Trend setter in contemporary hotel design
By Mary Anne Zita
The field of luxury hotels is growing fast in the last two years as more and more high-end hotels spot Nairobi’s landscape. This phenomenon has been brought about by changing tastes and requirements where modern businessmen search for much more than the basics in the hotels they stay in. Many are looking for creature comforts as well as convenience. Sankara Nairobi is arguably the latest establishment to enter into the fray of luxury hotels having opened its doors to the public on August 2010.
The 156-room hotel sets a new standard in the Kenyan hospitality design industry. Located in the heart of Westlands, Nairobi’s commercial, retail and entertainment suburb, and within easy reach of the city center and diplomatic districts. As Moshi Perera, General Manager – Sankara Nairobi aptly put it “We are defined by our warm and vibrant personality. We are inspired b by spirit of our location and passionately believe in offering a service that is effortless, personal and genuine.”
The hotel is hip and chic, with an emphasis on luxury and design elements – drawing from global inspirations with subtle influences of African art and antiquities. Sankara Nairobi sets a new standard in contemporary luxury and personalized service. The hotel incorporates all the facilities and functional technology that a world traveller would expect with clear reference to the culture and traditions of new Africa. Sankara hosts Nairobi’s most authoritative collection of contemporary African art with particular emphasis of East African art.
Modern and tastefully decorated
The rooms are modern and tastefully decorated. “We have created a place that provides the comforts of home supported by the latest technology.” Says Perera. The rooms are very spacious, built purposely with that in mind to give guests a homely feeling not the cramped feel associated with regular hotel rooms.
Guest rooms offer ‘plug and play’ panels enabling seamless connectivity of audiovisual and technological devices to the LCD flat-screen TV, DVD player and surround sound, complimentary high speed internet access, wi-fi hot spots throughout the hotel, iPod docking stations, personal bar and in-room safety deposit box. The bathrooms feature Villeroy&Boch and Grohe fittings, separate glass-walled rain showers and bathtubs specifically tailored to the needs of the ultra-luxury market; a growing niche previously unsatisfied by hotels in Nairobi.
“The market has responded well as we have seen a mix of expatriates as well as Kenyans from the Diaspora and out of town trooping in which is very encouraging.” Says Perera. In this business we are striving for excellence as well as giving a very personalized service. “Our staff has gone through a vigorous training regimen in etiquette, customer service so as to give customers nothing but the best.” Says Perera.
As the new kid on the block Sankara is really striking for excellence with an above par service. “We are just like home and maintain an open attitude, we will bend over to meet our guests’ needs, being new and all, we are not yet set in our ways thus we are quite open,” explains Perera.
Maximised usage of space
According to PereraSankara is built on a small space but the designersmaximised usage of space to create spectacular elements that guests can enjoy despite the absence of outdoor space. “Though the hotel is entirely in-door, we have managed to set up an outdoor rooftop swimming pool.”
Sankara has something more; a club lounge, spa and meeting rooms where guests can entertain their visitors and hold meetings; they also offer a private outdoor terrace for break-out meetings and entertaining, private boardroom and business center.
Sankara’s innovative design has changed Nairobi’s hospitality landscape, developing the capital as a destination in its own right with a move complete offering. The hotel has won several awards and certifications including Wallpaper and Fortune Magazine’s Best Business Hotels 2010, Conce Nast Traveller Hot List 2011, Wine Spectator Award Excellence 2011, Best New Hotel Construction and Design by Grenadier Limited at the International Property Awards 2011. According to Perera among other things Sankara is feted for mainly unique and modern design and great service.
The hotel offers modern dining at its best with several restaurants under its roof . Spread out over the first floor Artisan restaurant showcases the finest global cuisine complete with live show kitchen and outdoor terrace. Adjoining, a smaller restaurant Muhibbah offers a contemporary mix of South East Asian cuisine, While, The Gallery hosts a communal table and serves up gourmet food and wine, Sarabi, Pool and Supper Club located on the rooftop, offers healthy cuisine and fresh juices during the day, transforming into a spectacular bar and lounge by night overlooking the city skyline.
The hotel also hosts an elegant wine bar which is an extension of The Gallery that showcases the city’s widest selection of the finest wines from around the world. “Our impressive wine collection is simply amazing. More culinary delights can be found at Sankara which serves an eclectic mix of global flavours through the creations of Executive Chef, Stefano. All the restaurants at the hotel are trendy, sophisticated and unpretentious, paring the freshest ingredients with visually striking design and professional service.
“My dream is to see Sankara as the leading, contemporary luxury hotel in Nairobi and be able to set the standards for the rest of the industry.” Says Perera. He feels that in any hospitality establishment, staff is key. They need to buy your idea and understand what you want from them thus clear communication is imperative. We work as a team with every member staff doing their best in their respective departments so as to create a seamless organization. Clearly Sankara runs like a well-oiled engine with staff members well versed on what is expected of them.
