Ambassadeur: 62-Year-Old Hotel That Became Nairobi’s Most Recognised Bus Stage
Every city in the world has its landmark buildings. New York has the Empire State Building, The Statue of Liberty, and Central Park.
London has Buckingham Palace, Tower Bridge, Westminster Abbey, The Shard, The Houses of Parliament and Big Ben.
The same applies to Nairobi which boasts of the Times Tower, Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC), Parliament Buildings, and the Nairobi National Museum which adorn the city’s skyline.
Another recognizable building at the heart of Nairobi City which Nairobi residents interact with daily is the Ambassadeur Hotel.
Located next to Kencom Buildings, adjacent to the Kenya Bus Service (KBS) bus stop, and a stone’s throw away from the National Archives, the Ambassadeur is a storied hotel but not many people know about it.
The hotel founded by former Kirinyaga Central MP John Ngata Kariuki and Gurcharan Singh Vohra was opened in 1961 and was a favorite for politicians from the larger East African region who conducted meetings and conferences at the facility.
The latest ownership documents indicate that the iconic hotel was later acquired by businessman Samuel Maina in 2004.
After initially being launched as a luxury hotel, the facility has since lost its allure largely due to the establishment of a bus stop just below which has turned the area into a beehive of activity.
Despite the challenges it faces, the hotel continues to attract visitors. It boasts 94 well-appointed rooms, multiple conference rooms accommodating 10 to 150 people, and ample parking space for over 30 vehicles.
The hotel caters to a diverse clientele by offering a wide range of services. Its location is convenient for travelers who prefer to be in the Nairobi Central Business District (CBD) before departing from the city under the sun.
It is also a convenient spot for those who find themselves in town after long journeys or those seeking an affordable night’s stay at the heart of the city.
Guests who stay at the hotel enjoy complimentary benefits such as a free breakfast buffet as well as dry cleaning and laundry services.
Hotel Ambassadeur also offers a variety of African cuisines to its guests.
The hotel boasts a range of guest rooms, each equipped with bathrooms featuring separate showers, hot water facilities, and complimentary toiletries.
These rooms come in different classes catering to various budget preferences, including deluxe rooms for singles and triple rooms complete with private balconies and kitchenettes.
Inside the rooms, guests can find a personal computer, a sofa set, a writing table, and ironing facilities.
With the services offered and the hotel remaining with its 3-star amenities, still preferable for those who want to have a relaxing time.
Ambassadeur: 62-Year-Old Hotel That Became Nairobi’s Most Recognised Bus Stage