Where to Stay in Nairobi: Best Areas and Hotels

Honestly, Nairobi isn’t a city where most travellers visiting Kenya need to spend many days. However, as it is the main point of entry to the country and the starting point for many safaris, it’s quite common to have to spend at least one night in the city. In these cases, it’s important to know where to stay in Nairobi so you can rest well, in a safe place, before you set off to discover the country.

If you arrive in Nairobi in the afternoon or evening, or have an early flight the next morning, choosing well where to stay in Nairobi can make a big difference. In these cases, rather than looking for the prettiest or most central hotel, I think it’s especially important to consider the location, the time it takes to reach the airport, the transfer service and the safety conditions.

I remember that, on arriving in Nairobi, I shared the transfer from the airport to my accommodation with a German woman who lived in Uganda. During the journey, we talked about safety in the city and she told me that Nairobi has a certain reputation for having some fairly unsafe areas. In fact, she told me that the nickname “Nairobbery” is sometimes used, a play on words between Nairobi and robbery, precisely because of this perception. The driver confirmed that it is a dangerous city, but he also told me that insecurity in Nairobi doesn’t affect tourism, as long as you choose accommodation in safe areas of the city and avoid travelling around at night or in areas that aren’t recommended.

That is why I think it’s important to write this post about hotels in Nairobi. Whether you’re planning an independent trip to Kenya or travelling with a local Kenya tour operator, this information may be useful to you. If you book a safari with a local operator, it is sometimes cheaper to book your first night’s accommodation in Nairobi independently (through Booking.com, for example), choosing an option that offers a transfer service.

What is the best area to stay in Nairobi?

When sleeping in Nairobi, the choice of neighbourhood is just as important as the choice of hotel. It is essential to pick safe neighbourhoods so you don’t run into any problems.

In my view, the best option is usually to stay near the airport, in the Nairobi West area. It is a safe area and you can easily arrange the transfer to or from the airport through your accommodation.

If you want to get around the city a little and try a restaurant, then the Westlands neighbourhood is the best option. It is fairly central and it is the safest neighbourhood in which to sleep in Nairobi. Even so, this neighbourhood tends to be quite expensive, so if you’re travelling on a tight budget, you can also look at accommodation in the Kilimani neighbourhood.

Finally, if you don’t need to travel at night and you’re looking for a quieter area close to nature, then the Karen neighbourhood is the best option.

How to choose a good hotel in Nairobi

Nairobi has some very good hotels, but also hotels that are best avoided. The truth is that I’m very flexible about accommodation and, in many countries, I opt for the cheapest options.

However, I think that when choosing a good place to stay in Nairobi, it’s a priority to be a little more demanding and make sure the hotel has good safety and hygiene standards. It’s important to rest well before starting your safari in Kenya.

When looking for a good hotel in Nairobi to sleep in before starting a safari, these are the basic features I think the establishment should have:

• Proximity to the airport. When it makes sense to sleep in Nairobi, it’s usually because your flight arrives in the afternoon or leaves the next morning. For this reason, it’s best to choose places that are no more than ten or fifteen minutes from the airport, in the part of the city known as Nairobi West.
• Transfer service. I also consider it essential to choose a hotel in Nairobi that has a transfer service, whether free or for an extra charge. That way, you’ll know the service is arranged with someone trustworthy and that someone will be waiting for you when you arrive at the airport. I don’t recommend using taxis for safety reasons.
• Restaurant. In my view, it is also very necessary for the accommodation to have a restaurant (or, at the very least, room service). I stress that safety levels in Nairobi are somewhat low, so it’s not advisable to go out at night in the city looking for somewhere to have dinner.
• Safety. The accommodation must be located in a safe area of the city and must have good reviews in this respect.
• Hygiene. It is also essential, especially in a country where there is malaria and other tropical diseases, that the hotel has good hygiene standards.

Where to stay in Nairobi near the airport: my selection

On my independent trip to Kenya, I spent a first night in Nairobi before starting the safari and also two nights at the end of the trip. So I did an in-depth analysis of the best options for sleeping.

