Hilton Expands Kenyan Footprint

Global hospitality firm Hilton announced on Friday, October 24, 2025, the introduction of its Tapestry Collection brand into Sub-Saharan Africa, with the signing of an agreement for the AVA Hotel Nairobi in Kenya. The move is part of a coordinated brand launch across the continent that also includes new properties in Rwanda and South Africa. The agreement for the Nairobi hotel was signed with the property's owner, AVA Hotel Limited, and will be managed by Aleph Hospitality, a prominent independent hotel management company in the Middle East and Africa.

The AVA Hotel Nairobi, Tapestry Collection by Hilton, will be located in the affluent Lavington suburb, a strategic position offering convenient access to Nairobi's Central Business District and Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, which is approximately a 45-minute drive away. This new property will become Hilton's fifth hotel in Kenya, reinforcing the company's commitment to expanding its presence in the East African market.

Boutique Luxury and Local Character

The hotel is set to feature 91 guest rooms, designed to blend contemporary aesthetics with elements reflecting Kenyan heritage. Planned amenities cater to both business and leisure travellers and include dedicated meeting spaces, an all-day dining restaurant, a fitness centre, and an outdoor swimming pool. A key feature will be a rooftop bar and restaurant, offering expansive views of the city.

The Tapestry Collection is one of Hilton's lifestyle brands, comprising over 170 independent-style hotels globally. Each hotel is designed to have a unique, vibrant personality that connects it to the local area. Guests at AVA Hotel Nairobi will be able to participate in the award-winning Hilton Honors guest loyalty program.

Strategic Importance for Kenya's Tourism Sector

Hilton's investment comes at a time of significant momentum for Africa's travel and tourism industry. Carlos Khneisser, Hilton's Chief Development Officer for the Middle East & Africa, stated that the company plans to nearly triple its presence on the continent to over 160 hotels in the coming years. Hilton currently operates 64 hotels in Africa with another 106 in its development pipeline.

The entry of a new international hotel brand like Tapestry Collection is a significant indicator of investor confidence in Kenya's high-end hospitality sector. The industry has been identified as a crucial pillar of the national economy, generating foreign exchange earnings and boosting Kenya's reputation as a regional hub for business and tourism. The growth in Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) tourism, alongside leisure and corporate travel, continues to fuel demand for world-class accommodation in the capital. The addition of the AVA Hotel Nairobi will contribute to the luxury hotel supply, catering to this growing market.

Bani Haddad, Founder and Managing Director of Aleph Hospitality, expressed his honour in managing Kenya's first Tapestry Collection by Hilton hotel, highlighting the strong partnership with Hilton aimed at delivering exceptional guest experiences. The project aligns with a broader trend of international hotel groups expanding their portfolios across Kenya, attracted by the nation's economic stability and rising number of international arrivals.