Hemingways Nairobi

We stayed at Hemingway about a month ago. The hotel was elegant, beautiful and safe. The service was excellent. At dinner Newton was generally our server and was the best ever. He made great recommendations when I was making a dinner pick that may not have been to my taste. His recommendation was spot on. Amazing place

As someone who values both great service and an inclusive atmosphere, I’m honestly disappointed by my experience at Hemingways Nairobi. From the moment we arrived, we felt the quiet sting of being less welcome. We had just stepped out of our car, ready to enjoy dinner and stay the night, when the front desk staff asked us to “scoot aside” so they could welcome the other guests arriving behind us — who just so happened to be white. The message was loud: some guests matter more than others. While the property itself is undeniably beautiful. The management and hospitality left a bitter taste. No one should pay for a 5-star experience and be made to feel invisible. That’s not luxury. That’s poor service with colonial undertones. I truly wanted to love Hemingways. But based on this experience, I wouldn’t recommend it to anyone who values equal treatment, respect, and real hospitality — especially Black or local guests. Do better.

Highly disappointed. Have stayed several times now and keep thinking things will get better. That maybe the phone calls in the middle of the night were a one off mistake. Every time we either get woken up by phone calls (with noone on the other end) or by the fire alarm (this time at 06:30 am). I booked here to have a good night sleep as I had some important meetings the next day. Ended up sleeping less than 4 hours with all the disturbances. They somehow lost a bag of ours when transfering the luggage from reception to room and had to deal with that at 1am when it was noticed. Had to call reception a dozen times and nobody answered. Then the light switch controls in the room are the most stupid and poorly done system i have ever seen. You end up having to find how to turn off the lights by pressing a dozen buttons. Seriously? This is not a 5 star hotel. It is overpriced for what you get. The restaurant is not bad and the location with the gardens are good, but that’s where it stops. Will be the last time I stay here.