Kwetu Nairobi, Curio Collection by Hilton — Hotel in Nairobi

Nestled in the upscale Kitisuru neighborhood on the northwestern outskirts of Nairobi, Kenya—along Peponi Road at the edge of the expansive Karura Forest—Kwetu Nairobi, Curio Collection by Hilton, stands as a luxurious 5-star sanctuary that seamlessly blends urban sophistication with natural serenity. Just a short 10-15 minute drive from Nairobi's vibrant Westlands district and approximately 20-30 minutes from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (via the Northern Bypass), this property offers an ideal gateway for travelers arriving in the city. Its precise location—coordinates roughly at -1.235° latitude and 36.812° longitude—positions it about 3.2 miles from the Nairobi National Museum, 5 miles from the Kenyatta International Conference Centre, and a mere 0.9 miles from Karura Forest, the second-largest urban forest in the world. This prime spot in the leafy suburbs of Kitisuru provides easy access to Nairobi's bustling CBD while shielding guests from the city's typical hustle, making it a perfect base for business executives, safari enthusiasts, or families exploring Kenya's capital. Potential residents or long-term visitors will be drawn to Kwetu Nairobi's thoughtful design that evokes a sense of "home away from home," rooted in its historical inspiration from a late-1800s house on the Karura Forest edge, now reimagined as a modern retreat with 102 elegantly appointed rooms and suites. Imagine waking up to panoramic views of lush gardens, the forest canopy, or even the distant Nairobi skyline from your private balcony—many rooms feature stone fireplaces, floor-to-ceiling windows, and spacious layouts with en-suite bathrooms equipped with rain showers, deep soaking tubs, and premium toiletries. The interiors blend contemporary African aesthetics with plush comforts: think king-sized beds with crisp linens, minibars stocked with local specialties, and high-speed complimentary WiFi throughout. For those considering extended stays, the property's residential vibe shines through with options for suites that include full kitchens or living areas, ideal for digital nomads or relocating professionals who crave privacy without isolation. What truly captivates is the estate's embrace of nature and wellness, appealing to eco-conscious dwellers seeking a balanced lifestyle. The year-round outdoor infinity pool overlooks verdant landscapes, while the on-site fitness center, yoga spaces, and complimentary access to Karura Forest trails encourage daily rejuvenation—perfect for morning jogs amid indigenous trees or birdwatching sessions. Spa services, including massages and facials using organic Kenyan ingredients, add a layer of indulgence, and the six diverse restaurants and bars cater to every palate: from international fusion at Meko to African-inspired dishes at Upepo, featuring farm-fresh vegan options, wood-fired pizzas, and sunset cocktails on the terrace. Breakfast buffets are a highlight, with fresh pastries, tropical fruits, made-to-order omelets, and local specialties like mandazi, ensuring you start your day energized. Security is paramount in this gated enclave, with 24-hour concierge, private check-in, and round-the-clock front desk support, fostering a safe haven in Nairobi's dynamic environment. For families or couples, the communal green spaces and gardens provide serene spots for picnics or evening strolls, while proximity to attractions like the Village Market (for shopping and entertainment) or the Nairobi Arboretum enhances weekend explorations. Investment-wise, as part of the Hilton portfolio, Kwetu offers loyalty perks like Hilton Honors points, making repeat visits rewarding. Though rates start around $365 per night, the value lies in the all-inclusive amenities—free parking, bike rentals for forest adventures, and event spaces for gatherings—positioning it as a smart choice for those eyeing Nairobi's upscale residential scene. In a city where green oases are rare, Kwetu Nairobi delivers an unparalleled fusion of luxury, location, and livability, inviting you to unwind in style amid Kenya's...

