Sarova Stanley is amongst the few five star rated hotels in Nairobi. It launched itself into Kenyan history in 1902 by becoming the first luxury hotel in Nairobi and the gracious host to prominent world leaders, renowned authors, and international celebrities.
Today, Sarova Stanley's heritage character is preserved whilst offering modern hotel services and amenities to create Nairobi's best hotel experience.
The hotel is also a member of Preferred Hotels & Resorts, in the Lifestyle Collection.
If you crave to enjoy the luxurious amenities provided by the best 5 star hotels in Kenya or taste world-class cuisines, then booking an accommodation here lets you achieve it.
HERITAGE STORY
The story of The Sarova Stanley begins with the stories of three families – the Bents, the Tates and the Blocks – who were its early owners. The stories of these families, as was so often the case in the early days of Nairobi, begins with the railroad.
Construction of the railway, which began in what was then Kenya's capital, Mombasa, started in 1896. The going was tough, and though an advance camp was set up in "Nyrobe" in 1897, the tracks would not reach the locale until 1899.
Just one year later, 'Pop' Binks, one of Nairobi's earliest residents, who remained in the city until his death at 91 years old, arrived as a bright-eyed, adventure seeking 20-year-old. Upon arrival at Nairobi's Railway Station after a two-day journey from Mombasa, his first impression was not particularly a good one, as he asked, "How far is the town?"
By 1902 the town had developed a bit and now had several shops one of which was the only two-storey building in town, owned by Tommy Wood. The top floor was a 'hotel', the first in Nairobi – though in reality, it operated more like a boarding house for the railway employees - run by one Mayence Bent.
Arriving in Nairobi with the railway, the reasons for Mayence and her husband, W.S. Bent, to move their lives to Kenya are lost to history. Their role in the blossoming town, however is not. With a farm just one station away by train, the Bents were a prominent source of fresh produce and dairy products in town, and in addition to managing the first hotel, Mayence worked as a milliner and dress maker in Wood's store. As hotel business grew, the operation was moved to a bungalow adjacent to their shop.
Meanwhile, in 1903, it was announced by the British Government that Kenya would have land set aside for Jewish settlers. The idea didn't exactly come to fruition, but before it was abandoned several families did take advantage of the programme, including Abraham Block. An immigrant from South Africa, Block quickly set about making a life for himself by farming and dealing in cattle, though, as times were tough when he first arrived, he always attributed his success to the generosity of Lord Delamere.
The first major setback Mayence faced in her long career as a hotel proprietor, was essentially the hardest setback any proprietor could face. In 1904, Nairobi was rocked by The Great Fire of Victoria Street which destroyed most of the buildings in the area, including Mayence's hotel. Not to be shut down by something so trivial, she simply moved her guests to the upper unfinished floor of a stone building on Station Street, now Government Road, covering the holes in the not yet completed roof with traps.
This move, however, would prove beneficial in the end, as Mayence eventually set up new premises along Government Road, the first true Stanley Hotel. Again boasting the only two-storey hotel in town, the veranda on the second floor offered quite a view, as there were few two-storey buildings in the town. In fact, on a clear day, early Nairobians and guests could see the peak of Mt. Kilimanjaro in the distance.
The new hotel thrived and garnered a widespread reputation. While there were four hotels then in Nairobi, The Stanley, The Norfolk, The commercial and The Empress, Mayence's main competition came from The Norfolk. The clientele of the two hotels, however, was quite different, with The Norfolk jokingly being called The House of Lords due to the prevalence of British nobility in its patronage, while The Stanley on the other hand attracted more businessmen and, due to its proximity to the rail station, newcomers to town.
The Exchange Bar in Sarova Stanley has a presence to it that most rooms cannot boast. The rich red palate, which is the first thing to hit you, almost seems to have a texture on its own, one made up of cool, smooth leather, polished by years of use, and glossy, shining mahogany – two materials you will find in abundance at the bar, a testament to the precisely considered and matched furnishings that have been used to fill it. Rounding out to the look and making you feel as though you've stepped back through the years are the palm ceiling fans, although they are now operated by electricity.
To fully appreciate this bar, which is more than just a local watering hole, you have to understand how important it and the building in which it stands - not to mention the families that built and operated it –were to the development of Nairobi and resultantly, to the nation as a whole.
