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Ambassadeur: How 62-Year-Old Iconic Hotel Became a Popular Nairobi Bus Stage

The iconic Ambassadeur Hotel in Nairobi is one of the most prominent landmark buildings in the country. Whether you are in the upcountry or...
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Ambassadeur: How 62-Year-Old Iconic Hotel Became a Popular Nairobi Bus Stage

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The iconic Ambassadeur Hotel in Nairobi is one of the most prominent landmark buildings in the country. Whether you are in the upcountry or in Nairobi, chances are high you have heard of it.

Located next to Kencom Buildings and a few meters aways from the National Archives, Ambassadeur Hotel was established in 1961 by former Kirinyaga Central Member of Parliament John Ngata Kariuki and late billionaire businessman Gurcharan Singh Vohra. It was later acquired by businessman Samuel Maina in 2004.

The iconic hotel was a fan-favourite and patronised by politicians, businessmen, and travellers from across the East African Community.

Hotel Ambassadeur. / Courtesy
Hotel Ambassadeur. / Courtesy

However, as years went by, the iconic hotel lost part of its appeal due to the establishment of a bus stage next to the building, turning the area into a beehive of activities.

Due to its central location within the CBD and ample parking space, the hotel’s entrance soon became synonymous with members of the public waiting to board buses home.

The building’s front also offered shelter to members of the public when it rained and buses would come to pick passengers from there. As a result, the hotel slowly established itself as a popular bus stage for Kenyans.

However, the hotel still remains an ideal destination for persons looking for quality affordable dining and accommodation experiences within the Nairobi Central Business District (CBD).

Hotel Ambassadeur. / Courtesy
Hotel Ambassadeur. / Courtesy

Ambassadeur Hotel boasts 94 well-appointed rooms, multiple conference rooms accommodating 10 to 150 people, and ample parking space for over 30 vehicles.

Patrons of the hotel are offered complimentary services such as free breakfast buffet as well as dry cleaning and laundry services. It also offers a variety of African cuisines to its guests.

The 3-star facility boasts a range of guest rooms, each equipped with bathrooms featuring separate showers, hot water facilities, and complimentary toiletries.

These rooms which include deluxe rooms for singles and triple rooms complete with private balconies and kitchenettes offer choice to clients from different social classes.

The rooms come with a personal computer, a sofa set, a writing table, and ironing equipment.