Mid Africa Hotel Kitale

Mid Africa Hotel in Kitale Town Kenya is a fantastic little place in this little agricultural town. Its cheap and cheerful and I have to admit that I was a bit dismayed when I first walked through the door. The rooms are based around a central Atrium and the room I had on the first night was a double with no outside window, with the only window leading onto the Atrium corridor - it was so noisy!

There was also an open window above the door which afforded anyone stood on the third floor landing an unimpeded view into my room! However, the following night I moved into a deluxe room with it's own balcony to the front of the hotel.

It was much better (but the bathroom was still very 'interesting'!) and the noise much more bearable.

Where this hotel comes into its own though is the staff.

They were such nice, friendly, helpful and good humored people!

Although I only stayed at the hotel for three nights I was in the town for over a week and ate at the hotel every night.

The food is pretty basic stuff, but very tasty and very good value for money. After my initial misgivings about the place, I completely fell in love with it and would recommend it to anyone!

Kitale has grown a lot since I last saw it in 1990! Still wonderful avenues of Nandi flame trees. Miles of market stalls. The hotel cost about usd40 for a 'deluxe suite'.. no probs re cleanliness, water and power OK - you looked out of the window at rusty iron roofs and thought '

This is Africa'. Rooftop restaurant allowed sunset views through an iron grille. Watchmen look after yr vehicle overnight, as you are in a busy main street.

Western Kenya deserves more visitors.. it's lush, scenic, great climate, lots of history.. and there's the magic Mount Elgon.

The bar was quite a busy little place for locals in the evenings. It was very comfortable and had a wide selection of drinks. You could take your meals here or in the restaurant.

What made this place were the staff. Everyone was so friendly (apart from the restaurant staff in the morning but I tend not to be so lively myself at that time of day) and they couldn't do enough for you, even things beyond the call of duty. I was made to feel so welcome by everyone.

I intend to revisit Kitale again and spend a little more time exploring the area, safe in the knowledge that there is a friendly and welcoming place to return to