First Time in Nairobi? Stay Somewhere Calm in Karen
Your first trip to Kenya should start gently. Stay in green, residential Karen, be met at the airport, and wake up close to giraffes, elephants and Nairobi National Park.
Check availability & bookQuestions? WhatsApp us →- Check-in from 12:00
- Check-out by 10:00
- Breakfast 7:00–10:30
- 24/7 front desk
- Card & M-PESA
- Free parking
Why guests like you choose Karen Plains Hotel
- Private pickup from JKIA or Wilson Airport, booked before you fly.
- A 24/7 front desk and on-site security.
- Near the Giraffe Centre, David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, Karen Blixen Museum and Nairobi National Park, with tours bookable online.
- Card payments accepted, and Uber and Bolt operate in Karen.
- A friendly team to help with recommendations, from restaurants to day trips.
Best rooms for your stay
Deluxe Room with Balcony & Bathtub
A balcony and a bathtub after a long day out.
from about US$73 room only · check live rates
Add to your stay
| Nairobi Arrival Package: airport pickup, breakfast & quiet room | US$150 |
| East Africa Regional Traveller Package | US$550 |
| JKIA airport transfer (sedan) | US$55 per vehicle |
| Giraffe Centre & Karen Blixen tour | US$150 |
| Nairobi National Park half-day tour (mini van) | US$185 |
| Concierge tour guide | US$100 |
| Lunch and dinner at the hotel | US$40 per day, both meals together |
Good to know before you book
Before you travel, check entry requirements on the official Kenya eTA portal, etakenya.go.ke. Kenya uses UK-style Type G plugs at 240V.
Karen is in south-west Nairobi. It is close to Wilson Airport (about 15 minutes), the Giraffe Centre, the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust and Nairobi National Park. JKIA usually takes 45–75 minutes depending on traffic, and daily trips to Westlands, the CBD or Gigiri can be long at peak hours.
Check-in is from 12:00 and check-out by 10:00, with luggage storage before and after your stay.
What guests say
“The staff were incredibly friendly and always available to assist with any needs. […] the security provided gave me complete peace of mind.”— Olly, Rwanda · Booking.com
Frequently asked questions
Is Karen a good area for first-time visitors to Nairobi?
Karen is a green, residential suburb close to the Giraffe Centre, Sheldrick Wildlife Trust and Nairobi National Park, so it's a relaxed place to start a Kenyan trip.
Can the hotel arrange airport pickup?
Yes. Private transfers from JKIA (from US$55) and Wilson Airport (from US$45) can be booked on our website.
Is the front desk open at night?
Yes. The front desk is open 24/7, and there is on-site security.
Can I book tours from the hotel?
Yes. Tours such as the Giraffe Centre & Karen Blixen tour and Nairobi National Park tours can be booked on our website.
Do I need a visa for Kenya?
Check the official Kenya eTA portal, etakenya.go.ke, for the current requirements for your nationality.
What plugs are used in Kenya?
UK-style Type G plugs at 240V.
Ready to book?
Book direct for our best available rate and a complimentary welcome drink on arrival.
Check availability & bookPrefer to ask first? WhatsApp +254 796 989 928 or email info@karenplainshotel.com. Our front desk is open 24/7.
Cancellation and prepayment terms depend on the rate you choose and are shown before you pay. See our cancellation and refund policy.
More for your trip: Plan your stay: all guest guides · Airport pickup stays · Safari travellers · Solo travellers · Senior travellers · Arriving in Nairobi
Karen Plains Hotel · Karen Plains Arcade, Karen Plains Road, Karen, Nairobi · a few steps from The Waterfront Karen