by Danielle Gatereste & Mahider Tadesse
Planning a small event in Nairobi and feeling overwhelmed by the options? Look no further!
At Hallpax HQ, we combined more than a decade planning events in Nairobi to finally decide on the top 10 venues for intimate gatherings. From the modern sophistication of Sankara Nairobi to the tranquil oasis of Hemingways – we’ve found the perfect spots for every type of (small) event.
Ready to find your perfect venue? Contact us today, and let our local experts guide you through planning an unforgettable event in the heart of Kenya’s capital.
Quick Guide: 10 Best Small Event Venues in Nairobi
- Sankara Nairobi: Contemporary luxury, featuring a rooftop pool and bar perfect for post-meeting networking.
- Villa Rosa Kempinski: An opulent city center venue offering customizable spaces in decadent surroundings.
- Radisson Blu Hotel Nairobi Upper Hill: A modern high-rise with panoramic city views and innovative “Experience Meetings” concepts.
- Nairobi Serena Hotel: A cultural oasis in the city center, boasting the unique Amani Garden for outdoor events.
- The Sarova Stanley: Nairobi’s oldest luxury hotel, offering event spaces steeped in the city’s history, including the legendary Exchange Bar.
- Crowne Plaza Nairobi Airport: Conveniently located minutes from the international airport with 24/7 facilities and excellent accommodation.
- Hemingways Nairobi: An exclusive retreat in Karen, providing personalized butler service for each event.
- The Boma Nairobi: A socially responsible choice owned by the Kenya Red Cross Society, featuring fully accessible facilities.
- Weston Hotel: A stately venue offering plentiful meeting rooms with excellent facilities and elegant settings.
- Fairview Hotel: Countryside cottage ambiance minutes from Nairobi CBD, with five acres of lush gardens and diverse dining options.
1. Sankara Nairobi
In the heart of buzzing Westlands, Sankara Nairobi distinguishes itself with its rooftop pool and bar, offering a unique urban oasis for post-meeting networking or intimate cocktail receptions against the backdrop of Nairobi’s skyline.
The hotel’s crowning glory for small events is its flexible meeting spaces, the Woodvale rooms. They feature floor-to-ceiling windows that bathe each space in natural light, creating a stimulating atmosphere for productive sessions.
Sankara’s commitment to culinary excellence sets it apart, with its range of dining options from the authentic Kenyan flavors at Sarabi to the exquisite sushi at Minato. You can offer attendees a gastronomic journey without leaving the premises.
Read More: 3 Reasons Why You Need an Event Planner in Nairobi
2. Villa Rosa Kempinski
A short drive from Nairobi CBD, the Villa Rosa Kempinski is a haven of luxury that caters brilliantly to intimate, high-end events. This 5-star establishment doesn’t just offer meeting spaces; it provides an experience.
While the main event space can host up to 500pax, there are plenty of smaller meeting rooms throughout the hotel. Each room is equipped with state-of-the-art audiovisual technology, ensuring your presentations are crisp, and your virtual attendees feel like they’re in the room.
For those seeking a more informal get-together, consider hosting a reception at the hotel’s terrace bar, K Lounge.
3. Radisson Blu Hotel Nairobi Upper Hill
Towering over Nairobi’s skyline, the Radisson Blu Nairobi Upper Hill offers a sleek, modern venue for small event organizers seeking to impress. Its strategic location, close to the central business district and major diplomatic missions, makes it ideal for corporate gatherings and international meetings.
The hotel’s versatile event spaces can accommodate from 9 to 725pax. Floor-to-ceiling windows in each space with natural light offer panoramic city views, creating an inspiring backdrop for any meeting.
Radisson Blu’s “Experience Meetings” concept sets it apart – focused on connectivity, nourishment, and well-being. This includes high-speed Wi-Fi, brain food menus designed to enhance concentration, and breakout areas for relaxation. The Chop House restaurant and Humidor Cigar Bar provide unique spaces for post-event networking or casual business discussions.
4. Nairobi Serena
The Nairobi Serena offers a distinctive blend of pan-African aesthetics and world-class amenities. Its location, overlooking Central Park and Uhuru Gardens, provides a picturesque backdrop for small gatherings.
