International Hotels Kenya Limited, the holding company for Hilton Hotel Nairobi has announced that it is shutting down the hotel in December.
According to a spokesman who spoke to a local daily, the closure is not related to Covid-related challenges that affected many hospitality industry players in most parts of the world.
“Following extensive discussions with the hotel ownership, Hilton Nairobi will close its doors for the last time on 31st December 2022 and cease operations. Covid-19 created unprecedented challenges for our industry. However, the decision to cease operations is not directly connected to the pandemic,” a hotel spokesperson told Business Daily.
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“Unfortunately, the closure of the hotel will result in a retrenchment process. However, we will work with those impacted to help them find alternative employment.”
The hotel will continue operating other branches including Hilton Nairobi Hurlingham and Hilton Garden Inn Nairobi Airport. International Hotels Kenya Limited is 40.57 percent owned by the government.
“Hilton Nairobi Hurlingham and Hilton Garden Inn Nairobi Airport are growing our portfolio with new hotel development opportunities in the city and beyond,” it said.
Hilton Nairobi prides itself of 287 rooms including 45 twins, 185 doubles, seven suites, 22 pool rooms, and 27 executive rooms.
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The Hilton CBD began operations in Nairobi on December 17, 1969, and was officially opened by Kenya’s founding president Jomo Kenyatta.
“The hotel has welcomed guests for more than 50 years. We are proud of the legacy of hospitality delivered and would like to thank all those who have contributed,” said the Hilton.
Other five-star hotels that have shut down since 2020 include InterContinental Hotel, Laico Regency and Radisson Blu.
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