Just checked in to the newest hotel in Nairobi, the dusitD2. Aside from the fact that I got room 416, there is just about nothing African about this place. Once in the hotel you could be in the Bahamas, not a single African motif or reference in sight. A change from my usual haunts.

Clientel is hipoisie glitteratti, menus are new age you-might-need-a-translator to know what you're ordering, fitness gym, metro-sexual staff, not cheap (but not the most expensive hotel in Nairobi either) with very nice rooms.

It's hard to know what to think. If you want an upscale hotel which makes you forget you're in Africa, then it's a great place. But somehow I'm used to places that have a different feel, an African identity. We'll see what I think after a few days here.

I can see your point Wink. I try and stay at nostalgic African hotels whenever possible. It just makes you feel good reguardless of the lack of all the comforts of home.

I'll be overnighting in Nairobi this April, anyone have suggestions on a "cool" African

hotel? Would be nice to have reasonable proximity to the airport.

Thanks, Jim

quote:

Originally posted by Jungleboy:
I'll be overnighting in Nairobi this April, anyone have suggestions on a "cool" African

hotel? Would be nice to have reasonable proximity to the airport.

Thanks, Jim

Ole Sereni probably meets your criteria. Ask for a room with a view of Nairobi National Park. (Besides, I like their web site music.)

http://www.ole-sereni.com/

It takes about an hour, or more, to cross town with present levels of traffic in Nairobi, so being near the airport gets more and more important.

quote:

Ole Sereni

is the only one close to the airport. if you were going to be here a few days there are some nice places out of city center area..Safari park on Thika rd.,, Perdy Arms in Karen, it is close to Hemingways restaurant in Karen,are the two that come to mind right off hand. ole sereni is a fairly new place but close to game park as mentioned. not as steeped in tradition as the New Stanley in city center.

Great hotel. #1 on the music!

quote:

Originally posted by poprivit:
Great hotel. #1 on the music!

If you want the whole track of Seventh Heaven, including a nice nature video, check here:

http://www.lastfm.fr/music/Dre...her/_/Seventh+Heaven

Wink - thanks

I checked it out, going to buy the album.

I'm reconsidering my initial somewhat negative opinion of the dusitD2. This evening I trained the bartenders to make the perfect gin and tonic (as per forrestb recommendations) and they are quick learners.