Good hotel close to the airport, friendly staff

This is a fairly new (less than 2 years I believe) hotel close to JKIA.  This is the only Hilton property close to the airport.  There are 2 other major hotel chains which is located within the perimeter of the airport, this property is just outside of the secured perimeter of the airport.

This hotel is about 10 mins ride away from the terminals of JKIA.  The duration really depends on the traffic from the terminal to the hotel - the same on the return journey.  For the return journey from hotel to airport, this can be an issue especially during the weekdays as traffic on the main road in front of the hotel to the airport can get grid lock as early as from 2pm stretching until about 8 pm.  This will delay the transportation options provided by the hotel.  The hotel provides a complimentary shuttle (on reservation basis) for guests to/fro the airport.  There is an email on their website to provide and reserve the shuttle.

Other than that, around the hotel there is not much besides industrial buildings and offices.  There is a mall about 15-20 mins walk from the hotel (the hotel does not provide complimentary transportation to the mall).  The walk from the hotel to the mall is safe especially during day time.  There is a railway station (but on the opposite side of the highway (which if you dare can cross) that does have services to the center of Nairobi.  

Getting to Nairobi downtown can be a quick 20 mins ride on a good day, but it can be much longer if there is traffic.  For the daring ones, there are lots of public transportation that seems to stop close to the hotel.

I arrived at the hotel early in the evening, and although the front desk was busy, there was 3 associate working at the desk, so I was assisted without any long wait.  [this property does not participate in digital check-in]. 

No upgrades provided (as usual for HGI properties) and I was assigned a twin room (as booked) facing the main road on the 2nd highest floor (hotel has only 6 floors).  Check-in staff was friendly and welcoming.

The room was of reasoable size with 2 single beds and a small sitting area close to the window.  Other than that, it was more or less the same cookie cutter type rooms that you find at HGI properties.

The bed was comfortable, not being too soft nor hard.  The climate control in the room was good - it only works to cool down the room but there is no heater facility (not sure if this will be needed).  There is tea/coffee making facility and an empty fridge for use.   The safety box was quite large and does fit a  decent size laptop.  The power outlets in the room was limited with only 1 international power outlet and the rest were the standard Kenian type.  TV selection was ok - with local and international selections.  Internet connection was stable and worked relatively fast - although I was given a code (not sure if this is standard of just for HHonors members).

Bathroom size was ok - with a walk in shower.  The shower pressure and temperature control was good.  

As mentioned, the room faced the main road (which is a 4 lane highway in each direction).  I was a bit afraid that it would be an issue, however I was surprised that the noise isolation was good, you will only hear the occasional truck horn, but other than that I did not have any issue with the traffic noise.  [Rooms on the other side of the hotel will be facing the National Park, some grass fields and the back part of the hotel].

The hotel dining and breakfast option was quite good and priced decently for a hotel.  

For breakfast, the spread was quite good for an HGI - with 4-5 different warm dishes including some local dishes.  There is an egg station.  Other than that, it was the usual cold cuts, breads and fruits.  Service was ok with staff clearing plates fast.

For dining options, there was quite a nice comprehensive list - you can either do a more casual dining with the bar menu or at the restaurant with more dining options.  I tried the burger which tasted good and well made.

The pool (and gym, guest laundry and a large sitting area) is situated on the 6th floor of the hotel.  The pool faces the national park (you can see during the day some predator birds flying above, but sadly not any animals).  During my time there (winter period), the pool water is on the cool side. Other than that, the pool area is nice to relax on a nice warm sunny day.  There is no staff, but you can always call down to order drinks/food (same menu as the bar menu).  Towels are freely available.

All in all, a solid HGI property.  Majority of the staff are friendly, there are a few exceptional ones which are very friendly and helpful.  I will certainly return to this property if I need to be in the area.  The exterior of the hotel is also very well done up with a nice patio to relax in.  The hotel should maybe arrange with some company for some good day tours or trips (of course for a good price) since I believe that quite a lot of guests are there for close to a whole day or while waiting for their late night flights.  Another plus point is that the hotel does seem to take security highly as all cars and visitors are screened thoroughly before being let into the hotel, a small price to pay for the slight incovenience.  Price to value of the hotel is ok.