Kisumu is the 3rd largest city in Kenya and commonly known as “Kisumu Dala”. It is the port city of Lake Victoria. This city has many tourist attractions and many good hotels.
It is the center of serene viewpoints such as Dunga Hill Camp and Hippo Point. Other attractive sites include Kisumu Impala Santuary which is a home of a variety of wild animals including giraffes and hippos. Either way one can be in Kisumu for various reasons.
Whether you are into a business trip, a leisure traveler? Kisumu has some of the best hotels in Kenya blended with luxury and serenity.
In this review, am going to outline some of the best hotels in Kisumu that will give you an unforgettable stay. This review is based on my two weeks trip to Kisumu where I had the opportunity to sample various hotels for both accommodation and dinning.
Best Hotels in Kisumu
1. Grand Royal Swiss Hotel
The Grand Royal Swiss Hotel is located along the Kisumu-Vihiga highway just 12 minutes from Kisumu CBD. If you want to enjoy splendid views in a tranquil environment this is the place to be. Your leisure stay or business-related stay will be full of comfort and relaxation.
This hotel is rated a 4-star hotel but was almost crowned as the only 5 star hotel in Kisumu according to the hotel management.
It has a total of 217 spacious and luxurious rooms. These rooms are categorized from standard rooms, deluxe rooms, royal, and executive rooms and also presidential suites.
Every room is unique in its own way and that is why the price varies. It depends on the type of comfort you are willing to pay for. By this I mean the presidential is costly and more equipped than the standard rooms.
The price range for accommodation at Grand Royal Swiss Hotel per rooms is as follows:
Single Standard Room charges Ksh 12,000-17,000 per night
Double Standard Room charges Ksh 13,000-23,500 per night
Single Deluxe Room charges Ksh 13,000-23,500 per night
Double Deluxe Room charges Ksh 12,000-17,000 per night
Single Royal Suite charges Ksh 17,000-22,000 per night
Double Royal Suites charge Ksh 18,500-23,500 per night
Double Executive Suites charge Ksh 20,000-30,000 per night
Double Presidential Suites charge Ksh 55,000 per night
For business meetings and conferences, the space is well equipped with audio-visual equipment, WIFI, and soundproof systems, ensuring that your meetings are conducted accordingly. The conference center can host up to 1200 guests and privacy measures are highly taken care of.
Other events that can be hosted at the conference center include product launches, seminars, training events, etc. Apart from conference and business meeting the Grand Royal Swiss Hotel also hosts wedding events.
Wedding packages are available and designed to make your moment beautiful.
Amenities at the Grand Royal Swiss Hotel:
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- 24-hour restaurant
- Swimming Pool
- Fully equipped
- Rooms with air conditioning, smart TV, Wi-Fi
- Extensive gardens and grounds
- Pool bar
- Coffee and tea shop
2. Acacia Premier Hotel
Acacia is among the top 3 best hotels in Kisumu. It is known as the home of African Hospitality. This Hotel is situated within the suburb of Milimani and near the shore of Lake Victoria.
Acacia Premier Hotel is one of the best hotels in kisumu town centre. All superior rooms and bay suites have a bravura view of the Lake. The charges for the rooms range from Ksh 18,000 a night.
At Acacia Premier everyone is well catered for including the persons living with disability, there are two rooms with facilities that are well suited for the people living with disability i.e. lower toilets and each room has a twin bed in case one is accompanied by an assistant.
Features to find in all rooms and suites at Acacia Premier:
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- Luxurious and neat beds
- Flats screen TV
- Installed fast Wi-Fi
- Air conditioners (ACs)
- Room phone
When you are at Acacia Premier be ready to wine and dine. They both have international and local cuisine that gives you a chance to feed what your body wants. The meals are super delicious, leaving you with impressive tastes.
For all your corporate and social meetings worry not, Acacia ballroom can hold up to 700 guests, while others such as Achiel can hold 140 people, Ario 70 people, and Adek 160 people.
Conferences are held with no stress of room occupancy, it depends on the number and you get the right room for your occasions or meetings. Also, a highlight is that meals and drinks are provided by café Acacia and the Aqua Pool Bar &Grill to your guests.
The rooms are well-equipped with audio-visual systems speakers and wireless microphones. Projectors are also available in all the halls and anything that is additional that is not available is provided at an added cost to the guest or organization.
