The Sarova Stanley Hotel stands as Kenya's first luxury hotel, established in 1902 when Nairobi was merely a railway halt. Located at the junction of Kenyatta Avenue and Kimathi Street in Nairobi's Central Business District, this five-star heritage hotel has witnessed over 120 years of Kenyan history while maintaining its position as one of the capital's premier hospitality destinations.
Named after Welsh explorer Sir Henry Morton Stanley, famous for his search for missionary David Livingstone, the hotel has evolved from a modest guesthouse to an iconic institution that seamlessly blends Victorian grandeur with modern luxury.
Historical Background
Founding and Early Years (1902-1912)
The hotel's origins trace back to 1902 when English businesswoman Mayence Bent opened the Victoria Hotel, consisting of four sparsely appointed rooms above Tommy Wood's general store. Mayence managed the store's post office while working as a dressmaker and milliner, and brought fresh butter and vegetables from her husband's farm in Kikuyu to serve guests.
In 1904, following a disagreement with Wood, Mayence partnered with farmer Daniel Ernest Cooper to open the first Stanley Hotel, a two-story wooden building with 15 beds. The same year, a fire destroyed much of Victoria Street (now Tom Mboya Street), but Mayence's determination saw the hotel rebuilt.
Expansion and Modernization
In 1912, the hotel moved to a new location on Delamere Avenue with a building designed by architects Robertson, Gow & Davidson, featuring 60 rooms across three stories. The Tates had originally planned to transfer the "Stanley Hotel" name to the new location, but the original site owner sued and won the use of "Old Stanley Hotel," thus the "New Stanley Hotel" was born.
In 1958, most of the hotel structure was torn down and rebuilt according to expansion plans by Abraham Block's two sons. The hotel changed hands when the Sarova Group purchased it in 1978 from the Block family.
In 1998, a significant US$20 million renovation transformed the property, and the Sarova Group restored the hotel's original name, "The Stanley Hotel," now operating as Sarova Stanley.
Location and Accessibility
Prime CBD Location
Sarova Stanley is located at the junction of Kenyatta Avenue and Kimathi Street, within the Nairobi Central Business District. This strategic positioning places the hotel within walking distance of major government offices, financial institutions, and business centers.
Transportation Access
- From Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA): The hotel is approximately 18 km from JKIA, about 35-45 minutes by road
- From Wilson Airport: Approximately 7 km, roughly a 10-minute transfer for domestic and charter flights
- Nearby Landmarks:
- Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC): 5-minute drive or 10-minute walk
- Parliament Buildings and Government Offices: Within walking distance
- Nairobi National Museum: 10-minute drive
- Nairobi Railway Station: Approximately 1 km
The hotel provides valet parking, guest parking, and convenient access via the Nairobi Expressway. Guests can use ride-hailing services (Uber, Bolt, Little) or the hotel's chauffeur services.
Accommodation
Room Categories and Capacity
The Sarova Stanley offers diverse accommodation options totaling 210-217 rooms (sources vary slightly). The room categories include:
- Stanley Rooms: Standard deluxe rooms with city or atrium views
- Stanley Deluxe Rooms: 160 classically appointed rooms with chintz-style decorations
- Stanley Club Rooms: 32 rooms with enhanced amenities and 1902 Club Lounge access
- Stanley Premium Club Rooms: Feature an adjoining living room area and two bedrooms
- Heritage Suites: 21 themed suites named after distinguished guests
- Presidential Suite: Includes a bodyguard room
- Windsor Penthouse Suite: The hotel's premium offering
Heritage Suites
Several suites commemorate notable historical figures who have stayed at the hotel:
- The Windsor Suite: Named for Prince Edward, Duke of Windsor, honoring the 1928 ball held in his honor
- The Karen Blixen Suite: Commemorating the author of "Out of Africa"
- The Hemingway Conference Suite: Dedicated to Ernest Hemingway, who stayed at the hotel while recovering from illness and wrote novels featuring the hotel
- The Churchill Ballroom: Named after Winston Churchill, who visited Kenya in 1907 as Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies
Room Amenities
All rooms feature:
- Air conditioning and blackout curtains
- Sound-proofing for peaceful rest
- Satellite television
- Tea and coffee making facilities
- Mini-bar and safe-deposit box
- Direct dial telephone with VOIP wireless internet connectivity
- Private bathroom with shower and WC
- Hair dryers (240 volts)
- Free Wi-Fi throughout
- 24-hour room service
Dining and Entertainment
Restaurants
The hotel features three distinct dining venues:
1. Thai Chi Restaurant
Thai Chi, opened in 2007, serves authentic Thai cuisine. Chef Phansandha Phommee, known as "Chef Pu," is the winner of multiple awards, including the "Best Hotel Restaurant and Chef Nairobi" from the Chefs Delight Awards in 2013. The restaurant has been described as one of Nairobi's most elegant dining establishments and the most authentic Thai restaurant in East Africa. It features fine Thai art and sculptures, operates with a smart casual dress code, and does not allow children under 12.
