Where to stay in Nairobi? Our recommendations
All international flights arrive and depart from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), located on the outskirts of Nairobi. Therefore, depending on your flight schedule, it’s quite common to spend a night in the capital before or after your trip through the country.
As this night is at the traveler’s own expense, one of the most frequently asked questions we receive is Where do you recommend staying in Nairobi?
In a big city like Nairobi, it’s normal not to find it very easy to determine the best areas to stay, and even more important, which areas to avoid. So today, we’re going to share our accommodation recommendations in Nairobi with you so you can enjoy your stay in the city.
Firstly, we recommend booking through the Booking platform because that’s where you’ll find the widest variety of options, and you can make a reliable reservation (be careful with scams and avoid paying individuals in advance before you arrive, consider yourself warned!).
Secondly, it’s important to know that Nairobi is not like other cities, and we advise against staying in the city center due to its hustle and bustle and high pedestrian traffic (let’s just say it’s not the safest area). Like in any capital city, distances are long – especially in terms of time due to chaotic traffic – so you can easily get around by taking a taxi with any mobile app. The most commonly used ones are Uber, Bolt, or Little Cab.
That being said, let’s get to it. We’ve selected some options that are frequently used by our travelers so you can choose based on your preferences, budget, and plans for the day. There’s a bit of everything, from apartments to hotels.
Important note: We have no affiliation with these accommodations, and we do not take responsibility for their service and offerings. The recommendations here are based on our experience and that of our travelers, which may change over time. We recommend checking the latest reviews and opinions for each accommodation to ensure it meets your expectations.
This is our selection based on the area you’d prefer to stay:
WHERE TO STAY IN WESTLANDS:
Being one of the most popular neighborhoods in Nairobi, Westlands offers a wide range of entertainment options, including restaurants, bars, and shopping centers. It is conveniently located within easy reach of the city center and other attractions such as the National Museum or Karura Forest.
- Ibis Styles
- Skynest Residences
- Sports Road Apts
- Lotos Inn & Suites
- CySuites Apartment Hotel
- Best Western Plus Westlands
WHERE TO STAY IN KILIMANI?
Residential neighborhood well located and secure, with shopping centers and a variety of cafes/restaurants:
WHERE TO STAY IN KAREN-LANGATA?
Your best choice if you want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and be close to tourist attractions like the Giraffe Centre, Karen Blixen Museum, Elephant Orphanage, Nairobi National Park, or the Carnivore restaurant:
WHERE TO STAY NEAR THE AIRPORT?
If your flight lands very late at night and you’re starting your safari the next day, or if you want to spend a few hours before your flight near the airport, this is the best option. But keep in mind that Jomo Kenyatta International Airport is located quite far from the city, so we only recommend it if you want to rest, but not if you’d like to go sightseeing:
- Hilton Garden Inn Nairobi Airport
- Crowne Plaza Nairobi Airport
- Kozi Suites
- Teresita Home
- Pride Inn Plaza Hotel
We really hope you find this selection helpful to enjoy your stay in the city!