European Hotel Group Pushes Further into African Market

By Balazs Szekely, Associate Editor

Kigali, Rwanda– Hôtel Des Milles Collines in the capital city of Kigali, Rwanda, is under new management. The hotel opened in 1973 and it was made famous by the film “Hotel Rwanda” in the early 2000s as a place of refuge during the 1994 Rwandan genocide. Kempinski Hotels added the iconic building to its portfolio in early July.

Kempinski Hotels is Europe’s oldest luxury hotel group with close to 120 years of background. The luxury hotel company is among the founders of the Global Hotel Alliance and operates historic landmarks, urban lifestyle hotels, resorts and luxury residences alike. Founded in 1897 in Germany, Kempinski’s portfolio now comprises 73 five-star hotels in 30 countries and continually adds new properties in Europe as well as the Middle East, Asia and Africa. According to a recently released written announcement, the group plans to open three hotels in Africa over the next six months and 40 Kempinski hotels are currently under development worldwide.

Hôtel Des Milles Collines by Kempinski is the European group’s ninth hotel operating on the continent. The 112-room hotel is built on high ground in the center of Kigali with a view of the unique Rwanda landscape, hence the name that translates as “hotel of a thousand hills.” Located just 15 minutes from Kigali International Airport at the heart of the central business district, the Kigali Convention Centre, the Kigali Memorial Centre, and the popular Inema Art Centre are also easily accessible. It includes an outdoor swimming pool, a recreation area, several boutiques, meeting and conference facilities with a large conference room that can accomodate up to 300 people. Kempinski announced major renovations to the rooms and suites as well as the restaurants over the next year and a half in order to facilitate the full implementation of its signature services and standards.

Kigali is the capital of Rwanda since 1962. With a population of more than 1.1 million, it is the largest city in the country. Situated near the geographic center of Rwanda, the city is close to Akagera National Park, Nyungwe National Park and Volcanoes National Park, which is home to a third of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas.