I remember I first noticed the Mövenpick Nairobi when it was under construction and wondering why the building had a hideous looking contraption at the top. Boy was I pleasantly surprised at what was inside when I visited. What I thought (wrongly) was a grotesque aspect of the building, is the View – a 360 degree revolving restaurant situated on the 24th floor. The tower is something that stands out and is now an integral part of the Westlands skyline.

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The hotel is located in the thriving commercial hub of Westlands and according its website Mövenpick is a 5-star hotel that charms with its African design, uplifting atmosphere, open spaces, cool features and panoramic views. I’ll be honest, I haven’t visited the hotel, so I will reserve my opinion till I have spent some time there.

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I had initially visited the place on a Tuesday but unfortunately it was not open for dining. It however got to pique my interest when I saw the spectacular views it presented.

I got to visit the place on a Thursday, but had forgotten to make a reservation, which I only recalled after I got to the door. We requested to get seated despite not having a reservation. The host was extremely pleasant and after a few minutes got us a table for two.

I hadn’t noticed the rotating bit until I looked down and noticed the slow motion spin in the center. Being rather queasy I wondered if I would be overly conscious of the rotation, so I made an effort to avoid looking at the part that was noticeably rotating.

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We got a table next to the window and the views were just wow! I grew up in Westlands and the view from the top made me realize half the stuff I had no clue existed and also gave me memories of a few places I knew very well. I felt a wave of nostalgia. I for one did not know the Oshwal Centre was that big and well equipped, for a minute there I wished I had a chance to visit. I guess that’s a story for another day.

So straight to the dining. I felt the menu was a bit restrictive and there weren’t as many options as I had hoped.  The wine list didn’t cater to someone like me who like sweet wine, hence I had to settle for a semi sweet option. I ordered a mushroom chicken meal while my date had fondue. I am an avid fan of the food channel and had always heard of it, but it had never registered that it contained raw meat. As curious as I am, I will never try it. Sushi is the furthest I am willing to go when it comes to anything raw.

 

 

The meal was ok, I was not that impressed, plus I needed an escape from adulting hence the view made up for anything else that wasn’t up to par. The cost I think was reasonable seeing that most Nairobi high end restaurants over charge for many a not-so-impressive-meal. By the end of our meal we had completed a full 360 degree rotation and we were well into the next one before we decided to leave.

Overall it was pleasant. Would I go back, not sure, but I would definitely recommend it for the unparalleled 360 degree rotating view.

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3 Comments

  1. Eva
    July 27, 2018 at 11:17 am — Reply

    Great honest review

  2. Fordy
    July 27, 2018 at 2:11 pm — Reply

    I think you may have misunderstood. The idea behind fondue is that the raw meat comes to your table and you cook it yourself in the pot provided. You should try it – it’s very nice.

    • Manesha
      July 27, 2018 at 8:49 pm — Reply

      I know….I was dining with a Frenchman and he explained the process. I think the fact that the meat came raw…the would be subtly cooked by dipping in a pot of water is what I just couldn’t get my self to do….maybe I’ll try it…it seems to be fav. Thanks ?

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