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Hotel check: Kempinski Palace Djibouti

Originally published on www.businesstravellerme.com 27/03/2011 - Filed under: Tried & Tested » Hotels »

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WHERE IS IT? At the edge of the Horn of Africa, the Kempinski Palace Djibouti is built on a man-made island jutting into the Gulf of Tadjourah, where the Red Sea meets the Gulf of Aden. Close to Ambouli International Airport, the hotel is a short taxi ride from the centre of Djibouti city.

WHAT'S IT LIKE? The only five-star hotel in Djibouti sets a standard, with tasteful, Arabian-inspired décor and plenty of bright, natural light. The spacious lobby gives way to a fountain with hanging lanterns suspended above, giving the area a calming feeling with the sound of splashing water. Anyone familiar with Dubai hotel lobbies will feel most at home here, with the Arabian feel continuing throughout this Nakheel-owned property – even down to the portrait of HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum next to the front desk.

ROOM FACILITIES? The Kempinski’s extremely spacious rooms offer plenty of floor space, a generously-proportioned bathroom and – best of all – huge windows with peaceful sea views. Nightly amenities are a real treat, with sandwiches, chocolates, juices, fruit and even macaroons on the rotating menu, all in generous portions. The rain shower was refreshing, as was the plentiful supply of bottled water delivered to the room each day.

BUSINESS AND LEISURE FACILITIES: Executives can make use of 24-hour internet, with an in-room connection also available. As the only business resort on the Horn of Africa, facilities stretch from the huge ballroom to more modest meeting rooms. Leisure facilities are extensive, with a well-equipped gym, luxurious pool and even a ladies’ salon and gents’ barber. The K Spa offers exotic ayurvedic treatments, express packages and an authentic hammam ritual. A water sports centre offers snorkeling, jet skiing, scuba diving and trips to the white, sandy islands of the Gulf of Tadjourah.

RESTAURANT AND BARS: Not quite Burj Khalifa, the highest spot in Djibouti is in the Kempinski Palace – on the sixth floor. The Sky Lounge serves drinks at an extremely low level of light, which, added to the swirling shisha smoke, can prove a somewhat disorienting experience. Come back down to earth with Bankoualé restaurant, where you can sample the catch of the day served simply with lapping waves. Other options include Tentazione, a reliable Italian or Lac Assal, an international buffet-concept restaurant which also serves fresh seafood.
The Kempinski Palace is home to a European-style coffee bar and a Vitamin Bar located handily within the spa and leisure complex. For evening, Grand Barra has a wide selection of drinks and a resident band, and Safari Club is Djibouti’s largest nightclub. Also onsite – but not managed by Kempinski – is Pasha Casino.

PRICES: Starting from $285 per night for a standard room and $445 for a Junior Suite.

VERDICT: It’s your only option for five-star accommodation in Djibouti – but that takes nothing away from this beautifully appointed hotel, which serves as a classy example of ‘new Africa’.

CONTACT: Djibouti Palace Kempinski Djibouti, Ilot Du Heron, PO Box 1960, Djibouti, Djibouti. Tel: +253 32555 5, fax: +253 32555 6, email: reservations.djibouti@kempinski.com, kempinski.com/en/djibouti

Rachel Silvestri

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