History and Heritage

I travelled to Kenya for a three-week vacation and spent three amazing days at Fairmont The Norfolk, located in Nairobi.

The hotel boasts a rich historical legacy, being the second oldest in Nairobi. This historical significance is immediately evident upon entering the premises, with the architecture of the buildings giving a sense of timelessness. Over the years, the hotel has played host to numerous influential figures, including the late Queen Elizabeth II of England, as well as various other dignitaries, such as Royals, Presidents, and Heads of State from around the globe.

Arrival and Room Experience

I was very pleasantly received at the reception area and escorted to my room, which had to be reached by walking through the plush gardens. Quite a scenic, peaceful, and beautiful view! It was an amazing start to my stay.

My room provided a comfortable and spacious retreat from the African heat, thanks to the efficient air-conditioning system. The view overlooking the gardens added to the ambience, and I was delighted to find a beautiful arrangement of sweet savoury treats awaiting me as a delightful welcome… Delicious!

Poolside Relaxation

Once settled, I went to visit the swimming pool area with my very excited three-year-old, whose face lit up with glee when he saw the swimming pool. I loved the fact that it was nicely sectioned into a small intimate area and well laid out with comfortable, spacious sunbeds. The service provided was immaculate, with the waitress at hand as soon as I needed to make a request. I had an amazing salad whilst sitting in this area!

Cin Cin Bar

At the end of the evening, I visited the Cin Cin bar with an acquaintance and found the elegantly laid-back yet formal setting great for an informal or formal visit. On the last day, I had a round of drinks combined with bites that were truly mouthwatering!

Dining Options

Dining at Fairmont The Norfolk also means having the option of picking from two restaurants (quite handy). I had my first dinner at the Lord Delamere Terrace (LDT), which offers an exceptional buffet breakfast and sophisticated lunch or dinner offerings with an authentic Kenyan touch, and Tatu, which showcases a more refined kitchen palette perfect for a special dining experience with an array of culinary dishes.

I was able to enjoy both restaurants (Valentine’s Day included). At Tatu, I savoured a variety of elegant dishes that literally tantalised my taste buds.

Additional Services

Last but not least, the hotel also offers an array of services, including the spa that seems very popular based on the reviews I read online. Unfortunately, I was unable to experience it due to my schedule. However, I was able to enjoy their top-notch valet services (as part of my arranged trip to the Giraffe Centre) – thank you very much for this!

Final Recommendation

I would definitely highly recommend staying at Fairmont The Norfolk if you want to experience quality and star treatment from a hotel with a vibrant history and rich heritage. It has a charm and serenity to it that can be difficult to find in a city and is also centrally located. This uniqueness is also what sets it apart from the rest of the ultra-luxe modern hotels.

A special thanks to the MD Nils Rothbarth & his colleagues Maureen Okore and Diana Kerosi who helped make the trip memorable. It was a pleasure meeting and chatting with you, and I look forward to visiting again!

Fairmont The Norfolk Nairobi
Reservations
T: +254202265555

Written by Linda Born