Sarova set for Sh2.5 billion upgrade of Panafric Hotel

Hospitality group Sarova Hotels has set aside Sh2.5 billion for the refurbishment of the Panafric hotel, in a project that will add new rooms and amenities.

Panafric’s first of the two-phase project, which is in progress, is scheduled to last 18 months, during which the firm will conduct a complete redesign of 87 guest rooms, construct new rooms, a conference centre, 140 new parking spaces and a health club and spa.

The project will also see an upgrade of the heated outdoor swimming pool, redesign of the pool dining area, remodelling of the executive lounge and food and beverage hub. The hotel will continue to operate during the course of the upgrade.

“This refurbishment will see the repositioning of the hotel into an elegant and luxurious property, and with the contemporary African interiors showcasing an imaginative use of colours, design, artwork, space and materials,” said Sarova Hotels Managing Director, Jimi Kariuki.

“Today’s hotel customers are looking for different and positively memorable experiences when they stay in hotels or go out dining. Additionally, a younger, trendier and savvier generation of customers has emerged, and we therefore have to adopt new strategies and tactics to reach, continually engage and serve this market,” he said.

Mr Kariuki also added that the group will be introducing “user-friendly” technology which will align the hotel strategically in offering guests unique experiences.

The group consists of hotels, resorts and game lodges. They include the Sarova Stanley and the Sarova Panafric in Nairobi, Sarova Woodlands Nakuru, and the Sarova Whitesands Beach Resort & Spa in Mombasa which opened last year after receiving a facelift. There is also the Sarova Mara Camp in the Maasai Mara Game Reserve. In February, the hotel partnered with the Spirit of the Masai Mara after signing a 15-year partnership with owners of the lodge, the McCarthy Family.