata area, conveniently located for visits to Nairobi National Park, the Giraffe Centre and the David Sheldrick Trust. Simple clean rooms with good facilities.
Check rates on Booking.comMid-range ($50-150/night)
Best Western Plus Westlands
A highly rated mid-range hotel in central Westlands with excellent breakfast, modern comfortable rooms and easy access to the area's best restaurants and nightlife. Outstanding value for money.
Check rates on Booking.comTamarind Tree Hotel
A smart mid-range hotel in the Karen-Langata area with well-appointed rooms, a beautiful garden and swimming pool. Well positioned for visits to the Giraffe Centre, Karen Blixen Museum and Nairobi National Park.
Check rates on Booking.comWildebeest Eco Camp
Nairobi's most acclaimed guesthouse and eco-camp, offering a range of accommodation from camping to ensuite rooms in a lush garden setting in Kibera. Known for its welcoming atmosphere and excellent travel planning for safaris.
Check rates on Booking.comHotel Westwood
A reliable mid-range hotel in Westlands offering clean, modern rooms with good amenities. Popular with business travellers and tourists alike for its central location and consistent service.
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A comfortable mid-range hotel in Upperhill with well-sized rooms, a rooftop pool and good restaurant. Popular with business travellers for its central location and conference facilities.
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The original Hilton tower in Nairobi's CBD, offering solid mid-range accommodation with a rooftop pool, central location and reliable service. A convenient base for exploring the city centre and nearby attractions.
Check rates on Booking.comThe Oliphant Nairobi
A stylish modern hotel in Kilimani with contemporary African design, a rooftop restaurant with city views and an outdoor pool. Good value for money in a safe residential neighbourhood.
Check rates on Booking.comPanafric Hotel
One of Nairobi's classic hotels, Panafric sits in leafy grounds in Upper Hill and has been hosting travellers since 1968. Recently renovated, it offers a large outdoor pool, solid restaurant and reliable service.
Check rates on Booking.comLuxury ($150+/night)
The Hemingways Nairobi
Nairobi's most acclaimed boutique luxury hotel, set in a gorgeous colonial property in Karen. The 45-room hotel offers impeccable service, award-winning dining and a beautiful pool set within lush gardens.
Check rates on Booking.comTribe Hotel
A uniquely designed boutique luxury hotel in Gigiri with striking African contemporary interiors, an acclaimed restaurant and proximity to the United Nations offices. Popular with diplomats and high-end travellers.
Check rates on Booking.comSankara Nairobi
A sleek contemporary luxury hotel in the heart of Westlands, Sankara Nairobi features stylish rooms, rooftop dining, a world-class spa and is perfectly positioned for the city's best restaurants and nightlife.
Check rates on Booking.comThe Boma Nairobi
Award-winning hotel near Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, The Boma offers excellent value luxury with outstanding service, multiple dining venues and a superb pool complex. Ideal for first-night or last-night stays.
Check rates on Booking.comCrowne Plaza Nairobi
One of Nairobi's most established luxury hotel brands, the Crowne Plaza Upper Hill offers spacious rooms, multiple restaurants, a large pool and conference facilities in the city's diplomatic district.
Check rates on Booking.comFairmont The Norfolk
Nairobi's most historic hotel, The Norfolk has hosted royalty, explorers and celebrities since 1904. This iconic property in the heart of the city blends Victorian charm with modern luxury and features the famous Lord Delamere Terrace.
Check rates on Booking.comOle-Sereni Hotel
A stylish hotel with an extraordinary setting directly overlooking Nairobi National Park, offering guests the unique experience of watching wildlife graze from their rooms and the terrace bar. Excellent safari departure point.
Check rates on Booking.comNairobi Serena Hotel
A landmark luxury hotel in the heart of Nairobi's Central Business District, the Serena features East African artwork throughout, beautiful gardens, an excellent restaurant and proximity to major government offices and attractions.
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An exquisite boutique lodge in Karen offering just 10 luxurious suites in a colonial farmhouse setting. The intimate property provides personalised service, a lovely pool and stunning garden views in one of Nairobi's most desirable neighbourhoods.
Check rates on Booking.comNgong House
An enchanting treehouse-style boutique hotel near the Ngong Hills with rooms perched among fever trees. The stunning setting, excellent guiding and superb cuisine make this a unique Nairobi experience away from the city rush.
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Choose your base based on your interests and travel style.
Westlands
Nairobi's most popular neighbourhood for travellers, Westlands has the highest concentration of restaurants, bars, clubs and shops in the city. Modern and well-serviced with good transport links.
Best for: nightlife, dining and young travellers
Karen
Named after Karen Blixen, this suburban neighbourhood is Nairobi's most beautiful residential area with colonial architecture, wide green roads and proximity to the best wildlife attractions.
Best for: families, luxury travellers and wildlife lovers
Kilimani
A pleasant, safe middle-class neighbourhood between Westlands and the CBD with good restaurants, shopping and a quieter atmosphere. Popular with expats and business travellers.
Best for: mid-range travellers and long-term stays
Gigiri
Home to the United Nations offices and many embassies, Gigiri is one of Nairobi's safest and most affluent suburbs with excellent restaurants at Village Market and Karura Forest nearby.
Best for: safety-conscious travellers and nature lovers
Upper Hill
Nairobi's main business district with international hotels, government offices and good transport to the CBD and beyond. More functional than scenic but very convenient.
Best for: business travellers and city centre access
Our top picks
Handpicked recommendations for every type of traveler.
The Hemingways Nairobi
Nairobi's most acclaimed boutique luxury hotel, set in a gorgeous colonial property in Karen. The 45-room hotel offers impeccable service, award-winning dining and a beautiful pool set within lush gardens.
Check rates on Booking.comTribe Hotel
A uniquely designed boutique luxury hotel in Gigiri with striking African contemporary interiors, an acclaimed restaurant and proximity to the United Nations offices. Popular with diplomats and high-end travellers.
Check rates on Booking.comSankara Nairobi
A sleek contemporary luxury hotel in the heart of Westlands, Sankara Nairobi features stylish rooms, rooftop dining, a world-class spa and is perfectly positioned for the city's best restaurants and nightlife.
Check rates on Booking.comThe Boma Nairobi
Award-winning hotel near Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, The Boma offers excellent value luxury with outstanding service, multiple dining venues and a superb pool complex. Ideal for first-night or last-night stays.
Check rates on Booking.comCrowne Plaza Nairobi
One of Nairobi's most established luxury hotel brands, the Crowne Plaza Upper Hill offers spacious rooms, multiple restaurants, a large pool and conference facilities in the city's diplomatic district.
Check rates on Booking.comFairmont The Norfolk
Nairobi's most historic hotel, The Norfolk has hosted royalty, explorers and celebrities since 1904. This iconic property in the heart of the city blends Victorian charm with modern luxury and features the famous Lord Delamere Terrace.
Check rates on Booking.comBooking tips
Get the best deals and avoid common mistakes.
Book 2-3 months ahead for July-September peak season and major events
Karen and Gigiri hotels are safest and most tranquil but require a car or Uber to get around
Westlands hotels offer the best access to restaurants and nightlife
Many hotels offer airport shuttle transfers — ask when booking
Check hotel websites for direct booking discounts of 10-15% versus OTAs
Alternative accommodations
Beyond traditional hotels, consider these options.
Guesthouses
Family-run guesthouses offer authentic local experiences and often include home-cooked meals. Great for cultural immersion.
Serviced apartments
Ideal for longer stays or families. Kitchen facilities help save money and provide flexibility.
Hostels
Budget-friendly option for solo travelers. Dorms and private rooms available with social common areas.