Tripadvisor gives a Travelers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travelers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Tripadvisor gives a Travelers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travelers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
A member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World, Hemingways Nairobi has a sophisticated and tranquil ambiance. Set between Nairobi National Park and the foot of the Ngong Hills, Hemingways Nairobi is an exclusive 5 star luxury boutique hotel located in the peaceful suburb of Karen far from the bustle of central Nairobi. An all-suite property providing full butler service, a brasserie, a sunset bar and lounge and a spa, this plantation style property is perfectly placed for trips to Nairobi National Park, the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust and the capital. Each of the 45 suites is a generous size with en-suite bathrooms with walk-in closets, personalised mini bars, and a private terrace with magnificent views of the iconic Ngong Hills.
Star ratings are intended to indicate the general level of features, amenities, and services to expect. This property is classified according to Giata.
HOTEL STYLE
Quiet
Modern
Location
100 Mbagathi Ridge, Karen, Nairobi 00502 Kenya
Hemingways Nairobi
1,281 reviews
Getting there
Car recommended
Places to stay are graded on a 0-100 scale. The higher the grade, the easier it is for travelers to find restaurants and things to do within walking distance.
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Hemingways Nairobi garners praise for its attentive service and colonial chic atmosphere, complete with tranquil gardens and live music that guests adore. While the spacious, elegantly decorated rooms and variety of high-quality amenities receive high marks, some travelers suggest room upgrades and note spa upkeep could be enhanced.
The hotel's location is appreciated for sightseeing, yet its distance from central Nairobi is notable. Opinions on value are divided; guests commend the reasonable food prices but are critical of the high room rates and extra charges.
Location
Remote
Atmosphere
Chic
Rooms
Spacious
Value
Expensive
Cleanliness
Mixed
Service
Inconsistent
Amenities
Opulent
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This was our second visit to Hemingways Nairobi - we had enjoyed our previous stay, and couldn't imagine being anywhere else in Nairobi. This time, however, rather than go with the 80m² Deluxe Suite, we went for their top room, the gigantic Hemingways Suite. It consisted of a living room, a study room, bedroom and dining room, as well as two separate bathrooms, which always makes Mrs. KI-NRT happy.
Regarding the room, there are a few things I'll ding them on. The first issue has to do with the light switch - it was impossible to figure out! Each room seemed to have at least a half dozen (if not more) switches that controlled everything from the lights to the fans. HOWEVER, the switches are not labeled, and some of them turn one light on, while others turn all of them on/off. There also seemed to be some switches that operated several lights but not some others. I've stayed in hundreds of hotels and have never came across a more confusing set of switches than I have at Hemingways.
Secondly - given the prices that they charge, the amenities are weak. No toothbrush, no lotion, not much of anything.
We were there during a very cold spell, and we found the heating system was ineffective; it was cold in the room the entire time. We called the front desk and they sent over an technician to check it out, but we were told it's the best they can do. Because of that, we asked for additional bed cover/duvet. Unfortunately, the duvet was so heavy (just like the ones already on the bed) that Mrs. KI-NRT had trouble breathing (she's sleeps facing up.) For the prices that Hemingways charges, I would really hope the offered something of higher quality - light and warm would be nice.
As before, we found the boutique resort-style ambiance to be charming and blood pressure reducing - the grounds are vast and well manicured, there's a large pool, a spa and indoor and outdoor dining facilities. Service is polished and graceful; we found the hospitality to be warm, friendly and relaxed, while still being on the ball. We had lunch in the restaurant, and the Club Sandwich was perfectly made - we're always surprised how many hotel restaurants can get one of the staple dishes so wrong.
In spite of quite a few issues, we still maintain this is the top luxury choice in Nairobi. I do not think, however, that the Hemingways Suite is worth it. It's astronomically priced, and next time we would be more than happy with a Suite that did not have the type of elaborate dining room and study room found in the Hemingways Suite. And by then, we hope that management will have addressed the problems we encountered during our stay.
