Ruby's Nairobi: Uncover Kenya's Hidden Gem!
Ruby's Nairobi: More Than Just a Hotel, It's a Vibe (And Maybe a Little Bit Over-the-Top!) - A Deep Dive Review
Alright, buckle up folks, because we're about to dive headfirst into Ruby's Nairobi. Forget dry, sanitized reviews; this is the real deal, warts and all. I'm talking honest opinions, a few questionable decisions on my part, and maybe, just maybe, a little bit of existential pondering while staring at the pool.
SEO & Metadata (for the search engine nerds):
- Keywords: Ruby's Nairobi, Nairobi hotels, luxury hotel Kenya, accessible hotel Nairobi, spa Nairobi, swimming pool Nairobi, best restaurants Nairobi, African cuisine, Kenyan hotel review, family-friendly Nairobi, business hotel Nairobi, conference facilities, best Wi-Fi Nairobi, Nairobi travel, Kenya travel, hotel review, safe hotels Kenya.
- Meta Description (Too long): A brutally honest and detailed review of Ruby's Nairobi, covering everything from accessibility and Wi-Fi to the spa, dining, and room amenities. We'll explore the good, the bad, and the slightly bonkers (like that time I tried the body wrap). Come along!
First Impressions & Accessibility - The Ramp to Redemption (and the occasional wobble)
Okay, so arriving at Ruby's is like stepping onto a movie set. The doorman, immaculate in his uniform, practically bows as he opens the door. Very swish. Immediately, I assessed: Is it accessible? (I'm not always using a wheelchair, but I appreciate a good ramp when I see one). And, yes, the main areas are pretty damn accessible. Elevators were present and working (phew!), and the general layout seemed navigable. A solid start. However, the walk to my room (more on that later) felt looong, and navigating the narrow corridors with luggage could be tricky for some. This is where some of the "facilities for disabled guests" come into play - and they do try. (More on this later).
Rooms: My Kingdom for a Decent View (And Maybe a Mini-Bar that Isn't Empty)
My room… was… spacious. Like, seriously, I could have hosted a small tea party in there. Air conditioning? Check. Alarm clock? Check. Free Wi-Fi (in the room!)? Double-check. A ridiculously comfortable bed with, get this, an extra-long mattress? My back sang a joyful tune. They also had a high floor and a window that opens. Brilliant. Now, confession time: I am a sucker for a good in-room safe box. Always have been. This one was present and functioning. A point for Ruby's!
But… the view. Let's just say it wasn't the Nairobi skyline I'd envisioned. More… a slightly overgrown courtyard. (A minor imperfection.) And – and this is almost unforgivable – the mini-bar was… practically empty. One water bottle, a couple of sad-looking chocolates, and nothing else. I mean, hello – a thirsty traveler needs sustenance! (Seriously though, they do offer free bottled water, so I can't be too hard on them.)
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: From Asian to International (And My Quest for the Perfect Coffee)
The dining experience at Ruby's is… an adventure. They've got a restaurant called "Sufuria" (meaning "pot" in Swahili), apparently offering a mix of Asian and International cuisine. I sampled the international. The breakfast buffet (yes, a breakfast buffet!) was extensive. Lots of options. But, and here's the kicker, my quest for a decent cup of coffee became a minor obsession. The coffee in the restaurant was lukewarm at best. However, the coffee shop? A slightly better quality brew! I even spied a "Coffee/tea in restaurant" listing and gave it another go. No success. Guess I will stick with the coffee shop. I ordered a croissant in there. The croissant? Magnificent. Crispy, buttery, perfect. A minor victory. The "Happy Hour" at the bar was, well, happy. Good selection of drinks, lively atmosphere. And the pool-side bar? Equally as perfect.
Spa & Relaxation: Body Wrappings, Steamrooms and the Pursuit of Zen (or Maybe Just Dry Skin Relief)
Okay, here's where things get… interesting. I'm not usually a spa person, but hey, "ways to relax" were a priority, right? I decided to be adventurous and go for the full monty. Body scrub? Check. Massage? Check. And then… the body wrap.
