Best hotel in Addis Ababa and Nairobi

Hi Viking

Not sure I can recommend the ‘best’ hotel as that is subjective.

However, I always stayed at the Serena in Nairobi (although not recently) http://www.serenahotels.com/serenanairobi/default-en.html.
In Addis it was the Hilton but that was the only good hotel available when I stayed there. http://www3.hilton.com/en/hotels/ethiopia/hilton-addis-ababa-ADDHITW/index.html

In Nairobi, although a bit of a tourist trap, if you like meat then Carnivore is a must just for the experience.
http://www.tamarind.co.ke/carnivore/

In Addis, go local – you eat your food off a large pancake on the table and music is always around.

Hope this helps.

In Nairobi it has to be the “ole sereni” its just outside of town so a cab ride is needed to town but hotel will book this legitimately for you, hotel staff are amazing, pool area looks out over the national park game reserve! rooms very good for Africa with good shower. Restaurant and bar also very good! I believe the BA crew also stay here as i have seen the crew that operated my flight in and around the hotel.

I stayed at the Intercontinental in Nairobi, and chose it for location, good standard and loyalty programme, and I enjoyed my stay very much indeed. Staf were always willing and helpful, rooms were of a decent size (Club level), good options for food (including nice Indian rest.) the bar was lively and there was a reasonably sized pool.

Internet was very slow when i was there, but must have been improved by now.

I also considered the Serena, which I think may be even better, but is slightly further away and I wanted /needed convenience for my many meetings. One can also walk into the centre from the Intercont., although some would not suggest that!
(?) a boutique style hotel, and a Crowne Plaza, although from the website pics the pool looks more like a bathtub.

I did have a drink at the Fairview, and thought it was most charming and I am sure good, and my local contacts also said it was a good option.

There is also the Norfolk, slighly away from town, and I ate there on the terrace, which has historic (think colonial times having G&T with Lord Delamere) value and I nice evening was spent there.

No idea about Addis but think the Sheraton Luxury Collection must be the best option.

Let us know what you choose and how it goes!

Hello Viking777

Unfortunately I haven’t been to either city, but I know there is a brand new Radisson Blu in Addis Ababa.

Have a great trip!

In Addis the Sheraton is easily the best option, but price is high. In Nairobi, depending where your meetings are (think Bangkok esque traffic circa 1991) stay in town (CBD) at the aforementioned Fairview – very pleasant, in Westlands where the tech companies are (Google / safaricom etc) stay at the Sankara and for access to UN offices / Diplomatic area the new Tribe hotel at Village Market. The Carnivore was good in the 80s and dire thereafter. Sankara has winebar and good food although you’ll find several good restaurants accross all cusine types. Karibuni as they will say!!

I have stayed in both the Hilton and the Sheraton in Addis, and the Sheraton for me was a much better option. Unless it has been recently upgraded, the Hilton was a bit shabby although a better location.
Have fun in Addis and the food and coffee in town are great.

In Nairobi, The Fairview Hotel is great. Several good restaurants. Next to the Israeli Embassy so security is excellent. Regular destination for lots of Kenyan MP’s