Karen Gables

Karen Gables, out from the city center in the forested suburbs of Nairobi, is a wonderful old-world-look Cape Dutch home turned guest house. Before departing with Orphan Trail Safaris to visit the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust camps we spent two-nights here…and it was just what we needed after more than 24 hours flight time from Dallas to Nairobi. We were made to feel welcomed immediately and through the rest of our stay by William…the majordomo and the rest of the staff. William was always there to be sure we were comfortable and that our needs were taken care of. The home is gracious and filled with things of Africa and beyond, over-stuffed furnishings beckoning to sink into and relax. Stacks of books and photos galore of old family members and new. The rooms are comfortable and mosquito netted at night. No feel of a hotel here…we felt as we were guest of old friends. Dining was out of this world…sumptuous breakfasts with everything from muesli, French toast, pancakes, all sorts of eggs with sausage and bacon and lovely plates filled with fresh fruit. Dinner at the large table was and an exceptional meal with outstanding service and gourmet dishes. I never did meet the chef but I can assure you this…he is a rare talent. Walking through the house to the exterior there is an inviting patio with the most unbelievable view. The yard slopes down and down to a forest with a clearing right in the middle where your eye is immediately drawn past tropical shrubbery and flowering plants to tall trees in the distance. A pool to the left with bar and patio summons you for a drink or a swim…but we walk further and noticed a winding path taking you down the slope past an open library room set up for reading or a game. Continuing on is a tropical pond filled with koi. Finally at the bottom of the forest is an opening in a stand of bamboo with seating. This five minute trip along this sloping trail helped the tension of modern day travel slip away and become replaced by a deep state of relaxation. Yes, the perfect place to start/finish safari…or to escape for a respite for weekend or week. We hated to say goodbye. PS...yes there are some monkeys who entertain you with their capers on the lawn

We had high hopes for this place but, unfortunately, it was very disappointing. To be fair, the manager was a charming, delightful woman and the team of Kenyans working there were very kind and helpful but it was all overshadowed by the steady stream of local men "staying" briefly (very briefly actually) in rooms with suspiciously scantily clad companions who leave before spending the night. Everyone on staff has a 'nudge-nudge-wink-wink' attitude about what is apparently an upscale house of ill repute. Apparently the owner is willing to turn a blind eye to it all as long as it looks discreet, fills empty rooms and is somewhat hidden from the other guests. It certainly ruined the vibe for us and we just felt creeped out knowing that our room may have been used earlier in the day by other guests who were "doing business". There's a sense that the place could *almost* be nice if not for the abundance of dusty old African curios everywhere, dark & desolate corners where the lights aren't allowed to be turned on, filthy old sarongs covering filthy old pool furniture cushions and a strict control over hot water (good luck trying to have a warm shower anytime after breakfast). For the price & location, you'd expect top notch service and style, but it's really more like they've put "lipstick on a pig" and they just hope you won't notice. There's just something about the place that makes your skin crawl and it feels like one of those places that will skimp on standards and take whatever it can get from you just to stay afloat. The food was mediocre at best...the so-called brownie is a block of sawdust and the prices for a simple sandwich on thawed store-bought bread is just pure robbery. Sorry, I know this place gets good reviews in general and if you're not very picky, it might be ok for you, but I travel the world and have stayed at all levels of hotels and this is one is just a broth*l in disguise.

What a charming and beautifully decorated place. You could spend a day just going room to room and looking at everything. Beautiful grounds with a nice pool, and phenomenal food. Very much appreciated the a/c rooms (not all have them). The were extremely kind to organize transportation for us, and even a movie night. Really not necessary to spend the money that you do at some of the most expensive hotels in Karen Gables, when you get this incredible care and service with so much charm.