Highlights

• Historic and monumental property
• Panoramic views of Kigali.
• Trendy bar and dining patio next to pool.
• Top floor conference and event rooms.

Experience

The 4 star Hôtel Des Mille Collines, or “The Hotel of a Thousand Hills”, is located in Kigali, the capital city of Rwanda. Made famous by the movie “Hotel Rwanda”, this hotel is where Paul Rusesabagina the general manager helped 1,268 people take refuge and saved them from the genocide in 1994. Its place in history has even made the hotel one of the top sights in the city.

Now managed by the luxurious Kempinski brand, the hotel can maintain its tradition of quality and service.

Arriving in Kigali from Bujumbura, we went straight to the hotel. At the gate security checked our taxi before allowing us in. The reception welcomed us and quickly processed our check-in.

We stayed in the hotel’s Classic Room with a Garden View which was a mix of traditional and contemporary. The warm tones of the room nicely contrasted the cool rolling hills of Kigali.

The bathroom connected to the room had a classic feel to it.

In our room we enjoyed complimentary wi-fi, a flat screen TV, coffee and tea, and an amazing view from our balcony over the pool and restaurant area with a backdrop of the city.

We then explored the property.

The Hôtel Des Mille Collines caters to events and conferences. There are eight rooms which can be converted into a theater, cocktail party, boardroom and everything in between to accommodate anywhere from 16 to 300 guests. Located on the top floor of the hotel, these rooms are ideal places for visitors to enjoy the cityscape.

Below the onference rooms, are the restaurants and bars which still enjoy fantastic views of Kigali. At La Panorama enjoy the hotel’s signature dish of grilled meats or fish glazed in rosemary, olive oil and garlic.

After dinner, we headed to the Pool Bar and order drinks while you enjoy live music varying from international favorites to traditional Rwandan sounds.

For those who like to get out of the hotel and see the sights, the concierge service can arrange any type of experience. Limousine transportation can take you to museums, historical sights, the local art markets or if guests want a little more adventure the concierge can arrange gorilla trekking in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park. The fully grown silverback gorillas are about three times the size of an average man but astonishingly tolerant of human visitors. Just don’t get too close!

Standing at our room balcony overlooking the city, I couldn’t help but feel humbled by this historic property. This was a safe haven and due to the courageous actions of the staff, many lives were saved. Observing the locals that make up the team running the hotel, I can imagine that they are similar to the people two decades ago. Regular people performing extraordinary acts. In the hotel parking lot there is a memorial dedicated to them.

The Hôtel Des Mille Collines is truly a significant and historical property. For tourists it’s also a perfect home base for exploring Kigali and beyond.

I would highly recommend this hotel for business and personal alike and look forward to another stay on my next visit!

Contact
Hôtel des Mille Collines by Kempinski
Address: 2KN 6th Ave, Kigali, Rwanda
Telephone: +250 788192530
Website: http://www.kempinski.com/en/kigali/hotel-des-mille-collines-managed-by-kempinski/welcome/
Email:: Reservations – reservations.kigali@kempinski.com