Let me tell you, being wrapped in a warm cocoon of… something… is an experience. I'm not sure what the exact concoction was, but suffice it to say, by the end, I felt like a slightly sweaty, over-pampered mummy. My skin did feel amazing for the next few days, though, so… success? The sauna and steamroom are decent enough. The pool with a view is gorgeous, and just what I needed to reset my mood. The gym/fitness area? Well-equipped although I only gave a passing glance.
Cleanliness and Safety: A Fortress Against the Germs (and a Few Other Things, too)
I was impressed with Ruby's commitment to cleanliness and safety. This is important in this day and age. Anti-viral cleaning products are everywhere. Hand sanitizer stations? Plentiful. Staff trained in safety protocol? Absolutely. The "rooms sanitized between stays" and individual-wrapped food options gave me peace of mind. They really do employ professional-grade sanitizing services. The presence of CCTV in common areas and outside the property, along with 24-hour security, gave me a security blanket.
Services and Conveniences: From Concierge to Cash Withdrawal (and the Mystery of the Missing Ironing Board)
Ruby's offers a lot of services. A concierge? Yup, helpful and efficient. Cash withdrawal? Yes. Laundry service? Yep. Dry cleaning? You betcha. The elevator was a lifesaver, and the daily housekeeping (which was really great) kept the place spotless.
However, and this is a small gripe, I requested a quick ironing of a blouse. The "Ironing service" was there, but the ironing board was apparently on vacation. We made do. (Minor imperfection number two!)
Business Facilities & Meetings: For the Workaholics (or the Aspiring Ones)
For those of us who need to get some actual work done, Ruby's has the goods. Meeting/banquet facilities? Check. Projector/LED display? Present (for those important presentations). Wi-Fi for special events? Sure thing. They’ve got the whole package.
For the Kids: Family-Friendly? Maybe, But Check the Babysitting Rates First!
They claim to be "family/child friendly," with "kids facilities" and a "babysitting service." I didn't travel with children, so I'm relaying this information second-hand.
Getting Around & Other Practicalities: Airport Transfers, Parking, and the Kenyan Road Rules
They offer airport transfers, which I highly recommend. The traffic in Nairobi can be a beast. Free car park on site? A godsend. Taxi service available? Always. And, here’s a pro-tip: Learn a few basic Swahili phrases. It will open doors (and maybe get you a better deal on a taxi).
The Verdict: Worth the Stay? (Mostly, Yes!)
Ruby's Nairobi is a solid choice. It’s not perfect. But it offers a luxurious experience with a strong focus on safety, cleanliness, and a range of services. The staff is mostly excellent. The food is a mixed bag, with the breakfast the big draw. And the spa? Well, it’s an experience you won’t soon forget.
Would I go back? Yes. Absolutely. But next time, I'm bringing my own coffee maker… and checking the mini-bar before I unpack!
Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars (Could be 5 with a stronger coffee game!)
Portland Airport Escape: Holiday Inn Express Review (You Won't Believe This!)
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because this Nairobi itinerary is gonna be less "perfectly curated Instagram grid" and more "sweaty, slightly chaotic, and utterly unforgettable." Consider this your official warning. Prepare for the unexpected. And maybe bring some Imodium. (Just kidding… mostly.)
Nairobi: A Week of Unscripted Adventures (and Probably Regret)
Day 1: Arrival and the Urban Jungle (or, "Where Did My Baggage Go?")
- Morning (7:00 AM): Touchdown at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO). Okay, first impression? It’s… busy. And hot. The air conditioning seems to be a suggestion, not a promise. I'm already feeling a bead of sweat forming on my brow. Remember that smug guy at the airport claiming he'd lost his luggage? Yeah, guess who’s now that guy. My backpack is gone. Just… gone. Cue minor panic. Major sigh. Time to channel my inner zen. (Or just find the nearest bathroom and cry a little.) Eventually, after a lot of forms and pleading, I'm told it might show up. Famous last words.
