Tribe Hotel Review - Nairobi, Kenya

Intro: Tribe Hotel is a five-star boutique hotel located in the Gigiri neighborhood of Nairobi, Kenya. It showcases modern architecture, fresh design, a beautifully curated art collection and high standards of quality and service. It’s conveniently located close to the embassies, a high-end shopping mall and other Nairobi attractions, making it a great choice for both leisure and business travelers visiting Nairobi.

Tribe Hotel offers a contemporary aesthetic and a unique hospitality experience, ensuring top-notch service and quality.

Fun fact! The name "Tribe" is a tribute to the diverse ethnic groups and tribes found in Kenya.

Style: The hotel's sleek, contemporary architectural style with clean lines and minimalist aesthetics creates a tranquil and luxurious atmosphere, a retreat from the otherwise hectic city. The fusion of African elements with modern elements and an extensive art collection add a unique touch to the hotel's ambiance.

Fun fact! The hotel’s art collection includes over 900 pieces from Africa artists across the continent — Kenya, Cameroon, Benin, Sudan, South Africa and others. 

Rooms: The hotel features 128 rooms, including a range of room categories to cater to various preferences and needs. The room categories include standard rooms, junior suites, one-bedroom suites, larger executive suites, an empire suite, a presidential suite and a luxury penthouse. The suites include a kitchenette with a cooktop stove, microwave, kitchen utensils, etc. Each set-up offers ample space and is tastefully furnished with modern amenities. 

Food and Drink: Jiko is the hotel’s onsite restaurant, serving fresh, seasonable African cuisine as a tribute to local farmers. The restaurant decor was light and fun with hanging plants. Definitely gave fresh, Tulum-y vibes. The restaurant also features an excellent bar with the most creative bartenders. 

Across the street at Tribe’s sister hotel, Trademark is Hero, an all-day rooftop bar with an extensive food menu featuring sushi and other Japanese-inspired dishes. Hero is on the World’s Best Bars list and does not disappoint. 

Key Features and Amenities: The hotel boasts a range of key features and amenities: a state-of-the-art fitness center, refreshing swimming pool and luxurious spa. The hotel also provides event spaces and meeting rooms, making it a preferred choice for business travelers, especially those with embassy-related activities.

Neighborhood/Things to Do Nearby: The neighborhood surrounding Tribe Hotel offers a vibrant mix of attractions and activities. From art galleries to the Village Market Shopping Center and the Karura Forest, with its walking trails and waterfalls, there is something for everyone. Nairobi National Park, located within the city limits, provides a unique wildlife experience, while the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust Elephant Orphanage and Giraffe Center allow for memorable encounters with Kenya's iconic animals. 

The concierge can arrange various city excursions and day trips to further explore the region. I had the concierge set up a half-day of activities for me with James, an experienced and incredibly knowledgeable safari guide. James and I chased lion, rhino, zebra and giraffe sightings all morning in Nairobi National Park in a 4x4, before he took me to visit the elephant orphanage. It was great! 

Getting There: The hotel is located around 25 km (16 miles) from Nairobi's Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. The hotel offers transportation assistance and airport transfers, ensuring a smooth arrival and departure experience.

Pictures below

- Penthouse suite

- Superior suite (one-bedroom)

- Junior suite

- Standard room

- Restaurant and Garden

- Lobby- Art Collection

- Art Collection

The exceptional hospitality and service from the Tribe Hotel staff truly made the stay memorable. The whole team was incredibly warm and welcoming. The general manager Carmeline, the reception desk staff, housekeeping and the bellboys, my safari guide James, the bartenders at Jiko and everyone went above and beyond to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience.

This trip report is part of our ongoing series on travel to Kenya. In need of further inspiration? Check out Nicole London’s guide, The Green City in the Sun: Complete Guide to Nairobi, Kenya.