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5-star hotels in Nairobi
This shortlist covers the 5-star hotels in Nairobi, from Westlands to Upper Hill and the airport corridor. It is for travellers who want the city's top comfort tier for business, a short break or a family stay.
Staying in Nairobi
Nairobi is Kenya's capital and its main gateway, a city where a business district, leafy older streets and a cluster of international hotels sit within a compact centre. The 15 hotels on this list are spread across the city rather than in one quarter: several sit in Westlands, several in Upper Hill or along Kenyatta Avenue, and others near the airport or to the north.
That spread matters when you choose. Upper Hill and Kenyatta Avenue put you close to the central business district, Westlands suits evening dining and meetings, and the airport-side hotels serve early flights. With guest ratings from 4.6 to 4.8 out of 5, the list fits business travellers, couples and families who want a 5-star base for a short Nairobi stay.
The shortlist
Ranked by hotel class, then guest rating and number of reviews.
JW Marriott Hotel Nairobi
Chiromo Lane Westlands
Why stay hereA 5-star address on Chiromo Lane in Westlands, the JW Marriott Hotel Nairobi carries a guest rating of 4.8 from 850 reviews, which puts it among the most consistently praised stays in the city. It suits travellers who want international 5-star standards in Nairobi's main business and dining district, and the volume of feedback means recent guests have already tested the rooms and service for you. Couples on a city break and business visitors both fit here.
See JW Marriott Hotel NairobiRadisson Blu Hotel Nairobi Upper Hill
Elgon Rd
Why stay hereRadisson Blu Hotel Nairobi Upper Hill draws on an unusually deep review base: 4.7 out of 5 from 11607 guests. Set on Elgon Rd in Upper Hill, it fits visitors who prefer a decision backed by thousands of stays, and the 5-star class places it among Nairobi's top-tier addresses.
See Radisson Blu Hotel Nairobi Upper HillNairobi Serena Hotel
Kenyatta Avenue Processional Way
Why stay hereKenyatta Avenue Processional Way puts Nairobi Serena Hotel in the centre of the city, a practical choice for guests whose plans revolve around the downtown core. A 5-star hotel rated 4.7 from 5903 reviews, it suits travellers who want a central address and a long, well-established record of guest feedback.
See Nairobi Serena HotelHemingways Nairobi
Mbagathi Ridge
Why stay hereHemingways Nairobi sits on Mbagathi Ridge, away from the central streets, which suits guests who want a quieter 5-star setting on the edge of the city. Its 4.7 rating comes from 3068 reviews, a substantial record for travellers comparing calm, low-key addresses against downtown options.
See Hemingways NairobiCrowne Plaza Nairobi Airport by IHG
First Freight Lane
Why stay hereFirst Freight Lane places Crowne Plaza Nairobi Airport by IHG beside the airport, so it suits travellers with early departures or late arrivals who would rather not cross the city. The 5-star hotel holds 4.7 out of 5 from 1980 reviews, a solid signal for a short, functional stay.
See Crowne Plaza Nairobi Airport by IHGHyatt Regency Nairobi Westlands
38 Muthithi Road
Why stay hereHyatt Regency Nairobi Westlands opened recently enough that its record rests on 309 reviews, yielding 4.7 out of 5. On 38 Muthithi Road in Westlands, this 5-star hotel suits guests who want a modern address in Nairobi's western district and do not mind judging a property on a shorter track record.
See Hyatt Regency Nairobi WestlandsPullman Nairobi Upper Hill
Kenya Road Upper Hill Nairobi Kenya P O Box 25574
Why stay hereWith 257 reviews and a 4.7 rating, Pullman Nairobi Upper Hill is one of the newest entries on this list. Its Kenya Road Upper Hill address suits business travellers and anyone who wants a 5-star stay in Upper Hill with facilities still fresh, accepting that guest feedback is thinner than at longer-established rivals.
See Pullman Nairobi Upper HillMövenpick Hotel & Residences Nairobi
Mkungu Close Westlands
Why stay hereMövenpick Hotel & Residences Nairobi combines Mkungu Close Westlands with a 4.6 rating from 7687 reviews. The 5-star property suits longer stays and families, given its Residences name, and its Westlands position works for guests who want to be in that district rather than the centre.
See Mövenpick Hotel & Residences NairobiSankara Nairobi Autograph Collection
5 Woodvale Grove
Why stay here5 Woodvale Grove in Westlands is the address for Sankara Nairobi Autograph Collection, a 5-star hotel rated 4.6 from 4651 reviews. It appeals to travellers who value a design-led Autograph Collection property and a Westlands location, with a review record large enough to be informative.
See Sankara Nairobi Autograph CollectionFairmont The Norfolk
Harry Thuku Road
Why stay hereHarry Thuku Road places Fairmont The Norfolk near the central business district, a fit for guests who want a 5-star hotel within reach of Nairobi's core. The 4.6 rating rests on 3197 reviews, and the Fairmont name signals a long-standing city address rather than a new build.