- Mid-Morning (9:00 AM): Okay, fine. No clean underwear. Let’s embrace the chaos. Taxi into the city. Traffic is… biblical. More like a slow-motion, horn-blaring ballet. The driver, bless him, is trying his best to navigate the clogged arteries of Nairobi, offering a running commentary on the state of Kenyan politics ("They are all the same, you know?"). I nod, feigning understanding. I'm just trying not to get car sick.
- Late Morning (11:00 AM): Check into my hotel near the city center. It's a bit… worn around the edges, but clean enough. Plus, the view, when you manage to peer through the hazy skies (air quality, ahem), is actually kinda cool. I’m trying really hard to look on the bright side, and not think about the smell of boiled cabbage emanating from the kitchen.
- Lunch (1:00 PM): Head to a local cafe for lunch. Ordered a sukuma wiki and ugali. The food is… different. My taste buds, used to bland European fare, are getting a workout. The sukuma wiki, a leafy green vegetable, is surprisingly delicious. The ugali, a stiff cornmeal porridge, is… filling. Let's just say I'm grateful for the local Tusker beer. (It's good!) There are flies tho. I keep shooing them. Swatting at them. I hate flies.
- Afternoon (3:00 PM): Attempt a city tour. Decided to take a walk. Decided against. It's hot and there's garbage everywhere. Okay, I retreat. I retreat hard. I need to be back in the hotel. This heat is something else.
- Evening (6:00 PM): The hotel restaurant again. Tried to order a steak. They're out. Chicken it is! Another beer. Trying to stay positive. Trying.
- Evening (9:00 PM): Crash. Exhausted. Hoping my luggage arrives. And praying tomorrow is better. (Spoiler alert: it might not be.)
Day 2: Giraffes, Orphans, and Questionable Decisions
- Morning (8:00 AM): Woke up! No luggage (obviously). Decided to take a shower. The water is cold. Cue disappointment. Cue more sighing.
- Late Morning (9:00 AM): Giraffe Centre! OMG, the giraffes! They’re so… tall. And majestic! It's an amazing experience to feed them and (be slobbered on by them!). The only issue is the crowds though. The place is teeming with photo-snapping tourists. I managed to snag a decent shot, though. Success!
- Lunch (12:00 PM): Returned to the hotel restaurant. Hoping for a miracle with the chicken. No chicken. Instead, a beef stew, which is actually pretty great. Learning to embrace the "what's available" approach.
- Afternoon (2:00 PM): David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust (Elephant Orphanage). I sobbed. The tiny baby elephants are so incredibly adorable, and then I’m reminded of their past and I’m completely wrecked. The work they do there is amazing. This is a definite highlight. Seriously, go. But BRING TISSUES. And maybe a friend that you don’t mind seeing you cry.
- Late Afternoon (4:00 PM): A very questionable decision. My hotel is close to the market. So I went. And I got lost, very quickly. The smells, the noise… it’s a sensory overload. Trying to bargain felt like I was being scammed. Eventually, I retreat. More tears. I really need some retail therapy.
- Evening (7:00 PM): Dinner at a nice restaurant recommended by a local. I had to find a nice restaurant. I needed some good food, after the market debacle, and a drink, and a quiet place. Thank God this place did not disappoint. The food was very well made. The waiters were lovely, and the environment was safe. I relaxed and enjoyed myself. It’s a small win, but I’ll take it.
- Evening (10:00 PM): Back at the hotel. Exhausted but happy. Another day survived. Still no luggage. Starting to suspect it's been adopted by a nomadic tribe.
Day 3: Nairobi National Park and the Quest for the Perfect Sunset (and Wifi)
- Morning (7:00 AM): Another beautiful morning (if you like smog). Breakfast is… not great. But I'm learning to be resourceful. Found some instant coffee and a biscuit. Fuel.
