Hilton’s lifestyle brand Curio Collection by Hilton debuts in Kenya, with a fusion of historic charm and a refined contemporary design for an immersive guest experience.
Curio Collection by Hilton today announced the opening of Kwetu Nairobi, Curio Collection by Hilton in Kenya’s vibrant capital, Nairobi. The opening marks the debut of Curio Collection by Hilton in East Africa and Hilton’s latest opening in the Kenyan capital, with a promise to provide guests with curated, unique experiences.
Kwetu Nairobi, Curio Collection by Hilton is located near the Central Business District, Gigiri, home to the United Nations headquarters, multiple embassies, and one of the largest expat communities in Africa, and is on the edge of the Karura Forest, providing the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Guy Hutchinson, President, Middle East and Africa, Hilton, said, “We are thrilled to open Kwetu Nairobi as part of the Curio Collection by Hilton portfolio, joining Hilton Garden Inn Nairobi Airport and DoubleTree by Hilton Nairobi Hurlingham, and reaffirming our commitment to the Kenyan capital. Nairobi is an important destination and major hub for travellers in East Africa and beyond. This truly one-of-a-kind hotel will offer guests a unique experience when staying in Nairobi, whether traveling for business or looking to explore the incredible Kenyan sights and landscapes. Kwetu Nairobi signifies the opening of our second Curio property on the African continent, where we currently have over 100 properties either trading or under development.”
Jenna Hackett, global brand head, Curio Collection by Hilton, said, “A first for the brand in East Africa, Kwetu Nairobi is the ideal addition to our growing global portfolio of 150 Curio Collection by Hilton properties. This remarkable hotel offers the perfect fusion of nature, city and heritage dating back to the 1800s, and it reflects the brand’s immersive, bespoke character by pairing Kenya’s cultural past with unmatched contemporary comforts and amenities. It’s the perfect stay for travellers seeking a boutique hotel experience in one of Kenya’s most sought-after destinations.”
A Historic Haven with a Contemporary Design
In Swahili, “Kwetu” means “our home” or “our place” and is central to the home-away-from-home experience for guests. The history of the land where Kwetu Nairobi was built dates back to the 1800s, paving the way for a one-of-a-kind hotel with a cosy charm, providing an authentic African experience that immerses travellers through its bespoke story. The property was formerly a historic home, turned into a guest house and finally transformed into a modern boutique hotel.
With 102 guest rooms and suites, Kwetu Nairobi comprises five interconnected buildings. Each building has a unique Swahili name that reflects the hotels story and emotion:
- “Rafiki” means friendship and explores the captivating history of East Africa.
- “Eneo” means humble beginnings and reflects the history of Nairobi and its vibrant culture and traditions.
- “Nishati” means prosperity and explores the fascinating history of the coffee growth in Kenya.
- “Asili” means protection and explores the tale of the Karura Forest while also celebrating the heroic efforts to conserve it.
- “Amani” means tranquillity and explores the modern-day ethos and vibrant energy of Kwetu Nairobi.
The interiors merge historical details with a refined contemporary style. Many of the rooms and suites offer balconies and terraces, presenting stunning views of the forested landscape. Bedrooms also feature hand-blown glass pendants, beautifully detailed furniture with bedside tables inspired by old suitcases with buckles and leather trims. The lobby bar and reception have soaring high-coffered ceilings and a fireplace that creates a warm ambience during the winter season.
In addition, the 334-square-metre meeting and event spaces have large terraces overlooking a man-made waterfall, as well as a state-of-the-art gym, a spa and a pool. Guests can also access major shopping malls within proximity to the hotel such as Sarit, The Village Market and Two Rivers Centre.
A Gastronomic Adventure of Unique Flavours
Guests of Kwetu Nairobi are taken on a culinary journey across the property’s six food and beverage venues, savouring a combination of both local and global flavours, including:
- 1893 Brew Bar, named for the year coffee was first planted in Kenya, is a beacon for coffee connoisseurs. It features a selection of single-origin beans from around the Kenyan landscape prepared in various ways by expert baristas to highlight the exceptional quality of the local terroir. Located in the lobby, 1893 Brew Bar showcases the artistry of brewing and mixology in a relaxing ambiance.
- Meko, a Mediterranean-inspired restaurant, entices guests with its innovative take on flavours from Greece, Spain, and Lebanon. Breakfast and lunch are served a la carte style and offer a live, interactive kitchen concept. At night, Meko transforms into a seafood restaurant where the freshness of the produce takes centre stage in the form of a seafood market.
- Cool Waters is the hotel’s pool bar experience. With a focus on healthy and light bites as well as refreshing beverages, guests are promised a relaxing escape by the poolside, surrounded by acacia trees and the hotel’s tranquil man-made waterfall.
- Upepo, the signature rooftop bar, is a one-of-a-kind social venue featuring a dining room, lounge, and bar, overlooking sweeping views of the Karura Forest. The bar provides Southeast Asian cuisine, paired with a selection of innovative cocktails and wines.
- Zabe cocktail bar, nestled beneath Upepo, offers a more private ambiance while overlooking a panorama of greenery as the expert mixologists create seasonal drinks to surprise and delight.
- The Nomad specialty restaurant moves with the seasons and offers a bespoke experience that embraces the freshness of local produce and ingredients.
The Natural Wonders of the Surrounding Environment
A 10-minute walk from the hotel, Karura Forest is a hidden gem in Nairobi that provides guests with a taste of nature. The forest boasts many attractions including a 50-kilometre nature trail for walking, running, and biking. The forest also houses a 12-metre-high waterfall, a series of caves, archaeological sites, and various animal species.
Through the hotel’s dedicated curators, guests can embark on a thrilling journey to explore the exotic wildlife of Kenya’s well-known national parks, including Amboseli, Tsavo, Maasai Mara and Mount Kenya. The parks provide an opportunity to witness the vast herds of wildebeest and legendary elephant herds of Amboseli against the stunning backdrop of Mount Kilimanjaro.
Kwetu Nairobi, Curio Collection by Hilton is part of Hilton Honors, the award-winning guest loyalty programme for Hilton’s 22 world-class hotel brands. Hilton Honors members who book directly through preferred Hilton channels have access to instant benefits, including a flexible payment slider that allows members to choose nearly any combination of Points and money to book a stay, an exclusive member discount and free standard Wi-Fi. Members also enjoy popular digital tools available exclusively through the industry-leading Hilton Honors mobile app, where Hilton Honors members can check in, choose their room, and access their room using a Digital Key.
Book a stay at Kwetu Nairobi, Curio Collection by Hilton or visit Stories From Hilton to learn more about Curio Collection by Hilton.
