Diamond Plaza 1 Guide and Review
Diamond Plaza 1, located in Nairobi's Parklands area, is designated as a casino but user reviews paint a broader picture of a multi-purpose complex. It functions primarily as a shopping and business centre, a hub for the Hindu and Indian communities, and hosts various other establishments, including residential apartments and even a roller-skating rink. However, visitor experiences are quite varied, with some praising its offerings while others highlight significant operational drawbacks.
What Visitors Like â¨
A Culinary Hub đ
Many visitors appreciate the extensive food options available within Diamond Plaza 1. It features "lots of food centres" offering a wide variety of cuisines. Specific mentions include delicious "Alu patoto slice bhaji" with chutney and "Davi Puri" that were described as "superb." The fresh cane sugar juice is also noted as "another hit product," making it an ideal place for those seeking diverse culinary experiences, particularly for the Asian community.
Community & Entertainment đ¤
The plaza is a significant gathering spot, especially for the Hindu and Indian communities residing in Nairobi. It also houses Sk8city Nairobi, a popular roller-skating rink that receives high praise for its "fantastic music," positive "vibe," and the overall fun experience it provides. This adds a unique entertainment dimension to the complex.
Accessibility & Security (Mixed Views) đ ŋī¸
One review positively notes "ample parking" and describes the area as "secure," which is a crucial aspect for visitors in a bustling city like Nairobi. This suggests that for some, accessing and feeling safe within the plaza is not an issue.
Areas for Improvement đ§
The Parking Predicament đ
Perhaps the most significant and consistent negative feedback revolves around the parking experience. One frustrated user detailed a "terrible" encounter, spending seven minutes struggling with a faulty paying toll that wouldn't accept multiple bills, leading to double payment due to time overruns. This was compounded by a 20-minute traffic jam inside the parking lot, requiring manager intervention to exit after exceeding the 15-minute grace period. This indicates a major operational flaw that severely impacts visitor satisfaction.
Mall Condition & Atmosphere đī¸
The mall itself has been described as an "old labyrinth" with "weird empty spaces inside." This suggests that the interior might feel dated or underutilized, potentially impacting the overall shopping or leisure experience and giving a less appealing impression to visitors.
First Aid Concerns at Sk8city đ¨
While Sk8city is highly rated for fun, a critical point was raised regarding its first aid services. The "response is wanting," and the team is reportedly "not equipped with enough training for different injuries," relying mainly on "deep heat." Given that roller skating is an "extreme sport," this lack of adequate medical preparedness is a serious concern for visitor safety.
Overall Impression
Diamond Plaza 1 appears to be a complex with considerable potential, serving as a vital community hub and offering diverse culinary and entertainment options like Sk8city. Its strengths lie in its vibrant food scene and its role as a gathering place. However, the recurring and severe issues with parking, coupled with observations about the mall's dated appearance and safety concerns at its entertainment venues, significantly detract from the overall visitor experience. While it holds appeal for certain activities and communities, prospective visitors should be aware of the operational challenges, particularly concerning parking, before planning a visit.
This place is terrible. An old labyrinth mall with weird empty spaces inside. The worse thing was the parking lot. I spent 7 minutes trying to make the paying toll accept a 50 ksh bill. Tried several different bills and different positions. Ended up having to pay double for the parking lot because of the time spent with this issue then I spent 20 minutes in the traffic jam INSIDE the parking lot! Of course they had to call the manager to let me out as the limit time to leave after paying is 15 minutes. I will never go back to this hell again.
located in ParkLand, Nairobi and One Business centre and shopping centre of Nairobi. Most of Hindu and Indian communities stay here.Besides to this Mall, "Sreenathji Haveli" unfortunately it was closed. Could not go the temple.lots of foods centre inside centre, my friend order Alu "patoto slice bhaji" with chatni , what a tast yummy and I ordered Davi Puri... it was superbFresh cane sugar juice another hit product.
Went back to Sk8city Nairobi. It was a blast. The music was fantastic, and the people and the vibe were just right. I still have a problem with their first aid team. Their response is wanting, and other than deep heat, I don't think they are equipped with enough training for different injuries. Considering it's an extreme sport, I expected better first aid.I'm definitely going back again. It had fun!
Ideal place to hang around for Asians considering the restaurants around. Lots of varieties of cuisines. Ample parking, secure.