Sponsored by Crowne Plaza Nairobi
When you think of Crowne Plaza Hotel, what comes to your mind? Well, if you’ve ever seen the imposing architectural masterpiece, you’ll agree with me that it is of such a spectacular view. The magnificence of the hotel gives you the feel of passing through a central London street.
A few days ago, I had a weekend stay at the hotel. It was one hell of an experience. Crowne Plaza Nairobi has been in operation for the last 7 years.
It is a modern, elegant and luxurious hotel situated at the heart of Upper Hill, Nairobi’s new financial district. It is surrounded by multinational companies, diplomatic missions, banks, hospitals and entertainment venues.
It was brought to life to cater for the modern business traveller who’s looking for an excellent experience that is both fulfilling and memorable.
Crowne Plaza Hotel exterior view.
On Friday evening I checked in at around 7pm. I first settled down at the Alabaster coffee bar at the lobby where I had some delicious Caffè mocha before officially going to my room. What I loved most about the service is that they kept checking on me. I was on a long phone call with my friend and she was giving me details about her intention to move to Lagos to further her career. The attendant was patient enough until I got the serving. I loved the yummy cookies as well!
The standard superior room at Crowne Plaza feels cozy. Mine had splendid night view of the city that had friends asking where I was — my Whatsapp and Instagram stories were popping. The interior finishing of the hotel employs a minimalist design and the signature purple color gives the ambiance a lively feel.
Dinner hours are usually between 6.30pm to 10.30pm and you have a wide choice of restaurants to go to. There’s the Sikia Restaurant (on the mezzanine floor), Baraka Restaurant (lobby level), Bizari Restaurant (3rd floor Annex building) and Babalu’s Lounge on the ground floor.
Sikia Restaurant
I had my dinner at the spacious Baraka Restaurant. Kicking off my delicacy sampling, I dived into the juicy Sim Sim Prawns that excited my palate. I then surprised my stomach with Green Pea Soup with Salmon. By the time I was savoring the Molo Lamb Chops, I was literally full. My hosts were caring enough to let me have a take away to my room. Despite being so full, I had some tasty Strawberry Ice Cream before I left the restaurant.
Being on a Friday, I was drenching in fatigue as I my week had been busy. I switched on the telly to watch some horror movie on M-Net Movies Premiere. It wasn’t long before I slumped back into the sheets and had a quick nap. I woke up slightly past midnight and had a quick look at the In-Room Dining menu. I needed something to keep me busy with the binge watching that intended to do for the rest of the night — but it never happened.
My superior room
I ordered Van Loveren Papillon Alcohol Free Sparkling Blush NV (South Africa) from the Night Watch drinks selection. You could also ask for the wine by glass. I recommend the Nederburg Cabernet Sauvignon (South Africa) red wine or Robertson Sweet White (South Africa). If you are a foodie, I totally recommend the Crowne Club Sandwich, Eggs in Spicy Tomato Sauce (Shakshuka), Lemon Mint and Asparagus Rissotto or Chicken consomme.
Later I had a hot shower and some play time in the Jacuzzi before retiring to bed. The next morning, I woke up at around 9am and headed straight to Baraka Restaurant for breakfast. A buffet was on offer but one could also order a la carte.
The most striking thing about Baraka Restaurant is the gazebo style rooftop that covers part of it. The sound of the fountain water dripping in the background makes you feel as if you’re dining by a mountainside brooke. While noticing all these finer details with my mind all absorbed in the surroundings, an attendant asked me to weigh in between ordering or going buffet. I chose the latter.
The fountain.
I am a sucker for pineapple mango juice so I downed two glasses before proceeding to spicy green peas, croissants, mushrooms and baked beans. After breakfast, I went to check out the rest of the hotel. I toured the Annex, the fitness centre and swimming pool. The followingis what I learnt:
The location of the hotel is just 7 minutes away from the Central Business District and 25 minutes to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. If you’re planning to say in Nairobi and have a wonderful experience without having to hustle getting around, choose the hotel.
Crowne Plaza is part of InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) and which has a presence in over 100 countries in the World and a member of the IHG Rewards Club with over 80 million members Worldwide.
Their Sleep Advantage program features a unique solution for a great night’s sleep. It includes an aromatherapy kit, dedicated quiet zone rooms, “Doctor Sleep” Tips and a series of podcasts for your night’s rest.
They also feature inspiring meeting facilities such as a pillar-less ballroom and natural daylight lighting as well as modern boardrooms and comprehensive equipment to encourage your success.
While there, I had a tour of their new 15 floor annex that will be offering spacious event spaces, accommodation as well as office spaces. I was given a tour of the mixed use property and all I can say that it is a great investment. It offers a to die for view of the Nairobi skyline, a tranquil living experience and the signature Crown Plaza service.
To book, call the Crowne Meetings Director to host all your events in the 13 elegant meeting and conference rooms.
While staying at the hotel, you’ll access the heated swimming pool, get to work-out with experienced trainers in the state-of-the-art Uzima Health club and try out their array of tantalizing massage treatments in our holistic spa.
The swimming pool.
Are you in another country in Africa? Make sure you visit the Crowne Plaza Website to book your stay. You can use Travelstart to book your flight!
About Crowne Plaza:
Set in Upper Hill commercial district, this modern, upmarket hotel is 6 km from Nairobi National Museum and 23 km from Nairobi National Park.
The upscale rooms come with free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs and coffeemakers. Upgraded quarters and suites add minibars, safes, iPod docks and/or sitting areas. Club rooms feature access to a lounge with drinks and snacks at no extra charge. Room service is available 24/7.
Freebies include parking, and full English breakfast that’s served in a casual buffet restaurant. There’s also an elegant restaurant, a relaxing lounge and a bar. A business centre, a gym, a spa and an outdoor pool are on-site.
