Mövenpick Hotel & Residences Nairobi blends modern African elegance with a captivating ambiance that pays tribute to local heritage through African-inspired designs, an uplifting atmosphere and culinary standards featuring international cuisine with touches of African influences.
Nestled in the vibrant Nairobi’s Westlands district, the hotel is conveniently located near the city center and diplomatic districts, making it an ideal choice for leisure and business travellers alike.
The property boasts two of Nairobi’s largest meeting halls, including pillarless ballrooms perfect for grand celebrations and corporate gatherings and its diverse culinary experiences have put the hotel on the map as a leading hotel in Nairobi and the region.
The crown jewel of Mövenpick Nairobi is undeniably The View. Mövenpick’s iconic revolving restaurant makes it invincible in the market as guests and tourists get to experience a rare panoramic view of the city.
Set high above the skyline, I had the opportunity to dine at this signature spot where I witnessed the entire cityscape and beyond while savoring authentic Swiss and Mediterranean specialties.
Settling into a cosy window seat, I was captivated by the view. With each gentle turn, the city transformed before my eyes, unveiling different landmarks and hidden gems.
As I savored each bite of my meal, I found myself toasting to the beauty of the city lights, which sparkled brilliantly against the night sky, creating a magical atmosphere that made the experience unforgettable.
The views were stunning on a clear morning too, and I could capture the Mount Kenya and Ngong Hills from a distance.
In addition to the splendid sceneries, Mövenpick treated me and my fellow journalists visiting the hotel to a memorable experience as we tried out local dishes.
During my stay, I enjoyed an exclusive journey into Kenya’s culinary heritage, guided by Mövenpick’s expert chefs. We participated in an exciting lunch cooking session where we prepared local ugali (corn meal) and meat with sukuma wiki (Kales).
I learned the techniques for crafting the perfect ugali, a staple food in Kenyan cuisine, and prepare flavorful sukuma wiki to complement the beef.
The chefs began by sauteing onions until golden brown, then added minced garlic (saumu) for an aromatic kick.
They then blended the tomatoes into a smooth puree and added it to the pot, to create a rich base for the dish. With each step, I gained a deeper appreciation for Kenya’s vibrant flavors and culinary traditions.
Distinct Dining Experiences at Mövenpick
Beyond The View, I also had the pleasure of exploring the diverse dining options at Mövenpick Hotel & Residences Nairobi, each offering a unique culinary experience.
The sports themed, La Mesa Bar and Lounge on the 15th and 16th floors, was a vibrant spot where I savored delicious tapas while enjoying live screenings of sporting events.
For a more relaxed dining experience, I visited the Baluba all-day dining venue, which showcased themed buffets featuring local produce.
Adjacent to the outdoor pool, Kijani bar offered a refreshing escape with inventive cocktails and light snacks. It was the perfect spot to unwind and soak up the sun.
For a more relaxed ambiance, the (Conservation) café was a delightful retreat, presenting Mövenpick’s signature coffees, international teas, and handcrafted cakes—a charming spot to unwind and recharge.
In addition to this, Mövenpick’s Signature chocolate hour is served for all in-house guests at this spot. Tucked by the lobby, streams of chocolate from the chocolate fountain with signature house-made chocolates are usually offered on complimentary for all in-house guests every day from 4:00pm – 5:00pm.
Sunday Brunch
A favorite among families, Mövenpick has become the ultimate destination for those seeking a refined family experience.
Its heated pool, provides a warm and inviting swim year-round, making it particularly appealing for parents and their children.
On Sundays, families flock to the brunch, where a feast awaits in an outdoor setting that offers a tranquil atmosphere surrounded by lush landscaping.
For the kids, the fun extends beyond the plate with a dedicated play area that offers supervised activities tailored to different age groups.
The friendly and attentive crew ensure that the children are engaged and safe, allowing parents to relax and have private time.
Stay at The Rooms
The hotel features 275 spacious rooms, suites, and residences, each measuring 42 square meters or more.
The interiors are beautifully crafted with African décor, featuring large king-size beds and bathrooms equipped with a bathtub and shower.
After exhausting all that was there to be explored, I retired to my dedicated room for the night.
A 40-inch LED TV in my room provided access to a vast selection of international channels, while the individually controlled air conditioners allowed me to create the perfect atmosphere.
Additional amenities, including high-speed internet access, a work desk, complimentary tea and coffee-making facilities, and a minibar, all but enhanced my adventure.
Residencies
I found Mövenpick Hotel & Residences Nairobi to be a remarkable shift from the typical accommodation model, where major hotels traditionally offered standard rooms.
The introduction of ‘residences’ in the hospitality space has elevated the guest experience, and Mövenpick is at the forefront of this trend.
Each residence includes a spacious living room, a dining area, and twin bedrooms featuring one or two king beds, along with a lovely balcony.
The one- and two-bedroom residences are spacious, measuring 97 and 121 sqm respectively, which are tastefully decorated in warm and neutral tones.
The en-suite bathrooms were particularly impressive, boasting a separate bathtub and a luxurious walk-in rain shower that added a touch of indulgence to my daily routine.
Meeting Spaces
A leader in Nairobi’s MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) scene, one of their key strengths being 14 meeting rooms, including two of the largest ballrooms in Nairobi.
From the impressive Almasi Ballroom with a built-in stage to the expansive Hall of Africa, which accommodates up to 1,100 guests, the hotel’s event spaces inspire grand celebrations and productive meetings alike.
For those looking to host outdoor events, the hotel’s stunning pool area serves as an enchanting venue for gala dinners, themed nights, product launches, and parties, providing a picturesque backdrop that enhances the overall experience.
Hotel Spa
For adults seeking rest and rejuvenation, the hotel’s spa offers an extensive range of treatments designed to soothe and refresh.
As I walked through the spa, I discovered that the massage beds are heated to add an extra layer of comfort during the treatment and enhance the overall relaxation ritual.
The sauna and steam rooms are equipped with warm beds, non-heated restrooms, and showers, allowing guests to cool down after their sessions.
The hotel attracts a mix of local and international travellers. Most locals visit for meetings and dining experiences (food and beverages), while international travellers come primarily for MICE and corporate events.
