Hotels in Kenya

Kenya Hotel Tips - Hot to Save on Accommodation in Kenya

Kenya's hotels and tented camps range from world-renowned luxury safari lodges to family-oriented all-inclusive beach resorts that cater specifically for package holidays, offering activities for kids as well as rooms attached to adjoining rooms for ease of stay and child-focused restaurants.

At high-end lodges, tipping is generally included in the room rates - though always double check to ensure backroom staff receive their fair share. At tourist-oriented restaurants, 10-15% gratuity should be added as a tip.

Take Advantage of Loyalty Programs

Kenya is not particularly expensive when compared to other African countries; however, Kenya's luxury safari lodges and beach resorts can quickly add up over extended stays. For the best Kenya hotel rates, book early.

Most hotels, lodges and tented camps provide laundry facilities; however they often exclude female underwear and can attract tumbu flies that lay eggs in wet clothes. To reduce costs further and protect yourself from possible infestation, bring along some washing powder and laundry soap from home to help minimize costs.

Tipping may not be standard in restaurants catering to locals, but it is still appreciated. At high-end hotels and lodges, tipping is more in line with that seen in North America or Europe - 15% depending on the level of service received. Porters and housekeeping staff should tip as part of customary practice - although most tour companies include these gratuities into the package price; otherwise it would be wise to add them yourself.

Look for Discounts on Flights

Kenya offers some of the lowest temperatures and lowest accommodation costs during April and August; these months provide great deals! Book early if possible to take advantage of them.

Kenyan hotels range from luxurious safari lodges and tented camps offering all-inclusive pricing, to $10-a-night local town hotels without even soap powder in their rooms. If costs are an issue for you, choosing cheaper midrange lodging, camping, or staying with local communities is often a better way to go.

Rental cars offer another cost-cutting strategy when traveling, giving you freedom and the option of stopping whenever desired. Many rental companies also offer special rates when booking online and returning the car on time; moreover, services like Skyscanner allow users to set alerts that notify them if a route they're interested in sees its price decrease.

Take Advantage of Discounts on Car Rentals

Kenya offers hotels that range from five-star luxury lodges and resorts with full facilities to more modest $10 town hotels, offering guests everything from five-star service with gourmet dining experiences to self-caterring tents for fraction of the cost. Safari options can also range from high-end lodges that provide gourmet meals all the way down to simple self-cater tents offering cheaper alternatives.

Hiring a private driver is an enjoyable and cost-effective way to explore Kenya's stunning landscapes. Hotels or tour operators may arrange this, though ensure you negotiate the day rate in advance as the driver may require money for meals and accommodations; this cost could add up.

Although Nairobi is generally safe, travelers should still exercise caution at night and avoid unsafe neighborhoods. Travelers are especially susceptible to pickpocketing; make sure valuables are stored safely within hotel safes and only carry small amounts of cash with them. Consider investing in global roaming data plans such as Skyroam Solis for unlimited Wi-Fi across 130+ countries at one flat daily fee that's payable pay-as-you-go basis.

Look for Discounts on Dining

Kenya is an idyllic vacation spot for safari enthusiasts and beach combers, yet the costs can quickly add up. Luckily, there are ways to cut costs: hotel prices tend to be cheaper on weekdays versus weekends.

Accommodation options in Africa range from high-end safari lodges and tented camps, budget hotels and community village stays all the way down to camping in parks - a cost-cutting measure that is increasingly popular.

Nairobi offers great accommodation deals if you stay in less-than-ritzy parts of town and dine at local restaurants and street food joints, rather than staying in Kibera slum or the notorious Kibera slum, Eastleigh Kamukunji and other parts in the eastern side. To save money while having an unforgettable travel experience avoid staying near Kibera Slum or Eastleigh Kamukunji areas in particular as these could present potential issues when it comes time to leave town.

Haggling is also common at markets and shops like fabric or souvenir stores; just don't take things too far or you could get locked into an extended bidding war!