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Date of stay: June 2024
Value
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Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Trip type: Traveled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Richard Kimenyi, General Manager at Hemingways Nairobi
Responded Aug 4, 2024
Dear KI-NRT. Thank you for your feedback after your recent stay with us especially the comment of lights confusion. The Butlers should have advised you how the lights work during room orientation. We will ensure and make sure that in future they do so as you are right the switches are a bit confusing. We will also look into upgrading amenities for Hemingways suite including offering heavier duvets during cold season. We appreciate your patronage and feedback as comments from an esteem guest like you makes us improve our services. Kind regards, Richard K.
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This place is beautiful, don’t get me wrong walking into the ground foyer with the sound of water and birds is beautiful. The rooms are incredible and the facilities are very nice. It is definitely luxury and really family friendly.
We arrived here for my husband‘s 40th birthday. They knew far advance that we were here to celebrate and it’s a big surprise for him. The housekeeping was very disappointing. This hotel is lovely, but it’s the little details that are forgotten that makes such a difference to your stay, like having fresh coffee cups for the next day.
We were here for a very special occasion, disappointingly the staff failed to communicate between the Kitchen the management, the concierge and the spa so without the feeling of spoon feeding the surprises sadly failed to materialise, Little things like having a birthday cake never came and a bottle of champagne to celebrate, also never arrived.
More communication and a few little gestures (like the children’s pyjamas being folded or anything little like that) would go such a long way for this hotel in an outstanding location.
Sadly, with places like this, you can’t hide behind the name, decor, accommodation and facilities it’s all about the little gestures to be able to feel special and not just one of many.
I’m just going to add that the facilities for the spa definitely need attention like fresh grout around the sinks et cetera and actual hand soap as opposed to what looked and felt like washing up liquid, also lots of broken glass down the stairs so if you want to use the facilities after a treatment, you would come away with very hurt feet, I may add that the hand soap in the bedrooms and main facilities are very different and quite luxurious.
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Date of stay: October 2024
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Trip type: Traveled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Richard Kimenyi, General Manager at Hemingways Nairobi
Responded Oct 28, 2024
Dear Y7264PMaciced Further to your feedback after your recent stay with us, I noted with great concern that we didn't meet your expectations, and I decided to follow with our team which also included going through the CCTV and your reservations details and the finding was as follows: - - Your arrival date was 24th October and there were instructions that on 25th it would be your husbands 40th birthday which was flagged on the arrival list and noted by Butlers who also ordered a cake to be served on 25th. From the CCTV the Butler is seen taking the cake and a bottle of champagne to the room on and living the room with a piece of cake which you shared with him. In regard to the soap we use in the Spa, it is the same liquid soap we use in the whole hotel, and we do not use any bar soap since corvid days for hygiene reasons. All in all, we have noted that you found Hemingways a luxurious hotel and assure you our team strives to meet our guests' expectations. Best regards, Richard K.
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What a treat it was to arrive at Hemingways Nairobi after a long flight to be warmly, greeted by the kind, attentive staff at this beautiful hotel. Instantly relaxing. This is such a stylish and elegant hotel in a perfect location, within easy reach of the National Park, Sheldricks Elephant Orphanage, Giraffe Manor, Karen Blixen’s home and Museum and numerous local craft centres. The hotel sits in its own secure, extensive, private grounds with views across to the Ngong Hills. The gardens are beautiful and kept in immaculate condition - peaceful and quiet apart from bird song. The suites with their shaded balconies have lovely views overlooking these gardens. Our suite was very spacious, comfortable and spotlessly clean and it had every amenity we could need for a comfortable stay. Also a butler was available 24 hours. If we wanted any help. The staff in every part of the hotel were wonderful. They were at all times courteous, friendly, ready to help and advise and we felt valued and special. Particularly so during an exceptionally good day out with Evans, one of Hemingways’ drivers. He drove us to several tourist attractions in a very comfortable, air-conditioned car. He was an extremely safe driver, had a top knowledge of the local area and was a delightful companion. We were so pleased we took the option of exploring the area with a driver from the hotel and would highly recommend this as it made for a very enjoyable and stress free day. Hemingways was a great place to stay, and we would definitely return. Thank you to everyone there for such a wonderful introduction to Nairobi.
