The Boma, Nairobi’s latest 5 star hotel now ready to open its doors

A NEW KID ON THE BLOCK THE BOMA HOTEL NAIROBI


The names Red Cross and hotels are not always considered compatible in the same sentence but in Kenya, the Red Cross Society is about to change that with a bang, when the new Boma Hotel will open its doors officially in a short while from now.
On arrival, an attired doorman awaits guests, rushing to open car doors, helping one out of the vehicle and taking care of the baggage, briefcases or backpacks included, and a guest relations staff member will be at hand to assist with the check in where a scented cooled towel, I am told during the cold season that may well be a hot towel, is offered alongside some chilled Mango juice. A few steps from the reception is the coffee lounge and here the Wow effect comes into play, seeing the tall atrium and the blue glass canopy high above. Stylish comes to mind and certainly not something found in great supply yet in Nairobi, so this feature will set the Boma aside for a while to come for sure. A friend of mine described her feel on first inspection as masculine to which, true as that may be, I just had to add that if so it was certainly surrounded by very female curves.
The hotel is currently undergoing trial runs, not even formally pronounced as soft opening stage as yet, and when open the new 5 star hotel in Nairobis Bellevue Estate / South C area will undoubtedly transform the wider area and act as a catalyst for what is very likely to be a spate of new buildings going up. Kenyas Ministry of Energy is already constructing their new headquarters nearby, kicking off a likely transformation of the formerly purely residential area in to a mixed zone of business, government, hospitality and residential buildings, a long stone throw away from the boundaries of the Nairobi National Park and within touching distance of the upcoming Southern Bypass which will in the future route transit traffic around Nairobi to decongest the city centre. A top class hotel, so near to such crucial infrastructure, is bound to benefit from it.
The Boma Hotel, next door to the Kenyan headquarters of the Red Cross Society, and next to its sister property The Boma Inn Nairobi, previously known as The Red Court Hotel, will form the backbone of a new group of hotels, inns and very likely resorts in key towns and cities across Kenya. Wherever the Red Cross from here on sees opportunities to turn investments in the hospitality sector into medium and long term net contributors towards the societys annual budget for emergency responses, disaster relief and humanitarian assistance, Kenyans can expect to see either a Boma Hotel or a Boma Inn go up the former in the 5 star category and the latter in the 3 star category, according to Kenyan licensing standards. The investments are seen as a source of long term sustainable income, also expressing faith and confidence in the medium and long term economic prospects of Kenya, which remains the economic powerhouse in the East African Community. Profits from the Boma Hotels operations, according to the groups Managing Director Mugo Maringa, will be going entirely towards the Red Cross, once operating expenses and loan repayments have been met.
The new Boma Hotel will feature 148 suites and rooms, including a top floor presidential suite with view over Wilson Airport and the Ngong Hills in the distance, and convinces through functionality, clear lines, pleasant colour schemes and the availability of all facilities a business traveler or in fact even tourist comes to expect today from a 5 star hotel. The pillows are soft, though harder ones are available on request, the mattresses firm and the duvets light and yet warm to keep the at times chilly night temperatures out of ones bones. The superior room category is large enough to impress while the de luxe rooms are spacious even in my own vocabulary, though the business and executive suites truly offer what makes the hotel special, that extra space with which a feeling of freedom comes. A working desk with a panel on the side for a laptop connection, linked to the flat screen TV, audio and video adapters, HDMI and USB ports as well as a printer and wired internet port makes in room working as simple as on ones own in the office. Easy chairs and an arm chair provide enough comfortable sitting, wardrobe space is sufficient and the bathrooms well appointed, all with shower and tub and some in fact with Jacuzzi baths.

