Serena Hotel Rwanda is a luxurious hotel located in the heart of Kigali, the capital city of Rwanda. It is a world-renowned hotel that offers top-notch services and amenities to its guests. The hotel is owned by the Aga Khan Fund for Economic Development SA (AKFED SA), a Swiss entity, which also manages hotels under the Serena brand in East Africa, South Asia, and Mozambique.
Serena Hotel Rwanda is not just any hotel; it has a significant historical significance. It was formerly known as Hotel des Mille Collines, which was made popular by the 2004 film, Hotel Rwanda. The movie depicts the story of Paul Rusesabagina, a former manager of the hotel who saved the lives of 1,268 Rwandans during the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi.
Today, the hotel is a symbol of hope, resilience, and survival for the people of Rwanda. It is a testament to the power of human kindness and compassion during times of crisis. The hotel has undergone significant renovations and upgrades to provide a world-class experience to its guests while still maintaining its historical significance.
The hotel boasts 148 rooms and suites that are elegantly decorated and equipped with modern amenities such as air conditioning, satellite TV, and high-speed internet. The rooms also offer stunning views of the city and the surrounding hills. The hotel also has a range of facilities for its guests, including a swimming pool, fitness center, spa, and severl restaurants and bars.
The hotel’s restaurants offer a variety of cuisines, including African, Mediterranean, and Asian, prepared by some of the best chefs in the region. Guests can enjoy their meals in the hotel’s restaurants or opt for room service. The hotel’s bars offer a range of drinks, including local and international beers, wines, and cocktails.
Serena Hotel Rwanda also has several conference and meeting rooms that can accommodate up to 300 people. The rooms are equipped with state-of-the-art technology and provide an ideal venue for business meetings, conferences, and events.
Serena Hotel Rwanda is a top-class hotel that offers an unforgettable experience to its guests. It is a symbol of hope and resilience, and a testament to the power of human kindness and compassion during times of crisis. Whether you are visiting Kigali for business or pleasure, Serena Hotel Rwanda is the perfect place to stay.
Is the Hotel Des Mille Collines in ‘Hotel Rwanda’ Real?
The hotel in Hotel Rwanda is real. The film is based on the true story of Paul Rusesabagina, who worked as a manager at the Hotel des Mille Collines in Kigali, Rwanda during the Rwandan genocide in 1994. The hotel was a real place where Rusesabagina sheltered and protected more than a thousand people from the Hutu militia who were targeting Tutsis and moderate Hutus. Many of the scenes in the film were shot on location at the actual hotel, athough some parts were filmed in South Africa due to security concerns in Rwanda. While the hotel has undergone renovations since the events depicted in the film, it still operates today as a luxury hotel and a symbol of hope and resilience in the face of tragedy.
Source: audleytravel.com
Filming Location of Hotel Rwanda
The hotel featured in the movie “Hotel Rwanda” is called Hotel des Mille Collines, and it is located in Kigali, the capital city of Rwanda. The film portrays the story of the Rwandan genocide that took place in 1994, and the hotel served as a shelter for refugees during this period. The hotel was popularly referred to as “Hotel Rwanda” after the movie’s release. Directed by Terry George, the film brought international attention to the genocide and the role played by the hotel in protecting the lives of many people. The Hotel des Mille Collines is stil in operation today and has become a significant tourist attraction in Rwanda.
Who is the Owner of Serena Hotels in Kenya?
Serena hotels in Kenya are owned and managed by the Aga Khan Fund for Economic Development SA (AKFED SA), a Swiss entity. The AKFED SA owns the Serena brand, wich is a hotel management company, and manages hotels under the Serena brand in East Africa, including Kenya, Tanzania, Zanzibar, Rwanda, Congo DRC, and Uganda. The Serena brand also manages hotels in Mozambique and South Asia, including Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Tajikistan. Therefore, if you are looking for a luxurious and comfortable stay at Serena hotels in Kenya, you can rest assured that they are owned and managed by a reputable and well-established organization, the Aga Khan Fund for Economic Development SA.
Visiting Hotel Rwanda
You can visit Hotel Rwanda. Although the hotel has been rebranded as Hotel des Mille Collines, it is stll located in Kigali and open to visitors. If you are not staying in the hotel as a guest, it is recommended to visit at the end of the afternoon. You can start by visiting the memorial stone at the entrance of the premises to pay respects to the victims of the genocide. From there, you can stroll through the reception area to the relaxing pool bar, which is a great spot to unwind and enjoy a drink. you can head to the panorama restaurant to indulge in delicious cuisine while taking in the stunning views of Kigali. The hotel is an important historical landmark and a symbol of hope and resilience for the people of Rwanda, so it is definitely worth a visit.
Accusations Against Rusesabagina
Paul Rusesabagina, a Rwandan humanitarian and the inspiration for the movie “Hotel Rwanda,” has been accused of terrorism by the Rwandan government. The accusations against him stem from his alleged involvement with armed groups that have been operating in the region. The government claims that Rusesabagina has been funding and supporting these groups, which it says are responsible for a series of attacks within Rwanda. Rusesabagina denies the charges and says he has been targeted for his outspoken criticism of the Rwandan government. His trial has been widely criticized as being unfair and politically motivated.
