Karen Gables

Karen Gables provides luxurious, spacious rooms with beautiful views and a pool. Guests appreciate the friendly staff and exceptional service. The location in peaceful Karen is convenient. The delicious breakfast is also praised.

Karen Gables, out from the city center in the forested suburbs of Nairobi, is a wonderful old-world-look Cape Dutch home turned guest house. Before departing with Orphan Trail Safaris to visit the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust camps we spent two-nights here…and it was just what we needed after more than 24 hours flight time from Dallas to Nairobi. We were made to feel welcomed immediately and through the rest of our stay by William…the majordomo and the rest of the staff. William was always there to be sure we were comfortable and that our needs were taken care of. The home is gracious and filled with things of Africa and beyond, over-stuffed furnishings beckoning to sink into and relax. Stacks of books and photos galore of old family members and new. The rooms are comfortable and mosquito netted at night. No feel of a hotel here…we felt as we were guest of old friends. Dining was out of this world…sumptuous breakfasts with everything from muesli, French toast, pancakes, all sorts of eggs with sausage and bacon and lovely plates filled with fresh fruit. Dinner at the large table was and an exceptional meal with outstanding service and gourmet dishes. I never did meet the chef but I can assure you this…he is a rare talent. Walking through the house to the exterior there is an inviting patio with the most unbelievable view. The yard slopes down and down to a forest with a clearing right in the middle where your eye is immediately drawn past tropical shrubbery and flowering plants to tall trees in the distance. A pool to the left with bar and patio summons you for a drink or a swim…but we walk further and noticed a winding path taking you down the slope past an open library room set up for reading or a game. Continuing on is a tropical pond filled with koi. Finally at the bottom of the forest is an opening in a stand of bamboo with seating. This five minute trip along this sloping trail helped the tension of modern day travel slip away and become replaced by a deep state of relaxation. Yes, the perfect place to start/finish safari…or to escape for a respite for weekend or week. We hated to say goodbye. PS...yes there are some monkeys who entertain you with their capers on the lawn

This is a lovely small hotel in a beautiful setting. Breakfast was amazing. We enjoyed sitting on the verandah with a glass of wine in the afternoon watching the bird life. For a luxury experience without the crazy price some of the other hotels charge I would very much recommend