Nairobi’s iconic Hilton Hotel, which has been in operation for the last 53 years will cease operations in December this year.

The hotel, which is  40.7% owned by the government, will lay off an unspecified number of workers and redeploy some to its other hotels.

The redeployed staff will be moved to Hilton Nairobi Hurlinghum and Hilton Garden Inn Nairobi Airport.

According to a representative of the Hotel, who spoke to the Business Daily, the closure of the hotel is not directly linked to the covid-19 economic disruption.

“Covid-19 created unprecedented challenges for our industry. However, the decision to cease operations is not directly connected to the pandemic,” the representative said.

The Hilton hotel was constructed over a two-year period between 1967 and 1969 and was officially opened by president  Jomo Kenyatta in 1969.

The Hilton in Nairobi’s CBD has 287 rooms; 45 twins, 185 doubles, seven suites, 22 pool rooms and 27 executive rooms.

The Hilton hotel’s closure will be the third big hotel in the country to cease operations after the InterContinental Hotel and Norfolk, which shut down months into the pandemic.

Norfolk Hotel Set to Reopen in Nairobi

The Fairmont by Norfolk hotel is set to reopen this month after a 21-month closure.

“We are pleased to announce that Fairmont the Norfolk will reopen on April 1st 2022 to welcome guests and visitors,” said Accor Kenya country general manager Mehdi Morad.

The hotel, which is run by French hospitality giant Accor.

Kenya lifts all mandatory Covid-19 restrictions

Kenya lifted all mandatory Covid-19 restrictions last month including a ban on large indoor gatherings such as religious services and a requirement to present a negative COVID-19 test for arriving air passengers.

The world is also opening up and becoming travel-ready.