Blog Posts

THINK LOCAL, GO LOCAL AND DO FOOD LIKE LOCALS

The Clarion Hotel is situated in the heart of Nairobi, a city known for its diverse population, architecture, street style, art, and cuisine. The city receives both foreigners and locals; hence, the need to incorporate different cuisines to cater to tastes and preferences, ethnicity, and locality.

Our hotel does its best to ensure a blend of foreign and local food, with a menu curated to satisfy our guests. Embracing locality is one of the key elements of the hotel, and this is achieved through certain aspects like interior design and the dishes we serve. Without further ado, let’s dive into it.

Githeri

It is a popular and beloved dish and originates from the Kikuyu community. But what is it… Really? Githeri is a mixture of maize and beans that are boiled together and paired with veggies like tomatoes, onions, and in some cases spinach, to create a perfect blend of nutrients.

Benefits

• It is a good source of fiber. The combination makes this a fiber-rich dish that helps in digestion and promotes healthy gut function. The fiber from this mix can also help lower cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease.
• Beans contain folate (vitamin B9 or folic acid), which is a water-soluble vitamin that is essential for red blood cell formation, healthy cell growth, and function, which is important mostly during early pregnancy to reduce risks of neural tube defects.
• Good source of nutrients. Since it is majorly packed with proteins and carbohydrates, this meal provides the body with nutrients for building and repairing tissues as well as providing energy for the body.

Ugali

It is a thick, starchy porridge made from maize flour and water and is a staple food in most East African countries. The origin of ugali dates back as far as the 16^th century, when maize was introduced to Africa by the Portuguese. Ugali became a popular way of preparing and consuming the crop.

It can vary in color depending on the type of maize used to make it.

• White ugali. It is the most popular type, made from white maize flour, which results in a pale, creamy color.
• Yellow ugali. This is made from yellow maize flour, which results in a vibrant golden color.
• Brown ugali. This type is more popular in Western Kenya. Unlike the other types, this one is prepared from millet and sorghum flour, which results in a darker color and slight differences in its taste and texture.

Benefits

• It is a primary source of carbohydrates, which provides the body with energy.
• Fiber-rich. Whole grain ugali made from sorghum, millet, or whole grain maize flour is a good source of fiber, which aids the body in more ways than one.
• Ugali is very versatile. It is mostly combined with vegetables, meat, and even bean stews, allowing for a highly nutritious and balanced meal.
• It contains B vitamins, which are essential for energy production, skin health, and nerve function.

Chapati

This is a traditional unleavened Indian flatbread, made with wheat flour, water, salt, and oil. The dough is mixed, sectioned, and flattened into circles, then cooked on a flat skillet. Chapati originates from the Indus Valley civilization and later spread to Southeast and Central Asia, East Africa, and the Caribbean, where it remains part of the everyday diet. 

Benefits

• Helps in digestive health. Chapati is rich in dietary fiber, which aids in digestion and helps reduce constipation.
• Promotes heart health. Chapati is low in saturated fats, making it a healthy option. Also, the fiber contained in them helps to reduce cholesterol levels in the body.
• It contains minerals and vitamins like potassium, phosphorus, and calcium, which are important for energy production, bone health, and general body functioning.
• It is versatile. Like ugali, chapati complements a variety of stews perfectly and is easy to digest.
• Due to its low-calorie content and high fiber, chapati can be a part of healthy weight management diet plans.
• The fiber and protein contained in chapati help to slow down the absorption of sugar into the bloodstream, preventing sudden spikes in blood sugar levels.

Pilau

It is also called pilav or pilaf and is a rice dish whose recipe involves cooking in seasoned broth or stock with spices and adding ingredients such as vegetables or meat and aims for fluffy, separate grains.

Benefits

• Pilau promotes intestinal growth. Pilau masala, the main spice added, reduces inflammation, destroys bad bacteria, and protects the good bacteria in the gut.
• Spices like cardamom and cumin aid in digestion and help alleviate bloating and gas.
• Spices like cloves and cinnamon possess natural anti-inflammatory properties, therefore helping to reduce pain and inflammation.
• The antibacterial properties of the spices in pilau can help prevent peptic ulcers by eliminating contagions from the gut.

