Sarova Stanley | Nairobi City Hotel * Heated Pool & Spa

75 photos

Sarova Stanley Hotel, Nairobi Exterior photo The photo shows a large, modern hotel building at dusk or early evening. The building is multi-storied with a light-colored facade and numerous windows, many of which are illuminated from within.

The hotel has a prominent entrance with a glass cano

Sarova Stanley Hotel, Nairobi Exterior photo The photograph captures a vibrant city scene at dusk or dawn, dominated by a large, modern hotel building. The hotel is multi-storied, with a predominantly white facade and numerous windows illuminated from within, suggesting activity inside. A lower

Sarova Stanley Hotel, Nairobi Interior photo The photo shows a spacious hallway, likely in a hotel or similar building. The walls are painted a warm yellow, and the floor is tiled with large, light-colored tiles arranged in a pattern of black square accents.

Along the right wall, there is a w

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Key details

About the Hotel

Corner Of Kimathi Street And Kenyatta Avenue, Nairobi, Kenya

Steps from the city center

Great

8.9

9.3

/10

4.5

Loved by Sarova Stanley Hotel, Nairobi guests

Friendly staff
Clean room
Heated pool
Delicious breakfast

"The whole atmosphere of a grand old hotel lives here, in the city business centre of Nairobi."

Michael from Germany

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"The historical value alone makes this hotel worth staying at, and the knowledge of the staff as they tour you through the artifacts housed in the hotel makes you feel like you have stepped into another era."

Vacation67203683147

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"The heated pool was also very nice to enjoy."

Nancy

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5-Star Heritage Hotel in Nairobi's City Center

Location

Sarova Stanley is situated at the junction of Kenyatta Avenue and Kimathi Street, within the Nairobi Central Business District. The hotel provides quick access to notable landmarks such as the Kenyatta International Convention Centre, Nairobi National Park, and numerous high-end shopping centers. Jomo Kenyatta International Airport is only 17.3 km away, while Wilson Airport is located just 5.8 km from the property.

Rooms

The hotel boasts 210 rooms and suites, including unique heritage suites that reflect a blend of Victorian charm and contemporary amenities. Each accommodation comes equipped with spacious bathrooms, plush bedding, and a selection of antique furnishings. Notable options include the Stanley Heritage Suites and premium club rooms that cater to diverse preferences.

Dining

Sarova Stanley offers a variety of dining options, including the renowned Thai Chi restaurant, which is celebrated for its authentic Thai cuisine. Guests can enjoy casual meals at the Thorn Tree Café, known for its historical significance and atmosphere under a towering acacia tree. The Pool Deck restaurant provides an outdoor dining experience overlooking the heated rooftop swimming pool.

Wellness

The Tulia Wellness Spa is designed to offer a range of rejuvenating treatments for guests, promoting relaxation and health. The fitness center features state-of-the-art exercise equipment, alongside a sauna, steam rooms, and an aerobics studio. The hotel's heated rooftop swimming pool provides an inviting escape for guests seeking leisure in a unique setting.

Meetings & Events

Sarova Stanley includes versatile meeting and event venues equipped with top-notch audio-visual technology, accommodating various types of gatherings. The hotel's indoor and outdoor spaces are tailored for functions, from corporate events to lavish banquets. Additionally, dedicated staff members ensure seamless service and a customized experience for all occasions.

Highlights

Location: Nairobi Central Business District

Rooms: 210 rooms and suites

Dining: Thai Chi restaurant & Thorn Tree Café

Wellness: Tulia Wellness Spa & fitness center

Events: Versatile meeting venues with top audio-visual tech

Must-do experiences

Visit the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust to see baby elephants.
Savor a Nyama Choma feast at the famous Carnivore Restaurant.
Explore the Gikambura Forest for scenic hikes and birdwatching.
Discover local art at the Nairobi National Museum and Gallery.
Shop for unique crafts at the Kazuri Beads Factory in Karen.

Location: Great

8.9/10Review score

See hotel location on map

Guest Emotional Experience

Safe HavenUrban Oasis

“A safe secure place to go after the craziness of the streets.”

stacey from United States

Perfect for Finding FriendsGreat connections!

“We especially had great conversations with Sarah who helped us check in and Alice who made sure we were having a great experience.”

Chandni from United Kingdom

Explorers, Not TouristsHistory Awaits

“The hotel has a lot of history and is a unique feeling of calm on a busy city.”

Rebecca O from United States

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Choose the Room

From cosy doubles to spacious family suites – all with flexible options, breakfast, and exclusive deals.

