Tuesday 7 May 2013

Hemingways Collection Invests Sh1.5 billion In Nairobi hotel


 Local hotel chain Hemingways Collection has opened a new multi-million boutique hotel in Nairobi in a bid to tap in to the ever-increasing demand for high-end accommodation and fine dining.

Hemingways Collection- whose investment value is estimated to be about KES 2.9 billion- set up shop in Kenya over 23 years ago when it established its pioneer property Hemingways Watamu in Malindi.

The chain also owns Ol Seki Hemingways Mara located in the Naboisho conservancy in the Mara.

A member of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World, Hemingways Nairobi is the newest addition to Hemingways Collection. The new facility is valued at about KES 1.5 billion.

Located in the heart of the Karen suburb of Nairobi and only 14km from Nairobi’s Central Business District, Hemingways Nairobi completes the chain’s ultimate ‘Beach, Bush and Boutique’ experience in Kenya.

With 45 suites, Hemingways Nairobi seeks to fill the gap in the luxury business and leisure travel market of Kenya and the East African region.

‘‘The increasingly growing profile of Nairobi as a premier business destination in the region has occasioned an increased demand for quality beds, fine dining and conference facilities. Hemingways Nairobi is keen on tapping into Kenya’s sustained growth in business traveler and tourism arrivals,’’ Hemingways Holdings Chief Executive Officer Alastair Addison said during the launch.

Addison added: ‘As optimism in the country’s economic outlook continues to grow, we expect this trend to continue even further especially after the peaceful transition following the just concluded general election, which has significantly boosted investor confidence in the country. ‘

According to Kenya Association of Hotelkeepers Caterers (KAHC), Nairobi had about 10,000 high-end beds in 2011 but requires about 20,000 more to effectively compete with other major world destinations.

Hemingways Nairobi is keen on filling the gap in this very important niche market and its arrival signifies the increasing importance of Nairobi as a business and tourism hub, but more importantly it highlights the increasing demand of providing both the business and leisure markets with an unrivalled quality experience.

‘‘In setting up Hemingways Nairobi, our goal is not only to build an attractive building or to fill its rooms with visitors, but also to make a strategic investment which promises to produce a magnificent multiplier effect as its impact ripples through the local communities as well as Kenya’s economy’’, Mr. Addison said.

Besides serving the tourism sector, the investment has also created job opportunities and is expected to contribute to the country’s overall economic growth.

Mr. Addison added: ‘‘we hope, in the medium and long term, the impact will also be measured by the returns it generates for the local hospitality industry. It will also be measured in the motivating effect a successful new enterprise has on other local enterprises’’.

The hotel offers an authentic butler service which harnesses the traditional values of discretion and convenience and blends it with a contemporary approach and cutting edge efficiency.

‘Whether it is the personalized wake-up call with your choice of tea or coffee and daily newspaper, making dinner reservations, or verifying your return flight with his iPad, your butler will always be looking to provide a bespoke service that exceeds your every expectation,’ says Hemingways Nairobi General Manager James Scott.

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