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Date of stay: June 2023Trip type: Traveled with friends
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Response from Richard Kimenyi, General Manager at Hemingways Nairobi
Responded Jul 19, 2023
Dear crusoe_10 Thank you for your time in giving your feedback after your recent stay recent stay with us. We are very pleased to hear that you found Hemingways a Gem for any visitor to stay as it is stylist and elegant. It is also good to hear that you also found our staff courteous throughout the hotel. I have shared your sentiments to Evans - Our driver who drove you around Nairobi and showing you places of interest. We appreciate your patronage and it was our pleasure to be at your service, Kind regards , Richard K.
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The hotel is beautiful however, grossly overpriced. The room is spacious, amenities minimal, lights are cumbersome. The property is safe and well maintained.
The reason I gave it a 3/5 stars is because you are “nickel and dimed”after paying $1200/night. Breakfast is included but if you want a bottle of water you are charged extra. All other meals are not included and for this price it should be included. I understand charging extra for alcohol but a simple lunch should not be extra. Be prepared to spend another $500-600 extra for a two night stay for two people above the room price. Ridiculously overpriced.
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Date of stay: August 2024Trip type: Traveled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Richard Kimenyi, General Manager at Hemingways Nairobi
Responded Aug 22, 2024
Dear 230kristiec Thank you for your feedback and we have noted your comments and where we are able to improve, we assure you we will as we take all our guests' comments very positively and where we are able to improve, we take action. In regard to our room rate charges, we are an all 45-suite hotel with different type of suites ranging from Presidential suite, Junior Presidential Suite. Executive suites and Deluxe suites thus our high rates charges compared to other hotels which have ordinary standard hotel rooms . Best regards , Richard K.
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We stayed at Hemingways 4 nights in December at the beginning of our 3 week vacation and we are so glad we did. From the moment we arrived until the day we left the staff were all so hospitable & kind. They remembered our names after the first day and went out of their way to make sure everyone was happy. John, the concierge, helped arrange a wonderful Nairobi National Park tour with a take away breakfast that was very good. He also arranged to hold our luggage while we went on safari in Tanzania and had it transferred to our airport hotel when we returned. We had such peace of mind knowing that our luggage would be taken care of. Restaurant recommendations were great. All the wait staff and housekeeping were attentive and very good. The hotel grounds are beautiful, very quiet & security is tight. It was nice to see the Christmas décor which was beautiful & the gingerbread houses with the electric train were quaint. The hotel location was perfect for what we wanted to do – Nairobi National Park, Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, Giraffe Center are all nearby. The rooms are spacious, clean, and well equipped. The bed was very comfortable. Plenty of bottled water & a mini bar. The food at their restaurant was really good and offered options for everyone in our group of 4 – mushroom soup, chicken tikka korma, miso basted chicken, deep fried Ngege, & steak we all enjoyed very much. Their “Perfect Gin & Tonic” should not be missed! My spa treatment was the only thing that left me wanting a little more…the wrap I had offered a very thin layer of product & I was left wrapped up for 45 minutes which was way too long. I was so happy to shower and start the 2nd half of the treatment with a massage which was very nice. We all hope to be able to come back to Nairobi and stay at Hemingways – highly recommend!
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Date of stay: December 2024
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Trip type: Traveled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Richard Kimenyi, General Manager at Hemingways Nairobi
Responded 4 weeks ago
Dear Kjgtrr2017 Thank you for your time to give us feedback after your recent stay with us and I am happy to hear your stay with us and ALL the services accorded to you by our team met your expectations. We appreciate your patronage, and we look forward to being at your service again in the near future. Kind regards, Richard K.
