The Rise of TikTok & YouTubers in Hotel and Hidden Gem Reviews Across Kenya
Over the past few years, a powerful shift has happened in Kenya’s hospitality and service marketing: TikTokers and YouTubers are leading the wave, not the big hotels or resorts.
Young influencers—especially Gen Z—are using short-form videos and relatable content to highlight local hotels, BNBS, hidden restaurants, and fun activity spots within their regions. These aren’t your average luxury lodges. These are true gems—homegrown brands built with community in mind.
Local Influencers, Local Gems
Each influencer now focuses on their town or city:
Hash Grill is thriving thanks to TikTok reviews.
Bave Restaurant in Thika and Nakuru is now a known chill spot due to YouTube exposure.
Kuku Kitchen Nairobi has become a viral eatery with group platters and a must-try vibe.
Despite having social media handles, many established hotels are falling behind, unable to ride the trend wave. They lack relatability, fresh content, and localized engagement—something Gen Z creators have mastered.
What Makes These Spots Trend?
From deep research and social tracking, here’s what’s driving traction:
✅ Design Is Everything
@melodymukhwana 🍽️ Nairobi foodies, I found your next must-try spot, a true hidden gem! 👀✨ From the ambiance to the flavors, this place does not disappoint. Think affordable, delicious, and perfect for your next foodie adventure. 🍔🍹 Have you been here yet? Drop your thoughts in the comments! Or tag someone you’d take on a foodie date 🥂👇 #restaurantreview #foodieadventures #nairobieats #foodtok #foodlover #affordableeats #tiktokfoodies #fyp #viral_video
♬ Dreamy Girl - Headphone Chill Girl
Eye-catching visuals convert views into bookings. Gen Z is behind most of the designs—bright, quirky, minimal or Afro-urban aesthetic that photographs well.
✅ Signature Platters & Secret Dishes
Every place has that one unique platter or dish. Whether it’s a smoky mbuzi choma, sushi fusion, or street-style ugali balls—the community connects to food that feels local but new.
✅ Group Appeal: Chamas & Squads
Today’s viewer isn’t just looking for a date spot—they’re searching “Where to go as a group in Nakuru” or “Affordable fun places in Nairobi for chamas.” These group-focused venues are killing it online.
The Problem: Too Many Platforms, Not Enough Action
Users spend hours scrolling TikTok, hopping to YouTube, then heading to Google to find contacts, reviews, or bookings. By then, they’re frustrated or forgetful. That’s where Cottlink comes in.
Cottlink: Bringing It All Together
At Cottlink, we saw the digital disconnect and built a solution.
Our platform brings:
- Verified hidden gems, hotels, BNBs, restaurants
- Curated fun activity spots and wholesalers
- Embedded influencer videos per listingClear contact info, email, and categories
- All in one place—no need to bounce between apps
Whether you’re a content creator, group planner, or curious traveler—Cottlink lets you discover, watch, and contact in one scroll.
Final Thoughts
The trend is clear: authentic video content is the new currency in Kenya’s hospitality marketing. Influencers have turned once-ignored local spots into top destinations.
Big brands should adapt fast—or risk losing visibility to a food truck with better TikToks.
As for the explorers? Skip the search fatigue—just use Cottlink.
Ready to explore Kenya’s top hidden gems?
Visit 👉 www.cottlink.co.ke