Walking through the corridors of Sarova Stanley, you can't go 10 meters without coming across some stunning black and white shot, either capturing the several iterations of the hotel itself on some historical occasion or one of the many famous and influential guest that have frequented this locale. A snapshot of Princess Elizabeth just before she became Britain's sovereign hangs in one room near one of the hotels guests on the day of European victory in World War II, which in turn is not far from a photo of Ernest Hemingway and his wife cuddling a lion cub- all people and events that, while contributing to the hotels lore, have had a profound effect on Kenyan and global history.
Such is the nature of Stanley, Kenya's first hotel. But while an impressive title, 'first hotel' does not fully capture its part in the development of the city it lies within. Simply put, The Stanley has been and will always be an institution in Nairobi, as important to the country's culture as it is to its hospitality.
Sarova Stanley as the hotel is now called, is one of the three hotels in the entire continent to be listed in the Summit Hotels in the World, a prestigious honour based both on the highest of standards and on the venue's culture.
Sarova Hotels, Resorts & Game Lodges took over management of the hotel in 1998 and has since then maintained the same values that earned the hotel its reputation from the early days when Mayence was first getting started.
The sense of the hotels historical values is intangible, a heritage that the management holds dear. With gorgeous décor that emphasizes the stages that have brought The Stanley to this point in its existence, walking through the hotel – stepping into the same room where Princess Elizabeth once was honoured with a banquet, or sitting where Ernest Hemingway once dank- is truly like walking through the ages of Kenya's history.
Guest rooms at Sarova Stanley offer a blend of Victorian elegance and comfort, combined with all the practical, executive amenities of the modern age. Antique furnishings and restored period details envelop guests in royal mystique. Sarova Stanley exceptional suites symbolise all the comfort, warmth and elegance of the “Sarova Stanley style” par excellence.
The prestigious suites pay homage to their famous past residents. The fine settings and ambience offered by the hotel suites, allow you to have a soothing and enchanting stay at one of the most premium hotels in Kenya.
In addition to the suites, there are three categories of guest rooms all of which feature an outdoor or atrium view, air-conditioning, black-out curtains, sound-proofing, satellite TV, tea/coffee facilities, mini-bar, safe-deposit box, direct dial telephone with VOIP, wireless internet connectivity, private bath, shower and WC, hair dryers (voltage of 240 volts) and 50 cycle razor outlets operating on both 220 and 240 volts.
The Stanley Suite is the official presidential suite of the hotel and is named after the explorer Henry Morton Stanley. This suite includes an open sitting room and dining area, a powder room, a large bedroom with an en-suite dressing room and a deluxe bathroom with a Jacuzzi.
The suite is decorated in shades of green with furniture pieces, antiques and old etchings from the Victorian era which exemplifies the elegant heritage of the hotel. Guest will enjoy seeing the historic buildings along Kenyatta Avenue. It is the only one of its kind at the Sarova Stanley.
The Karen Blixen Suite commemorates the Baroness Karen Blixen who was a Nairobi resident between 1914 and 1931.
She was the author of ‘Out of Africa’ and ‘Shadows on the Grass’ and she frequently lunched at Sarova Stanley.
This suite has a spacious sitting room, a large bedroom, a powder room and a bathroom with a Jacuzzi. There are pictures in the suite with photos spanning the Baroness’ life in Kenya and there are reproductions of her famous paintings ‘Juma’ and ‘The Kikuyu Girl’.
The Lamu Suite is named after the beautiful Swahili and Arabic archipelago island of Lamu which lies off the Kenyan coast.
The suites decor is reminiscent of the islands romantic ambience and guests staying here will enjoy sleeping on an attractive four poster bed.
Antique Lamu inspired furniture and Persian rugs decorate the suites spacious sitting room, powder room, large bedroom and luxurious bathroom which has a Jacuzzi and a ‘his-and-hers’ counter sink. The Lamu Suite is perfect for the couple celebrating recent nuptials. Guests occupying the state suites will enjoy the Kenyatta Avenue view.
Club rooms offer a very comfortable stay featuring elegant interiors and amenities such as a fresh fruit basket on arrival, a floral arrangement in the bedroom, fluffy white terry toweling robes and slippers, daily newspapers, free internet access and 42 inch flat-screen televisions.
Club room guests also enjoy evening canapés on the house followed by aromatic candles and chocolates for turn down service. Guests booked under Stanley Club Rooms have exclusive access to the 1902 Club Lounge.
Deluxe rooms at Sarova Stanley offer the rare luxury of space, the largest in their category in the city, having been built at a time when space was never a constraint.
The rooms are done up in classical style with chintz furnishings and plush carpeting.
The executive suites have one spacious bedroom with a separate dressing area and powder room, an en-suite lounge and bathrooms.
