This archive report was first published on 5 September 2019.
Located in Shabaab area, overlooking Lake Nakuru National Park, Empolos Hotel has become a popular destination for those seeking a break from Nairobi. The hotel, which opened its doors last month, was originally planned as a residential flat but was later converted into a posh hotel with the help of Hobab Hospitality Consultant.
David Mwangi, the managing director of Empolos Hotel, believes that a hospitality facility is an extension of a home. He has been working with residential developers to convert residential properties into hotels, guest houses, and home stays for years.
According to Mwangi, several factors must be considered before converting a residential facility into a hospitality one, including the nature of the facility set up. This includes determining if there are rooms for accommodation, whether all rooms are en suite with individual bathroom facilities, and if there is a restaurant or eat-out space commensurate with the number of rooms available.
Once the right set-up is established, the team plans the interiors, including bed size, lighting style, furniture, bathroom accessories, electronics, communication equipment, and other necessary elements. Different professionals, such as engineers, quality or quantity surveyors, electricians, carpenters, plumbers, and IT experts, are required at this level.
The location of the property determines the security measures to be put in place and the class of clientele that will do well there. For example, a facility in Runda would not have the same clientele as one in the Central Business District. Nakuru has become a popular destination for Nairobi residents seeking a break over the weekends, with attractions such as Lake Nakuru National Park, Lake Naivasha, Lake Elementaita, and Egerton Castle.
