KENYA: AccorHotels Acquires yet Another Property In Nairobi

French conglomerate AccorHotels has accelerated expansion of its local footprint with the takeover of Malaysian tycoon Anthony Fernandes-owned Nairobi hotel.

The hotel chain has taken over management of the property currently run under Malaysian budget brand Tune, which is rebranding barely a year into operation.

The agreement signed on Monday will see AccorHotels re-launch the existing property under the ibis Styles brand in the second half of the year.

With this signature, we are expanding our commitment to leverage Africa’s enormous growth potential. Kenya is a strategic market for AccorHotels’ development in East Africa.

It is a key window for the region where we see a strong potential for AccorHotels’ brands on all market segments with a positive and promising economic outlook, said Steven Daines CEO of AccorHotels for Africa and Middle East.

The ibis Styles Nairobi Westlands will continue to target the budget segment of the market.

Tune is operated on a no-frills model similar to that of low-cost airlines Jambojet and Fastjet, where customers are charged for any add-on services.

The hotel’s no frills model, now a staple in developed markets, will be targeting local, foreign and corporate back-to-back travellers in Kenya and travellers who need solid, quality accommodation, but who are not interested in paying the extra for a lifestyle or luxurious experience.

The 280 rooms across the 11 floors of the hotel come with the option of double, twin, triple and family rooms. The standard design means no wardrobe storage.

AccorHotels is already present in Kenya with two lodges (Fairmont Mara Safari Club and Fairmount Mount Kenya Safari Club), and the Fairmont Norfolk in Nairobi.

The conglomerate is also planning on opening Pullman Nairobi, also located in the Westlands area later in the year.

We are delighted to be partnering with AccorHotels – they have a proven track record in Africa with strong brands and an excellent reservation system. We look forward to this property joining the ibis Styles portfolio and benefitting from AccorHotels’ management expertise and strong international marketing capability,” said Naushad Jivraj, CEO of Queensway Group.

This is the second rebrand in Nairobi, after Kamcan Properties Limited’s Best Western Premier became Four Points by Sheraton Nairobi, Hurlingham.

KENYA: TripAdvisor Awards Kenya Hotels With Best Awards

Three Kenyan hotels are among the top 25 in Africa, according to the American travel website TripAdvisor.

In TripAdvisor’s Travellers’ Choice Awards for Hotels 2016, Kola Beach Resort in Mambrui, Kilifi County took position 20 while Medina Palms, Watamu, in the same county was 21st.

Pinewood Beach Resort & Spa, Diani, Kwale County was position 24.

On the TripAdvisor’s website, Kola Beach is described by travellers as a “secluded resort” while Medina Palms is “best beach front hotel at the Kenyan Coast right on the beach. It has large cool rooms”.

Travellers described Pinewood Beach Resort as “fantastic for holiday and perfect for weddings. It is absolutely stunning”.

Globally, TripAdvisor ranked Umaid Bhawan Palace Jodhpur in India as the best hotel in the world while Tanzania’s Baraza Resort & Spa is the best in Africa.

Countrywide, Fairmont Mara Safari Club in the Maasai Mara Game Reserve took fourth position, Kilili Baharini Resort & Spa in Kilifi was fifth while Sarova Mara Game Camp was sixth.

The Sands at Nomad, Diani, Kwale County was seventh, Hemingways Nairobi eighth, Ocean Village Club, Kwale County took ninth position while Ocean Beach Resort & Spa, Kilifi County completed the list of Kenya’s top 10 hotels.

The American travel website has more than 60 million members and over 170 million reviews and opinions of hotels, restaurants, attractions and other travel-related businesses.

Travellers’ choice award-winning hotels were voted based on millions of reviews.

On Sunday, Medina Palms Operations Manager Kana Mwendwa thanked travellers for voting for the hotel.

She said Medina Palms was a traveller’s choice due to its good villas, apartments and penthouses “that make visitors feel at home”.

“We are delighted to be ranked among the top 25 hotels in Africa as we offer quality accommodation, food and service to our local and international guests,” she said.

“Guests can also enjoy relaxation on the beautiful Watamu beach or a swim in the Indian Ocean.”

Pinewood Beach Resort & Spa General Manager Phillip Jones was happy with the award, saying the hotel staff offer the best service. in Africa.