Mövenpick hires 200 employees ahead of its Easter opening

Swiss-owned Mövenpick Hotel and Residences Nairobi has hired 200 Kenyans with various skills in hospitality ahead of the Easter opening, as it targets affluent locals and expatriates.

The Westlands-based hotel, which has appointed career hotelier Andreas Fluckiger general manager, said the employees had proven skills in culinary, mixology, guests’ handling as well as room service.

Public relations and communications manager Sally Jepkorir said all furnishings and fittings on its five restaurants and lounges, La Mesa, Baluba, The View by Mövenpick, Kijani Bar and Lobby Café had been done while final touches are being done in other sections to suit the Mövenpick global standards.

“We’ve 128 guest rooms and 94 studio rooms while visiting expatriates on short calls of duty among other guests celebrating special occasions who wish to stay longer could choose one of the 54, one and two bedroom residences,” she said.

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The hotel is currently handling enquiries for global meets planned for this year. It has adequate facilities to accommodate large delegations at the 2,300 square metre exhibition hall, the Hall of Africa (1,000square metres) and Al Masi Hall (700square metres).

“The pillarless Al Masi Hall can host 1,100 guests theatre style. The outdoor pool can host gala dinners, themed nights, product launches and parties,” she said.

Ms Jepkorir said growing interest among international travellers on Kenya’s unique geographical features, cultures, wildlife and its people informed the investment.

The firm owned by Swiss Holdings (66.7 per cent) and Kingdom Group (33.3 per cent) operates 83 hotels in 24 countries and has not ruled out further investments in similar facilities in key tourist locations.

Entry of Mövenpick adds to the high-end market now spoilt for choice following the opening of similar global hotel brands Radisson Blu, Park Inn, Four Points Sheraton and City Lodge, among others.