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Love, love Hemingways!! We stayed here after being at 3 different safari camps. It was a perfect stopover for Nairobi and prior to our next destination. The rooms are large, views to the gardens and very well appointed. The restaurant is extremely reasonably priced with so many options, you cannot try everything. The food was excellent. We loved the location for a day sightseeing and going to SWT, Giraffe Centre, Matbronze and Kobe Tough.
On a personal note, the first night, leaving our room for dinner, I missed the step down (Serengeti Suite) and almost fell, twisting my ankle and my shoe fell off. Kennedy, our buggy driver was there and quickly rushed over to help. He was so nice. Fortunately, I only suffered a sprain and could walk it off! So, we had some good laughs with Kennedy from that point on :).
We will happily come back to Hemingways!
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Date of stay: August 2024
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
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Trip type: Traveled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Richard Kimenyi, General Manager at Hemingways Nairobi
Responded Sep 6, 2024
Dear JulieH406 Thank you for your feedback and I am pleased to hear that you Loved Hemingways and you found our restaurant menu well priced, excellent food and with many good options. I am sorry about your mishap of spraining your ankle but luckily it wasn't serious, and Kennedy offered assistance. We look forward to your return visit in the near future, Kind regards, Richard K.
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Our family stayed at Hemingways over a weekend this past June. The hotel has a colonial chic type of feel and is exceptionally clean and tastefully designed, in the heart of Karen which is a leafy suburb on the outskirts of Nairobi. Wifi was strong and room was very clean and spacious, with a TV that emerged from the chest. Shower was huge and poster bed was comfortable. My wife enjoyed the spa while I hung with the kids by the pool. Our favorite part was the Sunday lunch buffet. The staff were also very professional and courteous and went out of their way to make our visit enjoyable. Not cheap, but kind of a stand-out place in Nairobi. Highly recommended.
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Date of stay: June 2024
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Trip type: Traveled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Richard Kimenyi, General Manager at Hemingways Nairobi
Responded Jul 15, 2024
Dear Kono14 Thank you for recommending Hemingways and its good to hear that you found the hotel clean and tastefully designed. We appreciate your patronage, and it was our pleasure to be at your service. Best regards, Richard .
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We stopped in Nairobi for a few nights prior to our safari journeys and chose Hemingway's over other luxury hotels due to its reputation. Firstly, I would say that it is a beautiful and luxurious hotel, tranquil and the rooms blew us away. Secondly, the service is impeccable and gracious, with one exception that they insisted we took a snack from the mini bar, which we did not. We went back and forth for 15 minutes at check out and still no resolution. For how much we have spent here, it was ridiculous to negotiate over $6 in my opinion.
The restaurant had delicious food and is open all hours. The include breakfast is generous, with both buffet and a la carte items. It was thoughtfully timed from 6 a.m. for the morning safari people. We really loved the curry night midweek as well. If you are lucky with a clear day, you can watch the sunset from the bar on the mezzanine level.
The biggest downside to Hemingway's is the hefty price tag, easily 2-3 times the cost of other luxury hotels in Nairobi. Given that we spend time outside the resort, I hesitate to say it's worthwhile beyond a 1-2 night treat. Karen is a bit out of the way if you want to go downtown, as many Ubers do not want to come out here. On our last day, as we could not secure an Uber, we had to use the hotel car service for the airport, which cost $125. A subsequent journey from another hotel cost half that, and an Uber would have been $25.
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Date of stay: August 2024
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Trip type: Traveled with family
Room Tip:The only difference between executive suite and regular deluxe suite is the ceiling height.
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Richard Kimenyi, General Manager at Hemingways Nairobi
Responded Sep 6, 2024
Dear jenniferIH9059ZA I acknowledge with thanks your feedback after your recent stay with us and I am pleased to hear that you found Hemingways a luxurious and a tranquil beautiful hotel with impeccable and gracious service with delicious food. I have noted your comment regarding the snack, and I will take it up with the Head Butler as they should have taken your word. In regard to the transport charges, they are based on the type of vehicles we use and dedicated drivers thus the higher charges than uber etc . We appreciate your patronage and your appreciation of our services. Kind regards, Richard K.
