From Rooftop Cocktails To Curated Corporate Experiences, Novotel Nairobi Westlands Delivers Unforgettable Moments For Business And Leisure Travellers Alike
Go Places sat down with Fabio Gonsalves, General Manager of Novotel Nairobi Westlands, for an engaging conversation about what sets the hotel apart, its first-year milestones, signature experiences, sustainability initiatives, and its focus at the upcoming Magical Kenya Travel Expo (MKTE) 2025.
Q1. Please introduce yourself and tell us your role at Novotel Nairobi Westlands.
Jambo Kenya, I’m Fabio Gonsalves, the General Manager of Novotel Nairobi Westlands, part of Accor Hotels. I’ve been with Accor for decades, and I’ve been in Kenya for over a year, leading the opening of this lovely property since August 7. It’s been an exciting journey building the team—today, we’re more than 200 employees.
Q2. Novotel Nairobi Westlands recently marked its first anniversary in Kenya, what has this milestone meant for the hotel and its guests?
From opening day to now, it’s been about great moments with our guests—rooms, food and beverage, and memorable events. New Year’s Eve with a famous artist was a highlight, and Valentine’s Day was a huge success. The anniversary reflects how we’ve grown quickly in rooms, meetings, and the hotel’s social life.
Q3. What makes Novotel Nairobi Westlands the standout city choice for both business and leisure guests?
Novotel’s brand DNA is business, family, and wellness. In Kenya, Accor currently has nine hotels, and worldwide Novotel has 600+. With us, your first step into Kenya’s safari spirit begins at reception—migration artwork, a Maasai Mara feel in the lobby, and an African feel in the rooms. We welcome families with a strong kids policy and host guests from all over the world.
Q4. Tell us about the signature experiences at Novotel Nairobi Westlands (dining, rooftop, meeting spaces).
You’re at the right spot, Franquet Tandoor is our success story: an Indian-inspired rooftop that’s become one of Nairobi’s favorites, with wonderful cocktails, DJs, live bands, and city skyline views. Guests rave about the best battered chicken in the country by Chef Rana, who joined us from Delhi. It’s great for dates and family moments.
Q5. What meeting, corporate or group packages do you offer that add clear value for event planners and organisations?
Meetings and events are in our DNA. From the first inquiry, we personalise everything—probing the goals, tailoring the meeting room setup, curating coffee breaks, and even arranging outside dinners. We use the hotel’s spaces and culinary strengths to make each event experience unique while showcasing Kenya.
Q6. How is Novotel Nairobi Westlands engaging with sustainability or community initiatives locally?
Sustainability is a core Accor commitment. We engage with local communities—recently partnering with Trillium Homes, to support experiences and quality of life. In the hotel we’ve eliminated single-use plastics across rooms and F&B, we monitor and reduce food waste using an AI tool, and we’re implementing water-reduction projects to cut consumption year-over-year.
Q7. You’ll be at MKTE 2025, what will Novotel Nairobi Westlands showcase there and how should trade visitors and individuals follow up with you?
We’ll showcase Kenya through the hotel journey—from a warm welcome with Kenyan delights like tea and coffee, to room amenities that reflect the destination. We want people to discover Kenya’s breadth, from safari and coast to the city—and to feel the warmth of our people.
Q8. Why should people book Novotel Nairobi Westlands now?
Because we sell an experience, not just a room or a dinner. From valet arrival to the lobby welcome and into our outlets, like Franquet Tandoor and our Italian restaurant, Gemas—we take care of you from the day you arrive to the day you leave.
Q9. Novotel Nairobi Westlands has partnered with Go Places in showcasing its story and experiences. How has this collaboration supported your visibility and growth in Kenya and beyond?
Go Places has truly been a valuable partner. Since reopening, we’ve worked closely with their leadership, and they’ve helped us showcase the hotel across multiple vibrant platforms—print, digital, and social media. This partnership has strengthened our visibility, connected us with wider audiences, and supported growth not only for Novotel but also for Kenya’s hospitality industry as a whole.
About the Interviewee:
Fabio Gonsalves is the General Manager of Novotel Nairobi Westlands, part of Accor Hotels. Under his leadership, the property has rapidly established itself as a standout choice for both business and leisure travellers, combining urban elegance with Kenyan culture, sustainability, and world-class service.
Interview by Nev Jiwani, Group Managing Director, Go Places
For further enquiries and reservations:
Call: +254 799 533 451
or
Email: novotenairobi.reservations@accor.com
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