Fairmont have bought the Lonrho properties in Kenya - Norfolk Hotel in Nairobi, Mt. Kenya Safari Club, Mara Safari Club, The Ark and Aberdere Country Club.

Norfolk have put their corporate rates up 67%. Their justification is that they will be refurbishing their rooms.

Mt. Kenya have gone up in some rooms 100%. I was there this weekend. The lawns were unkept, ponds full of algae and mosquito larve, the trout in the trout pond dead as there is no fresh water, the dining room looking dated, cutlery that does not shine, cheap glass ware, cheap crockery, and a menu that a 3 star hotel can do better. Service was hit and miss. Their wine list is the most expensive in Kenya - a bottle of wine that can be bought in South Africa for US$15 being sold for US$145.

Fairmont promises changes in one year. I will bet that it will take 3 years. Lets see what happens.