Food has a way of bringing people together, and these local dishes are no exception. Each plate tells a story of history, heritage, evolution, and the people who have preserved these recipes over generations. The best way to truly appreciate these local dishes is to try them for yourself. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, each bite offers a taste of tradition, culture, and the heart of the community. So, what are you waiting for? Get out there and enjoy these flavors! Share your experience with us in the comments. Food is a universal language, and we’d love to hear your stories.

IMPORTANT ITEMS TO CARRY WHEN TRAVELLING

I do not know about you, but I need a lot of help packing for a holiday. Whether it’s for a weekend, a week, or just for a night, I always seem to either under pack or over pack. Surely, I cannot be the only one who goes through this struggle. When packing, a list of items to carry is essential- not to me, though, because I always pack last minute when everyone is breathing down my neck.

With lists, you find that you have approximately everything you may need during the trip. There are many pros and cons of lists, but we are just going to focus on the pros. One is that you get to save on time that is spent packing and repacking to confirm whether you packed enough socks, for example. Second, you can always tick an item on the list after packing it. Third, no one will be ‘breathing down your neck’ because you packed late or forgot to carry your toothbrush and you have to make a stop just to buy it. All my examples easily translate to proper management of time and space.

On some occasions, I find myself having more than four sets of clothes on a weekend getaway- #overpacking at its finest. Enough with relatable examples; let us delve into ‘The List.’ When making a packing list, an order of importance is to be followed, from most important to least important. Must-haves like toiletries to extra clothes. So, what do you need when travelling?

Documents

• Passport. Imagine getting to the airport only to realize you left your passport on the coffee table, boarding is in half an hour, and the trip back home is also half an hour on each trip- Will you make it? When travelling outside the country, a passport is the most important; when travelling domestically, you can just leave it at home.
• Identification cards must-haves for any trip. (Original plus a copy)
• Health insurance
• Travel insurance. Especially when travelling to Schengen countries.
• Boarding passes
• Visa (especially for international trips)
• Tickets and confirmation receipts.

NOTE: It is advisable to carry a copy or two of your travelling documents plus the original.

Toiletries

Your travel essentials must include toiletries.

• Towels, tissues, and wet wipes.
• Dental care items.
• Skin care items like moisturizer and sunscreen.
• Cosmetics- Makeup and makeup brushes.
• Deodorant and body spray
• Perfume/Cologne
• Hygiene products like soap or body wash, shampoo, and conditioner

Clothes

The clothes you pack greatly depend on the destination. If you pick a warmer destination like coastal areas, make sure you pack light. Also, the main agenda of travel greatly influences the clothes you pack, for example, business trips and camping trips. Some items to be packed include;

• Tops- Blouses, t-shirts, button-ups, sweaters
• Bottoms- Dress pants, shorts, skirts, leggings
• Outerwear- Jackets, cardigans, trench coats, suit jackets
• Undergarments.
• Footwear- Socks, comfortable shoes, dress shoes, and sandals
• Swimwear.
• Accessories- Jewelry, sunglasses, belts, hats
• Activewear- Athletic clothes and shoes.

The 5 4 3 2 1 packing method can also be utilized. The numbers represent the number of certain articles of clothing: five tops, four bottoms, three shoes, two dresses and an accessory set, which can consist of sunglasses, a hat and a set of jewelry.

First aid and medication

Travelling is unpredictable. One thing can lead to another, and out of the blue, you need to get medical attention. Having a first aid kit with you helps disinfect the wound to reduce infection.

Many people sometimes forget their medication, so to avoid disasters, it is important to take note. Some items include;

• Painkillers
• Vitamins
• Fever reducers
• Personal prescriptions
• Sunscreen and sunburn relief
• Insect repellents
• Bandages
• Disinfectant
• Band-aids
• Sanitizers
• Gloves
• Little scissors

Financial Items

• Cash (both local and international for emergencies)
• Credit cards and debit cards
• Traveler’s checks
• Emergency contact information

Electronics

It’s a digital world we live in; phones, EarPods or headphones and chargers are essential.  

