Palacina, boutique hotel in the heart of Kilimani

Palacina The Residence & The Suites occupies a quiet location in the Kilimani neighbourhood, in Nairobi, approximately 10 minutes' drive from the central railway station and 20 km from Jomo Kenyatta international airport. The property overlooks the State House Valley gardens, creating a residential atmosphere that feels closer to a private residence than a standard business hotel.

With 14 suites in total and two distinct accommodation options, the property caters to both passing travellers and those settling in Nairobi for several weeks.

Why stay here

Palacina stands out on three practical counts:

• A central yet discreet location: Kilimani offers proximity to the city centre without the noise, with quick access to business districts and embassies.
• Two complementary options: The Suites for short stays, The Residence for extended stays in apartments with full kitchens.
• Complete on-site facilities: dining, pools, fitness centre, work spaces and self-service laundries.

Atmosphere and décor

The overall tone is understated: neutral tones, dark wood and African inspiration in both common areas and guest rooms. The reception hall centres around a lounge, reading areas and a veranda with a bar, creating a practical hub between appointments.

The atmosphere remains that of a human-scale boutique hotel rather than a large international chain, which is evident in the team's approach and service flexibility.

Suites and apartments

The Suites

The suites are designed for short stays. The décor follows the neutral tones and dark wood that characterise the property. Each suite features a lounge, a private balcony overlooking the gardens and a bathroom with a spa bathtub.

The Residence

The Residence comprises apartments designed for extended stays, with a fully equipped kitchen and separate lounge. This option suits long-term assignments, relocated families or travellers who wish to cook on-site. A generous safe allows storage for a laptop.

Dining and services

The Moonflower restaurant

The The Moonflower restaurant serves Kenyan cuisine with Mediterranean and Swahili influences. Evenings are regularly enlivened by a live jazz band. Breakfast is served in the open-kitchen dining room, at the bar, in the hall lounge or on the terrace depending on your preference.

Facilities

• Heated indoor pool and outdoor pool
• Fitness centre with cardio and strength training equipment
• Conference centre, executive lounge with private bar, private meeting rooms
• Two self-service laundries with washing machines and tumble dryers (in addition to laundry service)
• Free Wi-Fi, satellite television in rooms

Location and access

The property is located in Kilimani, one of Nairobi's most central neighbourhoods. It's around ten minutes' drive to the central railway station, and approximately 30 minutes to an hour to Jomo Kenyatta airport depending on traffic.

What to see around the hotel

The neighbourhood allows you to combine business meetings with city exploration. In the immediate vicinity:

• Ngozi Street market, within walking distance
• Nairobi Arboretum and Uhuru Park, accessible within minutes
• Royal Nairobi Golf Club and Kenya Railway Golf Club
• Kenyatta Mausoleum, Nairobi Gallery and Kenya National Museums
• Nairobi National Park, for a day safari at the city's gates

Frequently asked questions

Preparing your stay in Kenya

Palacina provides a comfortable base for starting or concluding a Kenyan itinerary, before heading to the parks and coasts. To build a complete trip combining Nairobi and the great outdoors, explore our Kenya travels, or discover other properties such as Ol Tukai Lodge near Amboseli, Mara Olapa Camp in the Masai Mara or Ngulia Lodge in West Tsavo.