COVID-19 pandemic and the new normal

The COVID-19 pandemic has seen a lot of changes in how travel, general movement, and human interactions are done lately. Most people have been left with very limited options in as far vacations, leisure travel, and general out siding is concerned since the announcement of the mandatory quarantine period in Kenya.

However, the pressing need to open up the economy in the month of July, led to the lifting of several restrictions, and notably, hotels went back to business albeit the stringent operating terms and conditions set by the government through the Ministry of Health, and globally by the World Health Organization.
The reopening led to the adoption of the phrase ‘New Normal’ which simply meant going about our businesses but with a heightened sense of precaution to reduce unnecessary transmissions of the Corona Virus.

I checked out Ngong Hills Hotel to kick out Cabin Fever

Having been indoors for months with very little options for staycations, I decided to check out Ngong Hills Hotel, a current personal favorite, and see what it was like to stay at hotels under the new normal and safety precautions.

If you have been following, you already know that late last year I had a fantastic time at Ngong Hills Hotel, and any chance to do it again was without a doubt taken up without any hesitation.

COVID-19 safety compliance at Ngong Hills Hotel

By now the million dollar question definitely is, Has Ngong Hills Hotel complied to the set safety standards? And the answer is, Yes.
Anyone who checks in must have a mask, gets their temperature checked and hands sanitized right at the entrance. In addition to the regular fumigation of the facility, every hotel staff have been tested and have a Covid-19 Certificate. I liked the safety measures I found in place because it spiked in me some level of comfort.

Accommodation

Ngong Hills Hotel is not only strategically accessible along Ngong Road but also offers top accommodation. My stay at the hotel is always a delightful experience. You can tell the excellence right from the carpeted hallway all the way to the delightfully furnished rooms. Even in the standard rooms, the furnishing and finishing is tasteful and well thought of, with minimal but outstanding paintings.

The lighting fixtures strategically placed around the room add to the luxurious feel, bathing the room with shades of gold. What a way to glam up that baecation, staycation or workation plan that one has going.

The Suite.

Elegance lives here! Get the best out of your stay by checking in here. The VIP Suite oozes with class and sophistication. The elegant interior that radiates a warm feel, charms the whole experience with comfort and relaxation.

The suite has a well lit executive work desk and office chair, open kitchen, and lounge. Two of the five suites have balconies overlooking the expanse of the newly expanded Ngong Road and its environs. That I would recommend to those that want to work and also enjoy some quiet away from home, especially now that working from home is the other normal.

For those of us who go to hotels to decompress, then the suite makes for a perfect place to relax, read, eat good food, drink wine and take a long bubble bath.

Entertainment

What’s a staycation without some entertainment? The Art and Soul Lounge at the hotel is always serving you food for the soul and some for the body. The signature lounge is a favorite among revelers, a testament to its offering. There you’ll find a mix of people who love the best things in life (read wonderful food, exotic drinks, and good food including nyamachoma!)

It is the norm to board the SoulTrain from late afternoon and forgetting how unforgiving the recent times have been. The DJ will take you back to the 80s with carefully selected soul and jazz jams. Cocktails pair so well soul-soothing music with low pitched conversations.

If you make it early enough, you can enjoy the sighting of a nice garden set-up and the back side of the Art and Soul Lounge. Things get warmer as the evening creeps in when they heat it up with clay oven jikos.

The Esquire Restaurant.

This is main restaurant at Ngong Hills Hotel. Esquire, is home to finger-licking meals with my absolute fave for breakfast being bacon and yummy sunny side up, and my any time fave meal being pan seared fish fillet and mashed poratoes.

Whether you are looking for a snack or a quick lunch, Esquire should easily be your best bet.

With the Covid-19 situation, I highly recommend that you sit on the outside under the airy pergola that has a laid-back vibe and perfect lighting. I noted with excitement how the hotel has the Ministry of Health’s guidelines effectively executed all over the restaurant. Spaced tables, wait staff in PPE’s and even how they do not get too close when taking orders.

Conferencing at Ngong Hills Hotel during COVID-19 times

Your business doesn’t have to stop because of the pandemic, arrange for a quick touch-base, workshops or seminars and stay on top of things because Ngong Hills Hotel has got you covered. Business-class is well catered for with modern audiovisual equipment and tailor-made packages as necessary precautions have been taken to ensure safety as we everyone adopts the new normal. Have your meetings with no worry at the Ngong Hills Hotel. Their location along Ngong Road is prime for meetups. Under the Covid-19 regulations, to keep up to 1.5 meters apart, their conference facilities can now host up to 15 people.

Exclusive Work Suites

The suites also double up as work stations for those who would like to just take a day off from working from home and work at the hotel with no distractions. To make sure you keep your headspace and keep making boss moves, they are offering exclusive work suites. At only Kshs 5000 you have access to the thoughtfully furnished the suites to make sure you work comfortably. And what’s more, you get a meal while at it!

Exemplary Room Service.

Their service is one thing that has me considering this hotel always. Their staff service is exemplary. Right from the check-in to room service, they are the definition of service. They are always waiting to your every need with cheer. They will not only make you feel at home but also important.

There is nothing not to like about the Ngong Hills Hotel. If you have been judging it by the unassuming view by the road, maybe it’s time to step in and experience it for yourself. Get value for your money. Book your reservation now.

For more info:

Ngong Hills Hotel,off Ngong Road
P.O. Box 40485 – 00100, Nairobi, Kenya
Tel: 0729-476072
Email: reservations@ngonghillshotel.com
Website: www.ngonghillshotel.co.ke