Sometimes, you don’t need to leave Nairobi city to feel like you’ve escaped it. All it takes is the right neighborhood, lovely hotel, beautiful room, the right view, and a space that feels like it was designed just for you.

Well, I recently slipped away for a staycation that reminded me you can find calm in the middle of chaos, and luxury where you least expect it. There’s something quietly magical about stepping into a room where everything—from the lighting to the textures—whispers relaxation. Where fresh, modern finishes meet the softness of crisp linen, and thoughtful touches turn a simple stay into something special. It’s the kind of space that invites you to slow down, and chill, forget about your troubles for a day or two and just order room service just because you can, and linger a little longer by the window, watching the city carry on without you. Oh Boy, dont we all need this?

Honestly, this is exactly what I didn’t know I was craving for—until I found it at Fairview Hotel. Tucked away along Bishops Road in Upper Hill, Fairview isn’t just another hotel—it’s a lovely sanctuary sprawled across five acres of beautifully kept grounds. As you approach, the grand stone building stands tall, draped in lazy ivy and framed by intricate wrought iron details. There’s something about this place—it doesn’t feel like you’re just checking into a hotel. It feels like you’re walking into a home. You know that quiet, old-world charm that makes you feel like the space was waiting just for you? Yeah, this was it. It was about to give me permission to pause, to exhale, to step back from the noise of everyday life, and to rediscover the quiet luxury of simply being still.

Fairview isn’t new to this. Founded in 1931 as a stately Georgian-style home, it has gracefully evolved over the years, becoming a hotel known for its leafy gardens, shaded courtyards, and its modern-day comfort. The beauty of it all? It has kept its soul—it still feels like home.

On a sunny beautiful Saturday afternoon at 2 pm, Hellen at the front desk, welcomed me with a warm smile and an easy, pleasant conversation that made checking in feel less like a formality and more like I was being invited in. “We’re so glad to have you with us,” she said, her voice as soft and inviting as the hotel’s charm. As she walked me through the check-in process, we chatted like old friends, and in those first few minutes, I could already feel the weight of the week beginning to lift.

Hellen handed me my key—Room 414, which was tucked away on the top floor of the next block, just up a short flight of stairs. I couldn’t wait to get there.

When I pushed open the door to my room, I was genuinely surprised. I walked into what felt more like a fully furnished apartment than a ‘typical’ hotel room—a cozy living space with a plush sofa, a soft carpet underfoot, a TV, a cabinet, and even a fridge neatly tucked in the corner. It was the kind of space that made you want to kick off your shoes and stay a while.

The bedroom itself was spacious, dressed in crisp, beautiful bedding that instantly whispered comfort. Just above the bed, a stunning oversized painting immediately caught my eye—bold, elegant, and beautifully framed, it became the quiet centerpiece of the space. It didn’t just fill the wall; it filled the room with character. It’s little touches like this that made the room feel premium, thoughtfully curated rather than just decorated.

But my absolute highlight? The bathtub—right there in the room. It was an invitation to linger, to soak, to unwind.

And just when I thought I had seen it all, I stepped into the bathroom—a third room on its own. It was so large I half-joked to myself that six people could probably fit in there comfortably. I’ve honestly never seen a hotel bathroom quite this big.

These newly renovated guest rooms (3 sets of newly refurbished guest rooms) felt fresh—the walls were immaculately clean, the kind of crisp white that makes everything else in the room pop.

Everything smelled new—from the crisp bed linens to the softly gleaming furniture—and the entire space carried that comforting sense of freshness. It was clear these weren’t just another set of hotel rooms; they were carefully designed retreats. The kind of spaces that quietly insist you slow down, lean in, and savour every unhurried moment. The other sets of rooms were equally charming and a delightful, with slightly different modifications.

For over a year now, Fairview—now part of the IHG Hotels & Resorts family—has been quietly transforming, thoughtfully refurbishing its rooms. They’re calling the new look a harmonious blend of timeless charm and modern sophistication. According to Cluster General Manager Kaliq Essop, “We are thrilled to reveal not only our upgraded accommodation rooms—this marks just the beginning of an exciting transformation at Fairview. Our goal is to continue raising the bar in Nairobi’s hospitality scene by combining heritage with modern innovation.”

So now you know—if you ever need an escape from the everyday, head over to Fairview. It’s an invitation to experience something beautifully familiar, yet refreshingly new. And if this is just the beginning, I can’t wait to see what’s next. For now, I’m simply glad I got to experience this chapter first-hand—and believe me, you’ll want to as well.