Passing through The Sarova Stanley's revolving doors, you leave the hustle and bustle of modern Nairobi and enter into a world of cool Victorian elegance. Since 1902, The Sarova Stanley has hosted royal safaris and an array of famous guests. Today, after total refurbishment, The Sarova Stanley has readopted its original name and much of its original character, with a spacious foyer furnished with leather upholstery, antique brass and wrought-iron fittings. The world-famous "Acacia xanthrophildea," with a message board wrapped around its trunk, guards the entrance to the legendary Thorn Tree Cafe. This is East Africa's best-known pavement cafe � take a seat and, like Ernest Hemingway, who used to sit here, watch the world go by.

Chain: Summit Hotels and Resorts