- Late Morning (9:00 AM): Nairobi National Park. The contrast between the city and the wildlife is just… surreal. Saw lions, giraffes, zebras, all with the Nairobi skyline looming in the background. It's a unique experience. The drive was bumpy though. And I got sunburnt. But totally worth it.
- Lunch (1:00 PM): Packed a picnic. Forgot an opener for my soda. Sigh. At least the sandwiches are decent. Find a very nice view to eat my lunch.
- Afternoon (3:00 PM): Attempt to find a reliable wifi connection. Important for social media updates. Fail. Everywhere is either down or charging a fortune. Start to experience withdrawal symptoms. Consider buying a local SIM card. Maybe tomorrow.
- Late Afternoon (5:00 PM): Attempt to see the sunset. Headed to a hill, hoping it would. Get chased away by a security guard. But the sky is beautiful. Almost worth it.
- Evening (7:00 PM): Dinner at a slightly more upscale restaurant. Still hungry, because I'm always fucking hungry. More Tusker. This starts to feel like a solution to everything.
- Evening (9:00 PM): Back at the hotel. More crying about the luggage. Feeling defeated. But hey, I'm still standing!
Day 4: Karen Blixen and the Search for Serenity (and Decent Coffee)
- Morning (9:00 AM): Karen Blixen Museum. (Finally!) The house is charming. The story is interesting. The coffee at the cafe, however, is terrible. I need better coffee. Really badly.
- Lunch (12:00 PM): Desperate for better coffee. Took a long walk and found a really nice place to sit down.
- Afternoon (2:00 PM): Back at the hotel. Rest.
- Evening (7:00 PM): Last dinner. Ordered all the food. Ate all of it.
Day 5 - 7: Departure and the Aftermath… (If Any)
- Day 5: The airport.
Final Thoughts (or, Why I'll be Back, Maybe)
Nairobi is… intense. It's not always easy. It's often infuriating. But it’s also vibrant, beautiful, and full of heart. Yes, I lost my luggage. Yes, some things went wrong. But I survived! I learned. I saw some incredible things that made me cry. And I made some memories that will last a lifetime.
So go to Nairobi. Embrace the chaos. Pack light (or not at all, like me). And be prepared for the unexpected. You might just surprise yourself. (And maybe, just maybe, my lost luggage will find its way back to me
Escape to Paradise: Thappa Gardens Resort, Karaikudi's Hidden Gem
Ruby's Nairobi: Uncover Kenya's Hidden Gem! - Uh, Maybe? Let's Find Out... FAQ!
So, what *is* this "Ruby's Nairobi" everyone's talking about? Sounds fancy...
Okay, okay, settle down! "Ruby's Nairobi" isn't a secret society, sadly. It's me, your slightly frazzled, caffeine-fueled guide through the Kenyan capital. I'm obsessed with all things Nairobi – the good, the bad, and the downright weird. Think of me as your slightly-less-organized-but-way-more-candid travel buddy. Basically, I'm gonna tell you *everything* you need to know, even the stuff the brochures conveniently leave out. Like, the traffic. Oh. My. GOD, the traffic.
Is Nairobi safe? I've heard *things*...
Alright, let's get this out of the way: Safety. Yes, Nairobi has a reputation. And, yeah, some of it's deserved. Look, petty theft is a thing. Like, *a thing*. But honestly? I've lived here for six months (okay, almost seven, who's counting?) and I've had more issues with rogue potholes than anything else. The key? Common sense. Don't flash your bling. Be aware of your surroundings. Don't walk alone late at night in dodgy areas. Honestly, it's the same advice you'd get in a lot of big cities, right? I got mugged in freaking *Paris*, so...
