Hôtel des Mille Collines Kigali review


By David De Clercq

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Hôtel des Mille Collines Kigali

The Hôtel des Mille Collines, the “Hotel of a Thousand Hills”, was made famous by the film Hotel Rwanda. During the 1994 genocide, its general manager Paul Rusesabagina sheltered 1,268 people here, and the hotel is now one of Kigali’s most visited sites. Today it is managed by Kempinski.

At a glance

Location: Central Kigali, Rwanda
Stayed in: Classic Room, garden view
Best for: travellers interested in Rwanda’s history and business visitors
Reviewed: July 2014

8.2 out of 10

Setting and arrival

Arriving from Bujumbura, security checked the taxi at the gate before reception welcomed me with a quick check-in.

Entrance of the Hôtel des Mille Collines

The rooms

My Classic Room with garden view blended traditional and contemporary design, its warm tones contrasting with the cool green hills outside. Wi-Fi, a flat-screen TV and tea and coffee are complimentary, and the balcony looked over the pool and restaurant to the city beyond.

View from the Hôtel des Mille Collines

Dining and events

The trendy bar and dining patio sit beside the pool, and eight top-floor rooms can be configured for conferences and events.

Restaurant at the Hôtel des Mille Collines

The verdict

History, panoramic views and Kempinski standards make the Mille Collines a meaningful and comfortable stay in Kigali.

  • Rooms: 8.0
  • Service: 8.5
  • Dining: 8.0
  • Facilities and spa: 8.0
  • Location: 8.5

Hôtel des Mille Collines Kigali, Kigali, Rwanda.

David stayed as a guest of the hotel. Based on a stay in July 2014. Facilities, menus and prices may have changed since.

The reviewer

David De Clercq has visited all 197 countries and reviewed hundreds of hotels. How we review