Nairobi is set to add four major hotel brands to its hospitality scene, further elevating the city's status as a prime destination for both business and leisure travelers.
These will feature; JW Marriott, Hyatt, Glee Hotel, and Mercure Brands.
According to the 2023 Kenya Market Update by Knight Frank, JW Marriott is set to open at Nairobi's Global Trade Centre (GTC) located in Westlands, Nairobi.
The hotel will feature 50 serviced apartments, 315 guest rooms and 760 square metres of conferencing space.
The hotel, making its debut in the country, is set to entrench Nairobi's status as a global tourist and investment destination.
With over 100 properties spanning across more than 35 countries, JW Marriott stands as one of the world's largest and most renowned hotel group brands.
United-States based hospitality chain Hyatt Hotels Corporation is also set to make its entry into the country by building a 225-room hotel along Muthithi Road in Westlands.
The property, which will have 150 rooms and 75 residential rooms, will target tourists who use the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA).
Based in Chicago, USA, the hotel chain owns 14 brands and operates in over 55 countries across six continents.
To reinforce its prominence, Hyatt is preparing to launch three brands: Hyatt House, Hyatt Place, and Hyatt Regency.
Glee Hotel is also set to set up shop in Nairobi. The hotel will be located along the Northern Bypass before Kiambu Road and Northern Bypass Junction.
The property will consist of 211 rooms, conference area, executive suites among other amenities.
It will also feature; a steakhouse, coffee lounge, jazz bar and roof top bar and a night club.
Crowne Plaza in Upper Hill, Nairobi, is currently undergoing refurbishment following its management takeover by the French multinational hospitality company, Accor.
As part of this transition, the company will franchise the property under their global Mercure Brand.
Although no specific timeline has been provided for the hotel's reopening, this move aligns with the positive trends in the tourism sector.
In 2022, the sector witnessed a significant recovery, welcoming 1.54 million international visitors—a 76.86% improvement compared to 2021.
This revival can be attributed to the relaxation of international travel restrictions that were originally implemented in response to the pandemic.