And then there's the security guards everywhere. Seriously, everywhere! They're like the unofficial mayors of their little corners. They keep an eye on everything. Embrace the chaos. Breathe, my friend. Breathe. And be mindful. You'll be fine. Mostly.
What's the best time to visit Nairobi?
Um... depends. If you hate rain, avoid the long rains (March-May). The short rains (October-November) are… well, shorter, but still can be a pain. Honestly? The dry season (June-October and December-February) is pretty fantastic. Sunny skies, less mud. But honestly? Weather is unpredictable, so pack an umbrella, always, just in case. You never know when a spontaneous downpour will decide to make an appearance. You’ll look like an idiot carrying it, but trust me, you'll be thankful when you need it. I learned that lesson the hard way. (Soggy shoes are the worst, FYI).
How do I get around Nairobi? Is there Uber? (Please let there be Uber!)
Bless your heart, yes, there's Uber! And Bolt! And Little! (Little is kinda cool, actually). Taxis are also an option, but make sure you agree on a price *before* you hop in. And then there are *matatus* – the crazy, colorful minibuses. Think of them as the lifeblood of the city. Adventurous? Yes. Efficient? Eh... Sometimes. They play *loud* music, and people are crammed in like sardines. I'd recommend trying it once, for the experience. But maybe not during rush hour unless you enjoy a full-body human experience. And have a strong stomach. Seriously. Trust me, I'm a pro now...
One time, I got stuck in a matatu with a chicken. An actual, live chicken. It was… memorable. (Mostly because the chicken kept eyeing my sandwich).
Can I rent a car? Should I?
You *can*. Should you? Hmmm… That depends on your sanity levels. Driving in Nairobi is… an experience. Let’s just say defensive driving is a *must*. And honestly, the traffic is soul-crushing. Factor in at least an hour to get anywhere, often more. If you're confident, have nerves of steel, and love a good adventure, go for it. Otherwise, stick to Uber/Bolt. Trust me. Your blood pressure will thank you.
I rented a car once. *Once*. I spent more time in traffic than I did actually *doing* anything. I also almost took out a goat. So, yeah...
What kind of food can I expect in Nairobi?
Oh, the food! Nairobi's a melting pot! You've got everything from traditional Kenyan dishes (ugali, nyama choma – grilled meat, yum!) to Indian, Italian, Ethiopian, you name it. Street food is *amazing* (samusas! Mandazi!). Just be mindful of where you eat and use common sense. My favorite? The goat curry at the Carnivore. It's legendary. Prepare for a meat coma afterwards. Totally worth it. Trust me on this one.
The only thing that’s slightly annoying is the constant temptation of getting too much food. I'm on a diet, I swear! But it's just *so* good.
Where should I go for a good cup of coffee? (Coffee snob alert!)
Right! Finally, a question I can geek out over! Nairobi has a fantastic coffee scene! You can find some amazing beans from local farms. Try Java House; they're everywhere. For a more independent vibe, check out Connect Coffee Roasters. They know their stuff. Brew Bistro is also a solid choice for coffee, brunch, and general socializing. The best part? It's all affordable. Prepare to be a regular. Seriously. You'll be hooked. I am.
What are some must-see attractions in Nairobi? (Besides Ruby, of course!)
Okay, okay, aside from admiring my brilliance (kidding… mostly!), you have to check out the Nairobi National Park. You can see lions, giraffes, the whole shebang, right in the city! It's surreal. Like, "lions in the background of a skyscraper" surreal. It's amazing. Just… try to go early to avoid the crowds and the heat. The Giraffe Centre is also adorable - you get to feed giraffes! The David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, with the baby elephants, is truly heartwarming, although you need to book in advance. Museums? The National Museum is a must. History, culture, all that good stuff. It can get a little overwhelming, but worth it.
Is it worth going to the Nairobi National Park? I’m not sure I’m that into wildlife...
Oh. My. God. YES! Even if you're not a huge wildlife person, the Nairobi National Park is worth it. The sheer *contrast*Book Hotels Now
