The hotel has been described as a hidden gem with an elegant contemporary design and alluring charm that offers guests a feeling of relaxation and a sense of belonging

Nairobi's iconic hotel, Fairmont The Norfolk, has reopened its doors to the public after a massive shutdown of two years. “The hotel, Accor regional team and the owners have worked closely together to ensure they provide the guests with exceptional services and facilities in line with the luxe positioning of the Fairmont brand including a new Food & Beverage concept in order to meet with customers evolving needs,” said Mehdi Morad, Country General Manager, Accor Kenya.

The hotel has been described as a hidden gem with an elegant contemporary design and alluring charm that offers guests a feeling of relaxation, a sense of belonging, and ownership that is ideal for partying, meetings, chilling, and an exceptional culinary experience. This is also the same hotel where Queen Elizabeth II in 1952 spent an evening with her husband, Prince Philip. They were on the tour of the Commonwealth which she had embarked upon with her husband, in place of her father. It is often mentioned that Queen Elizabeth fell asleep as a princess and awoke as The Queen of the United Kingdom due to the sudden demise of her ailing father.

The Hotel expects to bank on visitors from across the globe, especially from India. As per The South African Tourism Board, they are expecting 64 per cent year on year growth in arrival from India in the current financial year. The board released a statement stating that India is one of the major markets for which they have outlined a strategic road map as well. As reports suggested, Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, Pune and Chennai, will be the top source market for South Africa’s tourism. The Tourism board has also relaxed the travel norms to enter the country. 

On the acquisition of Fairmont The Norfolk, Dr Binod Chaudhary, Chairman & Founder of CG Corp Global, said, “I believe each country is different, keep an open mind, and you will be able to find where the niche entry lies. With the re-opening of this iconic, 100-year-old asset, we are thrilled to welcome every keen traveller who wishes to experience the marvel of this secluded gem in Kenya, East Africa. To explore the magnificent hotel and the beauty of Kenya, the doors have opened to all guests across the globe. I am sure; everyone will be pleased by the historic beauty and the warm hospitality of the hotel staff under leadership of the Accor regional team. This is yet another momentous event for the historic Norfolk Hotel which has been operational for 116 years and was hit by the pandemic shut down during the first wave of 2020. This is a place that feels frozen in time, where signs of a more decadent era can be seen at every turn, Fairmont The Norfolk continues to play a role in Kenya’s history.”

This news has come at a time when CG Hospitality Holdings, the hospitality arm of CG Corp Global, forayed into the rapidly growing East African market in 2020 with the acquisition of two iconic Fairmont properties in Kenya, Fairmont Mara Safari Club & Fairmont The Norfolk. Known for its global expansion across the most exquisite destinations, Nepal based CG Corp Global is a landlocked South Asian country’s first multinational billion-dollar conglomerate group. At present, CG Corp Global operates 120 hotel properties, with 6,633 rooms in 10 countries. The company plans to add 29 properties, with 2,233 keys. Out of these, 26 hotel properties in India and these properties are expected to be operational by 2023.

Commenting on its grand opening, Rahul Chaudhary, MD & CEO, CG Corp Global and Director CG Madison which comprises CG Hospitality and its partners, said, “Our pre-COVID acquisition was in line with CG’s strategic expansion plans for growth in the region and in return to boost tourism. We were confident in the revival of this secluded gem in the heart of Nairobi that has remained a celebrated Kenyan landmark. Through the turbulent Covid stricken last two years, holding on to our investment was challenging but we were cautiously optimistic and decided to pursue our growth and expansion plans in this region. To be a part of the rich historical legacy that the Fairmont ‘The Norfolk’ hotel celebrates is a token of our commitment and faith in Kenya. We are pleased to open the doors in all their glory soon. We are proud to be part of the first luxury hotel in Kenya and we look forward to welcoming everyone to the hotel, from all parts of the world, especially our people from India.”