Where to Stay in Nairobi (For First-Timers)

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Many first-time visitors to Nairobi only stopover between their flights and safaris. If that’s your plan, I’ll cover some good options like Emara Ole-Sereni, which is near the airports. But I’d really encourage you to consider spending at least a couple of nights, ideally over a weekend, to really soak in Nairobi’s energy.

I have visited Nairobi four times and stayed in a half dozen hotels across the city’s most popular neighborhoods. I am here to attest that where you stay can really affect how well you enjoy the city.

For first-timers, I recommend staying in Westlands. It’s trendy, safe, and home to a variety of stylish hotels. On my last visit, I loved my stay at the ultra-modern JW Marriott Nairobi. It was pricey, though, so, for a more mid-range budget, consider the nearby Hyatt Place Nairobi Westlands. Or for a more traditional and romantic style, Villa Rosa Kempinski is gorgeous.

While Westlands is my top pick area, there are other areas to consider, each with its own pros and cons, so read on for my full guide. But first, I’ll quickly summarize my top hotels for those in a hurry.

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Best Places to Stay in Nairobi

Short on time? Here are my top picks: 

• 🏆 My Best Overall – JW Marriott Nairobi
• 🗺️ Best Location – Hyatt Place Nairobi Westlands
• ❤️ For Couples – Villa Rosa Kempinski
• 🏛️ Most Historic Hotel – Sarova Stanley 
• ✈️ Near Wilson Airport – Emara Ole-Sereni
• 💎 Best Luxury Hotel – JW Marriott Nairobi
• 🏨 Luxury Boutique – Hidden Hills Luxury Boutique Hotel
• 🛏️ Best Budget – MAA Hotel and Suites or La Maison Royale

For more, keep scrolling. We’ll cover the pros (and cons) of each area of Nairobi.

5 Best Neighborhoods & Areas to Stay in Nairobi

Visitors should know that Nairobi is a sprawling city, and traffic can be an absolute nightmare. So, I would suggest picking where to stay based on the places you intend to spend most of your time. 

For proximity to sites and attractions, pick Westlands or CBD. If you have an early flight out, consider staying near the airports. For longer visits or luxurious boutiques, consider staying further out in Kilimani or Karen. 

Westlands

👉 Best Area For First-Timers | ✨ Best Westlands Hotels: Hyatt Place Nairobi Westlands • JW Marriott Nairobi • Villa Rosa Kempinski • La Maison Royale

I prefer to stay in Westlands and, if it’s your first time in Nairobi and you can afford it, you can’t go wrong doing the same. 

Westlands is a modern neighborhood popular among expats and affluent Kenyans. It is home to the city’s highest concentration of dining, nightlife, and shopping options. It is one of the few somewhat “walkable” areas of Nairobi (though keep an eye on your belongings). On a weekend evening, this is the place to be in Nairobi (check my mini guide below for my recs). 

Westlands is home to many large Western-branded hotels. My most recent stay at the brand-new JW Marriott Nairobi was stellar. For luxury travelers, you can’t beat it. It’s practically a resort. 

For travelers on a mid-range budget, I’d suggest Hyatt Place Nairobi Westlands. It’s a newer property with a great location and fantastic value. For a more traditional boutique experience, consider the elegant Villa Rosa Kempinski. 

Budget options in Westlands are fairly limited, but I did once stay at La Maison Royale and found it to be a pretty good deal.

Pros of Staying in Westlands:

• Trendiest part of Nairobi, with lots of restaurants, bars, and malls 
• Safe, with some areas even being walkable 
• Lots of modern & luxurious hotels to choose from 

Cons of Staying in Westlands:

• Premium hotel prices mean it’s not best for budget travelers
• Airport transfers can take some time at peak traffic times  

Nairobi West / Near Wilson & Kenyatta Airports

👉 Best Area for Layovers | ✨ Best Nairobi West / Airport Hotels: Emara Ole-Sereni • La Maison Royale South C • Eka Hotel • Crowne Plaza

I only recommend staying near the airports if you are in Nairobi for a short layover (usually onward to a safari). But I realize that’s probably half of my audience for this article, so I’m being realistic in covering this area anyway. The main reason you might want to stay here is just the sheer convenience of avoiding Nairobi’s infamous traffic on your drive to the airport. 

Jomo Kenyatta International Airport is the city’s main international airport. You’ll likely enter and exit Kenya here, and it’s located pretty far outside the city. Only stay here if you’re purely in town for a layover. The closest options are the Crowne Plaza, Four Points, or the Argyle Grand.

Meanwhile, Wilson Airport area is a bit closer to the city. Wilson is where you’ll find smaller propeller flights connecting to the Masai Mara and other destinations in Kenya.  

Wilson Airport is right next to Nairobi National Park, where you can book a safari to see animals against the backdrop of the city. It’s also closer to the Giraffe Center than downtown. So, if animals are really the focus of your trip, you could make the area work for up to a few days. 

On my most recent trip, we overnighted at Emara Ole-Sereni – which has views of Nairobi National Park right from the hotel. The 10-minute drive to Wilson Airport really made it convenient to catch our Safarilink flight in the morning! I would stay here again for a safari connection, as it was definitely the nicest one I could find in the area. 