The rooms are decorated with a classic contemporary feel and are an ideal home away from home. These suites are ideal for regular and long-staying guests.
These are the Connaught suite, Tate suite and the Delamare suite. The two-bedroomed suites at Sarova as the name suggests each have two bedrooms that are connected through a common sitting room and they overlook the hotel’s atrium.
The suites are ideal for family fun and for those guests who like a little more space. They are well appointed with stylish furnishing and modern facilities and services.
The Connaught Suite commemorates the first visit from a member of the British royal family to Kenya. The Duke and Duchess of Connaught visited in March 1906.
The Tate Suite is a tribute to Mayence and Fred Tate who were the founders of the hotel and the helped the birth of Kenya’s hotel industry.
The promise of fine class is extended to you at the 1902 Club Lounge where you can enjoy the panoramic view of the city and host private meetings. This facility is available to guests staying in the Stanley Themed Suites or the Stanley Club Rooms.
A perfect place to start your day with a delightful breakfast, and to end it with a refreshing cocktail, beer or wine, in a well-appointed and relaxed lounge environment.
Outdoor catering & banqueting product dubbed "Kitchens of Sarova" specializes in corporate hospitality, catering for a wide range of occasions from corporate events, conferences, business lunches, office parties, Christmas parties, birthday celebrations, social events and weddings.
"Kitchens of Sarova" include: site visits by a hawk-eyed team; full waiter and bar service with managerial supervision; customized catering services via event contacts; no radius limit.
Tucked away on the 5th floor of the Sarova Stanley is an Oasis offering refuge against the hustle and bustle of town.
The Pool Deck is characterized by its al fresco dining concept – allowing you to relax and dine in the comfort of the open air.
09.00h - 21.00h
With its traditional Thai decor and delectable Thai specialties prepared by experienced chefs from Thailand, Thai Chi is best described as a small piece of Thailand in Nairobi.
Thai Chi has been named the most authentic Thai restaurant in East Africa.
12.00h - 14.30h
19.00h - 22.30h
Thai
Formal, smart casual
History comes to life at The Exchange Bar, once the site of Nairobi's first Stock Exchange, from 1954 until 1991.
In 1922, The Long Bar, the Stanley's precursor to The Exchange Bar, famously took delivery of the first ever order from the newly formed Kenya Breweries, makers of such famous local brews as Tusker and Pilsner, and now the largest brewery in the country.
The Exchange Bar retains the feel of a traditional English Gentleman's club with its decor while exuding a casual elegance and warm atmosphere that provides a lively meeting place for people from all walks of life.
A perfect place to enjoy a single malt and fine cigar or sensational cocktails accompanied with a variety of bar snacks.
The Exchange Bar stocks all major international newspapers and in keeping with its origins there is also a Reuters screen with the latest news and movements from major stock exchanges of the world.
11.00h - 23.00h
The Thorn Tree Café is a legendary open air, bistro style pavement café that is most famous for its message board located at the centre of the restaurant.
Legend purports that the Thorn Tree Café - named for a single centrally situated acacia tree - became a makeshift post box for travellers who left mail pinned onto its trunk.
'Tree mail' endures despite email and the Thorn Tree Café flourishes as the crossroads of Africa.
From time in memorial the café has been the perfect meeting place for friends and offers a remarkable dining experience in the central business district.
It has a deli counter, serves pizzas from a wood-fired oven, fresh juices, beers, the widest range of coffees and a varied menu which includes popular continental and nouvelle dishes.
Situated on the fifth floor, adjoining the swimming pool, The Stanley Health Club includes a gymnasium, aerobics studio, spacious sauna, steam and relaxation rooms.
For the fitness minded, the gymnasium offers a range of state-of-the-art exercise equipment including cross trainers, exercise cycles, free weights, multi gym, rowing machines and treadmills, free of charge to guests.
There are also highly qualified instructors on duty at all times to assist you in your workout.
For the fitness minded, the gymnasium offers a range of state-of-the-art exercise equipment.
Spa at the Sarova Stanley offers full body massages, aromatherapy, reflexology, holistics, deep tissue massage, body scrub, manicure & pedicure.
Outdoor heated swimming pool is situated on the rooftop. Take a dip in a pool with a view.
Sarova Stanley, a luxury business hotel in Nairobi, Kenya offers all business facilities such as wireless internet, a business centre with secretarial services, and nine fully equipped meetings and conference rooms with state-of-the-art technological advancements. Combined, the conference rooms can accommodate over 800 people.
