Review: Four Points by Sheraton Nairobi Hurlingham

After back-to-back flights with Turkish Airlines, we arrived in Kenya to kick off our honeymoon. We spent the first two nights rather modestly with a stay at the Four Points by Sheraton Nairobi Hurlingham.

Given that our initial days would be spent adjusting to the time difference and exploring the local sights, we weren’t necessarily prioritizing lavish accommodations, especially with the aspirational stays that awaited us later on.

Four Points by Sheraton Nairobi Hurlingham – Booking

Cash rates at Four Points by Sheraton Nairobi Hurlingham consistently fall between $125–175 (USD) per night, with an average of around $150 (USD). 

A redemption with Marriott Bonvoy points should fall between 16,000–24,000 points, with the average of around 20,000 points per night.

For our stay, I opted for the “Beds and Brews” package, shelling out $150 (USD) per night, which was about on par with the average lowest rate. As part of the package, I was entitled to enjoy two beers every evening at the rooftop bar, which was a nice inclusion.

We value Bonvoy points at 0.6 cents per point (USD), and redemptions should result in somewhere around this valuation. However, we opted to save our points for other stays, since the cash rate was reasonable.

Four Points by Sheraton Nairobi Hurlingham – Location

Four Points by Sheraton Nairobi Hurlingham is situated in a mixed residential-commercial area, near to Nairobi’s vibrant Central Business District.

At first glance, Hurlingham may seem a bit rundown, and admittedly, it might not be the most developed or visually appealing area of Nairobi. However, its tranquil and pleasant environment provides a refreshing juxtaposition to the bustling ambiance of the city’s downtown core.

In the immediate vicinity of the hotel, you’ll find a variety of restaurants, and the Yaya Shopping Center is conveniently accessible with just a 10-minute walk.

For those fascinated by the cultural heritage of Nairobi, the Nairobi National Museum is a brief 15-minute drive from the hotel. Similarly, for enthusiasts of nature and wildlife, the renowned Nairobi National Park is located a bit further south.

Travelling within Nairobi is effortless with Uber, and the hotel offers a transfer service to and from the airport, a journey that typically takes around 30 minutes.

For our trip, we chose a car transfer organized by the hotel, which cost about $35 (USD). With our early 3:30 am arrival, we appreciated having everything set up in advance.

If ease of access to the central areas of the city is a priority, the Four Points by Sheraton Nairobi Hurlingham is a fitting option, even though the nearby locale may not be the most aesthetically pleasing.

Four Points by Sheraton Nairobi Hurlingham – Check-in

Upon your arrival at the hotel, security measures are meticulously implemented. A security barrier is erected at the entrance, and x-ray checks are conducted at the hotel building, ensuring you’ll feel secure throughout their stay.

Following the security checks, I was met with a straightforward and unassuming façade, painted in muted beige and complemented by a simplistic glass frontage. Surrounding the hotel, a collection of palm trees and various tropical plants intermingle.

Having undergone a recent transformation and rebranding to become a Four Points by Sheraton, the renovations have infused a fresh, yet standard look, characterized by a neutral colour palette of black, white, and brown.

Once inside, the practicality continues in the lobby, where three check-in desks are strategically positioned. Adjacent to this, a minimalist seating area and desk are found, paired with a grey sofa, which is livened up by yellow and green throw pillows.

Transitioning to the check-in process, it was efficient and the staff were notably friendly.

We were proactively upgraded to an Executive Suite on account of my Marriott Titanium status. However, it’s worth noting that these suites aren’t exceptionally luxurious, and they’re more reminiscent of a junior suite.

With check-in complete, we headed up to Room 108, on the first floor of the hotel

Four Points by Sheraton Nairobi Hurlingham – Executive Suite

The guest room hallways are modern with an understated aesthetic. A balanced palette of dark and light grey uniformly adorns the walls.

To the right of the hallway, a bench paired with a vibrant yellow cushion and a coffee table is strategically placed, which introduces a subtle splash of colour.