If it’s out of your budget, other options to consider near Wilson are Eka Hotel (more mid-range) or La Maison Royale South C (mid-range to budget). 

Pros of Staying in Nairobi West:

• Easy access to Kenyatta International Airport and Wilson Airport (for safari connections) 
• Relatively affordable options 
• Near Nairobi National Park 

Cons of Staying in Nairobi West:

• Area is not really walkable at all 
• Few dining options means it’s not ideal for longer stays 

Central Business District (“CBD”)

👉 Best Area For History | ✨ Best CBD Hotels: Sarova Stanley • Fairmont The Norfolk • Best Western Plus Meridian Hotel

On my first trip to Nairobi years ago, I stayed at the historic Sarova Stanley hotel in the Central Business District (“CBD”). The hotel has a ton of history and character. The Wikipedia page for the hotel is fascinating. Built in 1902, it was the city’s first luxury hotel and has hosted dignitaries like Winston Churchill and Ernest Hemingway. Its cafe is also where you’ll find the Lonely Planet “Thorn Tree.” 

Other hotels to consider in the CBD are Fairmont The Norfolk, a quiet retreat for luxury travelers, or Best Western Plus Meridian Hotel for those looking for affordable and central accommodations. 

Since the CBD is in the middle of the city, staying here gives you a very central location. It’s also home to several historic sites and government buildings. If you want a taste of old Nairobi, this is where you’ll find it. 

Although the area is walkable, know that some travelers have reported feeling a bit unsafe while walking the streets in the evening. And I distinctly recall our hotel’s security staff insisting on walking my friend and I to dinner just a couple of blocks away. 

Pros of Staying in CBD:

• Central location close to many sites and attractions
• Lots of history and character 

Cons of Staying in CBD:

• Some travelers report safety concerns at night
• Area can be noisy and chaotic 

Karen

👉 Best Area For Nature & Boutiques | ✨ Best Karen Hotels: Hidden Hills Luxury Boutique Hotel • Giraffe Manor • The Drexel House Kenya

Though I’ve visited, Karen is the only Nairobi area on this list I’ve never personally stayed in. My reason for that is that it’s just very far on the edges of the city (more like a suburb). I personally like to stay more central. 

With that said, Karen is popular with a lot of wealthy expats because it is tranquil and home to lots of greenery. It feels like it mostly caters to the country club crowd. You might consider Karen if you’re a couple or family looking for a luxurious and quiet retreat from the bustling city.

Accommodations in Karen mostly consist of guesthouses and luxury boutique hotels, the most famous of which is the iconic Giraffe Manor. This is where you can get those iconic Instagram photos of “breakfast with giraffes.” With that said, know that you can interact with the exact same giraffes (for a lot less!) by just visiting the Giraffe Centre located on the same property (photo of me above). It’s totally worth a trip to play with the giant animals, especially if you have kids.

Other boutiques in Karen worth considering are the highly-rated Drexel House Kenya and Hidden Hills Luxury Boutique Hotel. For the ultra-luxury crowd, Hemingways Nairobi looks just stunning. 

Pros of Staying in Karen 

• Tons of nature and greenery (barely feels like the city!) 
• Peaceful and tranquil vibes contrast with the noise of central Nairobi
• Very safe area to stay 

Cons of Staying in Karen:

• Located far from almost everything 
• Transportation can be more of a challenge (Uber does work, but wait times can be long) 
• Accommodation options are mostly limited to luxury boutiques 

Kilimani

👉 Best Area For Value | ✨ Best Kilimani Hotels: Fairview Hotel Kenya • MAA Hotel and Suites • The Social House Nairobi • Yaya Hotel & Apartments

Kilimani is a large hilly residential area covering a huge part of the western half of Nairobi. It’s reasonably central, quiet, and safe (almost everything exists behind walls and security). For families, it’s a good area of Nairobi to stay. 

With that said, it doesn’t have that many attractions and, personally, I prefer the energy of Westlands. In my opinion, the main reason to stay in Kilimani is the wide variety of hotel options for every budget. 

I once stayed at the Fairview Hotel Kenya and found it to be a really beautiful 4-star property with a great location near the center. It’s perfect for families or couples. Or, a little further out from the center, The Social House Nairobi is another stunning property for luxury travelers.  

Kilimani also offers options for budget conscious travelers. Check the rates at MAA Hotel and Suites and Swiss Lenana Mount Hotel for good value. 

And, for longer stays or groups, Kilimani is home to lots of serviced apartment-style accommodations like the highly-rated Yaya Hotel & Apartments.

Pros of Staying in Kilimani:

• Lots of hotels to choose from (including at more reasonable prices)
• Safe, relatively central location 
• A fair number of dining options 

Cons of Staying in Kilimani:

• Not as many attractions nearby 
• Not really walkable at all 

Tips for Staying in Nairobi

Stay for a Weekend if You Can

While Nairobi may not have quite as many attractions as other large cities, it does have vibrant dining, nightlife, and shopping scenes (particularly in Westlands). You can find places open any day of the week, but the city really comes alive during the weekends. If you can, plan your itinerary so you can spend a weekend enjoying the city’s energy! 

