Nairobi Upperhill area has charmed a new entrant, Pullman Hotels & Resorts, a part of Accor hospitality group, which is set to open in Kenya in June 2024.
The hotel will have 162 rooms complemented by a lobby bar, – the Junction –, as well as an all-day brasserie dining restaurant – the Dispatch. It will also have a fitness centre, an outdoor pool as well as meeting and event spaces catering to both small and large groups.
It is also expected to not only offer traditional hospitality services but also embrace the concept of “workspitality” under the co-working spaces brand WOJO. The innovative approach, Waringa explained, combines workspace and hospitality to cater to the changing demands of modern travellers and professionals.
“We aim to provide a comprehensive hospitality experience cantered around a blend of work and leisure. With a focus on immersive art and design, happening food and beverage, power fitness, and smart interaction, we’re poised to offer dynamic services and experiences,” Ms. Susan Waringa, Pullman’s director of sales and marketing, said.
She added that “Workspitality” focuses on creating a productive and interactive work environment by emphasising more on comfort, convenience, and community within the workspace.
Entry of players in the upscale segment like Pullman signals a new era. However, this year, heavy rains and floods continue to affect most hotels across the country, with most players now looking for ways to ensure their guests, and of course, facilities, are safe. In some cases, guests are evacuated from hotels and lodges especially those located in reserves, to help mitigate the effects of the floods.
“We eagerly anticipate the opportunities ahead and are committed to collaborating with stakeholders in the hotel industry to enhance Kenya’s tourism sector. The government, particularly through the Ministry of Tourism, has been very supportive in promoting tourism, catering to both international and local tourists,” said Waringa.
Kenya saw a strong performance in the hospitality industry, with the accommodation and food services sector rising by 26 percent in the third quarter of 2023, a significant increase from the previous year’s 17 percent.