Stanley Room

2 persons

325 sq. feet

1 Double bed

Shower

Bathtub

room details

Stanley Twin Room

2 persons

325 sq. feet

2 Single beds

Shower

Bathtub

room details

Stanley Club Twin Room

2 persons

370 sq. feet

2 Single beds

Shower

Bathtub

room details

Stanley Club Room

2 persons

370 sq. feet

1 Double bed

Shower

Bathtub

room details

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Check Dates & Room Rates

See what's available for your travel dates

Amenities

Thoughtfully designed amenities for a comfortable & memorable stay

Facilities: Great

8.9/10Review score

General

No smoking on site
Wi-Fi
Parking
Safe deposit box
24-hour reception
No pets allowed
Rooms/ Facilities for disabled
Wheelchair access
24-hour security
Luggage storage
Locker room
Lift
Currency exchange
Smoke detectors
Fire extinguishers
Key card access
Key access

Sports & Fitness

Fitness centre

Guest Parking

Electric kettle
Dryer

Services

Paid airport shuttle
Valet parking
Room service
Housekeeping
Laundry
Dry cleaning
Welcome drink

Dining

Restaurant
Poolside snack bar
Packed lunches
Special diet menus

Business

Business centre
Meeting/ Banquet facilities
Fax/Photocopying

Children

Cots
Children's buffet

Facilities for people with disabilities

Toilet for disabled
Bathroom for disabled

Spa & Leisure

Heated swimming pool
Outdoor swimming pool
Sun loungers
Spa & wellness centre
Sauna
Steam room
Massage
Pool with view

Room features

Air conditioning
Mini-bar
Soundproofed rooms
Sitting area
Dressing area
Tea and coffee facilities
Ironing facilities

Bathroom

Free toiletries

Self-catering

Electric kettle
Dryer

Media

Flat-screen TV
AM/FM alarm clock

Room decor

Carpeted floor

Dining Onsite

Sarova Stanley features a delightful array of dining options, each offering a taste of local and international flavors amidst inviting ambiances. Whether it's a casual brunch by the pool or an intimate dinner with stunning views, each venue promises a unique and memorable culinary experience.

Sarova Stanley Hotel, Nairobi Restaurant photo Thai restaurant

Sarova Stanley Hotel, Nairobi Restaurant photo The photo shows a warmly lit restaurant with several tables set for diners. The walls are predominantly covered in rich, dark wood paneling, giving the space a traditional and somewhat formal atmosphere.

The tables are covered with white tablecloth

Thorn Tree Cafe

International with African, American, British, French, Irish, Turkish, and Seafood influences

Ambiance

Family-friendly, Modern atmosphere overlooking lush lawns and vibrant birdlife

Key Offerings

A historic spot where travelers once pinned their letters; serves meals from breakfast to dinner

Reservation

Open daily from 06:30 - 22:00

Pool Deck Restaurant

Casual dining

Ambiance

Family-friendly and modern setting with a refreshing poolside view

Key Offerings

Offers brunch, lunch, high tea, and cocktail hour in a relaxed atmosphere

Reservation

Open for brunch, lunch, high tea, and cocktail hour; specific hours not listed

Thai Chi Restaurant

Traditional Thai and Asian

Ambiance

Romantic and traditional environment ideal for intimate dining

Key Offerings

A serene spot for lovers of authentic Thai flavors; specific menu offerings not listed

