Written By John Mutiso 📝
The iconic Hilton Hotel in Nairobi will close indefinitely in December and lay off an unspecified number of employees, highlighting the difficulties faced by hotels in the aftermath of the Covid-19 travel slump.
“Following extensive discussions with the hotel ownership, Hilton Nairobi will close its doors for the last time on 31st December 2022 and cease operations,” a hotel spokesperson told Business Daily.
“Covid-19 created unprecedented challenges for our industry. However, the decision to cease operations is not directly connected to the pandemic.
“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,” Hilton said on Wednesday.
According to hotel management, some employees will be transferred to Hilton hotels in Nairobi as the company does not intend to leave Kenya entirely.
Hilton has stated that its other brands will remain in operation.
“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.
The government owns 40.57 percent of International Hotels Kenya Limited, which owns the iconic hotel in Nairobi’s Central Business District (CBD).
The State also owned 33.83 percent of Kenya Hotel Properties Limited, which ran the InterContinental Hotel which shut down operations in August 2020.
The Hilton has 287 rooms, which include 45 twins, 185 doubles, seven suites, 22 pool rooms, and 27 executive rooms.
“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.
So far, the Laico Regency and Radisson Blu in Nairobi’s Upper Hill have ceased operations.