Plan Ahead for Safari Connections

If you’re coming to Nairobi, there’s a good chance you’re planning to go on safari in the Masai Mara. I’ve done it twice and it’s one of the most incredible experiences I’ve had traveling the world for almost a decade!

With that said, you need to plan ahead for your connection. Your options are either taking a drive (usually via a shared shuttle) or taking a short flight. 

I’ve done it both ways. The drive is much more affordable, but it is exhausting and pretty much consumes an entire day each way. Flying is much faster and more enjoyable. If you are staying in the park, I would definitely try to fly if it’s within your budget, as seeing the animals from the air is a cool experience.

Safarilink and Kenya Airways both offer flights from Wilson Airport. My partner Clara was a bit nervous about the small propeller planes, but both our rides were super smooth.

📚 Related Reading:  I Booked a 5-Star Luxury Safari With Points. Here’s My Review of the JW Marriott Masai Mara.

Nairobi is Safe to Visit, But Be Smart

You may be asking yourself if it’s really safe to stay in Nairobi. Personally, I think the answer is “yes” as long as you take reasonable precautions. You’ll likely be fine so long as you avoid walking alone or at night and don’t flash your valuables. The main risk is opportunistic petty theft.

Also, expect security everywhere at Nairobi. Much of the city exists behind compound walls. You’ll have to go through metal detectors to enter malls, hotels, attractions, sometimes even restaurants. And many hotels even bring out the dogs to sniff cars before letting them through the gates. 

Use Uber to Get Around Nairobi 

Uber is a great, safe, and convenient way to get around Nairobi. It’s my go-to way to get around the city. Unless you are part of a private tour or have your own guide, I think Uber is the way to go. Wait times are seldom more than 10-15 minutes or so, often shorter, and the app works all over the city. Bolt is a similar app that works in Nairobi, but personally I use Uber. 

Many Attractions Do Not Accept Cash 

I was surprised to find out that most museums and attractions in Nairobi only accept credit cards or online tickets. The idea is to prevent opportunities for corruption. 

But it can make for a bit of a hassle. At the Nairobi National Museum, they required us to buy our tickets on our phone, via what I would call a semi-functional website. It made for an awkward and annoying entrance to the museum. Anyway, just be prepared or buy your tickets in advance where possible. 

But Tips are Often Expected

Kenya definitely has a tipping culture, particularly in services that cater to tourists. We noticed more than a few service professionals who seemed to “expect” a tip a little too much. We even had an Uber driver directly ask us for one before the ride started (though that only happened once).

It is appropriate to tip 10-15% at restaurants, a hundred or two shillings for hotel porters, and tip tour guides anywhere from 1,000 to 2,500 ($10-25) shillings per day, depending upon whether it is a group tour and the level of service provided. 

Explore Beyond the City Center

There is a lot to do around the edges of Nairobi! I personally love walking through Karura Forrest in the north. It’s such a nice break from the bustle of the city.

And did you know that you can even take a safari game drive right near the city at Nairobi National Park? Check out a popular and affordable mini-safari tour here. 

There are also several interesting day trips from Nairobi to consider. I loved hiking Mount Longonot several years ago (book a tour here). Other travelers rave about this Hells Gate and Lake Naivasha tour. And you can even visit a Maasai village close to Nairobi. 

Book Ahead to Visit the Baby Elephant Nursery

There is just one major attraction in Nairobi I’ve never been able to check off myself: visiting the baby elephants at the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust Nursery. The nursery is famous for its daily bottle feedings of the orphaned baby elephants it cares for. But the nursery limits visitors to protect the animals. 

You need to reserve your tickets well in advance (I’m talking months) by contacting the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust directly via their website. I’ve never been able to secure a ticket for my dates (hey, I’m a last minute planner sometimes!), but you should give it a shot the moment you know your dates for Nairobi. 

Nairobi FAQs

What areas in Nairobi should visitors avoid staying in?

Avoid staying too far east of CBD, as there is generally less to do in this area. While most of the city is safer than you think, local crime reports indicate above average crime in several areas tourists are unlikely to stay in anyway: Kamukunji, Lang’ata, and Embakasi. 

For most visitors, it’s best to stay in, or at least near, one of the five general areas I suggest above.  

How many nights do you need to visit Nairobi?

I would recommend 3 nights in Nairobi to get a solid taste of the city. That’s enough time to visit the main sites and museums, as well as perhaps take a game drive in Nairobi National Park.

Is Nairobi worth visiting? 

Yes, Nairobi is absolutely worth a stop. While many tourists only briefly pass through or skip over it on their way to a safari, you can’t really understand Kenya until you take some time to soak in its capital city. Nairobi offers lots of dining, nightlife, culture, as well as interesting nature breaks, parks, and animal-interaction opportunities. It would be a shame to miss it if you’re going all the way to Kenya already! 

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I hope you enjoyed this guide to where to stay in Nairobi! If you have any more questions for me, feel free to drop a comment.

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