After two long back-to-back Turkish Airlines 777 business class flights to Nairobi, I figured my wife and I could use a day or two to catch our breath before continuing on to our final destination at the JW Marriott Masai Mara Lodge. To ease into the time change and recover from the journey, I booked us two nights at the JW Marriott Nairobi before setting off on our safari adventure.
The JW Marriott Nairobi is one of Kenya’s newest luxury hotels and was the perfect place to recover after nearly 24 hours of travel. It’s an ideal pre- or post-safari stopover, offering a comfortable and modern base in Kenya’s capital city.
Booking
I was able to take advantage of a favorable industry rate for our two-night stay at the JW Marriott Nairobi. Regular rates typically average around $440 per night, with the lowest rates starting at about $382 and peak nights reaching close to $500.
Redemptions at JW Marriott Nairobi aren’t especially compelling, as most award nights require over 100,000 Bonvoy points. This yields a value well below our target of roughly 1 cent per point, making it a redemption I wouldn’t particularly recommend.
As I’ll go on to explain, this property offers excellent recognition and treatment for higher-tier elite members. If you’re planning a stay and want an elevated experience, holding a card such as the American Express Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Card is an excellent choice. This card grants automatic Marriott Platinum status, which includes valuable perks like complimentary breakfast at most Marriott Bonvoy properties and suite upgrades during your stay.
The American Express Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Card offers complimentary Marriott Bonvoy Platinum Elite status, up to a monthly $25 restaurant statement credit, an annual free night, 25 elite night credits, and more.
Check out our American Express Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant card review for more details.
100,000 Marriott Bonvoy points
$6,000
$900+
$650
No
–
Check-in
The most notable part of the check-in and arrival process were the heightened security measures at the hotel. At first, we weren’t quite sure what to make of it, but it’s my understanding that many hotels in Nairobi maintain similar security protocols. These measures, much like the rigorous airport security in the city, are in place to provide guests with peace of mind and ensure a safe and secure stay in the capital.
The entire property is enclosed by a tall electrified security fence, with all pedestrians required to pass through a metal detector and vehicles subject to multiple layers of screening before entry. Additionally, several detection dogs and their handlers were stationed throughout the hotel’s main public areas.
The hotel’s main entrance and valet area reflect the classic JW Marriott style, featuring titanium-colored metal panels and dark stone, accented by a bronze-toned slatted ceiling. Placed prominently in the valet area, the brand’s signature gryphon takes center stage within an elegant water feature, creating a striking first impression.
As our flight from Istanbul arrived at 3:30 AM, the lobby was completely deserted when we entered and were promptly assisted by the staff who offered to help with our bags and escorted us over to the check-in area.
I hadn’t requested an upgrade before our arrival, however a few days prior, I noticed that our reservation had been upgraded to a 1-Bedroom Junior Suite. At check-in, the agent confirmed the upgrade, thanked me for being a Titanium Elite member, and noted that we would have access to the Executive Lounge.
As Titanium members, we had the option to enjoy breakfast either in the lounge or the main restaurant each morning. Many hotels don’t extend this flexibility to their elite guests, so it was an appreciated touch.
Location
JW Marriott Nairobi is located in the upscale Westlands District, one of Nairobi’s most vibrant and modern neighborhoods. The hotel sits within the Global Trade Center complex, with many shops and restaurants nearby. Its central location offers convenient access to several of the city’s main attractions, including the Nairobi National Museum, Sarit Center, and Westgate Shopping Mall. Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) is about a 20–25 minute drive away via the Nairobi Expressway, making it ideal for both business and leisure travelers.
Since our flight into Nairobi was scheduled to arrive at 3:30 AM, and after two long flights, I didn’t want the added hassle of trying to find transportation upon arrival. To make things easier, I arranged an airport pickup from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) through the hotel. Although it was a costly option, it provided peace of mind knowing we’d have a reliable and comfortable ride waiting for us.
I was quoted the following rates for the hotel’s airport transfer. While the service was on the pricier side, we were greeted by a hotel representative immediately upon exiting the terminal and offered a refreshing cold towel and bottled water during the ride.
| Transport Type | One Way Charge (USD) | Minimum Capacity | Maximum Capacity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sedan Mercedes C-200 | $70 | 1 passenger | 2 passengers |
| Luxury Mercedes E-200 | $80 | 1 passenger | 2 passengers |
| Luxury Van (Mercedes Vito) | $110 | 1 passenger | 4 passengers |
| Land Cruiser Prado TX | $120 | 1 passenger | 3 passengers |
Rideshare services like Uber operate in Nairobi, and we used them for all our remaining trips around the city. We found Uber’s service to be reliable, safe, and significantly more affordable than the hotel’s car service.