• Mobile devices, chargers, and charging cables
• Laptop or an iPad and charger
• Camera, Video camera, and chargers (optional)

Travelling extras

I love this category. Here, you can pack whatever you think you need for more comfort during the trip.

• Compression socks. They help with proper blood circulation. For long flights, consider them to prevent your feet from swelling.
• Travel pillows
• Books or e-books for entertainment
• Water bottle filters
• Electrical converters and adapters

Another key thing to packing is choosing the right travel bag for your trip- this does not apply to females in most cases… pun intended.

However, some hotels do provide personal care items like shampoo, lotion, bath soap, bath robes, and towels. In case you forget some of these items, it is good to know that we’ve got you. The Clarion Hotel Nairobi provides you with all of these; in other words, ‘we remember so you don’t have to.’

Which is the better option: Hotels or Airbnb?

Hotels versus Airbnb—which option is best for your trip? A hotel is an establishment that provides accommodation, meals and other services for travelers and tourists.

Airbnb is short for Air Bed and Breakfast, and it’s a service that allows property owners to rent out their spaces to travelers looking for a place to stay. Here travelers can rent space for multiple people to share, a shared space with multiple rooms or the entire property for themselves. Both provide accommodation at a cost; that much is true.

Similarities between Hotels and Airbnbs

Hotels and Airbnbs are similar in that they both offer accommodation. But is this the only similarity?

Cost
Depending on the area, time of year and duration of stay, both hotels and Airbnbs can have different prices. Although this isn’t always the case, Airbnbs have historically been thought of as a less expensive option than hotels.

Location

Hotels and Airbnbs are typically located in popular tourist destinations, city centers, or residential areas, aiming to provide convenient access to local attractions or transport.

Safety and security

With safety regulations in place for both hotels and Airbnb properties (although Airbnb forces visitors to rely on the host’s safety procedures), both are obligated to safeguard the safety of their guests. Additionally, some sites provide protection plans or insurance.

Services and Amenities

Many Airbnb properties and hotels offer similar amenities, such as Wi-Fi, toiletries, air conditioning and sometimes breakfast or a kitchen. Some Airbnb hosts also provide extra services like cleaning, concierge assistance and local recommendations.

Privacy

These issues can arise with both hotels and Airbnbs. You may have a private room in a hotel but also share common areas with other visitors. In an Airbnb, you and your host may share a wall or outdoor area during your stay, for example.

There are many similarities between the two; exhausting them is like trying to look for a needle in a haystack. I’ve just highlighted a few of them that are most popular. Just like similarities, there are bound to be differences between the two. People who have interacted with both can easily name them. For those who have not… let’s get into it.

Differences between Hotels and Airbnbs

Personalization

The core difference between the two tends to dwell mostly on the level of personalization. Airbnbs tend to give a more homey feel and experience compared to standardized hotel services. For example, an Airbnb only has breakfast as a food option and a kitchen where the guest can cook their own meals, unlike a hotel.

Type of Accommodation

Hotels occasionally provide suites or penthouses, as well as individual rooms with private bathrooms. They frequently feature several rooms in a single structure and mostly serve short-term visitors.

Airbnb offers a wide variety of accommodations, including single rooms, entire homes, shared spaces and even unusual properties like boats and yurts.

Facilities & Services

Hotels: Offer a variety of amenities like business centers, restaurants, gyms, room service, housekeeping, and concierge. These services are frequently offered around the clock.

Airbnb: Depending on the host, the quality of service varies substantially. While some facilities might have the same amenities as a hotel, others might not, such as kitchen access. Although some hosts provide optional add-ons, housekeeping and other services are frequently not included.

Policies for Reservations and Cancellations

Hotels: They offer alternatives to change reservations through the hotel directly or through third-party websites along with clear, set cancellation and booking rules.

