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Céline & Lolo Hotel Emerges as a Creative Hub in Nairobi's Evolving Cultural Landscape

architecture-design · 2026-03-25

Céline & Lolo, a 24-room hotel and bistro in Nairobi, Kenya, has opened in a renovated 1970s villa in the Lavington neighborhood, becoming a gathering spot for the city's creative community. Designed by Powerhouse Company, the property features bold colors, works by East African artists, and a retro-modern aesthetic, aiming to reflect Nairobi's identity while appealing to international visitors. It includes a pool terrace, Bistro Lolo restaurant, and Oasis Rooms with garden views, addressing a previous lack of design-focused accommodations in the city. The hotel's location provides access to nearby cultural venues like Circle Art Gallery and natural areas such as Karura Forest, highlighting Nairobi's growing artistic momentum.

Key facts

  • Céline & Lolo is a hotel and bistro located in Nairobi's Lavington area, set in a reimagined 1970s villa.
  • The design was led by Dutch architecture studio Powerhouse Company, incorporating adaptive reuse and vibrant interiors with East African art.
  • It features 24 rooms, including Oasis Rooms with garden access, a pool terrace, and Bistro Lolo serving French-influenced seasonal cuisine.
  • The hotel aims to cater to Nairobi's creative scene and global travelers, offering a social hub near cultural sites like Circle Art Gallery.
  • Its opening addresses a gap in design-forward hospitality in Nairobi, coinciding with the city's rising artistic and culinary profile.

Entities

Artists

  • East African artists

Institutions

  • Powerhouse Company
  • Circle Art Gallery
  • Céline & Lolo

Locations

  • Nairobi
  • Kenya
  • Lavington
  • Karura Forest

Sources