2. Thorn Tree Café
The legendary Thorn Tree Café is an open-air café in the hotel that serves continental and nouvelle dishes, including pizza from a wood-fired oven. The café is named after the original acacia tree that served as a message depot for travelers. For decades, the Thorn Tree functioned as Nairobi's first "post office," with messages stuck on its trunk for travelers to collect.
3. Pool Deck Restaurant
Located on the fifth floor, this restaurant offers al fresco buffet-style meals with views overlooking the heated rooftop pool. Friday evenings feature Swahili cuisine.
The Exchange Bar
The Exchange Bar is named for the Nairobi Securities Exchange and is the successor to the Long Bar, where local stocks were first traded in Nairobi. In 1922, a stock exchange was floated in the Exchange Bar; that exchange ultimately developed into the Nairobi Securities Exchange in 1954.
The bar retains its authentic charm with original wood-paneled walls, deep honeycomb leather sofas, rich crafted mahogany wood, and original palm ceiling fans. Victorian-era artifacts transport guests back in time.
Historical Significance
Cultural Milestones
The Sarova Stanley has been the venue for numerous significant events in Kenyan history:
- First Tusker Beer Launch: The hotel was the first place to sell Kenya's Tusker Beer in 1922, with the first ten bottles hand-produced and personally delivered to the hotel's manager
- Birth of the Nairobi Stock Exchange: The stock exchange that began in the Exchange Bar eventually became the Nairobi Securities Exchange in 1954
- Royal Visit: Princess Elizabeth (later Queen Elizabeth II) made her first public address as Queen from the hotel during her 1952 world tour
- Meeting Place for Safari-Goers: Since the early 1900s, the hotel has served as the traditional meeting place for those embarking on safari in Kenya
Distinguished Guests
The hotel has hosted an impressive array of royalty, politicians, authors, and celebrities:
- Royalty: Prince Edward, Duke of Windsor; Princess Elizabeth (Queen Elizabeth II)
- Political Leaders: Winston Churchill, Namibian President Sam Nujoma
- Authors and Adventurers: Ernest Hemingway, Karen Blixen (Baroness Karen von Blixen), Ewart Grogan (who walked from Cape to Cairo)
- Hollywood Stars: Clark Gable, Grace Kelly, Ava Gardner, Stewart Granger, Sean Connery, Frank Sinatra, Michael Caine
Facilities and Amenities
Wellness and Recreation
Tulia Spa and Wellness Center The hotel features a full-service spa offering:
- Manicure and pedicure services
- Facial treatments
- Body treatments and massage therapy
- Professional wellness services
Stanley Health Club
- Fully equipped fitness center
- Sauna and steam rooms
- Aerobics studio
- Heated rooftop swimming pool
- Yoga and aerobics classes available upon request
Business and Conference Facilities
The hotel has nine meeting and conference rooms with audio-visual equipment, including a 227-square-metre ballroom. The Churchill Ballroom can accommodate up to 500 guests for conferences and events.
