More Traveler Reviews of Serena Nairobi
Great jumping off point
from Terps924 on 2006-06-30
I couldn't think of a better hotel to start and end our safari as it was the only hotel on our trip which featured more modern room amenities (safe, television, refridgerator, air conditioning, etc). After being out on safari it was nice to have the chance to wind down and relax in our very comfortable room.
The food was very good and service was excellent. The tour desk staff was extremely helpful in setting up a quick day trip for us both at before and after our safari. The grounds are quite nice and the hotel is centrally located and very safe.
While in Nairobi we saw quite a bit. As the major focus of our trip was wildlife we spent a half day game drive in Nairobi National Park, while we did not see predators it was a great way to warm up for the larger parks so I strongly recommend it.
The reviews were right, it's good
from raikesend on 2006-03-29
The hotel is typically Kenyan, it is very good, obliging, and tries very hard to look after you. There is good security, (it is in Nairobi!)Rooms were good, the shop was surprisingly good (this is not normal in my experience)There is a room where you get free tea or coffee, it is very exclusive, a special place. The swimming pool was good as was the dining area.I have no hesitation in recomending this hotel.
Great Hotel
from Anne Wright on 2006-03-24
We stayed here for one night prior to leaving for a week's safari and then for a day on our return prior to leaving to fly back to the U.K. All we can say was it was great! The hotel itself is lovely, and the staff are very helpful and courteous, nothing is too much trouble for them. The rooms are very good, the food is wonderful, we would go back tomorrow!!
We booked our safari holiday through Kuoni and they were great, everything was well organised and we thoroughly enjoyed it all. We stayed in Serena lodges in Samburu, Mountain Lodge, Lake Nakuru and Mara and all were excellent.
If you haven't done a safari before, you don't know what you are missing. It is a wonderful experience and one you definitely won't regret.
Home from home
from bjh1 on 2006-02-19
We stayed here twice in February - the first time for several days at the beginning of our Kenyan holiday and then for a night at the end, prior to returning to the UK. The hotel is in the centre of Nairobi but is arranged so that public areas are separated from the hustle and bustle of the city by the accommodation blocks, which are themselves well soundproofed.
This really is a five star property, but feels more like a country club - spacious and airy. Although quite large you never feel pushed for space abd can always find a quiet corner. The staff are unfailingly attentive but are never pushy or fawning. Food is available from a variety of outlets and was always enjoyable (we particularly enjoyed the pool bar) - and if they don't have what you want you simply have to ask. Public areas are a delight and really well appointed and decorated - it is an adventure just to wander around the hotel and view the artefacts and art work. Rooms are well appointed and comfortable. The concierge service is really good and organised excursions for us, as well as a trip around the 'real' Nairobi - an eye opening and sobering experience but one we would not have missed. When we returned for one night at the end of the holiday it really was good to walk through the doors, and be recognised - hence 'home from home'. We will stay here again, as an experience in itself, and also as a great way to start and end a Kenyan holiday. Unreservedly recommended.
A Great Hotel
from fletch1 on 2006-02-15
Have stayed at the Serena twice both as a prelude to a safari (thru' Somak undoubtedly the best safari operators around for the price).
It is without doubt a superb hotel with great facilities the rooms pool and fabulous restaurants.
The staff are superb and make you feel so much at home.
The ideal way to get over your flight before embarking on a safari on the northern circuit.
You can do wrong on sticking with Serena game lodges as they are all well appointed and with that superb Srena touch that makes a visit to Tanzania/Kenya even more memorable ( I've stayed at them all at least once).
Great Start to our holiday
from Matthotelreview on 2006-01-22
Hi,
My girlfriend and I stayed at this hotel on the fist night of a 2 week trip to Kenya, from here we went on to Governors Camp in the Masai Mara and then Mombassa.
We also booked through SOMAK as per the previous review.
However we both had a brilliant time here, the hotel is very clean very secure and also very friendly.
Many people use this as a stop over hotel before carrying on to ther camp or Lodge and its the perfect start.
The food is very good (much better then most hotels in Mombassa) the service is quick and polite and everyone is very cheery particularly the doormen.
We made the most of our stay by visiting a local restaurant, why not make the most of the opportunity.
The restaurant we went to was called Carnivore and serves crocodile, zebra, ostrich etc. You might think thats a but wierd before a safari but the meat is reared on an eco park and is much cheaper to bread then traditional meats - very tasty too.A Good night out - part of the Tamarind Restaurant company.
After soaking up some sunshine by the pool, having a snooze to recover from the flight and then a nice meal and a cold beer we were ready for the hectic safari. My girlfriend also had a massage and facial at the hotel too.
As for SOMAK, we had no problems with them at all, during our 2 weeks we stayed at 3 locations, had 6 flights and also a day trip and they were always prompt, happy and safe.
We have no hesitation in reccomending this hotel very highly.
Enjoy Kenya
No Privacy
from Holreview on 2006-01-11
We (party of four) stayed at the Nairobi Serena Hotel for one night. We were actually looking forward to the visit to Nairobi as this was the start of our holiday. The booking was unfortunately made through Somak (a big mistake).
The experience at the Serena Hotel will always remain with us for the wrong reasons. A member of the hotel staff walked into our bedroom at 5am without any prior warning! Is this the kind of service and hospitality the hotel has to offer? We sometimes wonder why travel agents such as Somak and hotels such as the Serena fall well below the standard expected of them. Needless to say we will not be using Somak again (friends you have been advised) nor staying at the Serena.
Absolutely fabulous!
from aliwaliw on 2005-04-15
We stayed at the Serena at the start of our honeymoon and we couldn't have chosen a nicer place to start. The staff were fantastic, the food was out of this world, especially in the 5* restaurant. Nothing was too much trouble and they even posted a pair of shoes back to me that I had left in the hotel by mistake. In fact the shoes were back home before we were!
If you get time have a massage by the pool, what an experience with eagles flying above you.
Great Place to Stay
from A TripAdvisor User on 2005-03-30
I stayed at the Serena on a business trip in Dec02/Jan 03. The hotel is decorated beautifully, clean and safe. All the lush beautiful plants and flowers that surround the hotel are very relaxing. The staff is absolutely wonderful. The rooms were comfortable, clean, very nicely decorated and more modern than I expected. The food was terrific. The staff was friendly and professional and went out of their way to help us arrange day trips, shopping, golfing, safaris, etc. and always remembered us by name. They made us feel more like friends, than guests. Our stay was longer than expected, so I took advantage of their laundry service, which was supurb. The gift shop is nice, as well as the salon that offers hair and nail services at a reasonable price. I did not have a chance to take advantage of the pool, but it looked very clean and inviting. I doubt that I will find myself in Nairobi again, but I would definitely stay here again and would highly recommend it to anyone traveling to the area.
An oasis in a city of hustle and bustle
from KevBains on 2005-03-10
First class 5 star hotel only 300m from the centre of Nairobi...
Accomodation and rooms are excellent....very clean, aircon, tv, cheap minibar! , complementary water in rooms.
Food is excellent...nice to be offered breakfast inside or out ! ( Definetely know you are not in the UK at this point !)
Hotel is cool, uncluttered, confortable and the staff are smiling and helpful without being pushy or too attentive...
We stayed for one night only at the start of a weeks safari...after a long trip from London it was well worth the little extra compared to other hotels, allowing us to start our adventure the following morning fresh and alert.
Highly recommended, ( as are any of the hotels operated in Kenya by the Serena Hotel Chain )
Go on, spoil yourself....you won't be dissapointed !
