Is it safe to walk at night in Nairobi?

No. Even in safe neighborhoods like Westlands, always take an Uber or a pre-arranged taxi between locations after sunset.

Do I need to tip hotel staff?

Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory. 100-200 KES ($1-$2) is appropriate for bellhops or housekeeping.

Should I book a hotel with an included breakfast?

Yes. It saves you the hassle of finding a cafe early in the morning and ensures you have a reliable start to your day.

Booking a Hotel in Nairobi Without Getting Burned

Book your accommodation in Westlands or Kilimani for the best balance of safety and accessibility. Always use a booking platform that supports local payment methods like M-Pesa, and confirm your shuttle arrangements directly with the hotel 48 hours before arrival.

Choose your neighborhood. Stick to Westlands, Kilimani, or Gigiri. These areas are secure, have reliable power and internet, and are walkable during the day. Avoid downtown (CBD) for overnight stays unless you have a specific business reason.
Check the power situation. Ask the hotel specifically if they have a backup generator. Nairobi experiences occasional power outages, and you don't want to be in a high-rise without a lift or Wi-Fi.
Verify your airport transfer. Do not rely on random airport taxis. Email the hotel directly to book an 'airport pickup.' Expect to pay between $25 and $40 for this service. Confirm they will track your flight number for delays.
Use M-Pesa friendly booking sites. Use Booking.com or Expedia, but prioritize hotels that allow 'Pay at Property.' This lets you use M-Pesa—the local mobile money system—which is the standard way to pay for everything in Kenya.

Is it safe to walk at night in Nairobi?: No. Even in safe neighborhoods like Westlands, always take an Uber or a pre-arranged taxi between locations after sunset.
Do I need to tip hotel staff?: Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory. 100-200 KES ($1-$2) is appropriate for bellhops or housekeeping.
Should I book a hotel with an included breakfast?: Yes. It saves you the hassle of finding a cafe early in the morning and ensures you have a reliable start to your day.