After 53 years of activities, the iconic Hilton Nairobi, a symbol of luxury hospitality in Kenya, will close its doors indefinitely in December. The hotel said it will redeploy some staff to hotels within its Hilton portfolio in Nairobi.
“Following extensive discussions with the hotel ownership, Hilton Nairobi will close its doors for the last time on 31st December 2022 and cease operations. “Covid-19 created unprecedented challenges for our industry. However, the decision to cease operations is not directly connected to the pandemic Unfortunately, the closure of the hotel will result in a retrenchment process. However, we will work with those impacted to help them find alternative employment,” a Hilton spokesperson told the Business Daily in an interview.
Kenya’s tourism industry has started to rebound as local travelers take advantage of lower prices, but foreign tourists are still well below pre-pandemic levels. Kenya’s government has relaxed a raft of travel restrictions, but the return of international tourists has been slow.
The hotel is owned 40.57 percent by the government and it has 287 guest rooms, three restaurants, an American-themed coffee shop, two bars (indoor and outdoor) and a fully equipped gym facility with a spa, and heated pool to cater to its enrolled members and in-house guests.
Hilton Nairobi has hosted various celebrities over the years such as Sydney Poitier, Angelina Jolie and musician Sean Paul. Hilton was also the first hospitality entity in Kenya to sponsor leading safari rally driver Patrick Njiru who would regularly park his famed Subaru at the place.
Its closure does not mean the end of the brand’s activities in Kenya. Hilton said it will not quit the country and will continue to operate its other brands in the country.
“Hilton Nairobi Hurlingham and Hilton Garden Inn Nairobi Airport are growing our portfolio with new hotel development opportunities in the city and beyond,” the brand said.
Last week, the brand announced the opening of Kwetu Nairobi, Curio Collection by Hilton which is expected to open in late 2022.
Located between the Peponi Road and Kitisuru Road in the Westlands Business District – Kwetu Nairobi will offer 100 guest rooms across five distinct buildings.
“I am delighted to announce the upcoming opening of Kwetu Nairobi, Curio Collection by Hilton as we gear up for the East African Property Investment Summit and reaffirm our commitment to Kenya and East Africa more broadly. This incredible new hotel will set the standard for upscale hotels in Nairobi as part of our Curio Collection by Hilton brand,” said Andrew McLachlan, Managing Director, Development, sub-Saharan Africa.
The hotel will feature stylish boutique interiors as well as several dining venues, bars and ten meeting rooms.