Hôtel des Mille Collines is a four star hotel in central Kigali. It is one of Rwanda’s best known historic hotels. The hotel opened in 1973 as Rwanda’s first major international style hotel. It later became associated with the events of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. During that period, about 2,000 people sought shelter at the hotel. The hotel overlooks parts of Kigali and the surrounding hills. The hotel operates with modern accommodation, restaurants, meeting facilities and a swimming pool.
Accommodation at Hôtel des Mille Collines
The hotel has rooms and suites in several categories. These include classic rooms, garden-view rooms, panorama-view rooms, junior suites and superior suites. The hotel’s website lists 30 double rooms, five single rooms and 36 suites and junior suites. Room facilities include Wi-Fi, room service, safes, writing desks and tea and coffee facilities. Some rooms have balconies or terraces. The garden view rooms overlook the hotel’s landscaped areas while panorama rooms provide views over Kigali.
Facilities and dining
Hôtel des Mille Collines has several dining areas. La Terrasse overlooks the garden and swimming pool. It serves breakfast, lunch and other meals. Le Panorama is located on the fourth floor. It offers à la carte dining with views over Kigali.
The hotel also has a pool bar and restaurant. Mandhari Bar provides drinks and a lounge setting. Other facilities include a swimming pool, fitness room, spa and wellness facilities, meeting rooms, ballroom, Wi-Fi, room service, and parking. The hotel also hosts cultural activities.
Activities offered by Hôtel des Mille Collines
Kigali city tour
The hotel’s central position makes it a useful base for a Kigali city tour. Visitors can explore the Kigali Genocide Memorial, markets, museums and art centres. The city tour can be arranged as a half-day or full-day activity.
Cultural evening
The hotel holds a Cultural Night on Fridays, featuring Rwandan music and dance performances. This gives visitors an opportunity to experience local performances without travelling to another part of the city.
Local art viewing
The hotel displays works by Rwandan artists. Some artworks are available for purchase. The hotel states that these displays help generate income for local artists.
Swimming and fitness
Guests can use the swimming pool during free time. The fitness room has equipment such as treadmills, exercise bikes, rowing machines and weights. These facilities are useful for visitors who want to remain active during a city stay.
Community and conservation at Hôtel des Mille Collines
Hôtel des Mille Collines has community and local sourcing initiatives. The hotel uses 90% local produce. This creates a market for agricultural suppliers within Rwanda.
It also promotes local artists by displaying and selling their work. The hotel has worked with Hope Shines and Eco-Soap Bank on a hand-hygiene project. Used soap is collected, recycled and distributed to families with vulnerable children.
Getting there
Hôtel des Mille Collines is in central Kigali at 2 KN 6 Avenue. The drive from Kigali International Airport usually takes around 20–30 minutes depending on traffic. Because it is centrally located, the hotel is also convenient for travellers continuing to other parts of Kigali including Volcanoes National Park among other