Tourism News South Africa

Saxon and Serena hotels triumph at World Travel Awards

Kigali Serena Hotel and Kampala Serena Hotel have debuted at this year's World Travel Awards as the 2012 Leading Hotels in Rwanda and Uganda, respectively, while the Saxon Boutique Hotel, Villas & Spa is celebrating its sixth consecutive win as Africa's leading boutique hotel in 2012.

Kigali Serena Hotel took the top honours as Rwanda's leading hotel, and debuted on the nominees list alongside other WTA newcomers Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge and Kirawira Serena Camp. Kampala Serena Hotel shared the nominations platform with another Serena Hotels gem, the Lake Victoria Serena Resort both catering to both leisure and business travellers.

The World Travel Awards serves to acknowledge, reward and celebrate excellence across all sectors of the global travel, tourism and hospitality industry, with 180 000 industry professionals from around the world participating in the voting process.

Located at the heart of Kampala, the Kampala Serena Hotel stands amidst 72 acres of landscaped grounds and water gardens. An oasis of cool and green, encircled by the seven hills of Kampala, this 152-room world-class hotel is the focal point of national, regional, business, political and social life.

The five-star Kigali Serena Hotel is built around a polished granite atrium, which showcases the very best of Rwandese cultural art. The hotel is centred around the Executive Lounge and Bar, which opens onto a wide sundeck overlooking the newly refurbished swimming pool. Also overlooking the pool, the Milima Restaurant offers a wide range of all-day buffet choices, while the relaxed Sokoni Café offers inside and outside poolside seating.

Saxon awarded Africa's leading luxury hotel

Familiar with the honour bestowed by one of the most recognised travel and tourism awards, the Saxon also adds to its growing WTA collection the title of Africa's leading luxury hotel, a sixth win as South Africa's leading boutique hotel and is also equally proud to have its Nelson Mandela Platinum Suite recognised as Africa's leading suite for the fifth year running.

Managing director George Cohen has remained a pioneer among hoteliers and such awards which join the likes of the Travel+Leisure Worlds Best and Conde Nast Hot Lists on the Saxon mantle, confirm this.

"Working with such a dedicated and professional team as I have the privilege of having by my side at the Saxon is a huge honour and having respected organisations such as the World Travel Awards recognise our efforts enhances this immense feeling of pride. I would like to thank my team and congratulate them on their achievements," says Cohen.

For more information about the Saxon Boutique Hotel, Villas & Spa, go to www.saxon.co.za
For more information on these and other Serena Hotels across Africa, go to www.serenahotels.com

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