Sankara Nairobi is the stylish choice in Westlands, the city’s busiest area for restaurants, shopping and nightlife. Part of Marriott’s Autograph Collection, it stands on Woodvale Grove, a short walk from the shopping centres and bars of central Westlands. The 156 rooms and suites are contemporary, with smart room technology and comfortable beds, and qualifying guests can use the Executive Lounge. The hotel’s social life happens on the roof, where Sarabi, a rooftop bar with city views and crafted cocktails, sits beside a heated rooftop pool. Downstairs, Graze is an award-winning steakhouse built around a live Josper fire kitchen, and Osteria Romana serves Italian dishes on its terrace as well as the breakfast buffet. There is also a separate outdoor pool, a sauna and a steam room. Expedia lists it as a five-star property rated 9.0 out of 10 from more than 300 reviews.
Location and getting around: Westlands is about fifteen minutes north-west of the city centre outside rush hour, and the hotel says Jomo Kenyatta International Airport is about twenty minutes away via the Nairobi Expressway. Karura Forest, the Nairobi National Museum and Gigiri are all a short drive away, while the Giraffe Centre and the Sheldrick nursery in Lang’ata take longer in traffic, so leave early. Ride-hail apps are the easiest way around.
The rooms: standard rooms are well designed and quiet, and suites add separate living space. Ask for a higher floor for city views.
Who it suits: couples and business travellers who want a lively neighbourhood, good restaurants within walking distance and a rooftop bar to come back to after a safari. It is also a good base for a short stopover thanks to the expressway link to the airport.
Good to know: on-site and valet parking are free. Breakfast is charged separately on some rates. The hotel website says it does not run its own shuttle, so book an airport transfer or use a ride-hail app. The rooftop gets busy on weekend evenings.
Why stay here
- ✓Heated rooftop pool
- ✓Sarabi rooftop bar
- ✓Graze steakhouse
- ✓Osteria Romana Italian restaurant
- ✓Sauna and steam room
- ✓Executive Lounge
- ✓Free parking and valet
- ✓Walk to Westlands restaurants
Good questions
Does Sankara Nairobi have a rooftop pool?+
Yes, there is a heated rooftop pool next to the Sarabi rooftop bar. The hotel also has a separate outdoor pool.
How far is Sankara Nairobi from the airport?+
The hotel says the airport is about twenty minutes away via the Nairobi Expressway. Book a transfer or use a ride-hail app, as the hotel does not run its own shuttle.
Is Westlands a good area to stay in Nairobi?+
Yes, Westlands has many of the city’s best restaurants, bars and shopping centres. It is a convenient base with good access to the airport and the city centre.
