The hotel was built by Maj. C.G.R. Ringer and R. Aylmer Winearls, and opened its doors on December 25, 1904, to early settlers seeking refuge from the harsh conditions of Kenya. The hotel advertised itself as being the only stone built and tiled roofed hotel in East Africa, sporting 40 rooms, a billiard room, and French chef. The hotel also served as a centre for
famous hunters. Thirty extra rooms were added in 1913, including an arched front entrance and veranda with balcony. The building was remodeled following the bombing and by 1981, the western wing had risen to the 1st floor and the roof had been retiled as well as the addition of a new restaurant, a ballroom, and 2 function rooms, by 1982. The hotel was featured in the 1985 movie “
Out of Africa” starring
Meryl Streep and
Robert Redford. In 1989, the hotel came under the ownership of
Tiny Rowland and became a part of the Signet Hotel Empire. Renovations during this time brought the number of hotel rooms up to 167, an improved reception, Ibis Restaurant, and Pioneer Room, as well as a new business center and gift shop. In 2004, the hotel was acquired by Kingdom Hotel Investments and placed under management by Fairmont Hotels and Resorts. In 2020 the hotel was sold to Nepalese investment company Chaudhary, just before the Covid-19 pandemic hit the country. ==Famous guests==