Airbnb: Since each host establishes their own guidelines, booking and cancellation procedures differ greatly. While some might be stricter, others might provide more lenient cancellation policies.

The battle between Hotels and Airbnbs is never-ending and everyone is entitled to their own choices. I cannot simply advise you to go to hotels because that’s my pick, and I also cannot advise you to pick Airbnbs because I think they are a cool option. Airbnbs and hotels are both great and their distinct features make them different and alike at the same time.

If you want convenience, consistent standards, professional services and more amenities in a central location, then choose a hotel. If you want a more personalized, flexible experience with unique, homey accommodations and a chance to interact and connect more with local cultures, then choose an Airbnb.

HOW TO RECHARGE YOUR MIND AND BODY

Recharging the mind and body. This means taking time to rest, relax, and replenish your energy levels, both mentally and physically, by engaging in activities that promote your well-being, such as getting enough sleep, exercising, eating healthy foods, spending time in nature, practicing mindfulness, and taking breaks from stress-inducing activities. 

How exactly do we do this? Spa Trip! You guessed right. There are many ways to ease the mind and the body—meditation, yoga, light exercises, long walks, listening to music, dancing, going for a run, reading a book, and my personal preference… sleeping. Recharging the mind and body focuses on a lot of aspects.

Aspects of recharging the mind and body;

• Physical aspects. This is where adequate sleep and exercise come in. Taking naps, doing a five-minute full-body stretch, for example, and engaging in light physical activity.
• Mental aspects. Mentally, everyone needs to relax. Here, practices like meditation, deep breathing exercises, listening to calming music or just being out in nature come in handy. Fun fact: Did you know going out, connecting with nature, touching some grass—if I may say—petting some animals or just a dog or a cat, can cure depression?
• Stress management. Identifying what stresses you and doing something about it is a way of prioritizing your well-being. Some ways to actively manage this is through techniques like journaling—keeping a record of the stressful parts of your days or even talking to someone about it.
• Social connection. Saying yes to friend outings, going to the movies, picnic dates, grabbing some coffee, going on art dates, doing pottery, going outdoor gaming and even swimming. Spending time with loved ones and friends really eases your mind.
• Nutritional management. Meal planning. Eating a balanced meal, incorporating fruits into your diet, eating plenty of vegetables and whole grains, and hydrating.

A better way to recharge is a trip to the spa. Spas are known for relaxing services and healing amenities that can improve your physical and mental health. Spa therapy combines hydrotherapy, patient education, nutrition and physical therapy as the main modalities used.

The feeling of burnout is all too common in our generation, thanks to relentless modern life. We deserve a serene place to melt away stress and come out as a baby. The benefits of spa days extend far deeper than simply relaxing. 

Benefits of spas

• Spa treatments like massages and aromatherapy create a calmer mind by lowering cortisol levels. Cortisol is often referred to as the stress hormone. Regular spa visits contribute to your better mental health by increasing steroine and dopamine production. Steroine is a type of medicine that is used to treat menstrual problems.

Skilled therapists ease muscle tension during the massage to attain a relaxed state. Aromatherapy utilizes oils like lavender and chamomile. They have proven stress-reducing properties for inducing endorphins, another natural mood elevator in the body. 

• Enhanced skin health. We all like having clear, spotless, glowing skin. That shine and smoothness that comes after a great exfoliation session and the relief it brings about is worth it. The magic of spa treatments extends to our largest organ, the skin. The exfoliation process helps to remove dead skin cells, revealing your natural color. Facials, another staple spa treatment offer cleansing, unclogging pores, and removing impurities from the skin.  Who wants dark marks and acne scars anyway?

When blood vessels dilate, more blood flows through them, resulting in numerous benefits to the skin. The hydration serums, masks, and creams at the spa inject moisture into the skin, leaving it plump. Science backs this up: proper hydration reduces the appearance of wrinkles, resulting in a rejuvenated experience. You get to leave the spa looking and feeling younger.

