Serene hotel offers visitors quality service in Nairobi
By Ben Oduor
In the past one year, Nairobi’s hospitality sector has been full of excitement with visits from prominent people. This has either been caused by economic, social or political factors.
The first prominent visitor to Kenya mid last year was US President Barack Obama, who was in Nairobi for the Global Entrepreneurship Summit, an event he launched in 2010 to encourage innovation by bringing together governments, investors and entrepreneurs.
Indeed, true to his mission, he attracted a huge number of local and international investors and venture capitalists to facilitate the course.
Another noteworthy event was a three-day visit by Pope Francis, the head of the Catholic Church, making Kenya the first African country to be visited by the 70-year-old pontiff. The Pope’s presence attracted millions of Christians to Kenya’s capital.
Then came the World Trade Organisation conference in December, an event that brought together 7,000 delegates. It is estimated an individual delegate spent on average Ksh375,000.
Clarion Hotel, a four-star hotel on Moi Avenue opposite Jevanjee Gardens and a 20-minute drive from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, had a good number of guests during the three events.
According to Carolyn Imali, the hotel’s marketing manager, these were the high moments for the five-year-old hotel.
Its location, ideally in close proximity to prime malls, curio shops, government offices and accessibility to airports serves as a perfect setting for corporate and business travelers seeking accommodation at a four-star hotel.
“Our quality services and ideal location in the downtown area of the Nairobi CBD gives us a boost,” Imali says.
Their marketing strategy, she explains, plays an important role in the growing number of guests. To facilitate this, the hotel has perfected its online marketing platform, recruited competent marketers and improved relationships with travel agencies.
Further, she says, they embrace a hospitable approach to guests from the time they arrive. Once they check in, they have access to a 24-hour duty manager, shuttle services and luggage storage facilities where they can safely keep their luggage.
But the accommodation facilities are the most adorable.
Rooms and Suites
The hotel boasts of 62 elegantly furnished rooms, of which 46 are standard, 5 superior, 6 deluxe and 5 suites.
Each room is connected to the internet through cable and Wi-Fi, and strategically overlooks the city’s skyline, the 8-lane Thika superhighway and the Jevanjee Gardens.
Additionally, privy to the increasing demand for conference facilities, thanks to the accolades Kenya receives as the region’s economic hub, Clarion offers two conference rooms with a capacity of up to 100 delegates.
Also, it has two executive boardrooms with a capacity of up to 20 delegates, all (including the larger conference facilities) equipped with split unit air-conditioners for aeration and providences such as tea, hot and cold snacks among others.
As the marketing manager explains, “our offers are pocket friendly. Ranging from between Ksh8,000 and Ksh10,000, you have a complete package for night lodging and breakfast.”
During conferences, she says, the hotel’s staff is on stand-by to assist with room layout and audio visual needs.
Restaurants and bars
To satiate your hunger or unwind with friends, the hotel has the spacious and superbly furnished Oceanic Restaurant and Rain Forest Bar.
The Oceanic Restaurant is a tastefully decorated with soothing lighting and comfortable furniture and offers enticing meals and sumptuous buffet.
Also, it has tailored continental cuisines, with a la carte (separately priced) dishes, oceanic themed mouthwatering fish dishes and exciting desserts which are accompanied by freshly brewed Kenyan coffee and tea.
Then, you can revel with your partner(s) at the dim-lit Rain Forest, a fully stocked bar that derives its name from the scenic view that is the forested Jevanjee Gardens.
The bar is stocked with both local and international beverages and offers a range of cocktails to suit your palate. You can also carry your drink to the terrace and sip away as you watch the city.
In addition to the bar, there’s the Café Clarion, a coffee shop that is accessible from Moi Avenue, where you can be served snacks, Kenyan coffee and tea, refreshing shakes, smoothies and juices.
Also available are laundry and valet services to maintain your smart look throughout the day.
If you have been surfing the internet for a splendid hotel within Nairobi, you have finally hit your target.
