A boutique hotel reflecting the beauty of precious gems, where nature's refreshing embrace dances with Nairobi's cultural pulse. At the edge of the country's largest preserved forest, with panoramic views of the lush greenery and the city skyline, the Gem Forest Hotel Nairobi is a striking boutique destination.
Star ratings are intended to indicate the general level of features, amenities, and services to expect. This property is classified according to Accor Hotels.
HOTEL STYLE
Boutique
Quaint
Languages Spoken
English, Swahili
Location
Limuru Road, Nairobi 1250-00621 Kenya
Gem Forest Hotel & Spa Nairobi - MGallery Collection
16 reviews
Getting there
Somewhat walkable
Places to stay are graded on a 0-100 scale. The higher the grade, the easier it is for travellers to find restaurants and things to do within walking distance.
I stayed at Gem Forest Hotel & Spa Nairobi for three nights just five days ago, and honestly – wow! From the second I stepped into the lobby, I knew I was in for a treat. The front office team? Absolute legends. Their service was so pure and seamless; they had me checked in and relaxed in no time.
The room? Amazing! The bed featured MGallery's special "Memorable Bed", and I have to say, I’ve never slept better. They even offered two pillow options – firm and feather – so I could customize my comfort. That mattress was like sleeping on a cloud. I woke up every morning feeling completely refreshed, and I’m already missing those heavenly nights of sleep!
Now, let me tell you – the food at Kahani – Modern Indian Dining was an absolute dream. Each dish was packed with flavor and creativity. I’m still daydreaming about that meal. And Enćhante Bistro? Just as amazing! I swear, I was spoilt for choice, and every bite was better than the last. Seriously, if you're a foodie, this place is heaven.
I didn’t make it to the spa this time (next time for sure!), but I spent plenty of time by the pool, and it was stunning. The setting is gorgeous on the 4th floor, with a chilled-out vibe, and the drinks at La Mer Pool Bar hit the spot. Honestly, I could’ve stayed by that pool all day.
All in all, Gem Forest is exactly what the name promises – a gem! It’s got that perfect mix of luxury and relaxation, and I left feeling so refreshed. I’m already planning my next trip back in Dec. If you’re thinking about staying here, just do it – you won’t regret it!
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Date of stay: September 2024
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Trip type: Travelled on business
Room Tip:The Mall - Village Market is great and really close by, so nice to check it out and the hotel has...
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Gem Forest MGallery Nairobi, Marketing at Gem Forest Hotel & Spa Nairobi - MGallery Collection
Responded 22 Sept 2024
Dear Memory Maker, It was a pleasure to read your review of your latest experience at Gem Forest Hotel Nairobi - MGallery Collection. We are pleased to hear that your experience met our intentions for all our guests. We do hope to welcome you once again in the future so that you can experience our underwater oasis, Shanta Spa.
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Checkin with Purity at the reception was a bliss she welcomed us with a beautiful smile. The room was just perfect! Clean and well organized by our room attendant Scorvia. Nick the bartender made our night before dinner worthwhile! Dinner time our waiter Gabriel made our time at enchante restaurant memorable.. Meals were on time and the beef steak was awesome👏 Jane the restaurant manager was such a lovely soul she made sure we were comfortable and welcomed us with a carrot shot ☺ . I cannot forget Ann we loved her hospitality during breakfast. Finally checkout with Brian was amazing he is such a lovely person. Gem forest is truly a 💎
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Date of stay: November 2024
Value
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Location
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Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Room Tip: Make sure you get see their lovely and world class Spa!
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Gem Forest MGallery Nairobi, Marketing at Gem Forest Hotel & Spa Nairobi - MGallery Collection
Responded 07 Dec 2024
Dear Memory Maker, Thank you for your heartwarming review! We’re thrilled to hear that our heartists made your stay so memorable. From the warm smiles to exceptional service, our team strives to create magical moments, and we’re delighted you experienced just that. Your kind words motivate us to keep shining. We look forward to welcoming you back to Gem Forest soon! Amy I.
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From the reception at airport and at hotel just warm and smiley people (not that professional squired out “smile”😏). As you walk in hits you a zen organic mixture of atmosphere. beautiful deep green combined with smooth soft colors and water. You just instantly relax.
Rooms - well you have this amazing modern ‘50s look, unique lights, my God, comfy chairs and bed I have slept as never in another hotel.
The sunrise at the 9th floor incredible, you have the forrest and all Gigiri and Runda (basically the diplomatic district) at your feet. And the shower well just try it, double shower, with all organic soaps&all.