• Anti-Aging Benefits. Let’s tone down those wrinkles and be forever young. As we age, our skin loses elasticity, fine lines and wrinkles appear, and gradually the youthful glow can seem like a distant memory. I hope you see where I’m going with this. Facials with retinol, antioxidants, etc. can reduce the appearance of these fine lines and wrinkles on your skin. 

Light therapy, for example, helps to even out skin tone and reduce hyperpigmentation. This can make your skin brighter, as this treatment targets dark spots and discoloration.

• Detoxification. Our bodies are constantly working to eliminate waste products and toxins. While our organs do a remarkable job on this, extra support can benefit our health. Spa treatments like dry bushing, body wraps, and saunas enhance the body’s natural detoxification process.

There are massages specifically designed for lymphatic drainage that help stimulate the system, which improves the elimination of toxins and fluids. Methods like exfoliation help to unclog pores, prevent acne, even out skin tone, help in lymphatic drainage, and boost blood circulation.

WHY COFFEE IS YOUR MIDWEEK ENERGY BOOSTER

Are you tired yet? From all that running around and ‘working?’ Weekdays are hectic… everyone agrees. Some people consider calling in sick on Wednesdays, leaving it all behind to catch up with some quality sleep and peace of mind. Others run for coffee. Black and bitter, running down your throat, leaving that coffee-ry taste in your mouth, the caffeine perks you up, and there’s something incredibly soothing about sipping a steaming cup of Joe. But is drinking coffee good for you?

Coffee boosts energy mainly because it contains caffeine, which is a natural stimulant.

How caffeine works

• Caffeine blocks adenosine. Adenosine is a neurotransmitter in your brain that causes feelings of relaxation and drowsiness. Caffeine blocks this neurotransmitter. The caffeine in coffee prevents adenosine from making you feel sleepy by blocking its receptors. You feel awake and alert as a result of this.

• Increases dopamine. The “feel-good” neurotransmitter dopamine, which elevates mood and can give you greater energy and attention, can also be released more readily when you consume caffeine. Low dopamine levels can make you tired, moody and unmotivated, resulting in low concentration and productivity.

• Stimulates the Central Nervous System. Caffeine can raise blood pressure and heart rate by stimulating the central nervous system, which makes you feel more alert and invigorated.
• Increased Adrenaline. It can also raise adrenaline levels, which can enhance physical performance by preparing your body to move or undertake an activity.

• Enhances Metabolism. Caffeine helps your body burn more calories and feel more active overall by slightly increasing your metabolism.

• Caffeine also helps in improving muscle speed and endurance.
• Muscle speed: Caffeine can improve the efficiency and speed of muscles.
• Endurance: Caffeine can improve stamina and physical strength.
  

The case for coffee is stronger than ever. Study after study shows that you could be getting more from your favorite morning beverage than you thought. Caffeine is the first thing that comes to mind when you think about coffee. But coffee also contains antioxidants and other active substances that may reduce internal inflammation and protect against diseases. In short, coffee is chock full of substances that are beneficial to our health.

Benefits of coffee

• Studies show that long-term coffee drinkers have a decreased risk of Parkinson’s disease. Parkinson’s disease is a progressive brain disorder that causes movement problems, mental health issues, and other health concerns. It’s caused by the death of nerve cells in the brain that produce dopamine, a chemical messenger that controls movement.
• Coffee is loaded with antioxidants, such as chlorogenic acids, which can help reduce oxidative stress in the body. Antioxidants fight free radicals, which may play a role in aging and disease processes. For many people, coffee is the largest source of antioxidants in their diet, even more so than fruits and vegetables.
• Supports Metabolism and Weight Loss. Coffee can stimulate thermogenesis, which is the process of generating heat in the body, leading to an increased calorie burn. This, combined with caffeine’s appetite-suppressing properties, may aid in weight management. Several studies suggest that coffee drinkers may have a lower risk of obesity or have more success in maintaining weight loss.
• Improves Mood and Mental Health. Coffee is known to have a positive impact on mental well-being by boosting dopamine levels and enhancing the effects of serotonin, which are linked to improved mood and a reduced risk of depression.

