Panari Hotel Nairobi

Panari Hotel, Nairobi's finest 5 star Hotel

http://www.panarihotels.com/

The Panari is on the main highway into Nairobi. There is only one main highway into Nairobi. It is a popular hotel for layovers. The fair to the airport is about $1000 Kenyan shillings. It is a 15 minute drive. You can barter because they typically add 2 or 300 shilling "tourist fee."

This hotel has armed guards at every gate - it felt strange to me - like impending danger. Of course, being from Canada, this was not something I am accustomed to.

From the exterior, it belies its opulence. There are so many service staff that it is impossible to go anywhere attended outside of your room. Apparently, is important to not overtip -according to the local tourism council - It can "upset the balance". I blew it, I tip alot! These people have some of the most coveted jobs in Nairobi...being servants and make between $1-$3US per day. Unemployment rate is at 95% in Nairobi. I can see how being a big tipper can make one a target...at the same time, coming from a place that is wealthy and secure, it is difficult to understand how people can live in such poverty. The staff were extremely polite. All Kenyans seem to be soft-spoken and very polite.

There is a large dining room and a smaller cafe within the hotel - yes, and a lovely lounge. The serve huge, opulent buffets! Lots of mixed salads and fresh fruits. I have never seen so many pastries and desserts in one location. It is not ideal for someone with allergies (like me) because some of the kitchen staff do not understand English that well and many of the salads have many ingredients. My allergy is shellfish - I was fortunate to have picked the right things. When in doubt, don't is what I believe.

I did get sick about an hour after lunch the day I was leaving...so who knows. It felt alot like food poisoning or a shellfish reaction.

All in all, the rooms are incredible - so clean. I felt well cared for - in fact too well cared for. There is a point where one likes to have more than 2 sips of coffee before the cup is refilled again.

And do have the coffee! Kenya has the best coffee, in my opinion.