This Modern Nairobi Hotel Is the Perfect Pre- or Post-safari Stopover — Here’s What It’s Like

Nairobi, often called the “Silicon Savannah,” is a cosmopolitan city pulsing with innovative tech companies, cultural landmarks, and luxury hotels. The latest addition to the city’s high-end accommodations, the JW Marriott Hotel Nairobi, opened in March. Rising 35 stories with a sleek glass exterior, the hotel offers five distinctive dining venues, a state-of-the-art fitness center, a full-service Spa by JW, nearly 20,000 square feet of meeting and event space, and a sparkling outdoor pool.

After embarking on an exhilarating adventure through Tanzania, my three-night stay at the JW Marriott Nairobi provided a peaceful place to relax and recharge. Following a brief security check in the lobby, I received a warm welcome from Maasai staff donning traditional garb. The geometric patterns and beautiful shades of browns, reds, and greens employed by George Wong Design created a cozy and welcoming atmosphere reminiscent of the African savannah. I also fell in love with the beautiful African sculptures, ceramics, and textiles on display and considered buying several items, but I couldn’t fit anything else in my safari-sized luggage.

My junior suite, bathed in natural light, included a spacious living room large enough to fit two rollaway twin beds for my children while still leaving plenty of room to enjoy the space. The bathroom was equally inviting — furnished with elegant dual vanity sinks, marble flooring, and a luxurious soaking tub that my daughter loved. Beyond the natural ambient lighting, one of my favorite aspects of the suite was the expansive walk-in closet, which easily accommodated our luggage. The hotel staff was exceptionally welcoming and always smiling, which enhanced the quality of my stay. My suite included a personal butler, who assisted us with various needs, such as securing the rollaway beds.

Mornings began with an impressive breakfast buffet offering various options, including plantains, omelets, chocolate-covered doughnuts, and Indian delicacies. In the afternoons, I enjoyed decompressing in the steam room and sauna, getting invigorating treatments at the spa, and lounging by the pool—undoubtedly my favorite part of the property. I appreciated taking a dip in those waters and kicking my feet up on the sunbeds with a poolside snack and a drink nearby.

Although the hotel provides ample onsite amenities, venturing out unveils various attractions nearby. The hotel is in the Westlands commercial district, surrounded by modern high-rise buildings, restaurants, and entertainment venues. For shopping enthusiasts, numerous retail complexes and malls, including Westgate Shopping Mall, are within a two-mile radius of the hotel.

Nairobi is also one of the world’s premier safari destinations, which means an array of exciting outdoor activities is just a short drive away. Karura Forest is ideal for nature walks and adrenaline-pumping activities like zip lining. The hotel is also conveniently located just 20 minutes from Nairobi National Park, home to a variety of wildlife, including the endangered black rhino, lions, leopards, cheetahs, giraffes, and more than 400 species of birds. The property is also an excellent launching point or final stop for guests exploring Kenya’s renowned game reserves.

Here’s what it’s like to stay at the JW Marriott Nairobi.

The Rooms

The property has 315 luxurious guest rooms and 51 serviced apartments. Each standard room is approximately 387 square feet and has a desk, coffee machine, minibar, safety deposit box, flat-screen TV, a king-sized bed or two double beds, and a private bathroom with a shower and a bathtub. Additionally, the hotel has club-level rooms, junior suites, and one- to three-bedroom residences for larger groups or extended stays. Each unit has floor-to-ceiling windows and elegant interiors with earth-toned colors referencing Kenya’s stunning scenery.

Food and Drink

The JW Marriott Nairobi offers five internationally inspired dining options. The all-day MIDI Café & Patisserie is perfect for quick breakfasts, light lunches, or afternoon coffee and cake. Myna Restaurant showcases international cuisine with an African flair. It serves sumptuous buffet-style breakfasts, family Sunday brunches, and diverse lunch and dinner options. Guests can dine inside or on the restaurant’s outdoor terrace.

For a more relaxed atmosphere, Hudson Tavern Bar & Grill offers an authentic grill house menu with tapas, mezze, and classic American burgers. The pool bar is also great for enjoying light meals, snacks, and refreshing juices and cocktails.

Mughal Indian Cuisine celebrates the food of Central India, including dishes such as butter chicken and lamb seekh. The restaurant has an open kitchen and bar that serves signature drinks and mocktails infused with the ingredients and spices of Mughal cuisine.

The newly opened Mr. Pang Sky Bar & Lounge is on the hotel’s 31st floor and serves modern Pan-Asian cuisine and upscale mixology. The venue will include an indoor bar and lounge, an outdoor terrace, and two private dining areas, one of which will house a premium whiskey library.

Activities and Experiences

Guests can use the hotel’s fitness center, yoga studio, outdoor pool, and terrace to maintain their daily wellness routines. An on-site concierge can help guests find additional activities during their stay. The Nairobi National Museum is a short walk from the hotel, and other cultural attractions worth visiting include the Maasai Market and the Bomas of Kenya.

The Spa

The hotel’s eight-room full-service Spa by JW, which is open daily, offers pampering bespoke treatments. Services include 60- or 90-minute massages, such as aromatherapy, hot stone, holistic, and classic. The spa menu also includes hydrating and anti-aging facials, as well as body treatments such as a luxurious pinotage and lime salt glow, a face and body glow experience, and coffee or salt body polishes. Guests can enhance their wellness experience by utilizing the hotel’s sauna and steam rooms.

Family-friendly Offerings

The JW Marriott Nairobi offers connecting rooms, suites, and residences that cater to families. In addition, the hotel has a kids-friendly menu and access to a heated swimming pool. The hotel will soon introduce the Family by JW program, providing fun-filled creative activities for the whole family.

Accessibility and Sustainability

The hotel has four ADA-compliant rooms designed for wheelchair use and 29 elderly-friendly rooms featuring rails and showers with benches. All common areas are accessibility-friendly.

As for sustainable practices, the JW Marriott Nairobi is working to reduce its carbon footprint by minimizing plastic usage. The hotel provides refillable glass water bottles in each of its food and beverage outlets and in guest room minibars. To further reduce its carbon footprint, the hotel has partnered with Taka Taka Solutions, a leading waste management company, to efficiently manage and recycle waste.

Location

The hotel is centrally located in Nairobi’s Westlands district, only 20 minutes from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport on the Nairobi Expressway. This neighborhood is a major commercial and entertainment hub, with a wide array of high-quality accommodations, from luxury hotels to boutique lodgings. The area also offers a selection of restaurants, cafes, and international cuisine and is well-connected to the Central Business District and other parts of Nairobi.

How to Get the Most Value Out of Your Stay

The JW Marriott Nairobi is part of Marriott Bonvoy’s rewards program, with award nights available at reasonable rates. Depending on the elite status level, Marriott Bonvoy Elite members can receive key benefits like complimentary breakfast and club-level access. The hotel also offers stay packages, so check the hotel’s website for the latest deals.