The Norfolk Hotel has so many ties to the history of Nairobi and Kenya that it was the only choice we could make when returning to Kenya after 41 years. The staff at the Norfolk epitomize the best of the generally excellent service we found at all the places we stayed in Kenya and Tanzania. The hotel still acknowledges its links to colonial times, but it has certainly moved on in no uncertain way. Nairobi is now a large and vibrant city and the Norfolk is a showcase of the best that Kenya has to offer the sophisticated tourist. We loved it!

The staff were genuinely interested in our desire to revisit the Kenya of our childhood and keen to see that we enjoyed our stay in any way they could help. I have rarely found this in the US and Europe, yet here in East Africa it is almost the norm.

The only small fault I might raise is the variability of the showers, but we had no trouble overlooking this besides the earnestness of every other aspect of the care and attention to detail.

The gardens are lovely, the bar intimate and relaxed ... which somehwat belies its history ... and the restaurant, Tatu, should not be missed. Breakfast on the verandah is an institution before your safari.

What a hotel. Very well presented, and fantastic pool with hot water running into it. Great location, one block away from city. The University and The Arts across the road. You walk around the hotel just looking at photos and reading about the history and all the famous people who have stayed. Staff are welcoming, and restaurant on the roadside over looking the passing parade of people. The food was very tasty. Lovely bar inside. The rooms are well appointed. The grounds inside was a picture book. I walked into the city, but returned before night. I must admit I have never been searched before going into a hotel with a guard holding an AK47 standing near by. The traffic jams are terrible, and the smell and maintance of the trucks need to be looked into by the government, but that is Nairobi.

This the first and last stop on our Kenya/Tanzania tour. Very convenient, good rooms, friendly and helpful staff...but a little over priced. There is a choice of several restaurants but we only had an opportunity for a couple of breakfasts and a quick lunch.

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.