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We came for brunch with my parents and two little children (11 months and 3years old). We had such a wonderful time, our waiter Dan was so wonderful, attentive and helpful! No request was too much and he was happy to accommodate us. We felt so pampered and so at home. Brunch was £8000kshs pp and the kids were free. The waiters kept us topped up with Prosecco without us needing to ask. The staff at the buffet were also all so pleasant, engaging and helpful! There was live band entertainment which was playing instrumental covers of classic smooth tunes. They were fabulous! The hotel also has baby changing facilities as well as a disable bathroom which are all pram/wheelchair accessible- BIG PLUS! There were plenty of vegetarian options in the brunch buffet. I would highly recommend this venue to anyone looking for a relaxed bottomless brunch meal, and I would highly recommended Dan serves you!
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Date of stay: June 2024
Value
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Trip type: Traveled with family
Room Tip:Book in advance to avoid disappointment. Linet from Hemmingways was wonderful at securing my booking
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Richard Kimenyi, General Manager at Hemingways Nairobi
Responded Jun 24, 2024
Dear 846taheerah I appreciate your feedback after your experience yesterday during brunch. It is good to hear that Dan - your server was wonderful and attentive. I will pass your compliments to The Chef regarding the plenty vegetarian dishes offer on the buffet and we thank you for your patronage. Come Again, Kind regards , Richard .
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The most luxurious hotel, with the kindest and most helpful staff I have ever come across: that includes room service, bar service, and restaurant staff. Nothing was too much trouble, and even when we were out and about and needed some help or guidance, they were ready at the other end of a phone to sort us out. Our rooms were spacious and well-equipped, the grounds were enormous, quiet and well-tended, and the restaurant had a wide range of menus. They tailored my wife's menus to her needs (she is a vegetarian and allergic to mushrooms), they knew their bar lists off by heart, and ... well, I could go on, but I won't. I'll just say that we had a wonderful five days there Incidentally - about 45 minutes from Nairobi airport by car.
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Date of stay: April 2023
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Traveled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Richard Kimenyi, General Manager at Hemingways Nairobi
Responded Apr 19, 2023
Dear SimonL196 I am humbled and pleased to hear that you found Hemingways as the most luxurious hotel with kindest and most staff helpful staff you have ever come across. it was our pleasure to be at your service and come again . Best regards , Richard K.
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Dubai, United Arab Emirates226 contributions124 helpful votes
One can eat at the hotel’s restaurant at a reasonable price.
There aren’t any restaurants near by but with a taxi, you can go to a mall about 10-15 minutes away where there are plenty of restaurants.
Denver, North Carolina119 contributions11 helpful votes
Traffic IS terrible! Plan an hour is the bottom line. Karen is a bit closer than downtown Nairobi which is good. Still a lot of construction right before you enter the airport road. The Nairobi airport has virtually no lounges etc. so you dont want to hang out TOO long.
Once you get there, if you are flying business class be sure to say something and you get routed to a MUCH faster line! If not, have your PCR documents and your transit document and passport ready and see if you can get into a shorter line by asking an attendant (it works :). Enjoy Hemingway's we had dinner on the patio and it was sumptuous and lovely. Lots of fun stuff to do around Karen and much lower key than the CBD. If you have a night to spare go to Tamamabo restaurant as well around the corner. Beautiful gardens.
There are more places to choose from in the Karen area.
PRICE RANGE
$707 - $984 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
LOCATION
KenyaNairobiKaren
NUMBER OF ROOMS
45
Prices are the average nightly price provided by our partners and may not include all taxes and fees. Taxes and fees that are shown are estimates only. Please see our partners for more details.
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