This archive report was first published on 18 July 2020.
On July 13, 2020, PrideInn Azure, a preferred choice for business class and events organizers, resumed operations in Westlands, Nairobi, after a four-month hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Ksh1.2 billion facility, which was acquired by PrideInn Group on a management contract in February 2020, temporarily suspended its operations in March following the outbreak of COVID-19 in Kenya.
According to Mr. Hasnain Noorani, the Group Managing Director, the hotel resumed operations as demand for accommodation and meetings is rising after the two months lockdown. 'We resumed operations as we recognized that demand especially of accommodation and meetings is once again rising after the two months lockdown. We are receiving bookings from local business people and especially those coming from towns outside Nairobi such as Mombasa and Kisumu and need a place to spend,' he said.
During the lockdown period, the hotel renovated its new rooms to a new look and also expanded its bar and restaurant to boost capacity.
Mr. Noorani added that the hospitality chain is hoping to operate all its 8 hotels on full capacity immediately international flights resume next month and Kenyans resume business and travels.
Some of the safety protocols the hotel has employed include, frequently cleaning, sanitizing and disinfecting all surfaces after every guest use, linen-less tables in the restaurants, social distancing and spaced seating in meeting rooms and restaurant as per state's specified directives, sanitized tableware and glassware after every guest use, contactless payment options as well as mandatory temperature checks for everyone in the premises.
