Best Accommodations and Hotels in Kigali
The pain of the 1994 genocide has helped unite the people of Rwanda in ways that are not possible in other ways. It has helped eliminate tribal divisions and formed a new community centered on shared responsibility with no tolerance for corruption. Tourism in particular have grown steadily over the last decade with countless international and local conferences held in the capital Kigali. This has necessitated the need to build high quality hotels to meet the ever increasing demand.
The larger and more known brands like Radisson, Marriot, Park Inn and Serena have established base in Kigali along with the lesser known but great brands. These facilities are built with the business person and tourist in mind. They offer quality rooms and food from all continents. If you are interested in the best luxury hotel in Rwanda (outside Kigali), you need to read this article. For now, let us discuss some of Kigali’s best hotels in more detail and leave the final choice to you.
Five to Five Hotel: Five to five targets Clients from all walks of life with great services, food and drinks. The have both affordable (more budget) and luxury rooms. Each rooms has free and fast internet that can be accessed from every area. Five to Five Hotel arranges for airport pickup and can also provide cheerful guides to take you for a tour of the city. Mission Africa Safaris books this hotel for Clients who are traveling mid-range for safaris. They stop in Kigali for a night before proceeding the national parks in Rwanda and Kigali.
Kigali Serena Hotel: The Serena group of hotels is one of the most reliable brands in East Africa. Owned by the Aga Khan Foundation, the Serena group has over 22 hotels, lodges, safari camps in Africa. They offer world class services with an African touch and the Kigali Serena hotel is no exception. 
Their rooms are of high standards, reliable and and very spacious. They are designed to give the the ultimate comfort knowing that their customers are often business travelers. The rooms at the Kigali Serena Hotel all have a desk, a table, bathtubs and balconies. There is a beautiful waterfall, a lounge area, a large swimming pool and a gym. Expect well prepared international and local dishes accompanies by fresh African fruits or salads. Guest can be served from their rooms or opt for buffet at the main restaurant.
Heaven Boutique Hotel and Heaven Retreat: These are two separate Eco-friendly accommodation facilities built in one compound away from the city center. The facilities are owned by an American family though offering different services. The facilities have a shared central salt-water swimming pool, sauna, a hot tub and gym. Heaven Boutique is cheaper and more affordable for the general public. 
It was designed to train Rwandan nationals interesting in entering the hotel industry but has its own 11 luxury rooms for those seeking more affordable but high quality accommodation. It is a favorite for Rwandan national who go to enjoy tasty international dishes throughout the day. The Retreat on the other hand takes quality to another level. It is more private and offers 22 luxury rooms. The rooms are very clean and decorated with high quality fabrics and local art. Each room has a sofa, shower and mosquito net. Double rooms go for about $186 at the Heaven Boutique Hotel while the rooms at the Heaven Retreat start from $676.
The Hotel des Milles Collines: Built on top of one of Kigali’s hills, Hotel des Milles Collines is the most famous hotel in Rwanda. It was founded in 1973 and was first owned by the former Sabena Airlines 
before it was sold off to the current local owners giving it a touch of Rwanda. With over 115 rooms, it was the first true high end luxury hotel in Rwanda. Hotel des Milles Collines has for decades been associated with glamour and class among the residents of Kigali. The hotel became so popular after the film “Hotel Rwanda” depicting the admirable role it played during the 1994 genocide. The hotel acted as shelter for over 1,000 Tutsi and moderate Hutus hiding from militiamen. The hotel Manager would fend off attackers by giving them fine wine and whisky every time they attempted to search the hotel premises. The hotel rooms offer amazing views of the city from the balconies. Other facilities in the hotel include panoramic gardens, conference facilities, a swimming pool, a bar and 3 restaurants (including one near the pool).
Radisson Blu Hotel: This is among the several new hotels in Kigali. It is connected to one of the most prominent buildings in Kigali known as the Kigali Convention Center. During the night, the area glows with spectacular lights from within also the convention Center. Radission Blue Hotel has over 290 rooms, restaurants, shops and a mall. The staff are very friendly and helpful. The large convention Centre helps attract large numbers of guests to the hotel ensuring that the rooms are booked on most days. Security at the hotel is tight because of the Hotel receives many conference dignitaries. Double rooms at Radisson Blu cost $300.
Marriott Hotel Kigali: This is another new hotel offering luxury facilities in Kigali. The hotel was opened in 2018 and is close to Hotel des Milles Collines and the Kigali Sheraton. The rooms offer great views of the city and surrounding areas. The hotel has a gym, a swimming pool and massage/spa services. Guests can order for tasty continental dishes from the restaurant or drink at the bar by the pool. This hotel targets business travelers and offers modern facilities that should be expected from all Marriot properties globally.
Chez Lando: Chez Lando has been in existence in Rwanda since the 1980s. It is found in the busy Remera area. The rooms are neat and self-contained with showers, toilets and bathrooms. The hotel has tasty food like brochettes (chips and meat on a stick). The hotel hosts local meetings and conferences where the prominent government and business people congregate.
The Manor Hotel: The Manor is found in a serene residential area in Nyarutarama. The hotel has beautifully decorated rooms and a large swimming pool where guest can relax after a long day of workshops or meetings. The Manor Hotel prepares tasty local, European and Indian meals from its restaurants. Other services in the hotel include Sauna, Spa and a standard gym.
Golf Hills Residence: This accommodation facility is built near popular supermarket and some of the best restaurants in Kigali. The hotel is known for excellent customer care and well furnished interiors. 
The staffs are trained to go an extra mile when serving guests. Golf Hills Residence arranges for airport pickups and packed lunch for guests visiting one of Rwanda’s national parks for a day or two.
Ubumwe Grande Hotel: Ubumwe Grande Hotel stands out because of its strategic location within the city which allows guests to visit the best city spots and pubs. The hotel offers wonderful views of Kigali and the suburbs. The rooms are spacious and self-contained with bathtubs, chairs and desks among other facilities. The hotel also has a large central swimming pool and a bar. The restaurant serves tasty food, cocktails and fresh fruit.
Hotel Villa Portofino: This hotel is also built in the Nyarutarama area with picturesque views of the city. The hotel offers spacious rooms with large comfortable beds and free internet. Other services include a well-stocked gym and large swimming pool. Their tasty food can be served in the room or at the main restaurant as buffet. Hotel Villa Portofino is not only ideal for workshops and seminars but also tourists who have come on a safari in Rwanda.
5 Swiss Hotel: This hotel is located very close to the Kiyovu area and has successfully established itself as one of the leading hotels in Kigali. The rooms are furnished with chairs, desks and large comfortable beds. 5 Swiss Hotel is close to some of the best restaurants on Kigali and should be considered by those who value convenience above everything else.