In the following table I share the best alternatives in my view, including the accommodation where I stayed myself. All of them are options close to the airport, within the Nairobi West area:

Below, I explain in more detail what each of these hotels offers, their main advantages and drawbacks, and which type of traveller I think they suit best.

1. Kozi Suites Nairobi Airport

The Kozi Suites Nairobi Airport hotel is the option I chose to stay in Nairobi. For me, it’s an excellent choice for those looking for proximity to the airport, safety and comfort, but also a competitive price.

For me, the most notable positive points of this accommodation are the following:

• It is only ten minutes from the airport. When you make your booking, you can arrange a transfer service that costs 2,000 Kenyan shillings, so someone will be waiting for you when you arrive at the airport.
• The rooms are very spacious, with a large and very comfortable bed. They also have very good soundproofing.
• The facilities are very modern; it’s a renovated and very new property.
• There is a restaurant and room service available 24 hours a day. I ordered some vegetable noodles that were very good and not at all expensive.
• Communication with them is very quick and smooth. I made the booking through Booking.com and it was very easy to contact them to arrange the transfer and tell them my flight’s arrival time.
• The rooms have a small kitchenette.
• There is a swimming pool at the hotel.
• Reviews from other travellers are very good. It currently has an average rating of 8.2.

As for the negatives, I would point out three things:

• The street it is on is constantly under roadworks and is in an area with no appeal at all.
• The exterior of the accommodation is very plain, although inside it is very good.
• The beds don’t have mosquito nets (in countries where there is malaria, I always prefer to sleep under a mosquito net and, in fact, I always carry a small foldable mosquito net in my luggage). That said, I have to say that I didn’t see a single mosquito in my room and that many hotels in Nairobi don’t have mosquito nets (in the national parks, on the other hand, it is most common for all accommodation to have them).

Currently, in 2026, the price of a double room is around 30 euros a night. Bear in mind, though, that depending on the season, how far in advance you book and availability, the price may vary slightly.

Without a doubt, this is accommodation that I highly recommend and where I would happily sleep again.

2. Argyle Grand Hotel Nairobi Airport

Another quality hotel in Nairobi close to the airport is the Argyle Grand Hotel Nairobi Airport. It is a five-star property, somewhat dated, but a completely safe option with all the comforts. In addition, this hotel is less than ten minutes by car from the airport; it is the closest option.

In my view, the best features of this hotel are:

• Proximity to the airport. It is the closest option (apart from the hotel located at the airport itself).
• The facilities are very luxurious, but at a fairly competitive price.
• The hotel has a gym, swimming pool and spa. It also has an inner garden where you can stroll.
• The rooms are very spacious and the beds are large and of high quality.
• The food at the restaurant is also very well rated.
• There is a free airport transfer service, which runs 24 hours a day.
• It has an average rating of 8.6, a very good score.

As negatives, I would highlight the following:

• The price is higher than other alternatives. In this case, a double room usually costs around 150 euros a night.
• Some guests mention that the area where the hotel is located is sometimes quite noisy and that street noise bothered them during the night.

Currently, in 2026, the cost of a double room at this hotel is 146 euros, breakfast included.

3. Hilton Garden Inn Nairobi Airport

If you’re travelling on a somewhat higher budget, the Hilton Garden Inn Nairobi Airport strikes me as a fabulous option. This four-star accommodation is 7.5 kilometres from the airport and it is a very safe option, perfect for getting a good rest before or after a safari in Kenya.

The most notable positive points of this accommodation are the following:

• Airport transfers, both to and from the hotel, are included free of charge.
• The rooms are very spacious and the beds are large and very comfortable.
• There is a gym and swimming pool on site.
• There is a restaurant inside the hotel, so you can eat without having to leave the premises.
• They have a very flexible cancellation policy.
• Guest ratings are very good, with an average of 8.7.

On the other hand, I would highlight the following negatives:

• It is the most expensive option of those I mention in this article.
• Some guests comment that there is sometimes a bit of disorganisation in the airport transfer service. However, it seems to be an isolated issue.

Currently, the double room costs 153 euros, including the transfer service but without breakfast. If you add breakfast, the cost rises to 186 euros.