Additional business amenities include:
- Business center with computers, fax, and photocopier
- Secretarial services
- Over 10,000 square feet of flexible meeting space
- State-of-the-art audio-visual equipment
Conference rooms are named after historical figures:
- The Huxley (named for Elspeth Huxley)
- The Hemingway
- The Baden-Powell (founder of the Scouts Movement)
- The Batian and Lenana (named after Mount Kenya peaks)
- The Churchill Ballroom
Awards and Recognition
The Sarova Stanley has received numerous prestigious awards:
World Luxury Hotel Awards
- 2024: East Africa's Most Luxurious City Hotel
- 2024: Conference & Event Hotel
- 2024: Africa's Luxurious Heritage Hotel
- 2017: Africa Luxury Heritage Hotel
- 2017: Regional Luxury Hotel
- 2013: Best Luxury Historical Hotel Award (Country Winner)
World Travel Awards
- 2022: Kenya's Leading Hotel
- 2016: Kenya's Leading Hotel
- 2013: Kenya's Leading Hotel (first Africa Gala dinner in Kenya)
Other Recognition
- TripAdvisor Travelers' Choice Award (ranked within top 10% of properties)
- Ranked #35 of 274 hotels in Nairobi on TripAdvisor with a 4 of 5 rating
- Chef's Delight Awards 2013: Best Hotel Restaurant and Chef Nairobi (Thai Chi Restaurant)
Pricing
According to available information, room rates vary by season and room category. For the period from June 1, 2025, to December 31, 2025, rates start from $206 per unit on a bed and breakfast basis. Prices fluctuate based on:
- High Season: April typically sees the highest rates
- Low Season: December generally offers the most competitive pricing
- Day of the Week: Tuesday and Sunday typically offer better rates, while Friday is usually the most expensive
Rates include accommodation and breakfast. Cancellation and prepayment policies vary according to accommodation type, and special policies apply when booking more than five rooms.
Heritage and Architecture
Architectural Features
The hotel's design reflects its rich history:
- The chequered black and white flooring in the lobby is original to only 34 heritage hotels worldwide built in that era
- Original mahogany rotating door from the hotel's early days
- Victorian-era design elements throughout
- Restored period details and antique furnishings
- Black and white photographic portraits documenting the hotel's history
Historical Displays
Walking through the hotel, guests encounter stunning black and white portraits representing a journey through time, including images of Princess Elizabeth before becoming Britain's sovereign and photographs of Ernest Hemingway. The hotel serves as a living museum of Kenyan and global history.
Guest Experience and Reviews
Positive Feedback
Guests consistently praise:
- Exceptional Service: Friendly, helpful, and attentive staff who remember guest preferences
- Historical Character: The blend of heritage charm with modern amenities
- Central Location: Convenient access to business districts and attractions
- Facilities: Heated pool, spa services, and dining options
- Cleanliness: Well-maintained rooms and public spaces
- Security: Safe environment despite central city location
Areas for Improvement
Some guests have noted:
- Mixed opinions on value for money at the price point
- Occasional service inconsistencies
- Some mention the building shows its age in certain areas
- Safety concerns about the surrounding CBD area (though the hotel itself is secure)
Sustainable Tourism and Community Engagement
The Sarova Hotels group, which manages the Stanley, emphasizes:
- Sustainable tourism practices
- Environmental responsibility
- Community engagement and support for host communities
- Preservation of Kenyan heritage
- Green practices across operations
- High standards of cleanliness and health safety
Conclusion
The Sarova Stanley Hotel represents more than just luxury accommodation; it embodies over 120 years of Kenyan history and hospitality. From its humble beginnings as a four-room guesthouse above a general store to its current status as a five-star heritage hotel, the Stanley has maintained its position as a Nairobi landmark.
The hotel successfully balances its historical significance with contemporary comfort and service excellence. Its central location, award-winning facilities, distinguished heritage suites, and exceptional dining options make it an ideal choice for both business and leisure travelers seeking an authentic Kenyan hospitality experience steeped in history.
Whether guests are drawn by its connection to famous historical figures, its role in Kenya's economic development, or simply its reputation for excellent service, the Sarova Stanley continues to honor its legacy while adapting to the needs of modern travelers. As it enters its second century of operation, the hotel remains a testament to Nairobi's evolution from a railway halt to a vibrant cosmopolitan capital.
For travelers seeking accommodation that offers both historical significance and modern luxury in the heart of Nairobi, the Sarova Stanley Hotel stands as a compelling choice that delivers an experience rooted in tradition yet focused on contemporary excellence.
Contact Information:
- Address: Corner of Kimathi Street and Kenyatta Avenue, Nairobi CBD
- Phone: +254 709 111 000 or +254 719 048 000
- Reservations: Available online at sarovahotels.com or by phone
- Distance from JKIA: 18 km (approximately 35-45 minutes)
Key Features at a Glance:
- 210+ rooms and suites
- 3 restaurants (Thai Chi, Thorn Tree Café, Pool Deck Restaurant)
- The Exchange Bar
- Heated rooftop pool
- Full-service Tulia Spa
- Fitness center with sauna and steam rooms
- 9 meeting and conference rooms
- Free Wi-Fi throughout
- Valet parking
- 24-hour room service
- Heritage tours available
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