Marriott Hotels opens first hotel in southern Africa

Alex Kyriakidis

Commenting on Marriott’s latest opening in Africa, Alex Kyriakidis, president and managing director, Marriott International Middle East and Africa, said, “We are thrilled to be opening a Marriott Hotel in Rwanda and we believe the property will play a significant role in catering to the desires of business and leisure tourists alike. Marriott is committed to the Southern African market, and our rapid expansion demonstrates our belief in the continent’s booming economies. Moreover, our expansion is able to support the creation of job opportunities for local residents, and, in this case, contribute to Rwanda’s economic vision for developing as a travel destination.”

Opening in the heart of the emerging Rwandan economy

Boasting beautiful views of the majestic Mt Kigali, only 20 minutes from Kigali International Airport, the 254-room hotel offers travelers a new perspective on this cosmopolitan location and its people. Its deluxe guest rooms and 25 suites are designed with a spacious and upgraded look with tailored solutions that are as inventive as the guest, including large 48-inch LCD TVs, high-speed internet and work surfaces, providing flexibility to freely move and use technology wherever the guest desires.

“Travel expands the mind and it is an exciting time for our brand as we expand to new destinations around the world. We are delighted to be able to host travellers at this beautiful metropolis in southern Africa. We want our guests to experience forward-thinking, aesthetically pleasing spaces that help foster their inventive nature,” said Matthew Carroll, vice president, Marriott Hotels. “Marriott Hotels has consistently pushed the boundaries of innovation in travel to create experiences that inspire and seamlessly match our guests’ best thinking.”

Kigali Marriott Hotel all day dining restaurant

Located at Rwanda’s geographical heart, the rapidly growing city of Kigali is not only the national capital but also the country’s most important business center and main port of entry. In 1907, Kigali was a small colonial outpost with little link to the outside world. Today, Kigali has come of age as the capital of Rwanda. It is a city that has not just survived, but is now thriving and has grown into a modern metropolis - a heart of the emerging Rwandan economy and a pride of every Rwandan.

Kigali is blessed with a moderate high altitude climate that belies its tropical location, with the Kigali Marriott conveniently located within three hours’ drive of the main tourist sites within Rwanda. This sophisticated property offers guests an inspiring introduction to this land of a thousand hills and an ideal springboard from which to explore the country. Famous attractions nearby include The Presidential Palace, Museum of Natural History-Kandt House, Nyabugogo Market, Inema Arts Center and Kigali Genocide Memorial.

Restaurants, bars, and spa

In the hotel, four restaurants and three bars will be headlined by Ziko Grill: Offering great burgers and brochettes complemented by exceptional service, all enjoyed poolside.

• Soko showcases international cuisine, a dramatic all-day dining experience with live cooking stations for favourites from around the world such as Italian pasta and pizza, classic desserts and an extensive cheese selection.

• The Greatroom is an engaging and vibrant space that features flexible zones where guests can socialise, connect, relax, have a light meal or conduct a business meeting. It transitions from a coffee and pastry during the day to wines and cocktails and light tapas fare in the evening.

• Saray Spa, an extravagant spa which offers an extensive selection of latest therapy treatments to revitalise the senses. Recreational facilities include an expansive 450sqm swimming pool and state-of-the-art Fitness Centre.

The Greatroom

Job creation

Marriott has long been involved in corporate social responsibility projects worldwide that evolve around five pillars: Environment, Vitality of Children, Shelter and Food, Ready for Work, and Empowering Diversity. The latter two have been of particular priority to the hotel group’s Middle East and Africa region, resulting in the company proactively seeking out commendable initiatives across the region that are both inspirational and results-oriented.

Since 2012, Marriott has collaborated with Akilah Institute for Women in Rwanda to offer young women aged 18 to 30 the opportunity to train and work at its Dubai and Doha properties. The opening of Kigali Marriott will see these remarkable students return to their native Rwanda as supervisors at the property.

Marriott plans to extend the training model currently utilised by the Akilah Institute for Women across other locations in Africa, in order to meet the needs of its growing portfolio of hotels in the region. In tangible terms, these planned hotels will create local jobs with career opportunities and the potential for growth.