Marriott International's Autograph Collection will arrive in Kenya next year when the Sankara Nairobi joins the portfolio of more than 150 independent properties around the world. Owned by Westlands Hotels Ltd., the hotel is expected to be rebranded in early 2019.
According to Alex Kyriakidis, president and managing director Middle East and Africa, Marriott International, “The Sankara Nairobi provides a unique sense of place through design, décor and the experience it creates for guests...This hotel is a perfect fit for the brand and the rebranding is in lockstep with the growing demand from consumers and their desire for unique and differentiated experiences wherever they travel.”
Located in Westlands—the city’s commercial, retail and entertainment quarter—the 168-guestroom Sankara Nairobi is close to the city center and the United Nations headquarters in the country, with access to the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport as well as the Wilson Airport.
The hotel will have a live show kitchen, a New York-style steakhouse, a Paris-inspired Opera Patisserie, a delicatessen and wine bar. The property also has a rooftop pool and bar as well as a champagne bar.
As of earlier this month, Marriott was on track to increase its African portfolio by 50 percent with more than 200 hotels and 38,000 rooms by 2023. “African economies have sustained unprecedented rates of growth, which have mainly been driven by a strong domestic demand, improved macroeconomic management and increased political stability,” said Kyriakidis. “The continent is still under-capacity as far as branded hotel supply is concerned, presenting us with a fantastic opportunity to grow our brands and enhance our footprint.”