If you’re continuing onward from the hotel to Masai Mara National Wildlife Reserve, you’ll likely be departing from the nearby Nairobi-Wilson Airport (WIL), which is about a 10–15 minute drive and costs around $6.00.
Parking
JW Marriott Hotel Nairobi offers complimentary on-site and valet parking, as well as an electric car charging station.
Room – 1 Bedroom Junior Suite
We were assigned a 1 Bedroom Junior Suite on the 16th floor of the building.
Upon stepping inside the suite, you’re greeted by a small foyer that leads into the living room, with a doorway to a half bathroom on the right. JW Marriott is my favorite Marriott brand, and I really appreciate its modern and understated approach to luxury, often showcased through warm, earthy tones and elegant wooden textures that I’ve been seeing at some of its newer properties.
As mentioned, a convenient half bath was located just off the entrance to the suite.
Further inside the suite is a spacious living room furnished with a sofa, a pair of armchairs, and a small dining table. A flatscreen TV is mounted on the wall that separates the living room from the bedroom.
A welcome amenity consisting of fresh fruit, dark chocolate, and a handwritten note wishing us a pleasant stay was placed on the dining table prior to our arrival.
Near the entrance of the suite is a minibar cabinet stocked with an espresso machine, a selection of snacks and drinks, as well as coffee pods, teas, and glassware.
The floor-to-ceiling windows allow plenty of natural light to fill the space during the day and offer pleasant views of the city.
Both the living room and bedroom are equipped with power operated curtains, a feature I’ve come to expect at modern luxury properties.
The bedroom is comfortably appointed with a king-sized bed flanked by two nightstands and a bench at its foot. Beneath the window is a cozy seating area with a small side table, making it an ideal spot to relax or enjoy a book.
Directly across from the bed, a second flatscreen TV is seamlessly mounted into the paneled wall.
Similar to the living room, the large windows in the bedroom flood the space with natural light. While Nairobi isn’t known for its skyline, as first-time visitors to both the city and country, it was enjoyable to take in the views and get a sense of the surrounding landscape.
Between the bedroom and the bathroom is a spacious walk-in closet, offering ample drawers and hanging space. It comes fully stocked with the essentials you’d expect at a luxury hotel, including robes, slippers, an iron with ironing board, and even some shoe care items.
The bathroom is without question a highlight of the suite, adorned with beautiful marble and featuring an enclosed toilet chamber, a walk-in shower, and a luxurious soaking tub.
The shower was equipped with both an overhead rainfall fixture and a wall-mounted handheld sprayer, and an exterior frosted glass window allowed natural light to softly illuminate the bathroom.
Opposite the bathroom, a dual vanity takes full advantage of the recessed LED lighting throughout, creating a modern and highly functional space.
The bathroom amenities featured Aromatherapy Associates, the signature toiletries brand available at all JW Marriott properties.
Our room at the JW Marriott Nairobi was absolutely delightful. It had everything we needed for a brief stay to recover from a long journey. While a standard room would have easily met our needs, I appreciated the hotel’s proactive upgrade of our room to a suite.
Restaurants & Bars
JW Marriott Nairobi offers five on-site dining options along with in-room dining for guests. Additionally, Platinum Elite and higher members, plus guests staying in an executive-level room, have access to the Executive Lounge located on the top floor of the hotel.
Myna – Marriott Bonvoy Platinum Elite Complimentary Breakfast
Breakfast is served from 6:30 AM to 11:00 AM each morning. Platinum Elite members and above have the option to enjoy their complimentary breakfast at Myna or in the Executive Lounge. We chose to have breakfast in the restaurant because the buffet was far more extensive, and it offered outdoor seating where we could enjoy the pleasant weather.
I did walk through the lounge to check out the breakfast spread, which I’ll cover in more detail later.
The buffet spread was impressive, offering a wide selection of cuisines including North American, Kenyan, and Asian dishes. In addition, a staff member provided table service for coffee, tea, smoothies, and made-to-order egg dishes.
Made-to-order egg dishes, along with hot items such as waffles and pancakes, were also available, accompanied by a full selection of coffee options.