The hotel’s Amani Garden, a secluded outdoor space, is perfect for intimate events of up to 120pax. You can host al fresco cocktail receptions or team-building activities in a lush, private setting. Or choose from eight intimate board and meeting rooms, each featuring handcrafted furniture and authentic artwork, creating an immersive experience beyond a typical meeting venue.
5. The Sarova Stanley
Step into a piece of Nairobi’s living history at The Sarova Stanley – the city’s first luxury hotel, established in 1902.
The hotel’s crown jewel is the legendary Exchange Bar. This unique space, steeped in the city’s economic history, can host up to 40 guests for a cocktail reception or networking event.
For more formal meetings, the Thorn Tree Café provides an unexpected twist. It offers a bright, airy space for up to 30 attendees. Its connection to Nairobi’s past as a hub for adventurers and explorers adds a touch of romance to any gathering.
6. Crowne Plaza Nairobi Airport
If you have international attendees on tight schedules, Crowne Plaza Nairobi Airport offers an unbeatable location just minutes from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.
The hotel’s standout feature is its versatile meeting spaces. The Kilimanjaro Ballroom, divisible into three smaller rooms, caters perfectly to intimate events of up to 100 people. Each space boasts floor-to-ceiling windows, flooding the area with natural light and offering expansive views of the surrounding landscape.
The property’s soundproofed rooms ensure undisturbed meeting and rest, while the rooftop pool provides a unique space for informal networking or relaxation with a view of landing planes.
Read More: The Best Visas For International Event Attendees in Kenya
7. Hemingways Nairobi
Tucked away in the lush, upscale suburb of Karen, Hemingways Nairobi offers an exclusive retreat for intimate gatherings. This boutique hotel, with its majestic architecture and expansive gardens, provides a refreshing alternative to downtown venues.
The hotel’s standout feature for small events is its Private Meeting Room. Accommodating up to 12 guests, this space exudes sophistication with its mahogany furnishings and garden views. For slightly larger groups, the Dining Room can be transformed into an elegant event space for up to 50 attendees.
8. The Boma Nairobi
The Boma Nairobi stands out as a socially responsible choice for event organizers. As a social enterprise hotel owned by the Kenya Red Cross Society, your event directly contributes to humanitarian causes across Kenya.
The Boma’s excellent facilities match this unique ethos. The Acacia Room, ideal for small gatherings of up to 100 people, offers a blend of functionality and comfort with its modern design and state-of-the-art audiovisual equipment.
Located in Bellevue, South C, The Boma offers easy access to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport and the city center. By choosing The Boma, you secure a top-notch venue and align their event with a noble cause, creating a meaningful experience for all attendees.
9. Weston Hotel
The Weston Hotel is one of Nairobi’s most stately hotels.
Event participants will be ushered through a grand foyer decked out in crystal chandeliers, marble floors, and exquisite rich wood furnishings. From there, they can join your event in one of 12 meeting rooms designed for intimate gatherings.
Each room is equipped with the latest AV and networking equipment. Dedicated support staff are on hand to meet your every need. And the hotel’s catering team can accommodate up to 5,000 diners – so your event will be well taken care of.
10. Fairview Hotel
The Fairview Hotel offers a stately countryside minutes away from Nairobi’s central business district. The hotel feels like an old-fashioned family home ripped from one of Nairobi’s sprawling country estates and tucked away in a quiet corner of the city.
You can choose from seven meeting rooms, the Pango Restaurant, Mukutan Garden Cafe, and five acres of lush, tranquil gardens to host your intimate event. Add a splash of elegance with a post-event wine tasting in the hotel cellar.
Participants attending from outside Nairobi will appreciate the Fairview’s decadent guest rooms, outdoor swimming pool, and plenty of quiet corners to relax in.
How Hallpax Can Help
At Hallpax, we specialize in event planning across Africa, including Nairobi. Our local team has extensive knowledge of the city’s best venues and can help you:
- Choose the perfect venue for your specific needs
- Negotiate the best rates and packages
- Coordinate all aspects of your event, from logistics to catering
- Provide on-the-ground support during your event
Book a call to get started today.
Find The Right Venue For You
Nairobi offers a diverse array of small event venues, each with its unique charm and advantages. Whether planning a corporate meeting, a workshop, or an intimate celebration, you’re sure to find a space that meets your needs and exceeds your expectations.
To save yourself a lot of time and hassle, get in touch with our Nairobi team. They’ll help you create an unforgettable experience beyond just finding the right venue.
