Airport hotels usually have the same kind of vibe; corporate, impersonal and a little drab.
But I was delighted to find on landing in Nairobi, of all places, my vision of airport hoteling turned on its head.
The Four Points by Sheraton opened four months ago and I couldn’t recommend it more as a base to crash before heading off on safari.
With the 172-roomed building being just a five-minute drive from Jomo Kenyatta Airport
airport it’s the perfect spot to land after taking British Airway’s direct flight from London Heathrow.
Far from being drab, this airport hotel is superbly chic, with clean, boutique-styled modern interiors and top-notch facilities.
On walking into the double height ceilinged lobby, I was greeted by a team of smiling staff.
Keen to get some kip, I swiftly checked into a junior suite on the third floor and was impressed by what I found on opening my bedroom door.
The light and airy room was enormous with a king-size bed, a lounge area and neat shower room.
The valet informed me that I should keep my eyes peeled for giraffes in the morning as the rooms on the front side of the building look over the national park. Certainly not your average airport hotel!
He also informed me that I would have one of the best sleeps ever, as the beds at all of the beds at Four Points by Sheraton have a patented design, consisting of plush mattresses, down pillows and duvets, and crisp 250-thread-count sheets.
The beds are also amply sized. Even rolling three times to one side, I failed at my attempt to fall off the mattress.
The valet was right. I slept like a dream but unfortunately there was no wildlife prowling outside my window in the morning.
After waking up, I hopped to the gym on the top floor with the running machines also looking out over the safari plains.
I also had a peek at the roof top swimming pool, which boasts a sizeable bar area and glass panels allowing views into the national park.
If you’re in need of a more hands-on kind of pick-me-up, over the way there is a spa with a jacuzzi and steam room area.
After a bit of a workout and a quick wash in my rain shower, I ventured down to the ground floor restaurant.
The breakfast buffet at the Four Points by Sheraton in Nairobi is on point, with an array of choices to suit all tastes. I spied plates of cheese, cooked eggs, sausages, bacon and crepes before settling on a big bowl of fruit.
Everything was beautifully fresh – unlike many hotel breakfast buffet offerings – and the papaya and pineapple were deliciously sweet.
I topped my selection off with a scoop of cashew nuts, almonds and a drizzle of Kenyan honey.
Making the most of the exotic temperature, I had my breakfast on the sweeping outside patio.
Another plus point of the Four Points by Sheraton in Nairobi is that the Wi-Fi is super speedy and I interjected my morning grazing with a bit of work.
Unfortunately, I had to dash and couldn’t make the most of the generous 12pm check out.
After my ten day-long safari session I returned to the Four Points by Sheraton to use it as a base before my midnight British Airways flight.
If you’re in the same situation, the hotel is more than happy to arrange a day room. This was perfect, as it meant I could have a shower, use the gym and have a cat nap before heading to the airport.
If you’ve got longer to spare, the concierge can also help arrange day trips to the national park and to local wildlife sanctuaries. If culture is more your thing, there are also excursions to traditional villages and markets.
Before heading to Nairobi on a ten-day trip though Kenya, I was recommended to stay at a couple of different airport hotels but I couldn’t recommend this new spot more enough.
It’s a sure way to kick your African adventuring off in style!
The Four Points by Sheraton Nairobi Airport hotel is located at 9042/1044 Tower Avenue, Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, Nairobi, 1939-00606, Kenya
To book a stay visit www.fourpointsnairobiairport.com or call +254 020 6424000