The corridor fit with deep green (dominant color) bluish carpet a symbol of Nairobi river. well fit gym (haven’t used it as was enjoying my free time with friends) with a great view.
On restaurants - I just had breakfast with rich offer and well organized. Really friendly staff.
And most importantly all safety measures in place.
Overall +A, definitely visit again.
Congratulations at the great opening on next Thursday, it’s a beautiful and unique hotel of the Accor chain, with incredible staff.
Amb. Julia Pataki
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Date of stay: September 2024Trip type: Travelled solo
Room Tip:Book in advance as I see it as a very busy place, parking and solutions for all your requests
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Gem Forest MGallery Nairobi, Marketing at Gem Forest Hotel & Spa Nairobi - MGallery Collection
Responded 22 Sept 2024
Dear Julia, Thank you for sharing your experience with us. It is lovely to read your experience and it gives us great pleasure because it lets us know that our desire to offer a meaningful stay was met. We do look forward to welcoming you once again in the future.
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As a new hotel, there is significant room for improvement, particularly in staff training. At Troy Restaurant, we were served dirty, wet wine glasses, which was disappointing. Upon check-in, we were required to place a room deposit and could only pay for services in cash, which was inconvenient. The pool bar did not serve hot beverages, and we experienced long waits for bills as room charges were not permitted.
While our room was cleaned well, there was noticeable construction dust on the window panes. We were also disturbed by an incorrect food delivery to our room. To add to the frustration, the number provided on the room phone to contact reception was incorrect.
The limited food options were another letdown. Despite having a French/Italian restaurant, Enchant, pizza was not available. When we decided to order out, we confirmed with the hotel that concierge could deliver the food to our room. However, when the food arrived, a different front office executive informed us we had to collect it from reception, citing an error in protocol.
Unfortunately, these service issues overshadowed the hotel’s positives. On the bright side, the property is tastefully furnished, boasts high-quality fittings, and offers breathtaking views of Karura Forest. However, due to the disappointing level of service, I will not be returning.
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Date of stay: December 2024
Value
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Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Room Tip:Best time to access the pool is before 1pm otherwise a shadow is cast on the pool and the wind...
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Emaan Zia, Marketing at Gem Forest Hotel & Spa Nairobi - MGallery Collection
Responded 1 week ago
Dear Memory Maker, Thank you for your feedback. We sincerely apologize for the service issues you encountered, including the cleanliness concerns, incorrect food delivery, and confusion with payment methods. We’re addressing these areas to improve staff training and service consistency. We also appreciate your comments on the limited food options and will review them moving forward. We're glad you enjoyed the property’s design and views, and we hope you'll reconsider visiting again in the future to experience the improvements. Kind Regards, Emaan Zia
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We just left Gem Forest hotel. We were only transiting for one night but regretted not staying longer. This new hotel is incredible : service and attention to detail was impressive, room look incredible, the decoration is just WOW, the view on the forest makes the atmosphere very serene, and the food was amazing in both restaurants (Kahani for Indian cuisine, Enchanté for Mediterranean). Cocktails were also very very good. You definitely feel at home and like you’re in a cocoon. The hotel has the newest amenities : fastest wifi we’ve seen in Africa, smart TVs, shower gels/shampoos that smell amazing… We will definitely come back once the little bit of construction remaining is over, and look forward to seeing the rooftop bar and checking out the spa during our next visit. Brian, Patricia, and the rest of the team (I’m only going to butcher the spelling of their names) were so attentive. The hotel is located in a neighborhood with a lot of foreign embassies, and the security was impressive. Don’t look any further, you’ve found your home in Nairobi !
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Date of stay: August 2024Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Gem Forest MGallery Nairobi, Marketing at Gem Forest Hotel & Spa Nairobi - MGallery Collection
Responded 22 Sept 2024
Dear Marie, Thank you for your review. We are delighted to read about your experience at our gem. Thank you for appreciating our heartists, who are dedicated to creating a meaningful moment while staying with us. We do look forward to seeing you back at your home in Nairobi to experience both the spa and the roofbar.
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One of the best hotels in Nairobi and great restaurants😃. Great service from (Hosea) at the Rooftop restaurant. (Steve Biko) is very interactive and he also recommended the rooftop restaurant to us, which was great… Will certainly recommend.
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Date of stay: November 2024
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Trip type: Travelled with friends
Room Tip:Request for rooms attached to the pool area.