Some studies show that coffee drinkers have a lower risk of depression and suicide. Caffeine’s mild stimulating effects can also help reduce feelings of anxiety in certain people, though it may have the opposite effect on those who are sensitive to caffeine.

While coffee has these benefits, it’s important to keep in mind that moderation is key. Excessive coffee intake can lead to negative side effects such as insomnia, anxiety, digestive issues, and increased heart rate. Generally, 2-3 cups of coffee, about 300 mg of caffeine, are considered safe for most adults. As much as coffee is beneficial, it is also good to take note of its disadvantages.

So as you sit in that booth and sip on that amazing coffee, remember all this and keep it in mind. Drink coffee moderately. 

IMPORTANT REASONS TO SPEND YOUR SATURDAY NIGHTS WITH US?

Why give your Saturday nights to us? We are about to show you why they should belong to The Clarion Hotel Nairobi. Saturday nights are sacred. Most people don’t plan their Saturday nights, but we always end up somewhere, whether hanging out with friends or staying in and watching movies.

The big question is, how do you spend your Saturday nights? How do you spend the weekend? Two days of absolutely no disturbances and keeping to yourself—relaxing, as some of you may call it. How do you unwind from the truckload of stress that comes with “Weekdays”?

Going to a hotel—off the grid, if you get what I’m saying—is probably the best idea. The other big question is, Why The Clarion Hotel? Why us? We are located in the Nairobi CBD, making it hard to escape from city life in a city. Funny story… Let’s find out why.

• Rooms

We have 62 rooms in total, all tailored to fit the norm of ‘home away from home’. The rooms are tastefully furnished with a touch of African heritage, a commanding view of the Nairobi skyline, the magnificent Thika Superhighway, and the recently revamped Jeevanjee Gardens. Each room has been specifically appointed to offer paramount luxury and comfort for guests of all calibers.

The rooms are categorized as Standard (40), Twin (6), Superior (5), Deluxe (6) and Suites (5) so don’t worry; we can accommodate you and your friend.

The rooms are connected to the internet through cable and Wi-Fi hotspots, making the whole facility a hotspot. As mentioned above ‘home away from home.’

• Views

Picture this: the beauty of orange, white and red lights from high ground, gorgeous and prepossessing. Views of sunrise as the city wakes up and the buzz of life comes on, views of sunsets as the world goes to sleep and technology lights up the night, alluring; pretty as a painting.

If you’re one of those people who like to watch the world move, have a seat at the restaurant terrace and enjoy what you see.

• Food and Beverages

Food, food and good food are important parts to living. We live to eat. We live to explore all kinds of food and be tiny critics of our own. Creamy, crunchy, salty, savory, flaky, glazed, sweet, rich, fresh, spicy, tender… we’ve got all that. Let us leave you with that taste in your mouth: ‘I want more.’ Even if it is just for the night, with our carefully curated menus, vegan or not let us blow your mind- and taste buds of course. Experience local cuisines with a touch of difference, finger-licking good. A la carte, buffet, chef’s special? We deliver.

Cocktail? Mocktail? Coffee? Tea? Iced water? Something something on the rocks? Late-night drinks? Wine? We have it all. Gin and tonic, martinis (especially a dirty martini), Gordon’s gin, Negroni, piña colada, Bombay, Margarita, Cosmopolitan, Sex on the Beach—Rainforest bar is around to cater to all your needs drink-wise. Make that call or walk to the bar and see what all the hype is about.

• Health Club

Saturday night equals relaxation from the hustle and bustle of the whole week. The health club is a good way to ease your mind for starters. Work out the stress or get the stress worked out—get it?

Let’s start with working out the stress. For all gym buddies out there, we have your back. Welcome to the Clarion Hotel Gym. Treadmills, stationary bike, dumbbells, lat pulldowns, leg presses, bench presses, elliptical trainers, barbells, and a trainer to oversee your workouts, help out and maybe be your spotter. Everyone needs a good spot and who better than a professional? 