4. Eka Hotel Nairobi

Although the Eka Hotel Nairobi is not as close to the airport as the previous alternatives, it is still a good option for those looking for a four-star hotel at a more competitive price.

Of this hotel for where to stay in Nairobi, I would highlight the following positives:

• The facilities are very modern, comfortable and safe.
• The price is competitive and there are usually options for under 100 euros (without breakfast).
• There is a swimming pool, gym and also a restaurant.
• It has an average rating of 8.5, with more than 500 reviews.

On the other hand, as negatives I would highlight:

• It is somewhat further from the airport. The transfer takes between fifteen and twenty minutes, depending on traffic.
• The hotel offers a transfer service, but you have to pay for it separately.

Currently, the cheapest rooms at this hotel cost 96 euros (double room, breakfast not included).

5. The Panari Hotel

Another hotel in Nairobi located close to the airport is The Panari Hotel. In terms of proximity, it is in the same area as the previous hotel, somewhat further away than the first three hotels I’ve covered. It is once again an upper-range hotel, specifically a four-star, and it remains a good option for a night’s rest in Nairobi before starting or finishing one of the best safaris in Kenya.

The hotel’s most notable strengths are the following:

• The rooms are large, comfortable and very clean.
• The facilities include a gym, spa and swimming pool.
• There is a restaurant inside the hotel and they also offer a buffet breakfast.

As negatives:

• The transfer from the airport to the hotel takes between 12 and 18 minutes. It is therefore somewhat further away than other options. In addition, the transfer is not free; you have to pay a supplement.
• They offer a transfer service, but for a supplement.
• Some guests comment that the facilities are a little dated.

Currently, in 2026, the price of a double room is 110 euros (breakfast not included).

Other areas to sleep in Nairobi

In my analysis of hotels in Nairobi, I highlight the accommodation above mainly because, for me, being close to the airport was a priority. However, if you want to spend a full day in Nairobi before or after the safari to rest, I’m aware that some people prefer to stay in quieter parts of the city and, if possible, in larger hotels with some outdoor space.

In these cases, it is important to choose the hotel’s area in Nairobi carefully and to prioritise the safest neighbourhoods in the city. Specifically, the other recommended areas to sleep in Nairobi are the following:

1. Westlands, the safest area to stay in Nairobi

If you’re looking for a hotel option in Nairobi away from the airport, the Westlands area is the most recommended. It is the safest area of the city and is a modern neighbourhood, very popular with expats and well-off Kenyans. It is a good area to stay in if you want to try a restaurant or visit a shopping centre. Even so, if you go out from the hotel, it’s important to keep an eye on your belongings.

In the Westlands area, these are some notable hotels:

• Hyatt Place Nairobi Westlands. A modern, luxurious five-star hotel, yet with double rooms for around 100 euros a night.
• The Crossroads Hotel, Westlands. A cheaper option; a double room costs around 50 euros, but it is comfortable, safe and well located within the neighbourhood.
• Lotos Inn & Suites – Nairobi, Westlands. A four-star property offering rooms with kitchenettes. A double room costs 57 euros.

2. Kilimani, an affordable neighbourhood in Nairobi

Although I think it is much better to stay near the airport or in the Westlands neighbourhood, the Kilimani area can also be an alternative to consider if you’re travelling on a tight budget. Kilimani is a large residential area, fairly central and safe, with accommodation for all budgets.

Some notable hotels in this neighbourhood are:

• MAA Hotel and Suites. A three-star hotel without great luxuries, but with a high level of safety, hygiene and comfort. A double room costs around 55 euros.
• Swiss Lenana Mount Hotel. This Nairobi hotel is one of the most popular in the neighbourhood and a very common choice among international travellers. The hotel has four stars and a double room costs around 60 euros (with breakfast).
• Fairview Hotel Nairobi. This is the most luxurious hotel in the neighbourhood and one of the best in the whole of Nairobi. A double room costs around 200 euros and it can be a good option for a honeymoon in Kenya or to treat yourself at the end of the safari.

