After I posted on Facebook and asked: “Given a chance, Which hotel in Nairobi would you check-in for a few days during the festive season?” A number have come back to ask me what my preference would be. I have a couple and the reasons for choosing each:

1. Hemingways Nairobi

Well, it is a hotel that will give one a classic out of town feel. It is elegant, boutique and the lawns beckon for a stroll. They also have a pool and a spa to indulge. Bearing in mind I have a 13yr old who I like to call Miss Madam, I would need to think of different activities so she doesn’t get bored. So, we would go to Daphne Sheldricks, Giraffe Centre, and I have talked of Kazuri beads for years but never actually been there so if they are open during the festive season, I would pop in too. I would also take her to Karen Blixen Museum. We would do those things we would not ordinarily do, on a random long weekend. The Hub is not far, therefore we would go there for some fast food and entertainment. That gives me at least a 3 night’s stay punctuated by some activity out of the hotel.

Festive Season deal: Kshs. 44,000 per double per night on bed and breakfast but the hotel is fully booked. Next year, book by October

2. The Tribe

This is the place I feel one can spend even 5 nights at, if you like a real city break. I don’t have to worry about the Miss Madam because Village Market is right there. Bowling, the movies, exploring good food, the expansive pool and mini golf. I need to check what the new Village Market has in terms of entertainment. It is a place I will call my girlfriends to come with their children and we will have a day full of fun. They will drive through the city to get home and I will stroll with some take-away back to the hotel. For me, shopping and more shopping…..It feels like being a stone throw away from Mandela Square. You do not get enough of that Mall.

Festive Season deal: Usd.480 (Kshs. 49,000) for a 3 nights’ stay per a double on bed and breakfast

3. Windsor Golf Hotel

This is where I disappear from the world and embrace the tranquility and serenity mother nature has to offer. I will switch off my phone and pretend there is no network. I love the fact that they have old TVs so good excuse not to even think of watching news. I will turn my head away from those newspapers availed at the breakfast restaurant or at the lobby. I will take a walk, jog, take a golf cart and pretend to be a golfer…. actually, go for some golfing lessons. This is where I will be a little selfish and force Miss Madam to embrace outdoors and nature. We will take a stroll to the forest and get the in-house birder to teach us about the different species of birds. We will go to the coffee farm and learn about coffee processing. The Miss Madam will write an essay about the process in the evening. On day 3 we will go for a movie at Village Market just to touch base with the noisier Nairobi and then back to our hide-out. I would comfortably stay for 4 nights and be sorry to go back home.

Festive Season deal: Kshs. 23,000 for a double on half-board. Family of 4 in a cottage: Kshs. 36,999 on bed and breakfast plus a bush dinner experience

4. Villa Rosa Kempinski

Number 1 motivation is the Spa. I can walk into the Jacuzzi and soak all day long. Number 2 is Rissotto at Lucca Restaurant, I never get enough of it. Number 3 is the heated pool for Miss Madam. There is something about wanting to experience luxury even if there are no lawns to take a stroll. But again, plenty of entertainment in Westlands area without thinking of driving home. Then, knowing my girlfriends are not leaving town, it will be easy to derail them to Balcony bar for a bottle of wine. I know it will be 2 or 3 in the end. I will crawl upstairs to my bed as they figure out if to Uber or get a designated driver. Good thing is the parking is really secure and free of charge. They will leave their cars and not worry about them.

Festive Season deal: Kshs. 17,000 for a double on half-board

5. Nairobi Tented Camp

If I want to be out in the park but cannot drive out of town therefore, I’ll check into Nairobi National Park and have a safari experience. This is where I switch off the phone and blame it on network. Miss Madam will have to embrace and enjoy nature. I would do one morning game-drive just to spot the lions that I hear in the night from my house, those that take a walk to survey the new bypass and terrorise Langata Residents. The rest would be evening drives, perfect excuse for a sundowner under a tree as I enjoy a sunset view. Yes, we have beautiful sunsets in Nairobi but the city hassle and crazy evening traffic never lets us enjoy it. I would also go to Daphne Sheldrick to feed those baby elephants. It is addictive. I would also sweet-talk the camp manager to give us a camping experience. My cousin always goes camping at Nairobi National Park with his sons and it is an experience on my bucket list.

Festive Season deal: Kshs. 23,960 for a double per night on halfboard inclusive of Park fees and camping fees.

For those like me still in the city, these are last minute deals that you can take some time off and enjoy.