Rwanda is about to gain a new five-star hotel in Kigali, as Mövenpick Hotel Kigali prepares to open on the site of the former Hotel Umubano.
Over the years, the property has operated under different names, including Hotel Novotel, Hotel Meridien, and Hotel Umubano, before being acquired and expanded. In 2017, it was purchased by Marasa Holdings Ltd, a subsidiary of the Madhvani Group, an international company.
Initially scheduled to open in 2019, delays occurred due to expansion works and other considerations. The hotel now has 124 rooms, up from the original 100, including rooms designed for VIP guests.
Mövenpick Hotel Kigali will be the first five-star hotel in Rwanda managed by a woman, with about 160 staff members, 50% of whom will be women, reflecting a commitment to gender equality. The hotel also features a heated swimming pool, adding to its luxury offerings.
The hotel blends Swiss hospitality with Rwandan culture, providing visitors with unique services. Located in the diplomatic quarter, it is poised to attract both international guests and local travelers.
Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts, a Swiss hospitality company, is part of the French-based Accor Group, which manages over 5,700 hotels in more than 110 countries. Mövenpick alone operates more than 130 hotels across 40 countries.
The 124 rooms of Mövenpick Hotel Kigali include facilities suitable for VIP guests. Each space reflects Mövenpick’s philosophy of combining Rwandan uniqueness with Swiss elegance. The hotel also features Wojo Kigali, a co-working space for meetings and business events, as well as large conference rooms to support Rwanda’s tourism and conference sector.
Dining options include Raava Restaurant, offering a fusion of Rwandan and Mediterranean cuisine inspired by countries like Italy, Spain, Greece, France, Turkey, Morocco, Egypt, and Tunisia. There is also the Elephant Bar serving a variety of drinks, a pâtisserie continuing the legacy of Hotel Umubano, two tennis courts, a fitness center, children’s play areas, and spa services.
Médiatrice Umulisa Rutayisire, General Manager of Mövenpick Hotel Kigali, told IGIHE that the hotel is designed to provide guests with comfort, safety, and a unique experience. She said:
“Every space has been thoughtfully designed to help people feel at home and safe, from Raava Restaurant combining Swiss and Rwandan elements, to our heated pool and Wojo co-working area. Guests won’t just visit—they will enjoy the modern comforts of Kigali.”
Umulisa emphasized that Mövenpick Hotel Kigali will play a key role in Rwanda’s tourism development, providing world-class services and bridging Rwandan culture with international visitors, including investors and tourists.
Rwanda aims to increase revenue from MICE tourism (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) from $85 million in 2024 to $224 million ($325 billion Rwf) by 2028, with Mövenpick Hotel Kigali contributing significantly to this growth.
