The InterContinental Hotel in Nairobi, Kenya is a luxury 5-star hotel overlooking the city center. Located just 12 miles away from the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, this hotel is ideal for both business travelers and tourists. The Kenyatta International Convention Centre is situated right next door while the Parliament, Nairobi Museum Hill and the Elephant Orphanage are just a stroll away. The hotel offers 369 rooms consisting of suites, apartments, connecting rooms, non-smoking rooms and rooms with handicap access.

We were at the InterContinental Nairobi for just one night as we were transferring from one safari camp to another and there wasn’t a flight we could connect to in the same day. Hence we ended up spending the night in Nairobi. We had arranged with InterContinental Nairobi for a car to pick us up at the airport and take us to the hotel. Upon our arrival at the airport, we found out that the car had not yet reached. After waiting for over 30 minutes, we took a taxi to the hotel since it appeared as though the car would not show up.

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First Impression/Lobby: A security station is present at the gate of the InterContinental Nairobi. Although a tad inconvenient, I guess it’s a good thing to have in today’s world. Once we had completed the security procedures, we were met at the car and our bags were quickly removed and readied for our room.

The lobby was a typical InterContinental lobby with lots of marble, a low ceiling and a lobby bar. For Kenya, I must admit, I was impressed.

Reception: We were quickly attended to and we were on our way to our Superior Room within minutes. I was actually impressed with how professional and astute the staff was.

The Suite: Our Superior Room at the InterContinental Nairobihad a simple décor and was recently renovated. The living area was comfortable and was appointed with a cable/satellite TV, mini bar, safety deposit box and coffee/tea making facilities. A separate hanging closet was present. The work desk was equipped with two phones with voicemail and an internet connection.

The bathroom was on the small side, a very standard hotel bathroom with bathrobes, scales, hair dryers and a telephone.

Room Service: The menu was varied enough with a decent selection of Western, Indian and Kenyan dishes. However, our order came up late, about ten minutes after the 25 minutes time the staff had promised. The food though was quite good. I had low expectations for this hotel, but I was being proven wrong again.

Housekeeping: The room was well maintained but since we were there for only one night we cannot comment on their daily service. However, their response to our call for an extra towel took over an hour to be filled. Moreover, the turn down service was barely even done garnering mediocre to failing grades.

Concierge: I am not sure where the blame for the car transfer lays, but typically it is the Concierge that handles them. All I can say is that not only did they miss our pick up, they also failed to arrange for our transfer from the hotel to the airport at the time of our departure.

Restaurant: The Intercontinental Nairobi Pool Terrace is a formal 100 seat restaurant that serves international, local and Italian cuisine. Situated on the ground floor, this restaurant is open from 6.00 am to 10.30 pm. The Pool Terrace serves buffets as well as an à la carte menu.

The Intercontinental Nairobi Le Mistral is a formal dining restaurant. This 38 seat restaurant is open daily from 12.30 pm to 2.30 pm and from 7.00 pm till 10.30 pm. Situated on the ground floor, this restaurant serves Mediterranean cuisine.

The La Prugna D'Oro is Intercontinental Nairobi’s fine-dining restaurant. Situated in the hotel lobby, this Italian restaurant has a traditional décor and overlooks the pool area. Regional Italian dishes are served here.

Bhandini, an Indian restaurant, serves authentic North Indian cuisine. The glass-enclosed open kitchen allows diners to watch how the dishes are prepared. This ornately decorated restaurant is located in the hotel lobby.

The Safari Bar is located on the ground floor of Intercontinental Nairobi. This live music bar serves drinks and light snacks.

Pool/Spa/Activities: The InterContinental Nairobi offers a gymnasium, outdoor swimming pool and a spa for its guests. The gymnasium is equipped with state of the art equipment. Professional fitness instructors are available on request. The Spa offers massage/treatment rooms and beauty services.

The business center at the InterContinental Nairobi offers Internet, email, printer, copy and fax machines, secretarial service and courier service. Wireless Internet access is available in the hotel’s public spaces.

Check-Out: The check-out process was quick, efficient and professional, just as it should be at a five-star hotel.

Overall Impression: Other than the poor service from housekeeping and the total failure of our car transfers, the InterContinental Nairobi was quite good. However, for a five star hotel, they still did not rise to the level of bombastic and get a rating of Between Bombastic and Not.

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