In need of a place to unwind? To enjoy a nice meal with a glass wine and breathtaking scenery? To let go of the COVID blues? Then Ibis Styles Hotel in Westlands, Nairobi might just be the place you are looking for. We were lucky enough to enjoy the best of Ibis hospitality a few weeks ago, during the hotel’s reopening, now with a new mantra, “All Safe”, the subject of our entry today.
COVID-19 came with a string of dire consequences, including strict travel restrictions that have heavily affected the hotel industry. After closing for months, many hotels have reopened around the city, but with new and firm guidelines to ensure that guests and staff remain protected during the pandemic. For Ibis Styles’ reopening, we got to experience for ourselves how the hotel is now all safe over a one night staycation. Or should we call it Covidcation?
Arriving on the sunny afternoon of June 10, we were ready to enjoy ourselves and happy to break the monotony of quarantine. We received a warm welcome at the reception, alongside other media personalities such as Anita Nderu and JayTakeAPic also there for the reopening. The staff were keen to ensure that guests wore facemasks, one of their new protocols set in line with the new health practices and guidelines. It was the beginning of a new experience, safe, relaxing and enjoyable.
On the elevator ride to our rooms, the exotic views of Nairobi were a feast for the eyes. Even a simple elevator ride is an experience to cherish at Ibis. How intriguing, right? 839 was the room of the night. A luxurious space we must say; intimate and cozy with five star amenities and excruciatingly beautiful views of Nairobi. The skyline was especially breathtaking during the night as Nairobi’s skyscrapers littered the horizon with their glowing lights.
For dinner that evening, we got to enjoy a delicious full course meal at Ibis’ rooftop barbeque restaurant, Kilele Nyama. Just like the name of the restaurant; we indulged in a hefty amount of nyama from ribs to wings to pork chops. There was clearly no leaving without having your trouser unbuttoned or unzipped. During dessert, one of us (particularly Diane Nthurima) had a pre-birthday celebration courtesy of Ibis, adding an excellent personal touch that made the staycation special and memorable for everyone. As like most hotel celebratory ocassions, the staff came out singing with a beautifully plated birthday treat. If you thinking of the perfect birthday experience, iBIS is what you need.
The views were equally amazing. Ibis sets the mood perfectly and is a great place to visit with your significant other and enjoy intimate conversations. For the single club, all is not lost. You can gather a group of friends and catch up over some good food, have a drink or two. Social distancing measures have also been added among guests to ensure safety while having your meal. Once again, all safe.
After enjoying a comfortable and relaxing night, no one wanted to wake up from the coziest beds ever made. It had to be done though, breakfast was waiting! They say that all happiness depends on a leisurely breakfast and as dedicated pursuers of happiness, we couldn’t miss it. This time, the setting was at Ibis’ Utamu Restaurant located downstairs. The restaurants at Ibis are rather appropriately named because the breakfast was scrumptious, tamu sana! They promised to serve us as much food as we wanted, provided we cleared our plates, a nice and poignant message on wastage. Unfortunately we didn’t get to spend much time at their rooftop bar but if you love a good view then that is the ideal spot for a sundowner.
After a pleasurable and wholesome stay, we can confidently say that Ibis is ALL SAFE and ready to welcome you.
And we know you are wondering if we have good news for you? Yes we do of course. Ibis has some excellent, pocket friendly offers for you to enjoy everything that they have to offer. For a couple, you can enjoy your own romantic staycation for only Ksh. 10000. This caters to a room (double/twin occupancy), a 3-course dinner at Kilele Nyama for two and a bottle of wine. If you simply want to enjoy some good food and nice ambiance, you can pool together some friends and have the sharing platter (with lots of meat) for only Ksh. 10000, suitable for a group of four. To sweeten the deal, the offer comes with a bottle of whisky and two mixers. For a more chilled out experience, you can drop in at happy hour, which is open all day, every day!
Go ahead and beat down those COVID blues with your own Covidcation at Ibis Styles!
