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EARLY BEGINNINGS
Since 1902
The story of The Sarova Stanley begins with Mayence Bent as the original founder and in 1902 the first hotel come guest house opened its doors in Nairobi. With a nearby farm the Bents were also a prominent source of fresh produce and dairy products in town. Demand grew speedily and the hotel quickly moved location to a larger adjacent bungalow.
In 1904, Nairobi was rocked by The Great Fire of Victoria Street which destroyed the hotel. Mayence with her fierce determination, moved her guests to a temporary location until finally she set up new premises for The Stanley Hotel...
In the early days the veranda on the second floor offered a spectacular view, where on a clear day, guests could see the peak of Mt. Kilimanjaro in the distance.
The new hotel thrived and garnered a widespread reputation. From writers such as the Baroness Karen von Blixen (author of Out of Africa) and the renowned Ernst Hemmingway to actors, actresses, film producers and directors including Clark Gablem Grace Kelly, Eva Gardner, Sidney Poitier and Sean Connery the hotel was patronised as iconic in Kenya.
OUR SAROVA STANLEY STORY
Walking through the Sarova Stanley, every corner hosts stunning black and white portraits representing a journey through time.
The chequered black and white flooring in the lobby is original to only 34 Heritage hotels worldwide, built in the era. From images of Princess Elizabeth just before she became Britain's sovereign to photos of Ernest Hemingway and his wife cuddling a lion cub it is filled with stories of people and events that, while contributing to the hotels lore, have had a profound effect on Kenyan and global history. The Stanley will always be a Historic institution in Nairobi, as important to the country's heritage as it is to it's hospitality.
THE EXCHANGE BAR
Deep honeycomb leather sofas combined with rich crafted mahogany wood and original palm ceiling fans make you feel as though you've stepped back through the years. The site was also home to the first Stock Exchange in Kenya and the location where the first ever renowned Tusker beer was unveiled in 1922.
The Thorn Tree Cafe
A towering Acacia tree was planted into the hotel's design in 1958. There stood a majestic thorny tree making the spot a landmark in the young growing city. It was on this tree's trunk that residents and tourists alike would post small messages for each other. A connecting point where travellers from near and far would leave notes found by lovers, family or friends hours, days, months or even years later. The legendary tree-mail lives on even after email.
THE 1902 LOUNGE
An exclusive lounge created for private members, suites and club rooms. Decorated in true colonial style it is laden with rich fabrics, woodwork, antiques, and presents a panoramic view of the city. The perfect high tea is served in silvers and refreshments are available throughout the day. The board room is perfect for private meetings and the lounge can be exclusively used for larger private events with sufficient notice.
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