Accor formally launches Gem Forest Hotel in Nairobi

By Steve UMIDHA

Major players in the Kenyan hospitality industry remain optimistic despite challenges in recovering to pre-pandemic levels.

This was revealed during the official opening of a-105 room and suites hotel Gem Forest Hotel Nairobi – MGallery Collection by hospitality group Accor along Nairobi’s Limuru Road. This marked the ninth property it manages in Kenya.

Mehdi Morad, Vice President Operations Africa, Mauritius & Seychelles Sofitel, MGallery & Emblems in his speech said the brand’s launch – the first in Sub-Saharan Africa showed “a notably bullish move among investors.”

The property built at a cost of $30 million (Sh 3.9 billion), is located in the diplomatic zone neighboring the Gigiri, Runda, Muthaiga, Rosslyn and Nyari Estates.

“With our location, we anticipate that we will generate a lot of business from the embassies and organizations that surround us here in Gigiri,” said Jigar Patel, the hotel owner.

“At the same time, our property is stunning, catering to business travellers, diplomats and tourists. We also expect that our restaurant venues will attract a lot of the vibrant local scene.”

The Gem Forest Hotel Nairobi – MGallery Collection is the ninth property to be managed
by Accor in Kenya.

The hospitality group’s other establishments in the country are Movenpick Hotel & Residences Nairobi, Fairmont The Norfolk, Ibis Styles Nairobi Westlands, Mercure Nairobi Upperhill, Pullman Nairobi Upperhill, Fairmont Mara Safari Club, Fairmont Mount Kenya Safari Club and Novotel Nairobi Westlands.