For those who are looking for the best executive class business hotels in Kenya, the Sarova Stanley gives great opportunity to access various top tech amenities and personal services for fulfilling business needs.
Named after The Scouts Patron Lord Baden Pow.
This is the hotel’s smoking zone. The room is named after a good friend of Sir Henry Stanley Morton who discovered Lake Albert as a tributary of The Nile
Kenyan is a partying nation! And Kenyans are party animals. Subsequently, Nairobi is littered with many great places to do so. In the upper echelons are: Kiza Lounge, Brew Bistro Lounge, Skylux Lounge, Mercury Lounge, Galileo Lounge, Bacchus Lounge, among others.
Named after one of the summits of Mt. Kenya that could be clearly viewed from The Stanley Hotel back in 1958-1960. Batian is 5199m above sea level. Could hold up to between 20-25pax.
This is a cultural village where each boma (homestead) was built using traditional techniques of different Kenyan tribes. Through architecture, crafts, music and dance this village serves to preserve and display traditional Kenyan culture.
This modern and professionally manned facility is located on the Conference Floor for easy access. Guests can access email, print, fax, photocopy and surf the net. The Business Centre opens daily from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Named after Sir Winston Churchill former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom who patronised in 1907. It is the biggest conference room at The Sarova Stanley. It can hold up to 250 pax.
There are a number of cinema complexes showing the latest releases in Nairobi: Century Cinemax, Junction, Fox Cineplex, Sarit Centre, Imax Kenya, 20th Century, Planet Media Cinema, Westgate Mall, Planet Media, Prestige Plaza.
At Sheldrick’s you’ll see young orphaned African animals being reared in as close to their natural environment as possible. Depending on when you visit there’s a good chance you’ll be able to pet a baby elephant and watch them suckle an elephant sized bottle.
Get close up and personal with the giraffes. Hand feeding these magnificent creatures is a unique experience - they take food straight from your hand with their long blue tongues. This is a must see and do, hands on experience.
Charges: Weekdays Ksh 250pp per game, weekends Ksh 350pp per game.
He patronised us between 1933 & 1934 while recuperating from amoebic dysentery. He was inspired by Theodore Roosevelt. It is from the Thorn Tree Café that he wrote his books. Can hold up to 30 pax.
The perfect honeymoon should be stress free and romantic! Hotel's team is dedicated to making your honeymoon unique and unforgettable.
The sport of Kings takes place in a grand setting only twenty minutes out of the city.
She grew up in Thika and her stories are based from her early childhood life in the town. She was known as a polymath who wore many hats as she was a broadcaster, magistrate and an author who had 16 books to her name.
This museum is the original farmhouse where the writer Karen Blixen (author of Out Of Africa) lived between 1914 and 1931. It is set in lovely gardens and is a famous piece of Nairobi’s cultural history.
Named after one of the summits of Mt. Kenya that could be clearly viewed from The Stanley Hotel back in 1958-1960. Lenana is 4895 meters above sea level. Could hold up to between 20-25pax.
Safari in the city. Nairobi National Park is the only national park to border a city of this size. It is 113 square kilometers of plains, cliffs and forest, home to large herds of Zebra, Wildebeest, Buffalo, Giraffe, Rhino, Cheetah, and Lions, living wild.
The National Archives is a reservoir and living example of historical and cultural knowledge. View the extensive collection of artifacts, photographs and publications documenting Kenya's diverse and rich history.
The National Museum boasts a fascinating range of cultural and natural history exhibits. There are huge galleries of stuffed wildlife, displays of Kenyan tribal group culture, re-creations of rock art and an exhibition of hominid fossils from Lake Turkana.
Room named after the man who saw to it that the lunatic railway was completed up to when it got to Nairobi easing the slave trade that was rife due to the new mode of transportation. Can hold up to 30 people.
Take a wander into the past and view the beautifully kept engines and carriages from the colonial days of the East Africa Railways. There are also fascinating displays of extraordinary railway memorabilia and artifacts.
Nairobi is probably the best place in East Africa for buying African curios, souvenirs, traditional fabrics, beads, pottery, rugs, weaving and wool. Popular shopping places: The Village Market, Sarit Centre, The Junction, Prestige Plaza, Capital Centre, Maasai Market.
Play tennis at the Royal Nairobi Club.
Sit back and relax as Sarova Hotels makes your special moments magical. Superb settings, award-winning cuisines, ambiance, rich culture and refreshing African hospitality. A perfect Sarova experience for you as you relish your most special day.
THE SAROVA STANLEY
Corner of Kenyatta Ave. and Kimathi St.NairobiKenya