we arrived into Nairobi on the evening flight from Kilimanjaro ,so when we arrived security was very tight and we were very glad to get to the hotel .
next morning we were delighted to see the ground lovely gardens and two pools and a small gym ,the breakfast was very good alot of chioce .
we never left the hotel due to the situation,after the election so we hung around the hotel for the day ,there are three shops to take a look at and we found all the staff to be friendly and helpful.we celebrated the new year and the evening buffet was also very good ,lovely atmosphere.if we ever returned to Nairobi we would stay at the holiday inn again

The holiday Inn Nairobi does not sound terribly exotic or interesting, perhaps another of those bland, forgettable little inns where one spends the night in transit to someplace else.

However, the hotel is one of those truly rare gems: a place of considerable charm and worthy of a visit for its own sake. It is an old "heritage?" hotel of low buildings reminescent of an old colonial style hospital or extended guest house, set in lush and extensive gardens.

The gardens features massive, mature trees, carefully nurtured lawns, and beds of shrubs and colourful plants. Two swimming pools and brick walkways give the impression of a country estate, rather than an urban hotel.

The theme is carried on by the buildings themselves, with airy corridors, dark wood panelling, tiled floors, pastel walls, and those red-brick coloured tiles on the roofs and walkways. The layout, with open corridors linking buildings, reminds me of old colonial style schools and government buildings when land was still plentiful and cheap.

The rooms are nothing special, and have fans only, but they're modern and clean, and feature corniches, and parquet floors.

It's easy to forget that just outside this little haven is the noise and bustle of Nairobi city and that it's the 21st century, rather than colonial post-war Africa, when people in their woolen coats and discussed cricket scores over scones and tea.

We have stayed in this hotel two nights (before and after our safari to masai mara). Location is about 20 km away from the airport & Surroundings were residential. The hotel is near to a shopping mall (Sarit Center). Rooms were clean and spacious. Hotel staff were friendly and helpfull.
The disadvantages were not many food outlets nearby (except in the shopping mall) and does not have any activities for kids .
In overall value for money and recommend for any one seeking a peaceful night in Nairobi.

I stayed in the Holiday Inn, Nairobi for 2 nights prior to my safari on 17 and 18 October 2007. This hotel isn't very far away from the airport but with rush-hour traffic, it took about 1hr 30 to travel approx 20 kms. The hotel is well equipped with a small pool, a pool restaurant/dining area + an american styled diner which I loved!

Nothing was ever too much trouble for the staff from laundry to porterage. I had to exchange sterling travellers cheques into US dollars as a lot of places request payment in US dollars. I asked the security guards on the door about exchanging money into dollars (as the reception doesn't exchange sterling into dollars.) I was told that the Sarit Centre which was a 10 minute walk had exchange centres and that it was safe to walk to it. Being a single,white female with blonde hair it was a little bit disconcerting as there are a lot of men sitting about. I greeted everyone with a "Jambo" and a smile and walked on. I had no dificulty exchanging money and walked back to the hotel with no problems. I would have no qualms about staying at the Holiday Inn again.