Redefining The Staycation Experience In Kenya

By Soko Directory Team / Published May 31, 2022 | 2:33 pm

In early March, The Ascott Limited, one of the leading international lodging owner-operators, debuted its first investment in the East African region with the opening of Somerset Westview Nairobi – in the affluential neighborhood of Kilimani within the Kenyan capital.

The property comprises 162 units with a mixture of one and two-bedroom apartments. It is located on Nyangumi Road, between the Dennis Pritt Road and Lenana Road, linked with the city’s most popular restaurants and leisure activities.

Being a serviced residence, Ascott’s Somerset Westview Nairobi hosts a brasserie restaurant La Mascotte, which boasts a great dining experience with live jazz music and a radiant ambiance within the 11-storey serviced residence.

Somerset Westview Nairobi was launched to tap into the vast growth potential for modern and stylish serviced apartment accommodation in the heart of Kenya’s vibrant capital. With sustained economic growth fueled by heavy investments in infrastructure and consistent foreign investments, these serviced apartments are bound to be a success.

Additionally, Kenya is East Africa’s economic and transport hub. Also, its beaches, national parks, and wildlife safaris, which continue to attract international tourists worldwide, will enhance the uptake of these apart-hotels.

“Nairobi is East Africa’s destination hub for leisure and business travelers. With a perceived demand for quality, extended-stay, and internationally branded residences, Ascott is a lucrative opportunity to set the benchmark with its popular and award-winning Somerset brand,” said Ashwin Ashwin Vijayasekar, General Manager Manger, Somerset Westview Nairobi, during an interview.

Ascott’s Somerset Westview Nairobi adds to the group’s portfolio, which currently has 800 properties across the globe, particularly in Southeast Asia and India. It currently has over 76,000 operating units and more than 57,000 other units under development.

Although serviced residences or apart-hotels are not unique in the East African market, Somerset Westview Nairobi defines this innovative concept, offering flexibility and practicality of a serviced residence with an infusion of locally influenced hospitality.

Targeting both the domestic and international markets, the Somerset Westview Nairobi was built for a wide range of customers, including corporate clientele and relocating families – ex-pats looking for temporary accommodations before finally finding a place to settle. Better yet, it welcomes anyone looking for a home-away-from-home experience.

Airbnb might have dominated the market, but in retrospect, Ascott’s Somerset Westview Nairobi have one advantage – they will always remain a business. Airbnbs are individually owned, and at some point, the homeowners can decide to list off the business and convert the quarters for their own living.

“Where we differentiate ourselves is that we are bound to maintain the reputation and the brand value of Ascott. We are an extension of the Ascott brand, which is a business by itself. We guarantee that we will perpetually be there offering safe and quality accommodation,” said Vijayasekar on how they have positioned themselves to counter competition from Airbnb.

Somerset Westview Nairobi offers a mixture of upscale one-and two-bedroom apartments with facilities ranging from a residents’ lounge, rooftop lounge, swimming pool, gymnasium, meeting and conference room, and children’s playroom. Better yet, it is strategically located in proximity to a variety of international schools, healthcare centers, restaurants, and shopping malls, including the famous Yaya Centre.

Currently, the residences are running on a promo rate, which ends in June. A 1-bedroom serviced apartment costs 130 US dollars (approximately 15,000 shillings) per day. A 2-bedroom apartment, on the other hand, costs 180 dollars, which equates to about 21,000 shillings.

Luckily, anyone can take advantage of the brand’s loyalty program – Ascott Star Rewards – which offers exclusive benefits to its members when they book directly with Ascott for their stays at its participating properties.

“Registering with our loyalty program gives you amazing rewards of up to 60 percent discount on the daily rates. The advantage is that when you travel to other parts of the world where Ascott is located, you enjoy the same amazing discounts,” explained Vijayasekar.

The beauty about Ascott Somerset Westview Nairobi is that you can use the Discover ASR app to access exclusive promotions and perks wherever you are. You can also manage your Ascott loyalty membership account and reservations, check-in on mobile, make in-stay requests, etc.

Book your leisure or business stay and earn rewards points at any ASR participating serviced residences and hotels across all Ascott apart-hotels.

About Soko Directory Team

Soko Directory is a Financial and Markets digital portal that tracks brands, listed firms on the NSE, SMEs and trend setters in the markets eco-system.Find us on Facebook: facebook.com/SokoDirectory and on Twitter: twitter.com/SokoDirectory

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