The hotel has a fully fledged Spa named Zoezi Kiswahili for Exercise, a gym and a dedicated aerobics studio, a pool for those daring to face the cool temperatures and on the culinary side two main restaurants, two bars, a coffee lounge under the massive trademark blue atrium roof and a 6th floor executive club lounge where for eligible guests snacks and non alcoholic drinks are available across the day, and where a daily happy hour takes care of the thirst for a beer, a glass of wine or some choice spirits.
The food, though the kitchen brigade is of course still in its early days of blending together, was already excellent and eating my way through the menu over a combined stay of 5 nights, showed quality in preparation and presentation, as well as reasonable pricing, again something every visitor, for business or leisure, will appreciate. Service was on all occasions swift, as was the room service, which at first try took a mere 21 minutes only to be beaten to the door second time round with just 18 minutes from putting the phone down to having the trolley wheeled into my suite.
As everywhere else, attention to detail and every staff members mind set on service with a smile does make all the difference, and will stand the Boma Hotel well when fully up and running.
A business centre on the ground floor too is available to take care of printing needs, binding and all else a busy executive may require last moment to turn a presentation in one of the hotels meeting rooms into a 100 percent success. Here it is worth mentioning that within the Boma Hotel two executive meetings rooms are available while otherwise the main conference centre with multiple size options on rooms is located at the adjoining Boma Inn Nairobi, connected with a walkway and taking not more than a minute to reach.
Notably, at the moment 6 sedan vehicles are available at a very reasonable cost for guests, with an airport transfer costing a mere 15 US Dollars or a trip to Wilson Airport just 1.100 Kenya Shillings, and a trip across town to say Westlands or beyond just requiring a little extra. It is such thoughtful and competitively priced services, provided without the rip off seen at some other places, which will gain the hotel friends and repeat business on the fast track, because such are key issues business travelers care about, but even more the locals who are expected to make the Boma Hotel their place in no time.

Located half way between Jomo Kenyatta International Airport and Wilson Airport, the new Boma Hotel seems destined to pick up quite a bit of traffic from safari operators, which can spare their arriving clients the agony of having to stop and go and stop and go across the endless traffic jams of Nairobi on arrival, and departure for that matter, and when flying into the parks Wilson Airport is just 20 minutes away as the notorious Nyayo Stadium roundabouts, now jammed almost 24/7, are given a wide berth.
According once again to the groups Managing Director Mugo Maringa, the Red Cross already is in the process to complete a Boma Inn in Eldoret, due for opening later this year, while the current Red Court Hotel in Nyeri will undergo a major transformation to add extra accommodation to the restaurant and meeting facilities already in place in this central Kenyan town. We are looking to eventually cover key county headquarter towns across Kenya with Boma Inns and for bigger cities like Kisumu or Mombasa the option for a Boma Hotel are being evaluated right now. If we are to go to a place like Malindi for instance, we would look at putting up a Boma Resort to complete the brand differentiation, yet with full recognition of Boma as the overall brand line. All profits from the hotel operations will be dedicated to the Red Cross humanitarian and emergency services programmes, so every guest staying with us will contribute towards the Kenya Red Cross Societys continued operations.
Commendable indeed and whoever came up with the initial idea to have the Red Cross invest in Kenyas hotel industry, was surely foresighted enough to bring the two together for, as one so often hears, each others mutual benefit. The formal opening, for which President Mwai Kibaki, who is also the Patron of the Kenya Red Cross Society is expected to be guest of honour, will take place once all arrangements have been put into place and then it will be green light all the way, to help finance doing good by being very very good in what they do. Watch this space.

167 Responses

  1. I like your idear of venturing into the hospitality industry and i pray that God will help the Red Cross in achieving its goals. We also look forward to expect job opportunites from your venture..

  2. pliz provide me with email address for reservation at The Boma Hotel. Its urgent.

  3. Good work for taking the risk. Indeed you will succeed. Omwana Wa Marko

  4. Very fabulous! you have all it takes to conquer the hospitality industry market .Go for it!

  5. good job well done to Mr maringa and team, ensure to keep the outstanding service crew trained and happy you will be the talk of the region.

  6. You have a wonderful establishment and guess i would love to be part of you.Am a hotelier by proffession and i love working as a waitress so consider me.

  7. I like your new 5 star how .kindly i wish to work with u .as a tee girl/ waiter . Please waiting for your response

  8. I would like to apply for a chef de partie job in your hotel but cant seem to find any email or adress to post ma c.v,kindly advice.thanx

    1. hi,i would like to apply for an attachment in your hotel. i have done pastry and bakery in utalii college though i havent practised in years and i wouldnt want to throw my career away.kindly let m
      e know how i can apply for an attachment in your hotel .Thanks.

  9. Dear sir,I have worked 2 leading hotels in dubai, kempinski hotel dubai, and the latest atlantis the palm dubai. Iwas part of the pre opening team. I have the experience n proffesionalism in this field. I can work anywhere within the front door belldesk department. Thankyou

  10. Thanks Boma Hotel for bringing in the new opportunities for us hoteliers. Looking forward to join in if given chance

  11. Thanks for the good job you have done. i am a Diploma holder andi would like to work with you team as a room attendent ,whereby i have gain experience through learning and working in various hotels in kenya. i would be gland to work with your team.i will be waiting for you response .Thank you.

