We stayed for one night at the Sarova Stanley after a week in Mombassa - set in the smart banking district in the City. We arrived much earlier than exected due to early flight connection and this meant we were at the hotel by 09:30am (we were due around 11:30am). This is the ONLY hotel I have EVER visited that has been able to check us straight into a room on arrival this early and whilst I understand it was low season and there are many airport guests who check out early, this was a huge plus for us and was really appreciated.

The hotel style is amazing, very colonial with lots of history and pictureseverywhere but still with a modern feel. You are first greeted outside by the smartly dressed staff and could almost believe you are at a top London hotel. There is lots of dark wood and brass and everything is well looked after. The rooms are large and modern with lots of light and storage and everything you would expect from a quality hotel. The beds were super confortable and although we could hear some outside noise from local bars at night time which went on very late, this was not be a problem fas we were so tired, and for light sleepers would easily be resolved with earplugs. We actually had the best nights sleep our entire trip here! The pool area is great should you have time to use it and the bar is very smart indeed. There is choice of resturants if you dont fancy going out although, there are some great places nearby which are very safe to walk to.

Our only area for improvment would be the service we had in 2 areas. The first by the pool bar, there are plenty of staff but they will not come to you, you have to go to them to order and although it was a boiling hot day, our plates were left after lunch for several hours and infact were not removed before we left. The second, the service in the Thai restuarant, here we struggled with our waiter who we had to ask for a menu four times and everything seemed very difficult from ordering to getting the bill.

Apart from these 2 areas, all other hotel staff were wonderful from the reception, to the concierge, to the security, to the housekeeping. There is a small arcade of shops selling lots of supplies and gifts. The hotel even supply an early breakfast for airport departures.

One final point, please do not be concerned by the security presence in the hotel - there is a airport style metal detector on arrival and guards in the stairwell of each floor - it seems to be more for reassurance as everything felt very safe.

The Stanley offers a convenient and safe place to stay while in Nairobi. The hotel is decorated in an early 20th century style - elegant, lots of dark stained wood, with a colonial feel. This facility includes a large area for breakfast, a separate restaurants, bar, swimming pool, and health club. The rooms vary in size, but most are comfortable and spacious; the bathrooms are large with the usual features.

The breakfast buffet is excellent, with a wide variety of foods available, from a traditional European "continental" style to a range of hot items and eggs cooked to order. Western travelers will see some things that you don't recognize (especially among the vegetables), so you will have a chance to try something new. The restaurants and bar are also nice places to eat or visit. The health club is well maintained and has a wide selection of equipment.

Security is good, with screening for all guests entering the lobby. Security guards in the stairways prevent problems at night. They are always friendly. Strike up a conversation and learn some Swahili!.

However, be prepared for the realities of visiting a third world country. Of course, don't drink the water. Bottled water is always available from the hotel, and local stores are a short walk, where you can buy additional food and water. The internet connection is not always reliable, and sometimes the electricity goes out. The hotel does a good job of trying to shield the guests from these issues, but there is only so much that they can do. Please be patient with them; it is rarely their fault.