Made famous by the 2004 genocide movie, Hotel des Milles was built by a Belgian airline called Sabena in 1973. The owner of Hotel des Mille Collines fled due to the Rwanda genocide and he handed it over to Paul Rusesabagina who took over. Paul Rusesabagina provided refugees to many people during the genocide period and provided them with food and water. He also went ahead with the help of his wife to bribe the Hutu military with alcohol and money to prevent them from killing the people seeking refuge at the hotel.
Hotel des Mille Collines is a 4-star hotel in the heart of Rwanda with over 112 rooms offering accommodations to thousands of tourists who visit Rwanda annually. During the genocide period in 1994 when thousands of people were killed, Paul Rusesabagina used to hide a lot of Rwandans in these hotel rooms to protect them.
The name of Hotel des Mille Collines means ‘’a thousand hills’’ and comes from the landscape of Rwanda since it is known to be the land of a thousand hills. Hotel des Milles Collines also has a very beautiful view of the different hills that make up the landscape of Rwanda. Some of the different rooms at Hotel des Mille Collines include,
Classic rooms
Classic rooms at Hotel des Millie Collines are decorated with a contemporary touch having one twin or queen-size bed, an air conditioner, a flat-screen television, a working desk, chair and table, inbuilt bathroom.
Classic rooms also have balconies offering a good view of the city and part of a thousand hills from a distance. Classic rooms are spacious enough to accommodate two people and receive enough natural light during the daytime. While in the classic rooms during night time, you can have a dazzling view of Kigali city.
Classic rooms with garden views
Classic rooms with garden views are luxurious rooms that offer both garden and pool views. Having a flat-screen TV, a wifi, and a balcony where you can relax and forget about your stress of the day. The rooms are air-conditioned with good bedding and in-built bathrooms. Lighting in the rooms is good during both daytime and nighttime.
Superior suites
Just as the name says superior suites, the rooms have all the space and amenities that you need to live not just a good life but a luxurious life during your stay at Hotel des Mille Collines. Some amenities to look out for when you’re going to stay there include a separate seating room from the bedroom, and a dining room having an espresso machine with a mini bar.
You will have your sitting room that has that cozy and welcoming feeling, spacious enough and well furnished. A spacious private balcony is also part of these Superior suites. As known good things come at a price so before booking these suites make sure to do some research about their prices.
Junior suites
Junior suites are like mini-superior suites offering a beautiful view and comfortable living, which makes them an ideal choice for visitors or guests looking for a luxurious experience. These suites have a separate living area allowing for additional privacy and room to relax.
Some of the amenities you should expect to find include a comfortable king-size bed or twin beds, a seating area with sofas or armchairs, a built-in bathroom with modern fixtures, and a few. Junior suites at Hotel des Mille Collines are designed using local Rwandan elements which create a warm inviting atmosphere.
Classic room Panorama view
Classic room panorama rooms at Hotel des Mille Collines offer you a home-welcoming atmosphere, free Wi-Fi for 24/7 hours, a working desk, a private balcony, an inbuilt bathroom, a flat-screen TV, and room service, to mention but a few. While on the balcony you can be able to have a 180-degree breathtaking view of the capital city of Rwanda ‘’Kigali’’ plus the beautiful hills that make up the landscape of Rwanda.
Hotel des Mille Collines does not only offer accommodation to its guests but also offers a cultural experience to the guests that visit. This is seen through all the cultural or local art pieces displayed all over the hotel hence making it look more beautiful. Apart from making the hotel look beautiful, the art pieces displayed also benefit the artist who earns money when visitors or hotel guests buy the art crafts or pieces.
Guests at Hotel des Mille Collines can experience Rwandan culture through dances and song performances during cultural nights put up every Friday. The hotel also uses local products from local markets and fresh from gardens mostly in the restaurant sector to prepare meals for its guests.
What activities can be done and places to visit while staying at Hotel des Mille Collines?
While staying at Hotel des Mille Collines you can decide to visit different destinations and carry out different activities during your Rwanda safari, or Rwanda tour.
Some of the places to visit and activities to do include, the four national parks of Rwanda that contribute a lot to the tourism sector which are Volcanoes National Park, Nyungwe National Park, Akagera National Park, and Gishwati-Mukura National Park. Additionally, you will have the opportunity to carry out different activities when you visit these parks such as hiking, gorilla trekking, visiting Musanze caves, and bird watching, to mention but a few. Around the city you can go ahead and visit Inema Art Center to have an artistic experience, Kigali Genocide Memorial, Kigali Art Museum, to mention but a few.
Remember to buy some souvenirs when you visit the art centers so that you keep the precious memories and carry them with you wherever you go. When you buy survivors, you will also be supporting the local artists financially and contributing to eco-tourism. This is because most art crafts and pieces are made from natural and recyclable raw materials. On your arrival at the airport, using a private car, rental car or public means Hotel des Mille Collines is just a 20-minute drive from the heart of Rwanda.
