Nairobi boasts of housing ten five-star hotels going by a recent report by the Tourism Regulatory Authority (TRA).
The ten were rated based on their structural finesse and quality services offered to clients.
TRA) unveiled its Star Award winners at a ceremony held at the English Point Marina in Mombasa.
The ten establishments given a five-star rating according to Daily Nation include: Villa Rosa Kempsinki, Hemingway’s Nairobi, Sankara Nairobi, Fairmont The Norfolk, Tribe Hotel, The Sarova Stanley, Radisson Blu Hotel, Dusit D2, Intercontinental Nairobi and the Boma Nairobi.
Thirteen other establishment in the city were given a four-star rating
In the coastal city of Kenya, Medina Palms Suites and Villas in Kilifi, Leopard Beach Resort and Spa in Kwale and Swahili Beach Resort got a five-star rating while Leisure Lodge Beach and Golf resort got a four-star rating.
In Mount Kenya, Segera Retreat Lodge in Laikipia County was rated five-star while Lake Elementaita Serena Camp, Mara Serena Safari Lodge, Olare Mara Kempinski and Enashipai Resort and Spa got a similar rating.
Fairmont Mt Kenya Safari Club in Nyeri County and Aberdares Country Club were rated four-star along with Boma Inn in Uasin Gishu County.
TRA Chairman Sammy Nyule said the classification is important because it helps tourists pick their hotel of choice based on its standards adding all establishments must be accredited and classified in the next six months.
“It is now compulsory for every facility, especially accommodation facilities to be classified. We have not penalised any one because we want to urge them to take it up in the next six months,” he said at the English Point Marina.
TRA’s director-general Kipkorir Lagat said the classification is aimed at bettering services offered to clients.
“We urge all the facilities we have given the star to maintain the service. If by any chance they also improve and want a reclassification to a higher star rating they should get in touch. If the facility downgrades the standards, the law obliges us to recall the star which we have awarded,” Lagat said.
He also said the number of five-star hotels in the coastal region has decreased because of poor business compared to Nairobi international chain have invested in the hotel industry.