Fairview Hotel Nairobi Joins IHG’s Vignette Collection in First African Launch

Fairview Hotel Nairobi has become the first property in Africa to join IHG Hotels & Resorts’ Vignette Collection, marking the brand’s debut on the continent. The 99-room boutique hotel, located in Nairobi’s Upper Hill district, is also the first Vignette Collection hotel in Africa to enter IHG’s Luxury & Lifestyle portfolio. The move places one of Kenya’s best-known heritage hotels within a global collection focused on distinctive, character-led properties.

The hotel has long been recognised as a landmark in Nairobi, with roots dating back to the early 20th century. Its setting combines original architectural features, including arched windows and courtyards, with extensive gardens that have earned it a reputation as a green retreat in the city. The property includes 99 renovated rooms and suites, an outdoor swimming pool, a fitness centre, and nine meeting and event spaces, including a hidden underground wine cellar.

Fairview’s dining and social areas remain central to its identity. Guests have access to three restaurants with distinct menus and atmospheres, as well as a café overlooking the gardens and a relaxed fireplace lounge suited to casual meetings and evening downtime. The hotel’s layout continues to favour outdoor spaces, with terraces and courtyards forming a natural extension of its public areas, reflecting a long-standing role as a meeting place for both residents and visitors.

For visitors to Nairobi, the hotel’s position within Vignette Collection makes it easier to access a stay that combines heritage with a central location. Fairview is located close to Nairobi’s main business areas, cultural institutions and public green spaces, while offering a more low-key setting compared with many larger international hotels in the city. Its gardens, historic interiors, and proximity to central Nairobi allow guests to explore the city while returning to a more contained, walkable setting.

The arrival of Fairview Hotel Nairobi in IHG’s Vignette Collection reflects a growing interest in long-established hotels rather than newly built flagships. Instead of replacing local character with a standard format, the collection brings recognised hotels into a wider network while keeping their original identity intact.