Located in Nairobi's exclusive Westlands neighbourhood, the 14 Riverside complex is a major commercial hub, housing numerous restaurants, shops, international offices and the dusitD2 hotel. The complex was targeted in an act of terror on 15 January 2019 which claimed the lives of 21 innocent people, including four full-time employees and two contract security staff of the hotel. No guests were harmed in the attack.
Demonstrating the resilience of the local community, the 14 Riverside complex has already sprung back into action with tenants and business owners returning to help to beautify the area. The office buildings re-opened on 28 January with additional security measures bolstering the internationally certified systems and procedures the complex already has in place.
dusitD2 Nairobi, which has been temporarily closed since the incident, is located at the far end of the project in a private location away from the main entrance. First opened in October 2014, the hotel is known for its world-class facilities, high standards of service, and status as a leading venue for MICE business and social and private events.
Recognising the hotel's role as a major facilitator of business in Nairobi, the management and staff of dusitD2 Nairobi are determined to reopen the hotel as a beacon of comfort, convenience and safety so the 14 Riverside community can thrive once again. This includes enhancing the property, introducing new dining concepts, and planning a series of community events, ahead of a tentative relaunch in June.
Mr Michael Metaxas, General Manager of dusitD2 Nairobi, said, "The spirit of determination that runs through the entire 14 Riverside community is heartening to see, and the support from everyone has been, and continues to be, incredible. This positive energy is driving us as we prepare the hotel to delight guests and visitors once more with delightful service, impressive design, and safe and comfortable surroundings for people to socialise, stay and conduct business."
Mr Lim Boon Kwee, Chief Operating Officer, Dusit International, said, "While we are still deeply affected by the recent events at the 14 Riverside complex, morale is high and everyone is pulling together to create a special return for the hotel. As ever, the safety and well-being of our guests and employees remain our priority, and we will continue to have rigorous security procedures in place that contribute to the high levels of comfort and care for which we are known worldwide."
About Dusit International
Dusit International was founded in 1948 by Honorary Chairperson Thanpuying Chanut Piyaoui, whose ?rst hotel was the Princess on Bangkok's Charoenkrung Road. Today the company is a leader in hotel management and hospitality education and comprises a unique international portfolio of distinctive hotels and resorts operating under four brands: Dusit Thani, dusitD2, Dusit Princess and Dusit Devarana.
Alongside growing its operations globally, with more than 50 properties in the pipeline across key destinations, Dusit International is also expanding its business to provide new experiences for customers across the lodging spectrum.
The company recently entered the vacation rental market with the full acquisition of Elite Havens, the leading provider of high-end vacation rentals in Asia, and it also announced plans to enter the lifestyle market with the launch of ASAI Hotels, a distinctive new brand designed to link curious, millennial-minded travellers with authentic local experiences in vibrant cities and resort destinations worldwide.
The company also operates the signature Devarana Spa and has a fast-growing Education Division. The latter, established in 1993, comprises Dusit Thani College, which offers vocational and postgraduate hospitality degrees at campuses in Bangkok and Pattaya; and Le Cordon Bleu Dusit Culinary School.
In 2019, Dusit International will redevelop its flagship Dusit Thani Bangkok hotel as part of a landmark mixed-use project comprising residences, an office building, retail areas, and a new Dusit Thani Bangkok hotel. The new hotel is expected to open in 2023.
For more information, please visit www.dusit.com.