Many interesting reviews have been published here about The Tribe. I was at first reluctant to contribute, because I am not a regular guest at this hotel. However, I suppose that my impressions might also help to form a full picture of what The Tribe is. When I arrived in Nairobi, in July 2010, it was fascinating to spend several weeks at The Tribe, until my home was ready to move in. Being a resident allows one to examine details and get familiarized with the personnel. The Tribe is not only one of the most beautiful hotels I’ve been to (and I have travelled extensively, always looking for nice boutique hotels to stay at) but also one of the cosiest. I feel like it is my second home in Nairobi. After spending there almost a couple of months in one of their suites overlooking their beautiful swimming pool area, I can say that service may not be perfect, but it is as attentive as you may expect from any luxury hotel in the world. If one stays for a couple of nights, I suppose that their regular rooms, although not large, are comfortable and well-appointed. If you fancy a longer stay, it is advisable to take a suite, which has a large sitting area.
The hotel provides several ambiances where time may be spent without ever getting bored of this place. Starting with the restaurant Jico, where breakfast and meals are served. The breakfast buffet is exquisite, and eggs dishes are prepared to your taste. Lunch may either be enjoyed inside or outside, by the pool (as well as dinner, but it gets a little chilly in the evenings, given the altitude of 1,600 m above sea level). The menu is not too extensive, but every choice is worth trying. Few restaurants in Nairobi are as well managed, with an internationally recognized Chef, a gastronomic manager and well trained waiters – Xavier, mentioned in other reviews, is outstanding for his professionalism and sympathy. The pool area is the venue for beautiful parties as well as live music performed during brunch and other special occasions. It is particularly beautiful when torches are lit above the upper pool bar which cascades into the main pool, with people bustling around well-set tables. The lobby area has several corniches where private talks and relaxing moments may be enjoyed, but it is also served by a fascinating tall table lit underneath and above, with bar chairs surrounding it, excellent location for informal gatherings before dinner. There is a secluded bar in one corner where drinks or coffee may be enjoyed in a more private setting, as well. All decorated with an amazing collection of African art combined with modern design furniture, a feature used throughout the hotel to give it the perfect touch of comfort and beauty unmatched by any other hotel in town.
The rooftop bar, The Nest, is one of the best spots for sundowners in Kenya. Lounging there with friends or on your own, with a local beer or a gin-tonic in the hand, may prove to be one of the most pleasant experiences in your visit to the country. I had the opportunity of watching there several matches of the 2010 FIFA World Cup, and it was unforgettable. Many locals chose to come to the Nest in the evening, for chicha smoking and drinks.
One word has to be said of the Gaya spa, one of the best I have been to. Relaxing moments in the hands of experienced masseurs (I recommend Walter, in particular) or sipping tea in a private library afterwards is well worth the money spent (fares are similar to other 5-stars hotel spas around the world).
On the downside, the two main points several other reviews have highlighted are difficult to cope with are the noise and the slow internet service. Rooms are not completely acoustically isolated, from your room you may hear door knobs clicking outside and, if your room faces the parking lot, people start talking loudly very early in the morning, immediately after dawn. As for the internet, although complimentary, it may prove to be an enduring experience to try to download large files or watch videos on your computer screen.
All in all, however, staying at The Tribe may get one accustomed to a lifestyle and a standard of living which can hardly be matched elsewhere in Africa. Moving out can prove to be as hard as moving away from home. As a result, I am not surprised that I feel compelled to go back once in a while for brunch, dinner or a massage, which is like going back to my second home in Nairobi.

Roughly a 40 minute drive from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, we were impressed the minute we walked in the lobby with comfortable lounge chairs and quirky and modern African art and sculptures. While waiting to be checked in, they served us with a fresh tropical fruit punch which was delicious and very refreshing. The room was decorated in the same modern African theme with a bold red wall on one side and some paintings around. The provide tea and coffee facilities but they have an extra touch with ground coffee and french press, a far cry from the coffee sachets that hotels normally provide.

The bathroom is open plan with the huge tub and sink and the shower/toilet in the enclosed area. The bed is very comfortable with fluffy pillows. I was dying for some rest before the early wake up for the safari the next morning but I guess the walls are a bit thin that I can hear my neighbour turn on the tap, slamming doors and the cars outside.

The hotel is next to the Village Market complex where you can get essentials from Nakumatt or Woolworths but the rest is pretty much standard shopping. It's mostly frequented by expats as the complex is near the diplomatic area where consulates/embassies are located.

When we discovered George was the only colorist at this hip, artsy studio, we figured we'd be getting more attention than usual. Understatement of the century. After examining our brassy highlights, he discerned the type of shampoo we used (the wrong kind) and the level of shower pressure we liked (the weak kind), and recommended more color-friendly options. He gently rebuffed our idea of an allover auburn shade, explaining that red fades quickly and requires constant upkeep. Instead, George proposed enhancing the natural russet in our dark hair with more manageable threads of cinnamon. The fiery glints solicited so many compliments, we might just have to get used to being the center of attention..

We enjoyed a nice evening and drinks at Nest - beautiful spot, great place to hang out an meet friends, nice views. We will be back! the hotel looks great too - didn't have a chance to explore but we will next time.