Hotel Ark a Nairobi

I recently stayed at the Argyle Grand Hotel near Nairobi Airport for a short transit visit and overall found it to be a well-designed and welcoming property. From the moment we entered, the grand high-ceiling lobby left a strong first impression. The space is both elegant and vibrant, with a lively café that adds to the hotel’s energetic atmosphere. Although our stay was brief and we didn’t get to explore the entire property, a few key observations stood out: Room Comfort & Facilities The room was spacious, well-maintained, and offered a comfortable environment for rest. All essential amenities were available and thoughtfully arranged. However, one practical inconvenience was the design of the bedside power sockets. If you’re using a larger adapter—such as the standard Apple three-pin plug—you won’t be able to connect it properly due to the tight placement. A more flexible socket layout would greatly improve guest convenience. Room Service Pricing We attempted to order a glass of juice and were quite surprised by the pricing. The staff informed us that a single glass of juice costs KES 900, with an additional KES 1,000 delivery service charge—surpassing the cost of the item itself.As someone with over 18 years of professional experience in the hospitality industry, this was the first time I’ve encountered a hotel charging a room service delivery fee that exceeds the price of the item. This pricing structure felt unreasonable and could certainly benefit from greater transparency and guest-friendly adjustments. Reception & Staff The front desk team was highly active and professional. They ensured all guest details were carefully managed and provided helpful support throughout the stay. Their warm demeanor and attentiveness were much appreciated. Shuttle Service The hotel provides an airport shuttle service, which is a valuable and convenient offering. The driver was polite and extremely helpful. However, punctuality was an issue. We were informed that the shuttle would depart at 5:00 AM, and we arrived in the lobby 10 minutes early. Unfortunately, the shuttle left 15 minutes late because other guests were delayed. For an airport transfer, such delays can cause serious inconvenience—especially for guests with early flights. We recommend enforcing a maximum wait time of 5 minutes to ensure fairness and timeliness for all travelers. Noise Levels While the room was otherwise quiet and relaxing, there was noticeable music playing in the evening, which may disturb light sleepers. This is something to consider if you’re seeking an early night before a flight. Final Thoughts The Argyle Grand Hotel offers a visually stunning environment, comfortable accommodations, and excellent service from its staff. With a few adjustments in pricing policies and shuttle scheduling, it has the potential to deliver an outstanding guest experience. For those transiting through Nairobi Airport, it remains a solid and worthwhile option for a short stay.