www.d2nairobi.com
DUSITD2 NAIROBI
DusitD2 Nairobi
DusitD2 Nairobi front facade
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DusitD2 Nairobi ¡ Kenya
Hospitality
INTIMATE
SETTING An Exclusive With DusitD2 Nairobi General Manager, Michael Metaxas By: Nicholas Paul Griffin
Aspire Africa · Jan/Feb 2017
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Boutique hotels are a new concept in Kenya and other African countries.
Mr Metaxas joined Dusit International from Starwood Hotels and Resorts, where he managed two properties, the Westin Athens and the Arion, a luxury collection hotel and spa at the Astir Palace in Athens, Greece. Mr Metaxas has actively participated in the growth of Kenya’s hospitality industry, having returned after a fifteen-year absence. A wealth of experience and understanding of diverse cultures makes him well-suited to delivering an enlivening guest experience. “The hotel first opened its doors in September 2014,” says Mr Metaxas, “and had its grand opening in March 2015. Dusit International was established in Thailand in 1947 and has seen this Thai family-owned company grow to an international hotel chain over the years.”
Michael Metaxas General Manager
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oasting contemporary, colourful chic and a refreshing sense of playfulness, DusitD2 Hotel and Resorts offer a unique combination of cutting-edge design, hightech connectivity and efficient, modern convenience. Boutique hotels are a new concept in Kenya and other African countries, beginning to appear in the 1980s in major cities like London, New York and San Francisco, where their popularity prompted multinational hotel companies to enter the market. In 2015, DusitD2 appointed a new general manager to its Nairobi hotel, Michael Metaxas, a man with over 30 years’ experience in the hospitality industry, 18 of which were spent in various senior roles at InterContinental Hotels and Resorts across the globe. 4
DusitD2 Nairobi · Kenya
The chain’s portfolio includes sites worldwide, reflecting a truly global approach to the hospitality industry, with stunningly designed boutique hotels in Thailand, China, the Middle East, Africa and the United States. The DusitD2 Nairobi is hidden away from the hustle and bustle in a secure and peaceful haven off the leafy suburb of Riverside Drive, just minutes from the central business district, and a stone’s throw from the heart of the city’s vibrant social scene. With intriguing spaces that balance a modern yet timeless aesthetic in an intimate boutique setting, DusitD2 Nairobi is the very definition of contemporary chic. The hotel’s location has a big part to play in raising the profile of this highly prestigious residential and embassy area. “Also,” Mr Metaxas adds, discussing the hotel’s unique location, “as we have seen the corporate businesses grow in the area, DusitD2 is certainly able to meet and surpass all the needs of its clientele.”
We have seen the corporate businesses grow in the area, DusitD2 is certainly able to meet and surpass all the needs of its clientele.� Michael Metaxas
Hospitality
Soko: the daylight-flooded restaurant
Aspire Africa ¡ Jan/Feb 2017
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DusitD2 Nairobi is the perfect
The hospitality sector in Kenya is growing fast
urban retreat for both work and play.
and will continue to do so in the years to come.
DFit fitness centre Offering world class cuisine from its array of bars and restaurants, stylish and spacious guestrooms, unique event spaces, the award winning Devarana Spa and a striking red swimming pool, DusitD2 Nairobi is the perfect urban retreat for both work and play.
The hotel is comprised of 101 rooms, with a variety of types and suites. The food and beverage outlets have been awarded various prizes over the hotel’s short period of existence and the hotel is proud to have collected these many awards.
“Our mission is to be the preferred Kenyan hotel, delivering consistent and dynamic service in a contemporary, secure and serene environment.”
“Our Thai restaurant, the Soi,” Mr Metaxas says, “hosts a garden terrace popular in the evenings, whilst our two Thai chefs bring to your table the culinary surprises of Thai street food served in the most exquisite possible way.” The hotel’s all-day dining restaurant, Soko, offers an array of specialties for breakfast, lunch and dinner, with its signature spare ribs dish carefully prepared over 10 hours of slow-cooking.
“We can achieve this by being committed to exceeding guest expectation, enhancing each and every experience offered by an inspired and motivated team delivering value to our stakeholders and community.” 6
DusitD2 Nairobi · Kenya
Our mission is to be the preferred Kenyan hotel, delivering consistent and dynamic service in a contemporary, secure and serene environment.� Michael Metaxas
Manufacturing Hospitality
Devarana Spa: 7 treatment rooms
Aspire Africa ¡ Jan/Feb 2017
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Dusit International is currently looking at new opportunities to continue its expansion in both Kenya and also in Africa as a whole.” Michael Metaxas
Hospitality
D’sire suite
D’luxe suite
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DusitD2 Nairobi · Kenya
www.d2nairobi.com
International Celebrity and American singer - songwriter, activist Erykah Badu with General Manager, Michael Metaxas
“The Zing lounge and bar features live jazz music every Wednesday night, whilst on Fridays our in-house DJ entertains you till the late hours of the night. Our meeting and conference facilities, all with daily light availability, can meet any need for events ranging from weddings to conferences and other social gatherings.”
is no better satisfaction and achievement than being recognised by our guests. This is what makes us continue to try to do better by offering our special service.”
Earlier this year, the Nairobi branch won the coveted Luxury Boutique Hotel of the Year for Nairobi in the Luxury Travel Guide for the second consecutive year, highlighting its consistency in high global standards and personalised customer service.
Nairobi is a hub for Eastern Africa and thus has the advantage of being able to offer everything needed for those on holiday or business.
DusitD2 hotels are furnished in a themed, stylish and inspirational manner, with a focus on providing personalised service. The hotel was also the winner of the Best Luxury Boutique Hotel in Africa and Best Luxury Business Hotel in Kenya for the years 2015 and 2016. “These recognitions come through the votes of our guests,” Mr Metaxas explains. “There
The hospitality sector in Kenya, in particular Nairobi, is growing fast and will continue to do so in the years to come.
The city’s infrastructure continues to improve, placing Nairobi high on the list of preferred cities for both business and holiday destinations. There is therefore a mutual beneift for both Nairobi and the DusitD2. “Dusit International is currently looking at new opportunities to continue its expansion,” Mr Metaxas explains, indicating that the chain is looking to take advantage of the country’s growth in the coming years, “in both Kenya, but also in Africa as a whole.” ASPIRE Aspire Africa · Jan/Feb 2017
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www.d2nairobi.com 14 Riverside Park, Riverside Woods (off Riverside Drive) P. O. Box 41596- 00100 Nairobi, Kenya Tel: +254 20 423 3000 Email: info.Nairobi@dusit.com