The Hôtel des Mille Collines is a charming mid-range hotel in Kigali. Its name, which translates as “Hotel of a Thousand Hills,” reflects the stunning geographical terrain of the country.
The hotel opened in 1973 and has undergone renovations to maintain its elegant rooms and suites. These range from small singles to large junior and superior suites. Some of these have extra living and lounge areas offering guests ultimate comfort and relaxation.
The rooms have stunning views of the city skyline as well as amenities like ensuite bathrooms, air conditioning, and in-room safes. The décor incorporates subtle touches of traditional African design. This gives guests a taste of Rwanda’s rich cultural heritage.
The hotel lobby features simple natural accents and contemporary decorative elements. A thatched bar and lounge area, as well as a swimming pool and terrace with lovely garden views, are available. The hotel has two restaurants, La Terrasse and Le Panorama. These offer excellent cuisine ranging from European-inspired dishes to local delicacies. There is also a pool bar with a menu of snacks and drinks.
Aside from dining options, guests can relax at the thatch-roof massage gazebo, swim in the adjacent pool, or work out at the fitness center. With six meeting and banquet rooms, the hotel is also a popular venue for conferences and events.
One of the most notable features of the Hôtel des Mille Collines is its role as a safe haven during the Tutsi genocide in 1994. Although there is no official memorial on the hotel grounds, it is remembered for sheltering nearly 2,000 people during this difficult time. The hotel is now easily accessible from all parts of Kigali and serves as an excellent starting point for exploring the city.
Guests can rent a car to explore the surrounding area or visit local attractions such as coffee tours, art galleries, and the Genocide Memorial and Museum. On Friday nights, the hotel offers live entertainment and cultural performances, as well as decorative art for sale.
