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Fairmont The Norfolk: Traveler Reviews

5.0 of 5
Harry Thuku Rd, Nairobi 00200, Kenya
Hotel amenities
Fairmont The Norfolk
Ranked #9 of 80 hotels in Nairobi
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283 reviews from our community

    Trip type
Traveler rating
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    110
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    18
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Date Rating
Ascot
Reviewer
3 reviews 3 reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
14 helpful votes 14 helpful votes
“keep it all in perspective”
4 of 5 stars Reviewed November 18, 2012

The Norfolk still belongs up there. It is the standard to beat. yes, Nairobi's traffic is bad and yes the pricing is high (for Kenya ..........but hey cheap compared to Miami) the staff are genuine and they want you to have an exceptional time in E Africa. There are other hotels, but this is the benchmark, food has improved hugely, CinCin bar is a bit too dark, water takes a while to run hot, but it still has that charm and an air of something special, delivered well by caring staff.

Oh and the best tiger prawns with mango & chilli dip ......

If you are safari-ing and have a night or two to connect/transfer this is your choice, step up and bite the bullet, but please..... Why would you expect New York or London, your're in Afirca for god's sake.

Room Tip: There is a wing currently getting re-furbed but I didn't get any disturbance in 616, they are st...
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  • Stayed November 2012, traveled solo
    • 3 of 5 stars Value
    • 4 of 5 stars Location
    • 4 of 5 stars Sleep Quality
    • 3 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 3 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 5 of 5 stars Service
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Ask RussellandVicky about Fairmont The Norfolk
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Glasgow, United Kingdom
Senior Contributor
46 reviews 46 reviews
23 hotel reviews
Reviews in 25 cities Reviews in 25 cities
13 helpful votes 13 helpful votes
“Once a legend it no longer has the prestige and needs a rethink.”
3 of 5 stars Reviewed November 6, 2012

We stayed in this hotel many years ago when it was faultless but these days have gone and many aspects need an update . We stayed several times during our African trip and only got a decent room on the last occasion when we complained about the previous two stays. Although the other rooms were technically deluxe they did not meet this standard. The reception staff were not particularly helpful except on the last stay and this was in contrast to the door staff and particularly the staff in the Tatu restaurant who were excellent.
The room service menu may have contributed to my other half's stomach problem so I would not recommend this option. The bar staff were not especially friendly so when the anticipated re-fit of Acacia and other section is complete the ambience may improve but the service needs attention as well.

Room Tip: Check that you are in newer section or after re-fit in Acacia with garden view.
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  • Stayed November 2012, traveled as a couple
    • 3 of 5 stars Value
    • 3 of 5 stars Location
    • 3 of 5 stars Sleep Quality
    • 3 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 3 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 3 of 5 stars Service
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Ask cultureseeker_11 about Fairmont The Norfolk
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Richard K, General Manager at Fairmont The Norfolk, responded to this review
November 13, 2012
Dear Cultureseeker_11,

Thank you for taking your time to share the experience of your recent stay at Fairmont The Norfolk.

I have noted your comments on our Front Office/ bar colleagues and our room service menu, which I shall address with the team. It’s unfortunate that you were also accommodated in a room in the unrenovated section. However, I am pleased to inform you that we are continuously renovating all our rooms and Acacia wing will be complete by end of January next year.

Thank you for your constructive feedback as this enables us to address any flaws as we strive to continually review services and the experience that we deliver to our guests.

If you happen to travel to Nairobi again, I would be happy to revisit this issue and ensure your stay with us is great.

Kind regards,

Richard
Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Johannesburg, South Africa
Senior Contributor
23 reviews 23 reviews
12 hotel reviews
Reviews in 14 cities Reviews in 14 cities
12 helpful votes 12 helpful votes
“Definitely not worth the price”
3 of 5 stars Reviewed November 5, 2012

Sadly, my stay at the The Norfolk was not as anticipated. On the Up side:
- the service was excellent, especially from one of the reception ladies - she was an absolute gem and she even helped us get accommodation in Mombasa as well.
- the rooms were clean.
- nice pool and grounds.
on the down side:
- food was way overpriced.
- the decor was very old - the carpet was threadbare in my room and the shower didn't work properly.
- if you requested a taxi from the hotel, it was twice the price than calling a cab yourself.
- the room service menu was very limited.
i must say i was terribly disappointed with this hotel - especially if you consider the price you pay per night.

