The Norfolk hotel’s international reputation for hospitality and excellence began with its opening on Christmas Day in 1904. It soon became a gathering place for new arrivals in Nairobi, men and women of affairs in business, in land development, and in government. Big Game hunters with safari clients such as Theodore Roosevelt, aristocrats eager to experience the new Kenya, authors, adventures and actors, all came to the Norfolk with its promise of stone-built coolness, quiet tile roofs, good food and baths. It was an island of civilized comfort in the early wild and dusty days of country and capital. Now it is among “The leading Hotels of the World.”
The Norfolk Nairobi Hotel has evolved into an unusual collection of half-timbered turrets, terraces, wings and walks. These are loosely grouped around an interior grassy courtyard which has rambling gardens, aviaries and a display of vintage rickshaw, ox-cart and cars. On arrival at the cobblestone entry, you are greeted by a beaming doorman in top hat and livery. Passing through the high-arched gateway, you are reminded of horse and buggy days.
To one side is the Lord Delamere Terrace and Bar where people gather to meet friends or take time out from safari or business schedules. This popular spot to enjoy a quick meal is always a livery swirl of activity. It is open on one side to a street busy with traffic and London-style taxi cabs.
The small lobby is low-ceilinged, dark with wood paneling, and sometimes crowded with baggage. Although the Norfolk can accommodate approximately 270 guests, there is a sense of intimacy, and reception staffers make an effort to learn your name.
The Norfolk is possibly most remarkably among Nairobi Kenya Hotels for its history. The name conjures images of romance, adventure and camaraderie of a bygone era. In its heyday, many guests were regulars and knew each other well. They came for long stays with leisure to drink and dine in style, to plan safaris, business deals or swindles. Today, however, most international tourists come to this famous hostelry for one- night stays. They can have good service and pleasant surroundings, but the leisurely magic of those early days is a memory.
Norfolk accommodation wings have been added, rebuilt or refurbished, and many rooms have now become typical superior hotels rooms. The exceptions are in the 1937 wing and cottage wing. These Norfolk rooms have charm and character-they overlook the courtyard and, more than the rooms, they allow you to savor the historic, homey atmosphere of this gallant old hotel. The recently added Mugumo wing offers superior rooms, some with split-level accommodation.
The excellence of Norfolk cuisine/food has figured in the hotel’s reputation since it’s first opened its kitchens with a French chef from the Waldorf Astoria Hotel of New York. One of the best places to eat in Nairobi Today is the Ibis grill, a cozy little a’ la carte restaurant. Diners can enjoy world-class cuisine created by Norfolk Head Chef. Emphasis is placed on local ingredients, and main courses are served under shiny silver salvers.
Many tables are drawn up to comfortable banquettes and are set to perfection with heavy linen and silver. Ibis tapestries on the walls bring the restaurant’s namesake to life. Visible through a wall of tall Palladian windows, other tables are set on the cool courtyard terrace shaded by broad vine leaves on the overhead trellis. Locals and guests can enjoy a quiet lunch or dine by candle light and piano music during the dinner hours.
The Lord Delamere Restaurant serves breakfasts, lunch and dinner. The outdoor Lord Delamere terrace serves a varied menu. There is also a poolside terrace and bar near the pool which is reached down one of the hotel’s access alleys.
The Norfolk continues to play an active role in the community by hosting various events in a series of function rooms. Occasionally there is even Music Hall or dramatic productions featuring imported and local talent.
Accommodations and rooms at the Norfolk Hotel Nairobi
Most of this top Kenyan hotel accommodations are grouped in wings around the central courtyard. The four 1937 wing studio suites have a garden entrance, spacious bedrooms, high ceilings, a separate dressing room and, best of all, a private little veranda overlooking the central courtyard. The cottage wing is all homey luxury: each cottage has a private garden veranda, living room with sofa and easy chairs, and either one or two bedrooms.
After renovations, there are several wings of the “typical modern hotel room” with two beds, two armchairs, luggage bureau unit, and modern ensuite bathroom. Some of these rooms are also considered mini-suites when space permits a larger sitting area. Some of the newly renovated rooms are upstairs over the main public rooms and overlook a noisy street; others are in wings built behind the main courtyard and at some distance from the heart of the hotel. Air –conditioning, mini-bars and satellite TV have been added to all rooms. Our favorite: 1937 and cottage Wings.
Facilities at the Nairobi Norfolk Hotel
Travel desk, gift shops, beauty salon, and pool, health club with gym and sauna, hair dresser, secure parking lot. The Norfolk is simply among the best five (5) star of Nairobi Hotels.
Robert is a Kenya travel agent of Landmark safaris- One of travel agencies in Nairobi and Kenya tour operator. At Landmark, you plan your own Kenya trip and vacation travel -the way you want it! Plan your Africa Kenya travel Holiday with the Kenya Nairobi vacation planner
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