Get the stress worked out. This is also very essential. When we don’t hit the gym, we hit the spa. We blend traditional spa therapies with contemporary innovations to provide unparalleled experiences. A trip to the spa does have health-giving properties. It could be essential oils used for your facial that will give you relief from that pounding headache. The massage techniques used to ease up the knots in your joints and give you relief from those aching muscles. A couple stretches to relieve your joints and leave you feeling lighter and more flexible than usual.

It could also be a trip to the sauna or the steam bath. Let the heat cure you. Heat treatment is known for its numerous health benefits, including improved circulation, stress reduction, improved skin health, weight loss, improved workout recovery and cardiovascular health, just to name but a few.

Reap all these benefits with us, where everything is about you.

• Internet

This should have been first on the list, but oh well. With technology ruling our world, it is important to be able to access the internet. Whether it’s to browse through channels on YouTube, update a vlog, follow up on your favorite show on Hulu or Netflix, send that snap to friends, scroll through TikTok, laugh through reels on Instagram, or catch the news on Facebook- good internet connection is a must-have. Saturday nights are for catching up.

The whole building is connected to the internet through Wi-Fi and cable hotspots. You don’t have to be left out on the social media fun due to poor internet; we have you sorted.

WHAT’S NEW IN THE HOSPITALITY INDUSTRY?

The hospitality industry is a fast-growing and fast-changing industry… this is no myth or story. As technology and people grow and evolve, so does the industry. As businesses change their focus from past events to the future, it is important to consider priorities. Hotels must change how they provide services to a more flexible model that is capable of adapting to the needs of an ever-changing market. Some of these trends include:

Bleisure Travel

Bleisure travel is a portmanteau… meaning a combination of business and leisure travel, where business travelers extend their trip to include some extra time for personal activities. This type of travel is becoming popular among travelers since it reduces the cost of accommodation. Most travelers will opt for the same hotel for the entirety of their trip, giving access to favorable pricing for extended stays while sharing the spend according to GBTA (Global Business Traveler Association).

There are two types of bleisure travel: Business Travel, which is extended on the front or back of a visit, and Business Trips taken with friends and family coming along for the ride.

Hyper-personalization

This is using real-time data, Artificial intelligence (AI), and machine learning to tailor customer experiences, for example. It uses large amounts of real-time data to understand individual preferences and adapts to provide personalized experiences.

How this works in hotels;

• The hotel collects data on what guests like, their preferences, and behaviors from past interactions.
• The hotel then uses the data collected in real-time to create personalized experiences for each guest. For example, customized room settings, personalized communication and services.

Hyper-personalization is not just about utilizing technology; it is also about building meaningful connections with guests. For example, if a guest has a history of ordering room service at a particular time, the hotel can anticipate this and offer menu options that cater to the guest’s preferences.

Sustainability

This is a social goal for people to co-exist on Earth over a long period. In the hospitality industry, this translates to a set of practices that aim to reduce the environmental and social impact of tourism. Guests will look to stay at hotels that prioritize sustainable offerings.

The industry must ensure that it works in harmony with the environment and is mindful of its social and economic impact by not overconsuming resources, working to conserve biodiversity, not polluting and respecting the local communities and workers. Sustainability can be achieved through:

• Resource Conservation: For example, to conserve water, use low-flow faucets and showerheads. For waste management, use reusable cutlery and recyclable plastics and compost food waste.
• Responsible Procurement: Use locally produced, fair trade, and environmentally friendly goods and services, and support small businesses in your community.
• Community Engagement: The hotel can support cultural preservation and social development initiatives and respect the locals and workers.
• Providing education and awareness on sustainability, what it entails, its specific practices, benefits to workers, locals and even the guests themselves.

Health and Wellness

Health has been described in different ways and has had different purposes over time. It refers to physical and emotional well-being, especially that associated with the normal functioning of the human body, devoid of diseases, pain or injury.

Health and wellness, this trend continues to gain popularity and momentum, especially during the post-pandemic era. Wellness continues to be a priority for guests. People are increasingly health-conscious and enthusiastic about any form of self-care and are increasingly keen to combine leisure and travel.