  12. this is a good idea but let us not take the aim of red cross,helping those in need to the forgotten books..because red cross has a good repetation…i wish you the best.

  13. Congradulations for opening BOMA and i also wanted to ask if you hiring people there

      1. Thanks but the contact given for vacancies does have any link for any inquiries.

  14. Fabulous latest 5 ster hotel,really hoping to work there as a hostess have what it takes,have graduated from kenya polytechnic university passed with upper credit m also computer litrate thanks

  15. I have loved the place just so much it looks cool and i would like to be part of the boma team i am a housekeeper by profession and have so much experience in hotel industries.

      1. thanks i did send my CV and hope that they will call me to discuss about it further.

  16. Wow! Nice place for relaxing. Would like to work with u, am a therapist. Thanks

  17. It’s a wonderful hotel you have opened. I would like to know how one can apply for a job in your hotel if there is any vacancies……

  18. am sure it would a good place to spend your free time.all in all i have worked with the carnivore restraunt for the hole of 2012 as a waiter and wish t work with you as a team player.am young enrgetic and flexible who can do any kind of job to make the organization achieve it goals.if am needed pliz 0715114199 is my number.with thanks.

  19. You guyz are good and we ask u do the same in other place lke Kisumu

  20. BOMA is beyond description, kudos Redcross. vision 2030 is comin so soon than expected.

  21. Thank you Bomas Hotel for venturing the hospitality industry ,,,this is so encouranging to most of us youths as we know our careers will not go to waste as we enter the hospilaty world,,,,i pray that God blesses u all mightly as your hotel prospers worldwide,,,,

  22. hi am a beauty therapist by profession and i would like to work in such a place.please if there are any openings please send me an email were i can apply online.thank you

  23. Congrats 2 the whole crew, from the board of directors, sales team n also the production crew, its a unique, compact package resolution with etremely fabulous tames, am an absolute pastry chef. A desert infront of my eyes is a smile, i can say Go go go Boma from the origin, reliable service u’ve shown!. I would like 2b one of ur team.

  24. i would like to work as a waitress,where can i drop my papers? thank you

  25. what about hospitality person who have pursued diploma in food and beverage management course with KNEC as examining body can she get an opportunity for employment…

  26. Thanks for the good job.have done house-kèeping and laundry and i have worked in various hotels and i would be glad to work with your team.Lydia Njeri murage 0710710082.

  27. The hotel will definitely bring a change to the Red cross and the whole country.Am happy for the associates.hope to workthere.God bless.

  28. It’s a very attractive place,and seems to be a comfortable place for all kind of guest,i hope i will be given a chance to work with you.Am a diploma holder in Hotel and catering Management .

  29. It is a wonderful hotel with high class standards and i will be glad working with to improve its profitability and any assistance required. Am diploma holder in carering management

  30. im very happy because the hotel has brought alot of opportunities for youths like me.i have done hospitality and have diploma in hotel and catering management.

  31. This is heaven on earth.Am a gym instructor ,how can I apply for ajob there.

  32. I would wish to work with your hotel as i gain more experience.i have worked in maasai mara sopa lodge as i was doing my attachment.I have a diploma in hospitality management and would be glad to work with you.By Christine wairimu mwangi 0702790595

  33. Hi,am a beauty therapist,i would like to work with your hotel,my numbers are 0789248126,Janet.

  34. Congratulation for the good job,i would to apply for a receptionist post.I have done catering and hospitality management.

  35. Sorry for that,i sent my CV and will be soo much honoured to work with you.

  36. Hi kudos for your good job. plz am an orpharn and jobles wth an obligation of taking care of my two siblings. I have already applied for a waitress post of which i have the experience since av worked in various big hotels. i there4 beg u to plz consider my application, i look forward to hear from u soon.

  37. this is great,we hop for the best and this dream is coming to pass..am a fitness instructor and i love to see people live a healthy life.

  38. Hi! wish you could start/initiate a conference on “Medical Tourism in Kenya”. We have sites and destinations that can be sources to presenters. Also a great opportunity for your hotel in hosting the seminar-

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  40. Wonderful and beautiful environment to further my career kindly send me your online address to forward my testimonials.

  41. Excellent blog you have here.. It’s difficult to find quality writing like yours these days. I truly appreciate people like you! Take care!!

  42. I know this site offers quality based content
    and other stuff, is there any other web site which provides these kinds of information
    in quality?

  43. Excellent blog you have here.am a supply en would like to do business with you white meat and eggs at very friendly prices .