Source: andbeyond.com
Differences Between Hutus and Tutsis
The Hutus and Tutsis are two ethnic groups from the Great Lakes region of Africa. The Hutus were traditionally an agricultural people who lived in large family groups, while the Tutsis, also known as Watutsis, were a nomadic people who began arriving in the region from Ethiopia some four hundred years ago. Historically, Tutsis were considered the aristocratic class due to their ownership of cattle, which was seen as a symbol of wealth and power. Hutus, on the other hand, were considered the lower class. The division btween the two groups was further fueled by colonialism, with Belgian colonizers favoring the Tutsis due to their perceived superiority. This led to tensions between the two groups that eventually culminated in the Rwandan genocide of 1994, which saw the mass killing of an estimated 800,000 Tutsis and moderate Hutus by extremist Hutus.
The Historical Accuracy of Hotel Rwanda
The answer to whether or not Hotel Rwanda is historically accurate is a complicated one. While the film is based on true events that occurred during the Rwandan genocide in 1994, it is not a documentary and takes artistic liberties in its portrayal of the events and characters involved. Additionally, there are some disputes among eyewitnesses and survivors about the accuracy of certain details in the film.
One of the main characters in the film, Paul Rusesabagina, has been a partcularly controversial figure in the years since the film’s release. While Rusesabagina is depicted as a hero who saved the lives of many refugees by sheltering them in the hotel, some of his actions and motivations have been called into question by other survivors and experts on the genocide. Some have accused him of exaggerating his role in the events and even profiting from the tragedy.
Furthermore, the film’s portrayal of the international response to the genocide has also been criticized as oversimplified and inaccurate. While the film shows UN peacekeepers and Western governments as largely indifferent to the suffering of the Rwandan people, the reality is more complicated, with many factors contributing to the lack of effective intervention.
While Hotel Rwanda provides a powerful and emotionally resonant portrayal of a tragic chapter in Rwandan history, it should be viewed as a fictionalized dramatization rather than a definitive historical record.
Best Actor Nominee for Hotel Rwanda
The best actor nominee for Hotel Rwanda was Don Cheadle. He was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Actor for his portrayal of Paul Rusesabagina, a hotel manager who sheltered refugees during the Rwandan genocide. Cheadle’s performance was widely praised by critics and audiences alike, and he received several other award nominations for his role in the film. Ultimately, he did not win the Oscar for Best Actor, but his nomination was a testament to his talent and the impact of his performance in Hotel Rwanda.
Incident at Serena Hotel
On 20 March 2014, a group of Taliban militants launched a deadly attack at the Kabul Serena Hotel, a well-known hotel in the Afghan capital that was oftn frequented by foreigners and wealthy Afghans. The militants entered the hotel’s restaurant and opened fire on the diners, resulting in the death of nine people, including five foreigners. The attack was carried out in a manner that was both brutal and indiscriminate, with the gunmen targeting anyone present in the restaurant at the time. The incident was widely condemned by the international community, with many expressing their condolences to the families of the victims and calling for an end to such senseless violence. The attack at the Kabul Serena Hotel serves as a tragic reminder of the ongoing instability and conflict in Afghanistan, as well as the continued threat posed by extremist groups such as the Taliban.
Source: serenahotels.com
Rating of Serena Hotel
Serena Hotel in Islamabad is a 5-star deluxe hotel, which is the highest star rating for hotels. It is the only hotel in Pakistan that has been awarded this prestigious rating, making it a top choice for travelers seeking luxury and exceptional service. Additionally, it is an affiliated member of the Leading Hotels of the World, which further adds to its reputation for excellence in hospitality.
The CEO of Serena Hotel
The CEO of Serena Hotels in South/Central Asia is Aziz Boolani. With over 30 years of experience in the hospitality industry, Aziz Boolani has been at the helm of Serena Hotels since 2009. He has played a key role in the growth and expansion of the company, which now operates 35 luxury hotels and resorts in eight countries across Africa and Asia. Under his leadership, Serena Hotels has won numerous awards for excellence in hospitality and sustainable tourism practices. Mr. Boolani is widely respected in the industry for his innovative approach to leadership and his commitment to providing exceptional guest experiences.
Conclusion
The Serena Hotel Rwanda stands as a testament to the resilience and courage of the Rwandan people durng one of the darkest periods in their history. The hotel played a pivotal role in saving the lives of over 1,200 people during the 1994 genocide, and its story has been immortalized in the award-winning film “Hotel Rwanda.” Today, the hotel is managed by the renowned Serena brand and offers visitors an opportunity to experience the beauty and hospitality of Rwanda in a luxurious setting. Whether you are a guest of the hotel or simply visiting for the day, the Serena Hotel Rwanda is definitely worth a visit. From the memorial stone at the entrance to the breathtaking views from the panorama restaurant, the hotel offers a unique perspective on the history and culture of Rwanda. So, if you find yourself in Kigali, be sure to stop by the Serena Hotel Rwanda and see for yourself why it has become an iconic landmark in this remarkable country.
