Hilton Hotel Finally Shuts Down After 53 Years
Its busy entrances and exits also witnessed little to no activity, with patrons that have since been replaced by hawk-eyed security personnel.
Marvin Chege 
Nairobi's iconic Hilton Hotel has finally been shut down after 53 years of operations in the Central Business District (CBD).
The five-star hotel, known for its imposing 17-storey circular tower that has been Nairobi's iconic landmark for many years, offered patrons one last opportunity to dine and wine over the Christmas period before finally shutting its doors for good.
“Following extensive discussions with the hotel ownership, Hilton Nairobi will cease operations on December 31, 2022,” a Hilton spokesperson said.
A swimming pool at the Hilton Hotel. /BOOKING.COM
“The hotel has welcomed guests for more than 50 years, and we are proud of the legacy of hospitality delivered, and would like to thank all those who have contributed.”
When Viral Tea visited the hotel, the entrance that would normally be populated with activity was locked with padlocks and the iconic logos that were always a common feature around strategic points at the hotel were pulled down, an indication that the hotel would remain closed for as long as the building does not have a new occupant.
Its busy entrances and exits also witnessed little to no activity, with patrons that have since been replaced by hawk-eyed security personnel.
It was at this entrance that JM Kariuki, a politician prevalent in the late Mzee Jomo Kenyatta administration, walked in on March 2, 1975, with a friend, a security chief, never to be seen alive again.
The Hilton, whose parent company is International Hotels Kenya, is partly owned by the government (40.57 per cent stake). It began operations in the Nairobi CBD on December 7, 1969, after then-President Jomo Kenyatta opened it.
Regardless of whatever entity takes over the building, on some level, this will always be Hilton for many city residents. It was a meeting point for some and a geographical reference point for others, and will likely remain so for years to come.
The Hilton Nairobi was a pioneer in the hospitality industry having set the standards for hospitality in the city. The hotel was the first hospitality company in Kenya to sponsor the renowned Safari Rally driver Patrick Njiru.
Having conducted its extensive Ksh1.36 billion renovation, the facility was also the first property in the capital to introduce the executive lounge concept for its VIP guests in 1994.
It had 287 rooms - 45 twins, 185 doubles, seven suites, 22 pool rooms and 27 executive rooms and attributed its closure to declining business in Nairobi CBD.
However, to avert job losses, Hilton promised to deploy its staff in other branches in other facilities in Hurlingham and Mombasa Road (Garden Inn), who were given a hefty sendoff package in line with the law.
Hilton Hotel overlooking Dedan Kimathi statue in Nairobi CBD. /FILE
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