Nairobi’s best hotels for art lovers

In a bid to reflect the culture and creativity of Kenya’s buzzing capital, a select group of hotels in Nairobi have been showcasing the work of local artists within their design scheme. Harriet James finds out more.

The Tribe – located within Nairobi mall Village Market – is equal parts fivestar hotel and art museum. Since it was conceived, its owners have wanted the breathtaking boutique hotel to champion the arts in Kenya and showcase local talent.

“Our vision for Tribe has always been to reflect the personality of Nairobi; the energy of a city can really be captured through its creative community,” says Shamim Ehsani the co-founder and marketing director of the Tribe.

The statement art pieces include an ancient bronze rider and horseman from Benin and two large Namji fertility wood-carved statues from Cameroon, as well as a painting by Salah-Amar – a prolific artist from Sudan – in the presidential suite. However, you’ll find African artistic talent on show throughout the 172-room hotel.

Custom-made chandeliers

Most recently, the hotel has commissioned three chandeliers by local designer Nina Howard from Nairobi art studio FLOCSuspend, which hang in the lobby and penthouse suite.

Ehsani says: “The chandeliers in the lobby are each 6.5 metres long and are key statement pieces in our collection. Last year we purchased several paintings by [Kenyan painter and sculptor] Steve Nyaga – a previously under-celebrated artist who now has his work exhibited in private collections around the world and has been invited to showcase his art in major galleries. Our extraordinary bathrobes and room slippers for guests have been hand made by [Kenyan artisan textile company] Siafu Home and its founder, Gladys Macharia.”

Local artist Sospeter Omondi has installed several pieces throughout the property, including wood carvings and wall treatments. Apart from the art, locals have been engaged in supplying the hotel’s furniture as well as bed linen, crockery and glassware.

Lynn Wambui, from Kenyan furniture and home accessories company Santana Africa, has produced several bespoke furniture pieces for the hotel’s suites and lobby as well as feature tables for private dining rooms at Tribe’s Jiko restaurant.

Art with a story

Nairobi furniture manufacturers Love Artisan have created seats for the hotel’s Kaya spa and its restaurant and cocktail bar Hero while Elizabeth Nenge, master ceramicist and founder of ENN ceramics, made a collection of custom plates and dishware for Jiko.

For the Tribe team, the collaboration with Kenyan creatives is significant as each piece tells a story, and it’s the collection of these works that give Tribe its identity.

“Art infuses a distinct sense of place for hotels,” Ehsani says. “At Tribe, we have a collection of over 900 works throughout the property – many of which are one-of-a-kind statement pieces. This has become a hallmark of our property, giving the hotel global recognition. In addition to our incredible team, the art is what people remember most about Tribe. We see every surface and every touch point as an opportunity to showcase Kenya’s exceptional talent.”

Supporting artists

Ehsani is just one of the hotel owners in Nairobi who have shifted focus to working with local artists to provide art to beautify their spaces.

Pan-African chain of business hotels CityBlue, which has two properties in Nairobi, also seeks to incorporate the work of local artists in its interior design. It’s a move that Fatuma Kazungu, the digital communication manager at CityBlue, says adds warmth and texture to spaces, enhances the guest experience and brings an opportunity for local artists to earn revenue.

“Our hotel has embraced the talent of local artists by incorporating their artwork into our establishments,” she says. “This initiative aims to enhance the guest experience and support the thriving art scene in the country. By showcasing pieces from Kenyan artists, the provides guests with an authentic and immersive cultural experience while also giving artists a platform to gain visibility, recognition, and potential revenue opportunities.”

The use of local art in goes beyond mere decoration but also creates a positive impact on clients and artists. Hotel guests are treated to a visually engaging environment that celebrates the rich cultural heritage of Kenya, elevating their overall stay. For instance, the paintings in the rooms at CityBlue’s Skynest Residences – a towering collection of luxury apartments in the Westlands neighbourhood – are done by Dennis Muragari, a vibrant Nairobi artist who enjoys exploring the city’s urban culture. The beaded mirrors are the work of local artist Lucas while the wall art in the gym and games room is done by graffiti artist Mr. Detail 7.

Kazungu says: “For local artists, exhibiting their work in a prestigious setting like CityBlue Hotels increases exposure and allows for potential collaborations and connections within the art community. This initiative demonstrates the hotel’s commitment to promoting art, culture, and community development, benefiting both guests and artists alike.”

For the Tamarind Tree Hotel in Nairobi, located close to the capital’s wildlife-packed National Park, the desire to support artists began five years ago.

The hotel opted for this path to support local artists and to give its guests an authentic travel experience by immersing themselves in local art culture.

Good for guests

“Artwork from local artists can intrigue the guests and assist them to learn more about culture and our people, “says the hotel’s general manager, John Musau. “They also get to understand the history of the place they have visited, and it gives them have a visual connection.”

One of the artists the Tamarind Tree Hotel has worked with is Samuel Njuguna, whose art has been exhibited at Nairobi modern art gallery Tewas Art.

Musau says: “Tamarind Tree displays the artworks on behalf of the artists. These artworks are for sale, and they provide an opportunity for artists to sell their painting. On average, we sell three artworks a year. We just want to grow local talent and give them space to shine in the international space.”

Another boutique hotel in Nairobi which is filled with art and antiques and is an ideal destination to discover the culture of the capital is Eden Nairobi. Designed and built by Tonio and Anna Trzebinski, the estate features an extensive private collection of original contemporary artworks with each of its nine bedrooms accented with pieces created by the Trzebinski family or collected over their lifetime of travels. The hotel also partners with local art studio Top of Form in offering a range of immersive, art-focused experiences designed to introduce guests to Nairobi’s rich creative community. The hotel also has its own art guide who can lead guest on trips into the city that reveal highlights of its creative culture.