Elite Status: IHG Platinum
Crown Plaza Nairobi is a 4-star hotel located on Upper Hill. With some luck, the Crowne Plaza Nairobi was on this session’s point break, and I snagged two nights at Crowne Plaza Nairobi for 15,000 IHG points per night. It is a solid option with plenty of facilities.
Check In/Check Out
Fast on both ends. I was asked the welcome amenity I wanted, given a key, and I was off. Check out took all of a minute, with the front desk agent nothing, “you’re all set”.
Room
I was upgraded to an average-sized room on the club level, and given club access as well. The room has a large King bed, a small lounging set with a table and two chairs, and a long work desk by the wall, which also features a universal power outlet. There’s also a mini-fridge in the room, and a good-sized safe deposit box.
There were no outlets by the bedside, so it was a bit annoying. Wifi worked well during my stay, though.
Bathroom
The bathroom is average-sized, with a tub, single sink vanity, and an enclosed shower. The shower worked as expected, so no complaints there.
They stock Ekyeanda amenities, which was fine by me.
Food
I had breakfast and evening service at the club lounge. It was nice, with good variety.
Service
Service was good. Sometimes, it’s the little things, like putting out a pots of coffee and tea in the morning (6 am) and cookies for people who have to leave the hotel before the restaurant is open.
Club Lounge
The club lounge isn’t large, but despite its size, they managed to provide a nice club experience. The buffet area is actually quite small, but somehow, they squeeze in a chef who makes crepes and eggs to order. The evening spread was also varied, and substantial enough to turn into a dinner.
They have a strange little system whereby you have to sign drink receipts for drinks ordered. I was presented with a $0 receipt for the coke light I ordered during evening service.
Amenities
Crowne Plaza Nairobi features a heated outdoor lap pool, and a good-sized gym. It’s not 24 hrs, though. I think opening hours are around 7 am to 10 pm.
Despite the large size of the gym, the equipment probably could do with some maintenance. Both the treadmills I used were a bit “sticky”, so it was actually hard to use it because the speed varied throughout the workout.
Overall
Although there is not much around the Crowne Plaza Nairobi aside from businesses and other hotels, it’s a solid option and I really appreciated the upgrade to a club room.
Wanderlust 