Luxury Hotel Nairobi – Villa Rosa Kempinksi Review
In Spring 2024, I went on one of my favourite trips to date. My trip to Nairobi most certainly exceeded my expectations, and I have to give some credit to the luxury hotel that I stayed in – Villa Rosa Kempinski. It’s one of those places where once you step in, you undoubtedly know that you’re in a 5-star establishment.
If you’re looking for a luxury hotel in Nairobi, you’re on the right track by being here! So let’s talk about this gem. About 25 minutes away from the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport is a vibrant and upscale neighbourhood called Westlands. Westlands is located in Upper Parklands in Nairobi. In Westlands, you’ll find several high end hotels. Many of them are international hotel chains that you’ve probably heard of before. In this area, you’ll also find the beautiful Villa Rosa Kempinski. It’s a luxury hotel that’s committed to delivering world class service to its guests.
Villa Rosa Kempinski: First impression
Upon arrival at the hotel, before I was even on the property, I was greeted by a gate that immediately displayed grandeur. For me, this entrance served as a symbol of the elegance and sophistication that I was about to experience. At this gate, there was a security check, which was straight forward and stress free.
As I arrived at the hotel’s main entrance, I encountered another security checkpoint. Here, I was simply required to place my belongings through an X-ray scanner while I walked through a body scanner. Once inside, the staff followed the typical routine and handled my bags while I made my way to the front desk to check in.
Walking into the hotel lobby, what stood out to me even before I got to the front desk was the hospitality of every staff member that I came across. The doorman, concierge, bellhop, and even the security personnel, each person greeted me with a genuine smile and kind words.
Now, let’s talk about the lobby. Pure opulence. With the sounds of classical music playing in the background, the gold accents in the decor, and the stunning upholstered furniture, it was immediately clear that Villa Rosa Kempinski doesn’t just offer accommodation, it curates an experience of refined luxury.
One thing that I’ll point out is that while the hotel’s ambience leans towards relaxation, you’ll also notice a few business professionals present. Given its reputation and prime location, Villa Rosa Kempinski is often a top choice for corporate travellers. The hotel often hosts high profile conferences and networking events.
Villa Rosa Kempinski: Room Review
I stayed in their Balcony Deluxe Room, which is about 365 square feet. This room includes a comfortable king bed, a private balcony, and a view that overlooks the city. I initially thought that with my view of the roads, there might be noise concerns, especially seeing as the hotel is right off one of the main roads. However, this ended up not being an issue for me. Also, although the balcony is rather small, it still provides enough space for you to sit comfortably for some morning tea. Or to simply get some fresh air at any point during the day.
The interior of the room was quite impressive and was tastefully designed with warm tones and elegant furnishing. Various details in the room contributed to an atmosphere of comfort. This included the high quality linens, the thoughtfully placed lighting, and the well planned spacing.
There’s a stunning white door that leads to the bathroom, and the door itself feels grand and blends into the room’s luxurious aesthetic. The bathroom included both a bathtub and a shower. The sink/counter space was more than enough for me to lay out my cosmetic and other hygiene care items. Overall, this room offers everything you’d expect from a luxury hotel in Nairobi.
Hotel Amenities
One of the hotel’s greatest perks is its state of the art spa facility, the Kempinski Spa. I was able to stop by a day before I left Nairobi. It was the perfect place to wind down at the end of my trip. From the moment I walked in, the ambiance immediately set the tone for relaxation. Picture this – soft music, calming scents, and warm hospitality. Yes please!
While waiting for my pre-booked massage, I relaxed in a private room and enjoyed some tea. In addition to this room, the spa facility also has calming and aromatic rooms for massages, a sauna and a hot tub. I was able to take advantage of all of these amenities, and I truly enjoyed every moment.
To end my morning here, I went outside to their stunning pool area. It’s an enjoyable space with loungers and a lovely view. This was the perfect spot to relax and enjoy the warmth of Nairobi before wrapping up my trip.
The solo massages range from Ksh4,500 to Ksh9,500 ($35 – $75 USD) and a couple’s massage is Ksh14,500 ($112 USD). Also, spa bookings are open to non-hotel guests as well. As someone who believes every trip should include a moment of rest and relaxation, I highly recommend this as a one of the things to do while in Nairobi.
Dining Review
At this point, you’re fully aware that this hotel is all about luxury. If you want to experience it in all of its glory, then you’ll be pleased with their afternoon tea at the K-Lounge.
The K Lounge is where you can sit back in an elegant setting. You can enjoy a quiet moment or catch up with friends and family over tea or cocktails. It has both an indoor and outdoor space. I personally preferred the outdoor space, since it was located next to a stunning fountain. It’s also surrounded by lush greenery, creating a serene and picturesque scene.
On their menu is the afternoon tea, which simply feels like royalty, all for a cost of Ksh2,900 (around $22 USD). During my tea time, I was offered a variety of sweet treats, all of which were beautifully presented and had a lot of flavor. The tea itself was rich, aromatic, and perfectly brewed. This was no surprise, because after all, Kenya is known for producing some of the world’s finest tea. If you happen to have any spare time during your trip, you won’t regret stopping by for this treat.
In addition to the K Lounge, there are other dining areas, one of them being Cafe Villa Rosa. This is where you’ll be having breakfast during your stay. I genuinely enjoyed every breakfast that I had at Cafe Villa Rosa. I appreciated the variety of options that they had, which included both local and continental dishes. The dining room itself is rather spacious and airy, created a bright and inviting environment for a lovely breakfast.
For a la carte style dining, there are two restaurant options – LUCCA and Tambourin. LUCCA offers traditional Italian cuisine, while Tambourine offers Middle Eastern cuisine. Out of the two, I only got a chance to go to Tambourin. My dishes weren’t terrible, but also not something I’d be excited about having again. However, the incredible customer service stood out – a common trend I noticed throughout my trip.
For light snacks, drinks and cocktails, you can visit the Balcony Bar. This is a stylish bar located next to their breakfast hall. If you enjoy fine cigars, you’ll appreciate the beautifully designed Cigar Lounge.
Luxury Hotel In Nairobi | Stay or Skip?
Still undecided about staying at this luxury hotel in Nairobi? Consider Villa Rosa Kempinski, where you’ll enjoy you comfortable rooms, impeccable hospitality, and thoughtfully designed amenities that elevate your experience!
