The World Travel Awards were handed out yesterday in Seychelles and Kigali Serena emerged as Rwanda’s leading hotel.  As a Kigali City resident and a lover of all things great service, I can’t help but be proud of the Kigali Serena Team, led by the always humble and warm Country Manager – Charles Muia, who endeavor to provide all guests with great service.  Speak to many hotel dwellers in Kigali and they will agree that Kigali Serena is indeed providing a world class hospitality experience like no other in Rwanda.  Whether you are there for a conference/workshop, a wedding, or a casual dinner with a loved one, you will leave happy, especially because you will get great service, the food will be good and will most certainly want to come back.

I was first introduced to Kigali Serena in 2007 when my cousin’s wedding was held there, an experience I shall never forget and it was then that I fell in love with the Serena brand.  Since returning home nearly five years ago, Serena represents good service and brings a calming feeling each time I go.

The welcoming smiles from the bell men, security guards, front office, sales and the F&B team Milima, Sokoni, and the lounge bar, really every corner.  True to its name, Serena is a serene place, and nothing speaks calm like the pool area and Maisha Spa – a must do when you stay at Kigali Serena because you will leave wanting more.  Whether you are a business traveler or waking up in the wee hours to go see Rwanda’s world famous gorillas, the staff of Kigali Serena will make sure that your needs are met.

Kigali Serena has 148 rooms and suites that include: 54 standard rooms (1 specifically designed for disabled guests); 25 deluxe rooms; 37 superior rooms; 7 prime rooms; 18 studio suites, 6 executive suites and 1 presidential suite.  It also features conference room facilities that have hosted hundreds of conferences workshops, retreats – whatever size of room you need, they have it or will make they arrange for what you need.

Having hosted over 20 workshops there myself, I can assure you, the team has always delivered.  Yes there have been a few issues, but these are easily forgotten because the team will stop at nothing to fix the issue and you wouldn’t face it again.  I no longer have to spend any time explaining anything because they have taken time to know what I need and like, a rarity in Kigali.

You can pay with your Visa card 🙂, and the hotel has free high speed Wi-Fi for guests, airport transportation available, a duty manager always, a fully equipped gym complete with trainers, spa services a Jacuzzi, steam room, and sauna to relax you after a long trip or stressful day.  Additionally, Kigali Serena loves children and has great services to make sure your children are happy and comfortable.  Should you need child care, they have baby sitters available on request, baby cots available, and a 24hr doctor on call.

I would like to thank the Kigali Serena Team for great service over the years to Rwandans and our visitors, and exemplifying AGACIRO (Dignity and Value) in service.

I especially want to thank Charles Muia – your leadership shines through your staff’s work; the ever beautiful and always warm Denise Omany and Evelyn – you ladies are a breath of fresh air in Rwanda’s hospitality sector because you promise and always deliver; James and the F&B Team – you ensure that every event goes as envisioned, especially the swiftness of the food service during those demanding conferences/galas/weddings – one never has to worry, and the housekeeping team, who make sure everything is clean.  Well Done Team and hearty congratulations on winning the WTA Award as Rwanda’s Leading Hotel for three years in a row – absolutely deserved!!

Congratulations also to Kampala Serena Hotel, you are hands down the best in Uganda – always love coming back.  Special shout out to Mr. Mawazo, you are a class apart and your leadership of the front office is evident!!! Keep up the great work.

Lake Victoria Serena, congratulations on winning Uganda’s Leading Hotel Suite.  You made my wedding day and preparations a breeze, I will never ever forget how you went above and beyond to make our day special!!  Didn’t need event manager because Ronald Safari was a God send.  The Presidential Suite, woooowwwww A-M-A-Z-I-N-G, what a fantastic way to end a great event, and begin the rest of our lives.  Words can’t describe how awesome it was – only God can reward you for that.   THANK YOU!!!!!