See Fairmont The NorfolkTribe Hotel
Limuru Road The Village Market Gigiri
Why stay hereAt Limuru Road The Village Market Gigiri, Tribe Hotel sits in Nairobi's diplomatic and shopping district, which suits guests visiting embassies, UN offices or the nearby mall. The 5-star hotel scores 4.6 from 2953 reviews, a steady record for a Gigiri base.
See Tribe HotelThe Social House Nairobi a Preferred Lifestyle Hotel
154 James Gichuru Road
Why stay hereThe Social House Nairobi a Preferred Lifestyle Hotel, on 154 James Gichuru Road, targets guests who want a lifestyle-oriented 5-star stay outside the centre. Its 4.6 rating comes from 2696 reviews, and the name signals an emphasis on communal, informal spaces rather than a conventional downtown hotel.
See The Social House Nairobi a Preferred Lifestyle HotelArgyle Grand Hotel Nairobi Airport
Mombasa Road
Why stay hereArgyle Grand Hotel Nairobi Airport on Mombasa Road serves travellers who need a 5-star bed close to the airport corridor. With 4.6 out of 5 from 1028 reviews, it offers a reasonable evidence base for a property positioned for transit stays rather than city sightseeing.
See Argyle Grand Hotel Nairobi AirportKwetu Nairobi Curio Collection By Hilton
Peponi Road
Why stay hereKwetu Nairobi Curio Collection By Hilton, on Peponi Road, is a 5-star hotel with a compact review record: 4.6 from 375 guests. It suits travellers drawn to the Curio Collection's individual style who are comfortable choosing a newer Nairobi property with limited but positive feedback.
See Kwetu Nairobi Curio Collection By HiltonGem Forest Hotel Nairobi MGallery Collection
Limuru Road 1250
Why stay hereGem Forest Hotel Nairobi MGallery Collection places guests at Limuru Road 1250, in the northern part of the city. Rated 4.6 from 304 reviews, this 5-star MGallery property suits travellers who want a distinctly styled hotel and accept that its guest record is still slim.
See Gem Forest Hotel Nairobi MGallery Collection
The shortlist side by side
| Hotel | Class | Guest rating | Reviews |
|---|---|---|---|
| JW Marriott Hotel Nairobi | ★★★★★ | 4.8 | 850 |
| Radisson Blu Hotel Nairobi Upper Hill | ★★★★★ | 4.7 | 11,607 |
| Nairobi Serena Hotel | ★★★★★ | 4.7 | 5,903 |
| Hemingways Nairobi | ★★★★★ | 4.7 | 3,068 |
| Crowne Plaza Nairobi Airport by IHG | ★★★★★ | 4.7 | 1,980 |
| Hyatt Regency Nairobi Westlands | ★★★★★ | 4.7 | 309 |
| Pullman Nairobi Upper Hill | ★★★★★ | 4.7 | 257 |
| Mövenpick Hotel & Residences Nairobi | ★★★★★ | 4.6 | 7,687 |
| Sankara Nairobi Autograph Collection | ★★★★★ | 4.6 | 4,651 |
| Fairmont The Norfolk | ★★★★★ | 4.6 | 3,197 |
| Tribe Hotel | ★★★★★ | 4.6 | 2,953 |
| The Social House Nairobi a Preferred Lifestyle Hotel | ★★★★★ | 4.6 | 2,696 |
| Argyle Grand Hotel Nairobi Airport | ★★★★★ | 4.6 | 1,028 |
| Kwetu Nairobi Curio Collection By Hilton | ★★★★★ | 4.6 | 375 |
| Gem Forest Hotel Nairobi MGallery Collection | ★★★★★ | 4.6 | 304 |
From each hotel's own listing on this site; a dash means it is not listed.
How to choose
For the airport
Crowne Plaza Nairobi Airport by IHG, on First Freight Lane, is rated 4.7 from 1980 reviews, and Argyle Grand Hotel Nairobi Airport on Mombasa Road is rated 4.6 from 1028 reviews. Both suit early departures and short layovers.
Crowne Plaza Nairobi Airport by IHG · Argyle Grand Hotel Nairobi Airport
For the business district
Radisson Blu Hotel Nairobi Upper Hill on Elgon Rd and Pullman Nairobi Upper Hill on Kenya Road put you in the Upper Hill business quarter. Nairobi Serena Hotel on Kenyatta Avenue and Fairmont The Norfolk on Harry Thuku Road sit closer to the central streets. Ratings run from 4.6 to 4.7 out of 5.
Radisson Blu Hotel Nairobi Upper Hill · Pullman Nairobi Upper Hill · Nairobi Serena Hotel · Fairmont The Norfolk
For Westlands
Westlands holds the biggest cluster: JW Marriott Hotel Nairobi on Chiromo Lane, Hyatt Regency Nairobi Westlands on Muthithi Road, Mövenpick Hotel & Residences Nairobi on Mkungu Close, Sankara Nairobi Autograph Collection on Woodvale Grove and Kwetu Nairobi Curio Collection By Hilton on Peponi Road. JW Marriott leads this group at 4.8 from 850 reviews.