3. Karen, a quiet area surrounded by nature

Another very interesting neighbourhood to sleep in Nairobi is Karen. It is an area away from the hustle and bustle of the city centre, so it is the ideal alternative for those looking to sleep in a quiet setting surrounded by nature.

However, you should bear in mind that this area is about 30 minutes from Nairobi airport, although the time can vary considerably depending on traffic. For this reason, if you arrive in Nairobi late at night or have a very early flight, I recommend choosing an option close to the airport to avoid travelling around the city at night.

Boutique hotels with large gardens and outdoor spaces stand out in the Karen neighbourhood. Some of the best are:

• The Drexel House Kenya. A beautiful house to stay in on the outskirts of Nairobi. A double room costs around 110 euros.
• Hidden Hills Luxury Boutique Hotel. This boutique hotel is another good option in this neighbourhood. A double room costs around 90 euros.

How to get from Nairobi airport to your hotel

If you book a safari in Kenya with a local tour operator, they can include the airport transfer if you wish. In this case, your guide will already be waiting for you on arrival and will take you to the hotel specified in the itinerary.

However, as I did, it sometimes works out better (especially if you arrive late in Nairobi) to book the hotel for the first night and start the route with a local operator the next day. In these cases, you will have to arrange the transfer from the airport to the hotel yourself. I recommend these two options:

• Arrange the transfer with the hotel. When you book, you can also reserve the transfer so they come to pick you up at the airport. This is the option I recommend, as it is the safest and most convenient.
• Uber. There is also an Uber service in Nairobi and it is a very cheap and fairly safe option. However, for this option you will need internet access on arrival in Nairobi in order to request the ride.

Where NOT to stay in Nairobi

For a stay in Nairobi, I recommend sleeping in one of the areas I’ve covered in this post. They are the safest areas of the city and have quality hotels at competitive prices.

If you decide to explore other parts of the city, I recommend checking the area very carefully. There are some very cheap hotels in Nairobi, but they are in neighbourhoods that aren’t recommended for foreigners. In any case, you shouldn’t visit or sleep in the Kibera and Eastleigh neighbourhoods, which are considered the most dangerous in Nairobi.

Resources for planning a safari in Kenya from Nairobi

Finding and booking a hotel in Nairobi is usually the first part of planning a safari in Kenya. If you’re still at the early stages of preparation, remember that, after my experiences in Kenya, I now help other travellers organise their safari with a local operator. You can fill in this form and I’ll put you in touch with the trusted best Kenya tour operators I know that best suit the type of trip you want to take.

You can also read other articles about Kenya on this site. Some of the most popular are:

• Kenya safari cost
• Kenya vs Tanzania safari
• Kenya itinerary for 10 days
• How to plan a Masai Mara safari
• Cheap Kenya safari

Frequently asked questions about where to stay in Nairobi

What is the best area to stay in Nairobi?

It depends on your trip. Most travellers stay in Nairobi for one night before or after a safari; in this case, I recommend staying near the airport. If your aim is to get to know the city, one of the safest options is the Westlands neighbourhood. On the other hand, the Karen neighbourhood is a good area for those looking for peace and nature.

Where to stay in Nairobi before a safari?

If you start your safari the next day, I recommend staying near the airport and choosing a hotel with a transfer service. That way you can rest and avoid unnecessary journeys around Nairobi. Kozi Suites Nairobi Airport is my preferred option for this kind of stay.

Is it safe to stay in Nairobi?

Nairobi requires some precautions, especially at night. I recommend choosing a well-reviewed hotel, checking its location beforehand and avoiding walking around unfamiliar areas after dark. If you arrive late, it is preferable to book the transfer directly with the accommodation.

Where can I find cheap accommodation in Nairobi?

If you’re looking for budget accommodation, Kozi Suites Nairobi Airport is one of my preferred options for its balance of price, location and services. You can also find budget hotels in Kilimani, such as MAA Hotel and Suites.

Which hotels offer an airport transfer in Nairobi?

Among the hotels included in this guide, the Argyle Grand Hotel and the Hilton Garden Inn Nairobi Airport offer a free airport transfer 24 hours a day. Kozi Suites, Eka Hotel and The Panari Hotel also have this service, although it carries an additional cost.