Reservation

Hours not specified; typically open for dinner

Sarova Stanley Hotel, Nairobi Location

Corner Of Kimathi Street And Kenyatta Avenue, Nairobi, Kenya

Map view

Corner Of Kimathi Street And Kenyatta Avenue, Nairobi, Kenya

City landmarks

Landmark

Nairobi Gallery

2100 ft

Landmark

Kenyatta International Conference Centre

3000 ft

Museum

Nairobi National Museum

1.2 mi

Landmark

Uhuru Park

2.2 mi

Museum

Nairobi Railway Museum

1.2 mi

Theatre

Kenya National Theatre

4600 ft

Park

August 7th Memorial Park

4100 ft

Landmark

Cathedral Basilica of the Holy Family

2100 ft

Landmark

One Off Contemporary Art Gallery

3300 ft

Landmark

American Embassy Memorial Garden

4100 ft

Landmark

Mugie Ranch

2300 ft

Zoo

Snake Park

1.2 mi

Church

All Saints Cathedral

3800 ft

Museum

The Maasai Market

2800 ft

Landmark

Anniversary Towers

3600 ft

Landmark

Central Park Nairobi

1.7 mi

Nearby

Library

Kenya National Archives

1200 ft

Mosque

Jamia Mosque

1000 ft

Park

Jeevanjee Gardens

1400 ft

Central Business District

500 ft

Moi Avenue

Tom Mboya Statue

1000 ft

Casino

Jokers Wild Casino Nairobi

400 ft

The Sarova Stanley

400 ft

Mount Kenya National Park

2300 ft

Mageso Chember

wLake Victoria

2300 ft

Buffalo Springs Reserve

2300 ft

Off Moi Avenue

Kencom House

1700 ft

Event hall

Kicc

1700 ft

Transnational Plaza

Adventure 360 Africa

600 ft

Restaurants

Kaldis Coffee Shop

100 ft

Kimathi Street

Pool Deck Restaurant

100 ft

Cnr of Kimathi Street and Kenyatta Avenue 5th Floor

Tacos

100 ft

Kimathi

Trattoria Ristorante & Pizzeria

900 ft

Kaunda and Wabera Street

Thorn Tree Cafe

600 ft

Sarova Stanley Hotel

Pasara Cafe

800 ft

Lonrho Bldg

Java House Mama Ngina

1200 ft

Mama Ngina Street

Hamdi

1000 ft

5 Kaunda Street

Dream Bean House

1000 ft

Kaunda Street

Explore Nairobi

Nairobi Experiences

Nairobi Gallery

8-minute walk

Art exhibitions in a historic building showcasing Kenyan and international artworks. Free admission on certain days.

Kenyatta International Conference Centre

11-minute walk

Iconic skyscraper with panoramic views from the rooftop. A symbol of Nairobi's business and cultural pulse.

Nairobi National Museum

25-minute walk

Rich cultural and natural history exhibits. Features guided tours and a beautiful garden. Entry fee applies.

The Maasai Market

11-minute walk

Vibrant open-air market showcasing local crafts and artworks. Great for souvenirs and experiencing local culture.

Central Park Nairobi

35-minute walk

Public park ideal for picnics and relaxation with lush green spaces. Perfect for families and solo travelers.

David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust

5-minute drive

Elephant orphanage rescue that offers guided tours. Thrill seekers can enjoy an up-close experience with elephants.

The Nairobi Arboretum

10-minute drive

Beautiful botanical gardens perfect for nature walks. Ideal for relaxation and appreciating local flora.

The Exchange Bar

1-minute walk

Trendy bar with a relaxed atmosphere offering a variety of cocktails and local beers. Casual dining perfect for all.

Pool Deck Restaurant

1-minute walk

Offers a serene dining ambiance near the pool with an international menu. Great for business lunches or casual dinners.

Thorn Tree Cafe

3-minute walk

Famous for its rich coffee and delightful meals in a cozy setting. Ideal for a casual dining experience.

Kenya National Theatre

17-minute walk

Local venue for performances hosting various shows. Offers weekly events ranging from drama to live music.

Central Business District

2-minute walk

Vibrant area with street performers, cafes, and shops. Perfect for family outings and casual exploring.

Getting around

City Centre

Nairobi9 min · 2300 ft

Airports

Wilson (WIL)8 min · 3.3 mi

Jomo Kenyatta (NBO)30 min · 12.1 mi

Train

Nairobi Railway Station14 min · 3700 ft

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Property information and rules

Check-in

from 14:00-17:30

Check-out

from 04:00-11:00

Guest Parking

Private parking is possible on site for free.

Internet

Wireless internet is available in for free.

Breakfast

A full breakfast is served at the price of US$30 per person per day.

Pets

Pets are not allowed.

Number of floors:

Number of rooms:

288

Guest Ratings & Reviews

Real Guest Experiences & Ratings

Review summary

Based on recent reviews

The Sarova Stanley, centrally located in Nairobi CBD, is known for its beautiful, historic décor and immaculately maintained premises. Guests often enjoy the spacious rooms and the excellent breakfast, with some specifically highlighting the local dishes served on Friday mornings. While some guests have found the gym to be too small, many appreciate having amenities such as the rooftop pool, the Exchange Bar and the Thai Chi restaurant.

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Review score

Based on 552 verified reviews

9.0/10

Perfect

92%

Recommend

Staff

9.4/10

Cleanliness

9.2/10

Paid Wi-Fi

7.9/10

Free Wi-Fi

8.1/10

Pros

Comfortable room

Good breakfast

Excellent service

Friendly staff

Good location

Cons

Delayed response

Weak WiFi

Eva from Germany

Single

Stanley Room

4 nights in November 2025

Reviewed: January 29, 2026

5/10

central locationsmall gymslow check-in

the hotel location is central. that's a plus.

The gym was smaller than expected. i found this irritating because i had planned several workouts. the equipment was old and limited. the check-in process was also slow. I waited almost 30 minutes to receive my room key.