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Gem Forest MGallery Nairobi, Marketing at Gem Forest Hotel & Spa Nairobi - MGallery Collection
Responded 19 Nov 2024
Dear Memory Maker, Thank you for your wonderful review! We’re thrilled you enjoyed your stay and had a great experience at our rooftop restaurant. Hosea and Steve Biko will be delighted to hear your kind words. Your recommendation means the world to us, and we can’t wait to welcome you back soon! Warm regards,
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The experience at the hotel was horrible. I went for an event being held at the rooftop bar. Paid the 2500/- cover charge expecting an amazing experience and was left feeling frustrated. It took half an hour to get service despite the waiters all gathered right in front of our table. Once we did receive some menus nobody came to attend to us until they wanted to take the menus from us. Not even take our order!! We finally got to order 45 minutes after sitting down and ordered a bottle of white wine. The waiter took another 30 minutes to come back and brought back a bottle of red. We were left feeling so frustrated with nothing on our table. We tried to escalate the matter to a line manager upstairs and he scoffed at us and basically told us it was our problem. We left the establishment feeling completely let down. If that wasn’t enough, the valet parking took forever as well. It was a colossal waste of time. The event managers as well - Kusini were also rude and extremely unprofessional. I would not recommend this place to anybody looking for a good experience.
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Date of stay: October 2024Trip type: Travelled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Gem Forest MGallery Nairobi, Marketing at Gem Forest Hotel & Spa Nairobi - MGallery Collection
Responded 30 Oct 2024
Dear Memory Maker, Thank you for sharing your experience with us. We're truly sorry to hear about the issues you faced and for not delivering the high standard of service that you rightfully expected. Your time is valuable, and waiting for service, especially after the inconvenience of an incorrect order, should never have been part of your visit with us. This feedback has been shared with both our rooftop team and our valet service, as well as with the event managers, to address these concerns and prevent them from happening again. Our goal is to provide a welcoming and attentive experience for all guests, and it’s clear we missed the mark during your visit. We hope you'll allow us another opportunity in the future to make things right and provide you with a memorable and positive experience that reflects our standards. Please feel free to reach out directly if there’s anything further we can do.
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The service from the entrance when I drove in was unrivalled,friendly and professional security team. The warm welcome by Adi who took us around the hotel to experience the beauty and inspired GEM theme is outstanding. Now,at the brunch section,we were hosted by Christine whose service was excellent,she is quite a talent in client experience I will definitely return to this ecstatic place!
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Date of stay: October 2024Trip type: Travelled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Gem Forest MGallery Nairobi, Marketing at Gem Forest Hotel & Spa Nairobi - MGallery Collection
Responded 30 Oct 2024
Dear Memory Maker, Thank you for your kind words! We're so glad to hear that you had a warm welcome and enjoyed the service from our team. It's wonderful to know that our heartists made a positive impact on your experience. We can’t wait to welcome you back to our hotel for another unforgettable visit!
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Just arrived to this new hotel and wow, what an experience. The team and the layout (and all the little details) of the hotel is sensational. As the hotel has only just opened there are some parts still under construction but it is not in your face and I can’t wait to see the end work, as the style and the stories of what is already open is great.
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Date of stay: July 2024Trip type: Travelled solo
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Gem Forest MGallery Nairobi, Marketing at Gem Forest Hotel & Spa Nairobi - MGallery Collection
Responded 05 Oct 2024
Dear Memory Maker, Thank you so much for your wonderful review and for choosing to stay with us during this exciting time! We're thrilled to hear that you had such a positive experience and enjoyed the details and design of our hotel. It's great to know that the ongoing work hasn't impacted your stay, and we're equally excited to show off our hotel now that we had our grand opening 12th September 2024. We look forward to welcoming you back soon to experience the full vision!
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Great service! Great food! Would 10/10 recommend! Our waiter was super nice and polite but the food took longer than usual to come out. It was so worth it though . The ambiance was really nice and clean. Most places look good and have bad food but there was a great balance of both
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Date of stay: October 2024Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Gem Forest MGallery Nairobi, Marketing at Gem Forest Hotel & Spa Nairobi - MGallery Collection
Responded 30 Oct 2024
Dear Memory Maker, Thank you for your fantastic review! We're thrilled to hear you enjoyed the service and food during your visit. It’s wonderful that our waiter made a positive impression, and we appreciate your understanding regarding the wait. We're glad the ambiance added to your experience, and we’re committed to maintaining that perfect balance of great food and a welcoming atmosphere. We can’t wait to welcome you back for another memorable meal!
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There are more places to choose from in the Nairobi area.
PRICE RANGE
R 3,583 - R 4,095 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
LOCATION
KenyaNairobi
NUMBER OF ROOMS
105
Prices are provided by our partners, and reflect average nightly room rates, including taxes and fees that are fixed, known to our partners, and due at time of booking. Please see our partners for more details.
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