Why African Hospitality Needs a Design Revolution—And What Global Investors Are Missing

A few weeks ago, over a cup of strong Kenyan chai, a Nairobi property owner looked at me and asked, “Eleni, does bringing design with a local touch into our spaces really make a difference, or is it just something we like to believe?”

That question made me pause and reflect—not just as the CEO of YourHost, but as someone who has always believed that hospitality is about heart, not just hardware. Apparently, more than 60% of travellers visiting East Africa are now searching for spaces that truly “feel like a destination”—places with personality, warmth, and stories woven into every detail. Yet so often, we see beautiful properties fall back on the safety of generic design and service.

I know—we’ve done it too. Early in the journey of YourHost, I was so caught up in worrying about saying “no” to properties that didn’t match our standards, or taking risks on design choices that weren’t “tried and true.”

But, I just couldn’t shake the feeling that authentic connection leaves a lasting impression—and that’s how guests become raving fans of your brand.

So we leaned in.

Since COVID-19, YourHost made a conscious decision to embark on a more authentic journey, by collaborating with local artists, allowing our team’s personalities to shine, and introducing little touches inspired by my Greek heritage (think: organic, minimalist lines and handmade baskets). We layered on tech that actually made stays warmer—like sharing our favourite hidden gem restaurants or leaving personalised check-ins for guests after check-in.

Here’s what happened:

• Repeat bookings soared by 25% in just half a year
• Nightly rates jumped, but so did our five-star reviews—most mentioning “warmth,” “character,” and “that home-away-from-home feeling”