Great hotel at Brackenhurst centre

Only 35 kilometres away from Nairobi city centre, lies a serene hotel, in the lush green landscape of Limuru, with a scenic view of 100-acre establishment. It will only take you 45 minutes to get there and away from all the bustle of Nairobi.

On arrival at Brackenhurst hotel entrance, around seven o’clock in the evening, what greeted me was the awesome sight of the well-lit conference centre - it was truly a sight to behold.

The next morning as I took to the long walking trail that is surrounded by tall, rare trees, I completely felt at one with nature - the crisp morning air as I walked in the quiet calm environment with only the melodious chirping of the birds was a great welcome to this serene environment.

Apart from the awesome walking trail, the whole hotel is built in such a way that there is minimum distraction making it an ideal venue for family days out, retreats, and total relaxation for individuals.

Nestled on the gardens of what used to be a 19th century villa, Brackenhurst hotel, which is next to the conference centre by the same name, is definitely the perfect base for the leisure and business guest alike with its impressive botanical garden, well-equipped cottages, conference halls and board rooms.

The place has hosted a variety of groups since it became a conference centre in 1964; however, much history predates that time.

In 1914, the Hudson Cane family emigrated from England to what was then British East Africa. Travelling from Mombasa to Limuru by train, they climbed into an ox cart with all their possessions and headed down a mud trail towards a place now called Tigoni. Where they eventually bought 157 acres of land from a Mr. Charles Major.

During those days the place was called “Three Tree Farm” because of three tall muna trees that stood on the ridge just behind the present staff houses. The muna trees served as a landmark for the wagons coming up from Nairobi. Later the farm’s name was changed to Brackenhurst.

The early owners once lived in a place called “Brackenhurst” in England. The cottage presently named “Farm House” was the Cane’s original home which they called Rose Cottage. Miki Kariuki, the Brackenhurst hotel media specialist says the hotel attracts people from afar because of its rich history.

According to the Managing Director, John McKelvey, the hotel has accommodated different levels of people from around the which is what adds to its uniqueness.

“Though not a five star, we offer great services and have accommodated among others, a former president of Nigeria, residents of South Africa, Australia and Kenyans of all walks of life”, Mr Mckelvey says.

Cottages at the hotel depict great culture with African wall hangings and designs, and come fully furnished with a fire place to warm the in the cold nights of Limuru.

The hotel has a bed capacity of 270 rooms which are quite affordable with single rooms going at Sh7,600, a double at Sh10,600, a triple at Sh4,500 per person. A room that sleep four goes for Sh3,500 per person.

Brackenhurst comes awake at night, with sophisticated entertainment set in exclusive outdoor locations in tune with the establishment’s Christian background.

The cottages are set in such a way that they accord guests a spectacular view of the ground and the surrounding areas. There’s also a man-made dam in the forest which has a variety of tree species where weary walkers can soak their feet.

On the first floor of the main premises, guests can enjoy a wide variety of drinks at the hotel’s bar.

Among many facilities the hotel offers are unique grounds that can be used for lawn tennis and as a soccer pitch. Corporates can also use it for team-building activities. Children also have a secure and fully-equipped playground with bouncing castles, and neat lawns to run around on.

The hotel also hires out its spacious grounds at a fee of Sh100,000 for use as wedding grounds, team-building for corporate events or zumba workouts from private companies.

The hotel has passed through different administrations from being a coffee farm in 1927 owned by a British family, to a conference centre managed by the Baptist mission of Kenya.