I appreciate that the hotel offers elite members the option to enjoy their complimentary breakfast in either the lounge or the restaurant. I’d recommend choosing the restaurant, as we thoroughly enjoyed both the food and the service there each morning.
Midi Café and Patisserie
Midi Café and Patisserie is located on the lobby level serving light meals, specialty coffees, and decadent pastries.
We stopped by one afternoon for a couple of refreshing drinks, both of which were delicious.
Hudson Tavern Bar & Grill
Hudson Tavern Bar & Grill is a North American–style sports pub specializing in steaks, burgers, and craft beers. I only stopped in briefly to check out the space and browse the menu, but never ended up returning for a meal.
I didn’t get the opportunity to visit or dine at the hotel’s other restaurants, which include an Asian Sky Bar and Lounge and an Indian restaurant. Instead, we opted to enjoy our lunch and dinner in the Executive Lounge, which helped us save significantly on dining expenses.
Facilities
Executive Lounge
One of the things I love most about the JW Marriott brand, especially when staying outside North America, are the consistently excellent Executive Lounges. The Executive Lounge at JW Marriott Nairobi is open daily from 6:30 AM to 11:00 PM, offering a continental breakfast from 6:30 AM to 10:30 AM and a happy hour from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM.
The lounge offers a variety of seating options, including dining tables near the buffet and more comfortable seats positioned by the windows.
Continental Breakfast
The morning continental breakfast selection is modest but should be adequate if you just want a quick and simple breakfast. The lounge doesn’t offer any hot breakfast items.
Available options include cold cuts and cheeses, breads, pastries, and a few sandwiches. Coffee, tea, and a couple of juice choices are also provided.
Evening Happy Hour
The evening happy hour meal and drink service in the Executive Lounge is outstanding, offering a unique aspect I’ve never seen in other executive lounges: it features not only a decent buffet but also table service with a small à la carte menu.
From the buffet, guests can enjoy a variety of finger foods, including bruschetta, pita with hummus, cheese and crackers, fruit salad, and a selection of desserts.
A wide selection of alcoholic beverages, including beer, wine, and spirits were available at the self-serve bar. All drinks are complimentary for lounge guests during happy hour.
Shortly after we settled into the lounge, a staff member approached our table and handed us the evening happy hour menu. While the menu is brief, I can’t think of another lounge I’ve visited that offers both table service and a menu, making this a unique feature.
I ordered the chicken tikka masala. Although I would refer to the dishes as ‘snack-sized’ portions, the combination of the menu items and the buffet was more than enough to suffice for dinner.
Fitness Center
The fitness center is situated on one of the building’s mid-level floors, alongside the spa and outdoor swimming pool.
When we visited, the hotel had been open for just under a year, and as expected, the fitness center was equipped with modern machines from Life Fitness and Hammer Strength.
Virtually every type of equipment you’d expect was available, including weight machines, free weights, multifunctional trainers, and a full range of cardio equipment.
Pool
The outdoor swimming pool is undoubtedly one of the hotel’s highlights. The infinity-edge pool and surrounding pool deck offered pleasant views of the surrounding buildings and neighborhood.
The pool deck offers plenty of seating options for guests seeking either sun or shade, including traditional loungers as well as larger daybed and cabana-style setups.
Since we were quite jet-lagged, we spent most of our time at the hotel relaxing by the pool. The tranquil setting made it the perfect place to unwind and recharge.
Spa
I always make a point of visiting the spa whenever I stay at a luxury hotel, as the facilities are consistently excellent. Although I didn’t book any treatments this time, I did take advantage of the other amenities, including the steam room and sauna.
The steam room and sauna were both fantastic, and as is often the case at most hotels, these facilities are rarely used by other guests, meaning I had the entire area to myself.
After a spa treatment or a session in the steam room or sauna, guests can relax in the relaxation area and enjoy infused water or tea served by the staff.
Conclusion
Our two-night stay at the JW Marriott Nairobi was the ideal stopover before heading out on safari. At the time of our visit, all the facilities and amenities felt essentially brand-new and well maintained. We were especially appreciative of the complimentary upgrade to a Junior Suite, which perfectly suited our needs.
The hotel also offers a fantastic executive lounge and breakfast, and its prime location makes it an excellent choice for anyone spending a short time in the city before venturing out to experience Kenya’s stunning landscapes and wildlife.
Jeff Jamieson
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