Our recent extended stay at Kwetu by Hilton Nairobi was truly an amazing experience. While people in Nairobi are, in general, incredibly kind, welcoming, and friendly, the team at Kwetu goes above and beyond—they genuinely make you feel like you are at home. The level of service and hospitality we received was impeccable, and we left with sincere gratitude for the staff.||We absolutely have to start with the people. The service was impeccable throughout, and if we even had a minor issue, it was resolved immediately. We want to give special recognition to several individuals who made our stay so comfortable and enjoyable. At the Front Desk and Concierge, thank you to Olive, Susan, and Victor. The Housekeeping team, including Bernard and Elizabeth, were remarkable. They even went the extra mile to help us get some additional chairs and a table to ensure we could work comfortably from our room. The entire team made a huge difference. Olive gave us her what’s app contact and said that we could reach out at any time for anything!||We spent a lot of time enjoying the excellent food, mostly at Meko Restaurant, but also a few lunches at Uppepo. The food was consistently excellent. As vegetarians, we were impressed by the good and varied options available—we never got bored, even over our long stay. A huge thank you to the Meko F&B team: Ananda, Mary, Grace (the Meko manager), Florence, Jackeline, Imelda, Purity, Raphael, Susan, and Steve. While these are the names we noted, there were many more people who helped us, and the service throughout the entire property was stellar.||Beyond the dining, the room was comfortable, featuring a large TV and a super comfortable bed (on the firmer side) with super soft sheets. We also took advantage of the well-kept gym, which features Technogym equipment. Yes, the buildings are in a bit of a maze, but you quickly get oriented after a day or two, and navigating becomes easy. The internet speed was sufficient for our work, and while maybe not the absolute fastest, we had no complaints. And as many have noted, the security is quite thorough on each entry; it adds only a little bit of time but certainly makes you feel completely assured when entering the property.||We highly recommend taking advantage of the complimentary visit to Karura Forest for a morning walk. The front desk arranges everything—they set up a car to take you to the park gates and even pay the entry fee! We did a simple, well-marked loop that took about 90 minutes and were back in time for breakfast (which runs a little later on weekends). Just a tip: cell service can be slow, so grab a park map or download one beforehand.||Finally, just a minor note on the pool: it's a nice visual feature right by the restaurant, which means it works best if you're looking to sit poolside with an occasional short dip. If you're looking to spend a lot of time swimming, the setup might feel a little odd with others having lunch nearby.||Our stay was fantastic, defined by the kindness of the staff and the quality of the service. We highly recommend Kwetu by...

Kwetu Hotel offered a great overall experience, with beautiful amenities and a prime location ideal for relaxation. However, I encountered a few issues that I feel should be addressed for future guests.

Microaggressions and Staff Interactions:
My primary concern during my stay was the series of microaggressions I experienced from the hotel staff. Over the course of my three-night stay, I was repeatedly asked—over seven times by different staff members—whether I was a guest at the hotel. On a few occasions, while simply walking around the hotel grounds, I was followed by staff and questioned as if I didn’t belong. As an African, this was particularly surprising and disappointing. My husband and I were also frequently asked if we were “lost,” despite clearly knowing where we were headed. Additionally, several staff members inquired about our room number or where our key was, which felt intrusive and inappropriate. In my experience at other five-star hotels, this is not standard practice, and asking about a guest’s room number in public spaces raises significant security concerns. This is an area that needs immediate attention, and I urge the hotel to retrain staff to ensure future guests do not feel unwelcome or unsafe.

Electricity and Load Shedding:
During our stay, there were several instances of load shedding, where the electricity would unexpectedly cut off. While I understand that this is a common issue in Nairobi, the problem was compounded by the fact that the electricity would not be restored until we contacted the staff to "re-configure" the system. There were times when we had to call at midnight just to get the lights turned off before bed. When power cuts occur, staff should take the initiative to ensure rooms are properly re-configured without requiring guests to make a call. The need to wait for staff every time the power went out was both inconvenient and disruptive.

Security Measures:
While I understand the importance of strict security in Nairobi, I found the hotel's security measures to be excessive and invasive. Upon arriving by Uber (each time during our stay) security staff would open all car doors, including the trunk, and perform a scan. We were then required to exit the car, place our bags through a conveyor belt, go through a metal detector, and then return to the car. Although the guards were friendly, the process felt overly intrusive, especially when they asked for my name and room number while we were still in the car. This poses a significant security concern, especially for female and child guests. While I don’t expect the hotel to change its security procedures, I think it’s important for future guests to be aware of this. Overall, my issues with Kwetu Hotel were not related to the quality of the room or amenities, which were fantastic. However, the interactions with staff, security concerns, and inconvenience regarding electricity left me feeling uncomfortable. These issues are significant enough that I would hesitate to stay here again...