Hotels could benefit more from shifting towards offering more holistic packages. This could be done by offering in-room massages, sunrise yoga, wellness shots at the hotel’s bar, as well as vegan and vegetarian menu options. Leveraging low-season wellness retreats to boost revenue during the off-season.

Think Local

Embracing local consumption is closely tied to sustainability and is also emerging as an important trend in the hotel industry. Finding ways to involve the local community will create a richer, more authentic experience for your guests and make them feel like an important part of your hotel’s story. For example, partnering with locals for things like décor and local cuisines can greatly enhance your brand while positively impacting the environment because through this the guest experiences a tiny part of the culture in the area.

Increased Emphasis on Hygiene and Safety

As explained above, people value their health and as much as this is so, they also value their safety. Ensuring your hotel poses no health or security risks attracts more guests than normal.

Hygiene and safety post-pandemic have moved from a ‘nice to have’ to a ‘must have’. Guests want to know what is being done to protect them during their stay at your hotel, whether it’s carrying out regular fumigation of rooms, disinfecting of surfaces, or regular patrols around the hotel—they want to know. Implementing hygiene strategies and security checks is an important part of taking the hotel to the future.

Social Media

This is a way to communicate and share information online. Social media plays a crucial role in marketing, customer engagement, brand management and reputation, gaining insights into customer preferences which allows hotels and restaurants, for example, to interact directly with guests and showcase their offerings, respond to feedback in real-time ultimately impacting their booking rates and overall customer experience. Social media is a powerful tool to build brand awareness and foster loyalty through online interactions.

Some key points to note are:

• Targeted marketing: Social media allows hotels and restaurants to target specific demographics based on interests and location, maximizing the reach of marketing efforts and campaigns.
• Promotional opportunities: It can be used to promote packages, special offers, events and seasonal offers to reach broader markets.
• Visual appeal: There are a couple of ways your hotel or restaurant can be seen. Platforms like Instagram and Facebook are ideal for showcasing images of hotel rooms, restaurant dishes and even drinks offered at the bar, which can inspire potential clients to book or visit the hotel.
• Reputation management: Customer feedback on social media platforms can impact your hotel business either positively or negatively. It is crucial to monitor and respond to comments and questions promptly and improve on services where necessary.

Maximizing Your Nairobi Experience: How The Clarion Nairobi CBD Hotel Makes It Easy

Remaining within the Central Business Area (CBD) of Nairobi may be a helpful and locks in involvement. Here’s how you stay in the Clarion hotel in Nairobi may well be made strides:

Availability: The Giraffe Center, the Karen Blixen Historical center, and the Nairobi National Stop are some of the major attractions that are helpfully near to our CBD inn. There are numerous enthusiastic markets, eateries, and social attractions within the CBD.

Comfort: With our hotel’s central location and proximity to major travel centers, investigating Nairobi and past could be a breeze. You’ll effectively discover anything you want, like whether you’re going by for trade or joy. Comfort: After a day of sightseeing or meetings, our hotel offers a comfortable retreat. Relax in well-appointed rooms, enjoy delicious meals at our restaurants, or unwind with a drink at the bar.

Security: In spite of the fact that the CBD could be an active region, visitors can feel secure at our hotel. Our group is continuously accessible to guarantee that your stay is phenomenal and stress-free.

Interaction within the locals: Staying within the CBD empowers you to lock in with Nairobi as a local. Investigate the encompassing markets, test true food, and drench yourself within the dynamic urban

culture. Business-Friendly: If you’re visiting Nairobi for business, our hotel is the perfect choice. We offer a range of business services and facilities to cater to your needs, including conference rooms and high-speed internet access.

Hospitality: At the Clarion Hotel, hospitality is our top priority. From the moment you arrive, our friendly staff will ensure you have a memorable stay, offering assistance and recommendations to make the most of your time in Nairobi.

Make the most of your Nairobi experience by staying at our CBD hotel. Experience comfort, convenience, and hospitality at its best.