0 Helpful

John from United Kingdom

Single

Stanley Room

4 nights in November 2025

Reviewed: January 24, 2026

9.5/10

Historic Charm and Wonderful Service

helpful conciergeperfect atmospherebeautiful arrangementsnon-functional air conditioning

Concierge Steve was very helpful. The Thorn Tree cafe had a perfect atmosphere. I also loved the beautiful flower arrangements throughout all the communal areas.

The air conditioning in my first room did not function. The hotel assured me it would be fixed. It was not corrected . I needed to ask for a pedestal fan.

Dining

9/10

The breakfast spread had good variety. I asked for Indian breakfast and the hotel provided it which was very nice. The continental breakfast was excellent and I found that it was so good

Service

10/10

The staff were helpful and friendly. They went out of their way to be helpful and attentive. They made sure I felt comfortable. All the staff were professional and efficient. They provided warm and excellent service

0 Helpful

samantha from australia

Single

stanley room

3 nights in November 2025

Reviewed: January 10, 2026

7/10

expedited deliverycomfortable bedlive musicsmall gymdodgy wifiunderwhelming offering

the staff helped with the expedited delivery of my tablet computer i left in the room to the airport it arrived in time for my flight to london highest compliments for that the room was spacious it included a comfortable bed and a desk i found the historical decor charming the live music in the exchange bar was a treat.

i found the gym to be too small it has limited equipment i thought the breakfast offering was underwhelming for a hotel of this kind the wifi was dodgy it kept dropping i found this frustrating when i needed to work.

0 Helpful

Riley from United States

Family with children

Stanley Room

3 nights in November 2025

Reviewed: December 24, 2025

7/10

a generally good stay

friendly staffclean roomlive musicslow processsmall gympool location

the staff were amazing and provided excellent service. the rooms were clean and generously sized, i was glad. the hotel includes live music at the exchange bar, it was perfect.

the check-in process was slow and could use improvement. the gym is too small and needs an update. i also thought the location of the pool near the restaurant was uncomfortable.

0 Helpful

luna from italy

Single

stanley room

4 nights in August 2025

Reviewed: November 12, 2025

8.7/10

a lovely stay

helpful staffreally good experiencepolite servers

i found every member of staff willing to assist in any way possible. sarah at check-in and alice both ensured my experience was really good. i enjoyed the food at thorn tree restaurant, and the polite servers made it even better.

Service

9/10

the reception staff provided prompt and helpful assistance. concierge services assisted with local information. housekeeping was efficient, the room remained clean and tidy daily.

Rooms

8/10

the room included a king-size bed and ample storage. a work desk provided a dedicated space. the bathroom had a shower and complimentary toiletries were available.

Facilities

9/10

the gym contained three treadmills and several weight machines. the swimming pool featured a lifeguard on duty. complimentary wifi access was available throughout the hotel, it worked very well.

0 Helpful

Questions of the users

About Sarova Stanley Hotel, Nairobi

Can information be shared about the bus services available from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport?

5 January 2024

Taxi and van services are available from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport at an additional cost.

Are there any opportunities for students to undertake training attachments at the hotel?

12 February 2024

The hotel does offer training attachment opportunities for college students.

Is it possible to arrange airport transportation for two passengers and their luggage, and what would the cost be?

18 March 2024

The airport transport service can be arranged at a rate of USD 30 for a one-way trip.

If I have a guest visiting my room, what are the hotel's policies regarding their access?

23 April 2024

A visitor can access your room, provided they leave their identification document at reception and exit by 18:00 to avoid incurring additional charges.

Can a rollaway bed be added to my room for an additional guest?

1 May 2024

It is possible to accommodate a third person in the room. You can either opt for a double bed with a rollaway or three single beds.

Is early check-in available for arrivals before the typical check-in time, and what are the costs involved?

15 June 2024

Early check-in is subject to availability but can be accommodated. Alternatively, a room can be booked for the prior night at full rate for guaranteed access.

Can bags be securely stored at the hotel while I go on a safari?

22 July 2024

Guests can leave and store their luggage securely at the hotel free of charge while they embark on a safari.

Are tailoring services provided for clothing at the hotel?

30 August 2024

Tailoring services are available for hotel guests, however, they are not offered for non-hotel items.

Are specialty Indian meals available at the hotel's dining facilities?

12 September 2024

Yes, the hotel provides a variety of Indian dishes prepared by qualified chefs specializing in this cuisine.

Is breakfast included in the room rate when booking a stay?

10 October 2024

Rates vary; some include breakfast while others do not. It's advisable to check the specific booking terms.

What is the distance from the hotel to the nearest airport?

20 November 2024

The hotel is located approximately 18 kilometers from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.

What is the easiest way to get around the hotel and the surrounding business district?

15 December 2024

The hotel is conveniently located in the Central Business District. Walking is suitable for nearby attractions, but taxis are available for further distances.