Room Tip: Choose a room that opens out onto the garden area for more privacy and less noise.
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  • Stayed October 2012, traveled on business
    • 1 of 5 stars Value
    • 4 of 5 stars Location
    • 3 of 5 stars Sleep Quality
    • 3 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 4 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 5 of 5 stars Service
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Ask GlobetrotV about Fairmont The Norfolk
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Reviewer
4 reviews 4 reviews
4 hotel reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
4 helpful votes 4 helpful votes
“Out Of Africa”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed November 5, 2012

Moved to Kenya for a project in Feb 2012 and stayed at Norfolk for almost a month. Great service and facilities. Located very close to the city and have easy access to almost all the nearby locations. Bit expensive on the food but hey, you always have the option to dine out. Highly recommended for people who love Nature and wanted to feel at home while staying at a hotel.

  • Stayed February 2012, traveled on business
    • 4 of 5 stars Value
    • 4 of 5 stars Location
    • 5 of 5 stars Sleep Quality
    • 5 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 5 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 4 of 5 stars Service
Was this review helpful? Yes 1
Ask Fahad K about Fairmont The Norfolk
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
New York City, New York
Reviewer
3 reviews 3 reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
3 helpful votes 3 helpful votes
“Worse Stay In Kenya”
1 of 5 stars Reviewed October 29, 2012

Booked this hotel because of the Fairmont Brand. Have stayed at other Fairmonts around the world. This place is noisy, smells old and needs some major work,. Price paid is way to high for product offered. Service is slow, long lines at the desk, Food Over priced for what you get. Maybe someone from Toronto should visit this place.

  • Stayed October 2012, traveled solo
    • 1 of 5 stars Value
    • 1 of 5 stars Location
    • 1 of 5 stars Sleep Quality
    • 1 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 1 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 1 of 5 stars Service
Was this review helpful? Yes 2
Ask Bertha B about Fairmont The Norfolk
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Richard K, General Manager at Fairmont The Norfolk, responded to this review
November 1, 2012
Dear Bertha B,

Thank you for taking your time to share the experience of your recent stay at Fairmont The Norfolk.

I am sorry to hear you didn’t enjoy your stay with us. Fairmont The Norfolk observes the same high standards which all Fairmont Hotels & Resorts adhere to. It’s unfortunate that you were accommodated in the unrenovated section. However, I am pleased to inform you that we are continually renovating our bedrooms and as from this month, we are working on the main blocks facing the hotel courtyard.

Thank you for your constructive feedback as this enables us to address any flaws as we strive to continually review services and the experience that we deliver to our guests.

If you happen to travel to Nairobi again, I would be happy to revisit this issue and ensure your stay with us is great.

Kind Regards,

Richard
Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
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Additional Information about Fairmont The Norfolk

Also Known As:
Fairmont The Norfolk Hotel Nairobi
Fairmont The Norfolk Hotel
Fairmont Hotel Norfolk
Norfolk Hotel Nairobi
Fairmont Hotel Nairobi
Norfolk Nairobi
Address: Harry Thuku Rd, Nairobi 00200, Kenya
Region: Kenya > Nairobi
Amenities:
Bar/Lounge Business Center Fitness Center Free Breakfast Free Parking Restaurant Room Service Shuttle Bus service Suites Swimming Pool Wheelchair access
Hotel Style:
#6 Family Hotels in Nairobi
#7 Luxury Hotels in Nairobi
#8 Business Hotels in Nairobi
Price Range: $$$
Hotel Class:5 star (5*)
Official Description (provided by the hotel):
Historic Tudor-style Hotel in garden setting, renowned for personal service & traditional safari atmosphere. ... more   less 
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Fairmont The Norfolk
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