  44. This is great hotel of high esteem that should be coming up and it is encouraging,so guys keep it up.Well,would you mind give me the link to apply for the Job here.I have worked in 5 star hotel and other related firms as Senior electrician and now am working as maintenance Engineer.I have 6 years experience.I like working with hotels.Please,reply me through :mobile no. 0724260913 or mail benshik2005@yahoo.com.Thank you!

    With regards,

    Benard.

  45. Thanks for finally writing about >The Boma, Nairobi?s latest 5 star hotel now ready to open its
    doors | Wolfganghthome’s Blog <Loved it!

  46. that is great hotel in Kenya.if given a chance i can deliver my best

  47. Am a lady looking for a job as a waitress.I have a food & beverage certificate & a 2 years in this position.Pliz dont hesitate to contact. (0714031046) thats my no.Thnx.

  48. Boma hotel is wonderful place,am 2nd year diploma student in N.Y.S school of catering gilgil. looking sooner to be part of you for industrio attachment. congratulations boma hotel

  49. Boma hotel its soo amazing strategic plans and visions, surely we are heading somewhere. Intending to transform lives and infrastructure and develope positive attitudes towards life i like to join.

  50. my name is kamal singh panwar i am working in nairobi anghiti restaurant if you have vacancy for indian chef please call me my no.0734575772

  51. I love a good 5 star hotel and this one looks to be a really good one. Might have to put it on my bucketlist!

  52. I would like to inquire if there is job vacancy for waitress, room attendant Banquet

  53. My name is lydiah Ngugi, am currently pursing a degree in hospitality and hotel Management at Gretsa university Thika and i would like to inquire if there are internship vacancies for September to December 2014.. kindly reply through my phone number which is 0723450385. thank you

  54. I hold a diploma in criminology and a certificate in security management and wishes to work with you as an internal security officer to carry out investigatory matters

      1. I dropped my cv at the hotel on 19th February my name is Edward Tito am kindly asking that you give me a chance in your hotel

  55. Am working as a kitchen steward at hermingways hotel i would lyk to work with u guys,kindly this s my number.0706560694. Email:jearkilyluna@yahoo.com says:

    GOD BLESS YOU

  56. Wow that a good improvement.I would like to ask for attachment i am in Thika institute of business studies

  57. Hello if there is any opportunity of a spa therapist please am really interested and am a professional in my work.

  58. When I initially left a comment I appear to have clicked on the -Notify me
    when new comments are added- checkbox and now whenever a comment is added
    I recieve 4 emails with the exact same comment.
    There has to be a way you can remove me from that service?
    Many thanks!

    1. Good morning, the one option I would have is to go back to the original comment and ‘Spam’ it but that would then also result in you not being able to post any other comments as you’d be relegated to the spam box immediately. I am surprised to hear you get the notification 4 times, that appears to be an anomaly and I have no explanation for that as this is triggered by WordPress directly and NOT by myself or my settings.
      Thanks for reading my blog.
      W.

  59. Good afternoon Wolfang,

    I hope this finds you well. Am Angela from Glyph Media Limited,a design and printing company. I was hoping to drop my profile and weigh if i can get an opportunity to work with you. I promise quality in what we deliver and a competitive pricing. Kindly let me know what to do .

    Kind regards
    Angela

  60. if i want to train in your hotel in pastry and bakery how do i go about it?

  61. Dear Sir, I wish to apply for an attachment in your hotel. I am a holder of a certificate in Food and Beverages Production Sales and Services at Zetech College Nairobi Campus. i would appreciate it if you give me a way forward for my application.
    Thank YOU.

  62. hi am Fidelis Kinanga, how can i apply for an attatchment in your hotel? please help me. My number is 0719453955

  63. hi, am Tabitha,am almost to finnish my attachment at naservair. Iwould kindly request if i could apply for a job at the bakery section.for November and december.

  64. hi iam a student pursing a eco-tourism and hospitality managment.I was asking if u offer attachments

  65. hey sir/madam am strongly and very delighted about your hotel place and I would love to be apart of your team I will do anything at your conveneice, if you need me you can contacted me at 5244044 I thank you

  66. being a Kenya red cross member I really appreciate the very best efforts that have been put forward by all of the stake holders for the good job they have done .and would like to know much about your company and the jobs they can offer to public relations and advertising student.thanks in advance.

  67. hi am Patrick
    am can i join the winning team as a WATER OPERATOR in your hotel
    thank you

  68. hello i would like to apply for attatchment to begin in february…..