Trying out one of the modern five-star hotels in Nairobi had always been on my bucket list.
And in October 2024, I ticked this box with a memorable visit to Pullman Nairobi Upper Hill thanks to an invitation from Accor Group, a world-leading hospitality group currently managing 9 hotels (+1,300 rooms) in Kenya alone.
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Pullman Nairobi Upper Hill is delivering an inspiring, energising and enriching experience revolutionizing hospitality in Nairobi and the East African region.
Forward-thinking, hyper-connected and with a passion for art and fitness, the hotel ticks all the boxes.
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Nestled in Upperhill, one of Nairobi’s affluent neighborhoods, the hotel is conveniently accessible within 20 minutes from the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) via the new Expressway.
Upon my arrival at the hotel, my first impression was nothing short of the positive reviews made by past guests online.
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Warm Reception
Smiling and welcoming staff members, adorned in vibrant traditional attire, welcomed us with joyous Maasai songs, as their rhythmic voices echoed through the air.
As the dancers from the famous Maasai community leapt high in a traditional dance, the hotel’s crew presented each of us with beautiful Samburu bead necklaces, a memorable gesture that made us feel embraced by the local culture from the very first moment.
Stepping into the Pullman Hotel lobby felt like entering an art gallery celebrating Kenyan heritage.
The centerpiece was a 4-meter tall, 80kgs “Mama” a life-sized female giraffe sculpture made from 2,950 flipflops.
Mama was crafted by a team of eight artisans in a period of 48 days totaling to 584-man hours.
The lobby itself was a feast for the eyes, with walls lined with vibrant art depicting Kenya’s Big Five animals, each crafted from colorful flip-flops and displaying hues that brought life to the space.
The art was uniquely Kenyan, an innovative blend of tradition and sustainability that filled the room with a spirit of authenticity.
Dinner at the Dispatch Grill
Later, we enjoyed a true Kenyan dining experience at the Dispatch Grill, where we were immersed in an array of rich local flavors.
The meal began with a choice of soups, and I opted for the beef consommé—a crystal-clear broth that had been meticulously simmered for hours to achieve its pure, refined taste.
Each sip was warm and comforting, a perfect start to the evening.
Next came the starters, and I couldn’t resist the avocado kachumbari salad. This vibrant mix of ripe avocado, tomatoes, and onions was tossed with a hint of fresh lime and local spices, delivering a zesty and refreshing taste inspired by the flavors of the African Great Lakes region.
For the main course, I chose the kuku kienyeji—a local free-range chicken cooked slowly with traditional spices.
Kenyan Cuisine
As proud member of the Luhya community, known for our love of chicken, this dish felt like a piece of home.
The chicken was tender and juicy, infused with spices that made each bite both flavorful and familiar.
The menu also featured mbuzi choma, tender roasted goat meat.
Another option was the whole tilapia fish, fresh from Lake Victoria, expertly grilled and served with a hint of lemon and local herbs, capturing the true essence of Kenyan waters.
For those who preferred beef, the Kenyan-style grilled beef fillet was cooked to order, seasoned to bring out its natural flavors.
Additionally, I had the chance to taste the matoke (green bananas) in peanut sauce, which offered a delicately simmered green bananas served in a rich and creamy peanut sauce.
Stay at Pullman Hotel Rooms
I later proceeded to my room, one of the 162 modern and meticulously designed rooms, which was yet another pleasant sight to behold in the hotel.
The spacious living room featured plush seating, handcrafted African art, and a large window that filled the space with natural light and offered a view of the city.
In the bedroom, a king-size bed with high-thread-count linens promised a restful sleep.
On the bed, a note from Director of operations offered a warm welcome and wished me a pleasant stay with them.
A 40-inch LED TV offered a vast selection of local and international channels to cater to the guest’s entertainment and information needs.
The Local Taste
The following day, I was taken through the Kenyan 254 breakfast at the Dispatch where the Coastal region was adequately represented with an array of Swahili dishes that were both sweet-smelling and delectable.
As I moved from one station to another, I couldn’t help but appreciate how each dish told a story, reflecting the traditions and cultures of its region.
From spicy pilau rice to coconut-infused chicken curry and mandazi, each bite took us to the sun-soaked beaches of Kenya’s coastline.
Others include mahamri, mtindi halisi, vitumbua, selection jams, mbaazi, mkate wa kupaka, choma sausage, and salad (vegetables, tomatoes, tango and carrot).
Swahili Breakfast
The beverage options were equally enticing, featuring refreshing variety of fruit juices like Maji ya machungwa, Maji ya ukwaju, Maji ya tufaha, and Maji ya nanasi.
For those who enjoy cereals, the hotel offered were Weetabix, Cornflakes, Rice Krispies, and All Bran, complemented by a variety of condiments and milk.
The dairy selection included mtindi halisi and flavored mtindi, while the pastries featured maandazi and cakes, including gluten-free options, banana cake, bread, vitumbua (rice cakes), complemented by a selection of jams and marmalades, along with jibini (cheese).
The hot foods were impressive as well, offering uji wa wimbi, beef soup, mahamri, mbaazi, vitumbua, mkate wa kupaka, yams, cassava, boiled maize, hard-boiled eggs, choma sausage, and sweet potatoes.
To complete the meal, I enjoyed a variety of teas and coffees, including black tea, spiced tea, coffee, Ginger tea, hot chocolate, and infused tea, providing a perfect start to the day.
What Pullman Hotel Upperhill Offers
Pullman Hotel has adopted the concept of “workspitality” under the co-working spaces brand WOJO.
This innovative approach combines workspace and hospitality to cater to the changing demands of modern travelers and professionals.
In an interview with The Kenya Times, Pullman General Manager Gerald Moutou said:
“The co-working spaces brand, WOJO, offers 200 desks available for rent, with daily rates starting at $20. Each desk rental includes Wi-Fi, email access, and printing services, designed to meet the evolving needs of modern travelers and professionals.
Guests staying at Pullman can enjoy two hours of complimentary access at WOJO, along an exclusive 20% discount while members of ALL – Accor’s award-winning loyalty program can enjoy additional benefits.”
Convenience for business guests
The hotel boasts state-of-the-art meeting and event spaces featuring 12 boardrooms, with pillar less ballrooms, one main restaurant, junction bar, cosmopolitan hub and a networking hub catering to both small and large groups, setting the stage for unparalleled business and leisure experiences.
Moutou describes the hotel as a hub for blended businesses, offering flexible meeting and event spaces that foster a proactive working environment.
He highlighted that the venue serves as a vibrant social hub, enhancing the overall experience for guests while complementing its various outlets.
Pullman is located in Upperhill and surrounded by the Japanese Embassy, Britam, AFDB Bank and the Teachers Service Commission (TSC).
Pullman, the new lifestyle hotel, is specially crafted to cater to nomadic workers, creative entrepreneurs, and international companies hosting premium events.
With its modern and versatile spaces, this hotel is also perfect for romantic getaways, blending elegance with convenience to meet the needs of a wide range of guests.