3. Ciala Resort
Ciala Resort is also another hotel in Kisumu rated among the best. Clients enjoy the serenity and views of the Nandi Hills from the hotel.it is one of the best-designed hotels in Kisumu with the English Colonel style.
The modern rooms and the attractive gardens will have you experience a luxurious and comfortable stay.
The Ciala Resort is a home of many with 56 accommodation rooms which are categorized into the presidential suite, superior deluxe room, deluxe room, superior room, and the villa room.
Services you will find at Ciala Resort
Great food and drinks- whether you are on a solo trip, with family or friends Ciala Resort will serve you delicious and great cocktails during the stay.
Health club – they are well equipped with a gym and a spa at the hotel
Events grounds- the garden grounds are aesthetically beautiful such that when you have an event such as a wedding you can find a venue.
Conference center – so far I can attest that Ciala Resort has gone the extra mile in making sure that you choose the best location for your conference and business meetings, whether indoor or outdoor.
The conference hall is fully air-conditioned and has modern projection screens, clean and well-maintained washrooms, functioning power sockets, and built-in PA systems. An example is the Seena Conference room which can host up to 400 guests. For outdoors there is the Dome tent and the Frame tent.
4. Imperial Hotel Express
Imperial Hotel Express is another home of comfort hotels in Kisumu. It is located along Oginga Odinga Road opposite Bankers Square.
The place is very convenient for travelers. Imperial Hotel Express is one of the hotels in Kisumu near the airport as it is only 11 minutes away from Kisumu International Airport, others include Sovereign Hotel, Acacia Premier Hotel,
This is one of the top budget hotels in Kisumu and has 55 cozy and affordable rooms. Imperial Hotel Express offers a luxurious bed and breakfast.
If you are looking for affordable hotels in Kisumu yet very good, Imperial Express Hotel and Prinias Hotel are some of the hotels to consider. The charge is as low as Ksh 7500/- for a standard room bed and breakfast.
Available amenities that are going to make your stay relaxing are:
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- Large beds
- Spacious disability rooms
- Fast wifi
- Security
- Elevators and spacious lobbies
The following services are offered at Imperial Hotel Express and no need to worry once you are in Kisumu you will find another home away from home
Dining- this hotel is a bed and breakfast hotel which means if you need more or other means they will be delivered. Otherwise, at the reception, there is a menu that is available for other outlets
Photoshoot- they provide grounds with the most photo-friendly ambiance to make your shoot moments memorable.
Event grounds- if you have events such as weddings, bridal showers, and other outdoor functions they offer the venue at very affordable rates
Airport transfers- since the Kisumu International Airport is just a few kilometers away the hotel offers transfers and you have time to relax and freshen up in the rooms after the flight
Corporate services- Imperial Hotel is able to host a group of 10-20 guests, they have two rooms that are dedicated to business meetings, conferences, or business interviews.
If you are on a tight budget and want to get the best Imperial Express got you.
5. Prinias Hotel
This hotel is a home away from home with some good comfort for travelers and business guests. However long or short your stay will be, you will have the best experience.
For the rooms, they have double and single suites which range from Ksh 10,000 per day.
The superior rooms and deluxe suite are spacious and designed with a modern design that will enhance your stay. The room has large windows that bring in good lighting and allow the beautiful sunrays inside the room.
The views of Kibuye neighborhood bring those home away from home feeling with the cockrel crows in the morning.
The accommodation rooms have the following amenities
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- LCD Tv
- Bathroom essentials
- Working desk and chair
- Tea and coffee-making essentials
- Free Wi-Fi
In Vittoria Suites there is Terrace Restaurant and Bar that offers all your meal needs. You will enjoy a romantic dinner and lunch, a business lunch, and sundowners in the restaurant’s serene garden.
Closing Remarks
Kisumu has become a city where the tourism industry has diversely grown. With the best hotels in Kisumu, you can tell that destinations to Kisumu are exciting. To others, Kisumu is a dream bucket list destination.
Having hotels such as the Grand Royal Swiss Hotel, the Acacia Premier, Ciala Resort and others with all amenities surely make your stays memorable.
All the above hotels that we have mentioned in this article definitely give leisure travelers and business traveler’s comfort and luxury.
