Kiyovu Kigali, Rwanda
Renovated
2011
Price
$$$
Rated for
Luxe Wellness ClassicOutside the door
The house
Serena HotelsDiplomatic landmark
This grand address serves as Kigali's central stage for statecraft, drawing visiting delegations into its soaring granite lobby.
“I was at the Kigali Serena Hotel, a large resort in the center of town and about 25 minutes from the airport, where another test was administered.”
What it’s good at
Listed
Executive suites and a dedicated presidential floor cater to visiting business delegations.
What they say
Also in The 50 Discovery and AFAR.
A triple-height granite lobby matches the grandeur of the clientele, while events venues range from a 500-seat auditorium to an 800-seat ballroom – all with high-tech AV equipment.
Right in the middle
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Leafy Kiyovu surrounds the grounds, placing government ministries within a short walk and the central business district five minutes away.
The rooms
Rooms are finished in warm contemporary tones, while a three-bedroom presidential suite occupies an entire private floor.
The pool
Bring a swimsuit.
The 18-metre swimming pool curves through tropical gardens, flanked by a stone waterfall and guest room wings.
The spa
Therapists at Maisha Spa perform botanical wraps and stone massages in treatment rooms styled with Moroccan tilework.
The gym and whirlpool
An indoor hydrotherapy tub sits beneath intricate mosaic tile, and the gym lines up cardio machines facing outdoor daylight.
Sokoni Restaurant
Sokoni serves casual global plates beside the pool, and Friday evenings bring an African buffet with a live band.
At the table
Milima serves breakfast buffets on its garden terrace, and the executive lounge pours evening cocktails over a curved bar.
How it began
The hotel replaced the Belgian-owned Hôtel des Diplomates, opening in 2003 as Rwanda's first five-star property.
Good to know
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Kigali Serena Hotel
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Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.