Crowne Plaza, the light on a hill

Without a doubt Nairobi’s Upper Hill is quickly becoming the prime office location in the city.

Many businesses have relocated to the area from the Central Business District, with companies now building their office headquarters in the area as a first choice. Only eight years ago, Upper Hill was a predominantly upper-middle class residential area, with many, old colonial houses occupying one or two acres of land. Today, it is resplendent with neat, organised rows of high-rise buildings housing blue-chip local and multinational companies.

The latest entrant is the Crowne Plaza Nairobi Hotel nestled on Kenya Road. The hotel facilities include 162 air-conditioned rooms, which include 13 suites and exclusive lounge all furnished in contemporary style. The hotel has pillarless ballrooms that can take in about 350 guests and a kitchen that ensures hot food whenever necessary. One wing of the ballroom enjoys natural lighting.

Dining areas

Guests have two dining options, the Sikia and Baraza restaurants offering both local and international cuisine. For me the place is Baraza next to the heated swimming pool. And like it was with the ballrooms, Sikia Restaurant has its own kitchen behing the walls to avoid cases of waiters walking with food from one section of the hotel to the other.

Their food and beverage never sleeps and one can enjoy their mouth-watering menus courtesy of the 24-hour room service.

For health freaks, the hotel has a health club and fitness centre hence there is no need to take to jogging at the crack of dawn or late in the evening. The ultra modern gymnasium is well equipped with a trainer at hand to make sure all is well. Next to the gym are massage rooms, sauna, beauty salon and a juice bar.

There is a well stocked bar with an extended coffee lounge and a mini bar. The main bar’s highlight apart from the wide choice of drinks is its spotlight and chandalier.

The place has three main entry points; via Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) or through the Haile Selassie — Ngong road intersection, or through the Nyayo Stadium roundabout. Since the area was predominantly a residential area, the narrow roads are busting from the increased traffic. Commuters board public buses from Kencom going to KNH then walk the whole stretch to the hotel, but those who would prefer using taxis from the city centre would be charged Sh500 or thereabout for a 10 minutes drive.

Though fairly new, Crowne Plaza is turning into one of the most popular weekday or weekend destinations, and is a soothing space in which to unwind, recharge or be romanced away yet within the city’s reach.

It offers both a distinctive style and an ideal setting for all business travellers, leisure guests and groups along with unparalleled access to all that makes Nairobi one of Africa’s greatest cities!