Since opening in February 2020, The Social House Nairobi has become a staple in Nairobi’s Lavington neighborhood. The 5-star hotel has received numerous awards, including multiple titles as Kenya’s Leading Boutique Hotel (World Travel Awards) and ranking among the top 15 Black-owned hotels worldwide by Observer magazine. And that doesn’t include awards recognizing the hotel’s culinary offerings.
Stepping through the entrance of The Social House Nairobi, it’s clear that your stay will be anything but ordinary. Its cozy entryway, known as the Living Room, feels lived-in — welcoming an eclectic mix of guests who pass through as if it’s their home. Here, the formal, professional vibe many hotel brands adopt is noticeably missing. Instead, Nairobi’s vibrant energy takes center stage, creating a “Kenya-politan” atmosphere that combines fashion, creativity, and business.
Setting The Record Straight: The Real Origin Story
While some stories suggest that The Social House Nairobi’s origin comes from owner and visionary Juliet Njogu’s loss of a C-suite banking position, Njogu says that’s simply not true. The real story is much less dramatic than what you might read elsewhere.
Njogu, along with her husband, Francis Njogu, had already achieved success in 2013 with their first property upcountry, the Alba Hotel, in Meru, Kenya. When the opportunity to expand to Nairobi arose, Njogu recognized that the landscape of this East African hub called for a different approach. That realization prompted them to ask, “Who is it that is lost when going into other hotels, and how can we make this their home?”
Nairobi Needed Something Different
After years of building construction and even considering the major hotel franchise route, Njogu still wasn’t sold on the concept. Then came James Stuart, now the company’s Director, who helped Njogu realize the potential of staying independent.
“The indigenous brands will carry that identity different from any other,” Njogu recalls. “Today’s travelers are looking for authenticity — that thing that makes them see a slice of Nairobi. When you walk into this place, you see Nairobians.”
Together, the pair created a welcoming space for what they call the “less spotted adventurer,” the unassuming, ‘what do they do for a living’ type of traveler. Nearly six years in, The Social House Nairobi continues to provide a hospitality experience that feels like part of the city, not separate from it.
In addition to 83 rooms and suites, The Social House’s four restaurants regularly attract both locals and visitors looking for a posh setting that doesn’t take itself too seriously. The Living Room’s 24-hour cafe is the top spot for people-watching, where guests gather for casual chats over a fresh brew. However, the best vibes are at the Peruvian-inspired rooftop restaurant and bar, Inca. The combination of a well-stocked bar, South American cuisine, and regular DJ sets keeps Inca quite busy — and you’ll definitely want to arrive early on soccer game days.
The magic of experiencing The Social House Nairobi, especially as a Black traveler, is the affirmation that luxury and local life aren’t mutually exclusive; they blend seamlessly when approached with intention. The team’s decision to offer a 5-star experience while celebrating Kenyan culture in a non-gimmicky way has quickly transformed first-time visitors into repeat guests.
Staying Grounded While Imagining What’s Next
One thing’s certain: the innovation led by The Social House Nairobi team means its groundbreaking success is just the beginning. Njogu hints at the possibility of expanding regionally through partnerships, even mentioning interest from a well-known Hollywood actor. But for now, her team’s focus remains on growing its presence in Nairobi, with plans for a fashion, retail, and culinary hub, as well as additional event spaces.
“This is literally our house,” Stuart fondly shares. “The idea of expanding what we have here to next door, rather than to Uganda or Nigeria, is exciting.”
The Social House Nairobi is also exploring ways to expand how guests engage with the brand. Along with the physical space, the team is launching an in-house apparel collection, a shift signaling the start of something much more than a trending hotel.
