The Fairview is that rare bird in Africa… a comfortable hotel that hasn’t decked itself out in feathers of upmarket gloss and tasteless luxury. The hotel’s leafy acres and scattered buildings are laid out on Nairobi Hill, a world away from the overheated bustle.

Most of the international chain hotels in Nairobi manage to be both shoddy and extortionate. Independent and family-fun, the Fairview is half the price of the competition (with rooms from $120) and several times as good… The gardens, the pool and the breakfasts are huge, the wi-fi is fast and free and the staff among the friendliest and most efficient in Africa.

All this, plus a classy brasserie and wine bar and some of the best sushi in the city.