Surrounded by beautiful gardens, this serene downtown Nairobi hotel offers a tranquil escape amidst the city's vibrant energy. Delight in the charming bar, excellent breakfast, and an inviting pool for a truly luxurious stay.
Located in Nairobi Central, a neighborhood in Nairobi, Fairmont The Norfolk is near the airport and near a train station. Sarit Centre and Yaya Centre are worth checking out if shopping is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore Nairobi National Park. University of Nairobi and Kenyatta International Convention Centre are two other places to visit that come recommended. Practice your golf swing on a nearby course, or enjoy other activities in the great outdoors, such as ecotours in the area. Visit our Nairobi travel guide
Harry Thuku Road, PO Box 58581, Nairobi, 00200
What's nearby
University of Nairobi
1 min walk - 0.0 km
City Market
8 min walk - 0.7 km
Kenyatta International Convention Centre
18 min walk - 1.6 km
Kenya National Theatre
2 min walk - 0.2 km
Jeevanjee Gardens
5 min walk - 0.5 km
Getting around
Syokimau Station
27 min drive
Jomo Kenyatta Intl. Airport (NBO)
28 min drive
Restaurants
Sno-Cream (Kenya House)
7 min walk
KBC bar (AFCO Base)
4 min walk
Saapé
7 min walk
Tatu Restaurant
Mawimbi Seafood
3 min walk
About this property
Fairmont The Norfolk
Luxury family-friendly hotel near University of Nairobi
Located close to Kenyatta International Convention Centre and Sarit Centre, Fairmont The Norfolk provides a swim-up bar, a poolside bar, and a terrace. Treat yourself to a hot stone massage, aromatherapy, or a facial at Pembo, the onsite spa. At the two on-site restaurants, enjoy breakfast, lunch, dinner, and international cuisine. Fitness classes are offered at the health club; the property also has a coffee shop/cafe, a garden, and a playground. Stay connected with free in-room WiFi, and guests can find other amenities such as dry cleaning/laundry services and a bar.
Additional perks include:
An outdoor pool along with sun loungers, pool umbrellas, and a swim-up bar
Free self parking and valet parking
Limo/town car service, buffet breakfast (surcharge), and babysitting (surcharge)
Luggage storage, a banquet hall, and concierge services
Guest reviews give top marks for the first-rate property condition
Room features
All 170 individually furnished rooms boast comforts such as 24-hour room service and premium bedding, as well as perks like pillow menus and laptop-compatible safes.
Other conveniences in all rooms include:
Highchairs, childcare services, and free infant beds
Hypo-allergenic bedding and pillowtop mattresses
Bathrooms with rainfall showers and designer toiletries
Flat-screen TVs with satellite channels
Wardrobes/closets, recycling, and coffee/tea makers
Awards and affiliations
Sustainability Certifications
This property is certified by this third-party sustainability certification scheme: Green Globe. For more information on what this certification requires and verifies, please visit their website.
How much does it cost to stay at Fairmont The Norfolk?
As of 28 October 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Fairmont The Norfolk on 20 November 2026 start from AED 491, excluding taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.
Is Fairmont The Norfolk pet-friendly?
No, pets are not allowed at this property.
How much is parking?
Self parking and valet parking are free at this property.
What time is check-in at Fairmont The Norfolk?
Check-in start time: 2:00 PM; Check-in end time: anytime. A fee applies for early check-in (subject to availability).
What time is check-out at Fairmont The Norfolk?
Check-out is at noon. Late check-out is available for a fee (subject to availability).
Does Fairmont The Norfolk provide a shuttle to the airport?
Yes, there's an airport shuttle. A fee of KES 8000 per vehicle applies.
Where is Fairmont The Norfolk located?
This family-friendly Nairobi hotel is located near the airport, within 1 mi (2 km) of University of Nairobi and Kenyatta International Convention Centre. Sarit Centre and Yaya Centre are also within 6 mi (10 km).
Can I cancel my reservation for free and receive a full refund?
Yes, this property offers free cancellation on select room rates, because flexibility matters! Please refer to the property cancellation policy on our site for more details about any exclusions or requirements.
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Reviews
Fairmont The Norfolk Reviews
9.2
Wonderful
All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travelers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.
The Fairmont was amazing! We received the best service we’ve ever experienced and we travel often. Tevin was friendly and attentive and every staff member was top notch. We highly recommend staying here and wished we’d had more time. Loved our stay!
Nice old colonial era property near the University. The staff were friendly and helpful. The room was a good size, and the bathroom had a walk-in shower.
Superb hotel in every respect: courtyard. People, service, rooms, dining, bar ( but skimpy hard liquor drink pours) location and attention to quality details.
The hotel was really beautiful, with a dramatic lobby & manicured grounds! The staff couldn’t have been kinder & more helpful. Restaurants were very good, reasonable & offered lots of options!
Only complaint was spotty internet, which was very frustrating!
Norfolk Fairmont is easily the classiest and most beautiful hotel we have stayed in. Everything including staff and service are unparalleled. Plus it's Nairobi's oldest hotel, where US President Roosevelt, British royalty, Ernest Hemingway and a score of other historical figures have stayed - and loved.
I have stayed at this heritage hotel before, and was in no doubt that this would be the place I would stay this time. A wonderful place with an excellent and well trained staff.
Excellent hotel and amazing staff. Kennedy makes the best Espresso martini ever. Gedi, Isaac, Njeri and Sharon are all brilliant too. Joy, Elijah and Veronica Make dining at Tatu and incredible experience and we hope to be back again soon.
This property is outstanding! From the moment you walk in off the busy street to the quiet of their lush gardens. They have excellent security and you feel very safe. The lobby and restaurants have been tastefully decorated. From George at the front desk, Sidney in the lobby and Margaret in the bar the service was outstanding! Very interesting hotel with a wonderful history easy to navigate the city from here. The staff make all the difference here.
Like other Fairmont properties, the Norfolk did not disappoint. Excellent service and a breakfast buffet that will blow your mind.
The staff are well trained and helpful. The hotel courtyard is beautifully manicured and serene.
Suggestions:
The room I was in could use a little updating, older TV with limited channels.
The equipment in the gym needs refreshing and a deep clean (the gym is still better than most hotels, but I've stayed at many Fairmont Hotels and this one is not up to Fairmont standards).
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2025
Verified review
6/10 Okay
Guido
25 February 2026
Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Amenities
Staff was excellent. Amenities in the room were not up to standard for a 5 stars hotel and overall, the feeling is that the hotel is living on its glory - but is not any longer that good. Hot/Warm water in the shower was not coming. Heating/AC was not working and the insulation of the rooms is of poor quality as well as the sound proofing. What is the point of having a terrace by the garden if you cannot use it as everything gets wet?