The floor is decorated with a geometric-patterned carpet in muted shades of brown and orange. This detail subtly complements and breaks the monotony of the grey tones surrounding it,

As you step into the Executive Suite, a short foyer leads to a spacious bedroom with a living area. The room is simple and designed to be warm and inviting, with wooden flooring and earthy tones, and warm lighting from lamps and recessed lighting in the ceiling.

It features a king-sized double bed in the centre of the room, flanked by two nightstands with lamps.

At the foot of the bed is an ottoman, which has a rug with a geometric pattern below.

The living area of the room includes a burnt orange sofa. A marble coffee table is positioned in front of the sofa, and there’s a unique sculpture in the corner.

Tucked into the right-hand corner, there’s a beige armchair with a geometric pattern on the upholstery, with a small, round table nearby.

Adjacent to the TV, there’s a desk with a chair and a lamp. The desk has a mirror above it and a minibar below it. 

The minibar is built into a wooden cabinet on the right-hand wall. On the top shelf, there are a few bottles of alcohol and snacks. On the bottom shelf, there are two bottles of water, a kettle, and a coffee maker.

The bathroom is simple and functional, providing the essentials without any extravagance. It’s outfitted with a practical bathtub-shower combination, a single vanity, and a standard toilet.

Overall, the Executive Suite was modest yet comfortably appointed, mirroring more of a junior suite with a functional layout.

Four Points by Sheraton Nairobi Hurlingham – Breakfast

Marriott Bonvoy Platinum, Titanium, and Ambassador Elite members can enjoy a complimentary breakfast at Pablo’s Restaurant, the primary dining venue at Four Points by Sheraton Nairobi Hurlingham.

You can find the restaurant located on the ground floor, and breakfast service runs from 6:30–10:30am daily.

The spread isn’t overwhelmingly extensive, but features a good selection of Kenyan dishes alongside standard Western staples.

Western dishes on offer include scrambled eggs, bacon, sausages, assorted fried potatoes, baked beans, cereal, pastries, and fruits.

Kenyan dishes included chicken gizzards and Kenyan-style fried chicken. There were also Middle Eastern- and Indian-inspired dishes, too, such as eggs shakshuka and vegetable upma.

Additionally, there was a charcuterie spread with a variety of cured meats and cheeses, complemented by salads, yogurt, and a selection of bread.

Assorted fruits and pastries are also available, as well as both broth and porridge.

Four Points by Sheraton Nairobi Hurlingham – Dining

Perched on the rooftop, Mezzé On The Deck serves lunch and dinner with a range of traditional Mediterranean dishes.

The outdoor area is spread over two levels. The upper level offers cozy seating under a white canopy, with comfortable rattan armchairs and bar stools. If you prefer something more laid-back, there are sofas on the level below.

From Mezzé on the Deck, you can take the stairs down one level to Level 8 Lounge & Bar, another rooftop spot. The ambiance is ultra-cool, with blue and purple ambient lighting accentuating the bar.

It’s worth noting that the local beer was okay, but nothing to write home about.

Lastly, there’s Lobby Café, which serves Kenyan coffee and a selection of fresh pastries and cakes.

Four Points by Sheraton Nairobi Hurlingham – Other Facilities

Adjacent to Level 8 Lounge & Bar is a heated lap pool, open from 6am to 6pm. The pool is somewhat limited in size, with just five sunbeds available.

The fitness centre looked to be nice, and comes well-equipped with a variety of exercise equipment including treadmills, ellipticals, stationary bikes, and weight machines. The space is nicely lit, and a water cooler is available for guests.

Conclusion

Four Points by Sheraton Nairobi Hurlingham was an all-around solid property that met our needs in Nairobi. To be fair, we spent most of our time adjusting to jet lag and getting our bearings, and we weren’t expecting much.

The hotel’s quiet location, appealing prices, rooftop lounge, and satisfactory breakfast buffet were the most noteworthy aspects of our stay.

Next time, I’d be inclined to explore a more unique property in Nairobi, especially given that there are a handful of other chain hotels available. 

However, if you’re just looking for a comfortable spot to rest up after a long journey to Kenya, then this Four Points property will do just fine.