On New Year’s eve, Hilton Hotel in Nairobi closed its doors after 53 years of operations.
The building will remain but its disassociation with Hilton will alter the dynamics of Nairobi’s Central Business District (CBD).
It's located between Mama Ngina Street and City Hall Way.
As of New year's eve on Saturday, all the entrances had been locked with padlocks.
For years, the Hilton hotel has been a key city landmark alongside the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC), Afya Centre and The National Archives.
In April last year, it was announced that the decision to shut down was influenced by several factors and not limited to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Covid-19 created unprecedented challenges for our industry. However, the decision to cease operations is not directly connected to the pandemic,” the hotel's spokesperson said.
Hilton began operations in Nairobi on December 17, 1969, and was officially opened by Kenya’s founding President Mzee Jomo Kenyatta.
At inception, Hilton was the tallest building in Nairobi and a popular base for tourists to Kenya seeking adventures in the country’s famed game parks and reserves.
The hotel promised tourists unique city views from its high-rise tower rooms and was a popular hangout for wealthy businessmen and tourists.
It has 287 rooms, 45 twins, 185 doubles, seven suites, 22 pool rooms and 27 executive rooms.