JW Marriott Hotel Nairobi · Hyatt Regency Nairobi Westlands · Mövenpick Hotel & Residences Nairobi · Sankara Nairobi Autograph Collection · Kwetu Nairobi Curio Collection By Hilton
Top-rated picks
If guest rating decides, these five share the highest marks. JW Marriott Hotel Nairobi scores 4.8 out of 5; Radisson Blu Hotel Nairobi Upper Hill, Nairobi Serena Hotel, Hemingways Nairobi and Crowne Plaza Nairobi Airport by IHG each score 4.7, with review counts from 1980 to 11607.
JW Marriott Hotel Nairobi · Radisson Blu Hotel Nairobi Upper Hill · Nairobi Serena Hotel · Hemingways Nairobi · Crowne Plaza Nairobi Airport by IHG
Where to stay in Nairobi
Westlands
Westlands is named in five of the addresses on this list, from Chiromo Lane and Muthithi Road to Mkungu Close, Woodvale Grove and Peponi Road. It is the densest cluster of 5-star hotels on the shortlist, spanning ratings of 4.6 to 4.8 out of 5, and it suits travellers who want a base away from the central business district.
Our picks here: JW Marriott Hotel Nairobi · Mövenpick Hotel & Residences Nairobi
Upper Hill
Upper Hill appears in the addresses of Radisson Blu Hotel Nairobi Upper Hill on Elgon Rd and Pullman Nairobi Upper Hill on Kenya Road. Both are 5-star, rated 4.7 out of 5, and the Radisson Blu carries 11607 reviews, the highest review count on this shortlist.
Our picks here: Pullman Nairobi Upper Hill
Kenyatta Avenue
Nairobi Serena Hotel stands on Kenyatta Avenue Processional Way, a central address named in its listing. It is a 5-star hotel rated 4.7 from 5903 reviews, which places it among the most reviewed properties here for travellers who want a central position.
Our picks here: Nairobi Serena Hotel
Things to do near Nairobi
Questions, answered
Which hotel is closest to the airport?
Crowne Plaza Nairobi Airport by IHG, on First Freight Lane, is in the airport area, and Argyle Grand Hotel Nairobi Airport on Mombasa Road is also on the airport side of the city. Both are 5-star and rated 4.7 and 4.6 out of 5 respectively.
Which 5-star hotel in Nairobi has the highest guest rating?
JW Marriott Hotel Nairobi, on Chiromo Lane Westlands, scores 4.8 out of 5 from 850 reviews, the highest of the 15 hotels on this shortlist. Radisson Blu Hotel Nairobi Upper Hill, Nairobi Serena Hotel, Hemingways Nairobi and Crowne Plaza Nairobi Airport by IHG follow at 4.7.
Which of these hotels has the most reviews?
Radisson Blu Hotel Nairobi Upper Hill, on Elgon Rd, has 11607 reviews and a rating of 4.7 out of 5. Mövenpick Hotel & Residences Nairobi, on Mkungu Close Westlands, is next with 7687 reviews, followed by Nairobi Serena Hotel with 5903.
Which hotels are in Westlands?
Five: JW Marriott Hotel Nairobi on Chiromo Lane Westlands, Hyatt Regency Nairobi Westlands on 38 Muthithi Road, Mövenpick Hotel & Residences Nairobi on Mkungu Close Westlands, Sankara Nairobi Autograph Collection on 5 Woodvale Grove and Kwetu Nairobi Curio Collection By Hilton on Peponi Road.
Which hotels are best for a business stay?
The Upper Hill pair, Radisson Blu Hotel Nairobi Upper Hill on Elgon Rd and Pullman Nairobi Upper Hill on Kenya Road, sit in the business quarter. Nairobi Serena Hotel on Kenyatta Avenue and Fairmont The Norfolk on Harry Thuku Road are also central. All are 5-star.
Are there 5-star hotels away from the city centre?
Yes. Hemingways Nairobi is on Mbagathi Ridge, Tribe Hotel and Gem Forest Hotel Nairobi MGallery Collection are on Limuru Road, and The Social House Nairobi a Preferred Lifestyle Hotel is on 154 James Gichuru Road. Ratings for these range from 4.6 to 4.7 out of 5.
How many of these hotels are rated 4.6 out of 5?
Gem Forest Hotel Nairobi MGallery Collection is also rated 4.6.
Which hotel should I pick for a short break?
Among the most reviewed and highest rated, JW Marriott Hotel Nairobi at 4.8 and Radisson Blu Hotel Nairobi Upper Hill at 4.7 with 11607 reviews are strong short-break choices, while Hemingways Nairobi on Mbagathi Ridge offers a 4.7 rating away from the centre.