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Hemingways Hotel

Our rating

7/10

Price guide

Highlights

- Luxurious country estate
- Heated pool, gym and spa
- Superior facilities
- Hemingways Portfolio

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Overview

Hemingways is a large and opulent hotel located a forty-five minute drive from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in the Karen suburb of Nairobi, Kenya. Set within ten acres of landscaped grounds, it is the most recent addition to the Hemingways Collection, joining their long-established beach resort in Watamu, and their safari camp in the Mara Naboisho Conservancy. This high-end hotel will suit guests seeking luxury and comfort in a delightful, if somewhat formal, setting during a Nairobi stop-over at the beginning or end of a safari.

The grand white buildings are set within lush gardens and have the feel of plantation-style country estate. On arrival in the two-storey entrance hall, guests are met by impressive, ornate décor and a sweeping staircase leading up to the 'fine-dining' restaurant. Uniformed staff are friendly and plentiful, although the service can be a little erratic at times. Downstairs, there’s a brasserie in the main dining room, and the extensive main areas are light and airy. Several lounges contain potted palms and ceiling fans, whilst libraries and a large wine-cellar contribute to the elegant, albeit rather formal feel. A southwest-facing terrace features shaded seating areas, with views overlooking landscaped lawns stretching down to the lake and woods. A heated pool, sauna, gym, and spa are all available, and Wi-Fi can be accessed throughout the property.

The hotel has 45 suites set over six wings that descend down from the main hotel buildings into the grounds. Although every suite comes with a private balcony, those closest to the hotel boast superior sunset views over the Ngong hills. 23 'Executive Suites' have vaulted ceilings, but are generally similar in size and amenity to the remaining 'Deluxe Suites'. The rooms are incredibly spacious, with bright, contemporary décor. Four-poster double or twin beds are draped in mosquito nets, with a writing desk, sofa, walk-in wardrobe, mini-bar, and a pop-up satellite TV. The large ensuite bathrooms are decked in white marble and contain free-standing bathtubs, along with a separate toilet. For guests wishing to really splash out, the two 'Presidential' suites can only be described as enormous, with additional luxurious features. All guests are served by their own private butler, who attends to luggage, room service, and any other requirements.

While Nairobi functions mainly as an international entry point to the more exciting Kenyan safari destinations, for guests with a little time, there are some cultural and wildlife activities to explore. The hotel's City Tour can arrange trips to the Karen Blixen Museum, the Giraffe centre, and the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, where orphaned elephants and rhinos are hand reared.

Although the hotel has no formal no age restrictions, it does have an adult feel. High-chairs and cots are available, but the property is probably best suited to families with older children. It’s possible to rent an Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, laptop, and DVD players to keep everyone entertained. Note that the pool is unfenced, and parental supervision is required at all times.

Hemingways is a charming haven for guests seeking a touch of luxury in a convenient location.

Nearby Alternatives

What customers are saying after travelling with Tourdust

Average Rating

based on 536 reviews

(5.00/5)

  • I was also just about to email you to thank you and the team for arranging yet again, another wonderful experience.

    Mount Kenya was spectacular and wild - I think I prefer it to Kili in many ways. The entire support team was professional, friendly and all round fantastic in making sure that we were safe, well fed and well looked after. In particular, we would commend Peter the guide as well as Paul one of the porters who doubled-up as his deputy on summit day. Our route was often shrouded in mist and rain that rapidly gathered in the valleys and moorlands, and we were very impressed at how Peter managed to navigate us safely through all of that notwithstanding. In addition, we loved learning about the history of Mount Kenya from him in the evenings. And ofcourse, I was blown away by the lovely birthday surprise at the end complete with balloons and a delicious cake that had journeyed with us from day 1. One thing we might recommend because of the sudden change in weather (it would sometimes get extremely cold and wet) is for the equipment list to be a little bit more detailed in terms of its recommendations e.g. layers to be moisture-wicking, walking boots be waterproof, doubling up on socks to avoid blisters etc.

    El Karama is a beautiful conservancy and the lodge a true labour of love. Great hospitality in a relaxed environment. Delicious, fresh food. We enjoyed the drives, even if we didn't see much wildlife as the heavens opened on us for the last two outings. However, since it was very much geared towards families, I am not sure if I would stay again without kids. That said, I think it was perfect for a 3d/2n stay post mountain, and a much better choice than flying to the masai mara given the limited time we had.

    Our transits were smooth. Samuel the driver was always on time, drove safely and kept the vehicle clean.

    So it was a brilliant experience and one which I certainly will cherish for some time to come. It was great to work with you for a third time, and I certainly hope it won't be the last

    MissingJuhae C reviewing Mount Kenya Sirimon Naro Moru Trek on 01 March 2024

  • We had a great time - even with the flight between Governors and the coast being two flights and a car! We also experienced a power cut At Nairobi airport on the way home so 2+ hours late taking off. Governors. Wonderful people and dealt with the flight delay very well - taking us back and letting us know that we could stay there if the flight was delayed overnight. The game drives were excellent and our guide (Erick) obviously very experienced and managed to find all the key animals - no rhino in that part of the Masai Mara but everything else in abundance - never seen so many herbivores (many many elephants as well as all the others) as well as two prides of lions. Could not have asked for more. The ‘tent’ was excellent and comfortable and well serviced. The only ‘complaint’ would be that the food - especially dinner - could be improved (I think we got a bit bored of soup as a starter for every meal bar one) and the main courses were not at the same level as Kinondo Kwetu and while all were explained there was no choice offered. The breakfasts were just what was needed after an early game drive. Kinondo Kwetu. What a great location and the welcome when we arrived at just gone 11.00pm was better than you could have ever thought possible - they we’re disappointed that we did not at that time want the full dinner experience! The rooms we’re comfortable. The food was excellent but again no choice was offered - other than for allergy reasons (which we do not have). May be some choice would be nice. Having said that the food we did have was excellent as were the wines (albeit a short list!) and other drinks. There were (as you know) lots of facilities/sports options - but we spent our time relaxing which was exactly what we needed and there were lots of places to do that. Overall. We would go back to both places - perhaps a few more nights at Kinondo Kwetu next time but 3 nights at Governors was perfect for us. Thank you for organising and recommending both places. That you and your colleague for trying to find out about the plane (flat tyre) but communication by the flight company left a lot to be desired (Governors were furious that they were not told and had taken us to the airstrip). Phil

    MissingPhilip R reviewing Masai Mara Safari & Kenya Beach on 01 September 2023

  • Dear Lisa, We are now back home and had a fantastic time. All the arrangements went seamlessly, transport and hotels were great. Laikipia was amazing, a very personal experience and they did all they could to accommodate everything we wanted to do. The river location was fantastic and ideal for the children as they got to swim in it. It is somewhere we would all like to return to. There might not have been the numbers that you get on the Masai Mara however we got to see lions with cubs, two black leopards, a golden leopard and the wild dogs as well as a huge number of other animals and birds. Thank you for suggesting to stay for 4 nights, it was just the right amount of time. The tamarin Hotel was a good choice as we were able to eat at the Carnivore restaurant which was an experience. Mauritius was lovely and relaxing, just what we needed after a very active time in Laikipia. Accommodation and service was great. Weather was good for most of the time, a few showers over the last couple of days. Thank you once again for organising it all. Sally

    MissingSally M reviewing Laikipia Wilderness and Plains on 11 August 2023

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