Africa & Middle East Rwanda 7 Best Hotels in Rwanda By Jessica Macdonald Jessica Macdonald Facebook LinkedIn King's College London Jessica Macdonald lives in South Africa's Eastern Cape province and has been TripSavvy's Africa Expert since 2016. She also covers travel products and has written about everything from camping knives to climbing chalk. TripSavvy's editorial guidelines Updated on 05/13/22 Fact checked by Elizabeth Brownfield Fact checked by Elizabeth Brownfield University of Iowa Elizabeth Brownfield is a writer, editor, and researcher with over 15 years of experience writing about travel, food, and the home. She has contributed to such publications as Vogue, Glamour, Food Network, Martha Stewart Living, Domino, Every Day with Rachael Ray, Fitness, Tasting Table, Eater, and TripSavvy. TripSavvy's fact-checking Share Pin Email Our editors independently research, test, and recommend the best products; you can learn more about our review process here. We may receive commissions on purchases made from our chosen links. The best hotels in Rwanda are those that act as a welcoming and comfortable base from which to explore everything that this diminutive country in east-central Africa has to offer. For most visitors, Kigali is a natural starting point. The capital has a slew of highly-rated hotels to choose from, ranging from romantic boutiques to luxury offerings with extensive facilities for everyone from business professionals to traveling families. Of course, Rwanda is more than its urban areas, so our round-up of the best hotels also includes stand-out offerings near its greatest natural attractions: Volcanoes National Park (gorilla-trekking capital); Nyungwe Forest National Park (pristine chimpanzee sanctuary), and serene Lake Kivu. 7 Best Hotels in Rwanda of 2023 Best Overall: Radisson Blu Hotel & Convention Centre, Kigali Best Budget: Five to Five Hotel Best Luxury: The Retreat Best for Families: Kigali Marriott Hotel Best Near Volcanoes National Park: Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel Best Near Nyungwe Forest National Park: One&Only Nyungwe House Best on Lake Kivu: Hotel Paradise Malahide 7 Best Hotels in Rwanda View All 7 Best Hotels in Rwanda Our Top Picks Radisson Blu Hotel & Convention Centre, Kigali Five to Five Hotel The Retreat Kigali Marriott Hotel Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel One&Only Nyungwe House Hotel Paradise Malahide See More (4) Final Verdict Compare the Best Hotels in Rwanda Methodology Best Overall : Radisson Blu Hotel & Convention Centre, Kigali Courtesy of Radisson Hotels See Rates on Tripadvisor.com Why We Chose It With impressive amenities and a five-star rating from past guests, this centrally located hotel stood out for its ability to cater to a variety of different travelers. Pros Reputation for above-and-beyond service African and European restaurants on-site Unparalleled amenities for business guests Cons Atmosphere may be too corporate for some Room service can be slow Too far to walk to main downtown attractions Ranked first in the country on TripAdvisor, Radisson Blu Hotel & Convention Centre is conveniently situated between downtown Kigali and the capital’s international airport. It boasts striking, amphitheater-inspired modern architecture, and 292 rooms and suites. All rooms offer private balconies and complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi. For business visitors, the adjacent Kigali Convention Centre is a major benefit, offering 18 meeting rooms including an auditorium with the ability to accommodate up to 2,600 guests. A fitness center, spa, and outdoor pool cater to those on vacation, while on-site dining options include the Larder (for Rwandan and African specialties) and Filini (specializing in authentic Italian cuisine). Notable Amenities Convention center with 18 meeting roomsFull-service spa and fitness center Ample inner city parking with 650 spaces Best Budget : Five to Five Hotel Courtesy of Five to Five Hotel See Rates on Tripadvisor.com Why We Chose It We chose this budget-friendly Kigali hotel for its low room rates and generous complimentary amenities, including Wi-Fi and an airport shuttle service. Pros Affordable rooms with air conditioning and free Wi-Fi On-site restaurant serving hearty cuisine Free transfers to Kigali International Airport Cons Sparse decor in rooms and common areas Slow internet speeds No fitness center, pool, or spa Located close to Amahoro National Stadium and just 10 minutes by car from Kigali International Airport, Five to Five Hotel claims to be one of the most affordable hotels in the capital. Room rates start from $60 per night for a standard single room; while double, twin, and triple configurations are also available. Those traveling with kids can also find comfort on a budget in the Family Room, complete with its own lounge and dining area. Reviewers have plenty of positive things to say about the hotel, praising it for its cleanliness, accommodating staff, and tasty food. The on-site restaurant specializes in simple staples like pizza, pasta, and grilled meats. Other useful services include a meeting room and tour and car hire services. Notable Amenities A restaurant serving affordable mealsFully equipped meeting room Car hire service and free airport shuttle Best Luxury : The Retreat Courtesy of Heaven Rwanda See Rates on Tripadvisor.com Why We Chose It A focus on bespoke design, gorgeous suites, and two of the best restaurants in Kigali make this boutique hotel the obvious pick for luxury travelers. Pros Luxury villas with private saltwater pools Two restaurants for exquisite fine dining Spa offering meditation and yoga classes Cons Most luxurious suites are very expensive Not all rooms include top tier amenities Limited dining options for special diets Five-star boutique The Retreat occupies an ideal location in the affluent Kiyovu district, close to some of the city’s top attractions. With just 20 suites and a rustic aesthetic that channels the very best of contemporary Rwandan style, it truly is a private oasis in the heart of the capital. Most suites have two patios and a luxurious outdoor rain shower, while the most expensive rooms boast a saltwater plunge pool, private garden, and fully furnished living room. Dining is a highlight at The Retreat, whether you opt for international cuisine with a Rwandan twist at Heaven, or Italian, Mauritian, and Moroccan fine dining at Fusion. The hotel also focuses on wellness, with a spa and private fitness, meditation, and yoga classes. Notable Amenities Luxury suites, some with private poolsFusion fare at two fine-dining restaurantsCurated city, gorilla, and safari tours Best for Families : Kigali Marriott Hotel Courtesy of Kigali Marriott Hotel See Rates on Tripadvisor.com Why We Chose It We chose this hotel for its convenient, central location, and wide choice of family-friendly amenities, including a pool, spacious rooms, and international dining outlets. Pros Outdoor pool and children's play area Spacious rooms with cribs and play yards Global dining options to suit all tastes Cons Rooms for families can be expensive Wi-Fi is only free for Marriott Bonvoy members Airport shuttle service is an extra charge Also located in Kiyovu near the Belgian Peacekeepers Memorial, the Kigali Marriott Hotel is luxurious without being intimidating to parents with small children. Particular highlights for younger guests include the lagoon-style swimming pool and the garden with its jumping castle and mini soccer pitch. Rooms and suites are spacious, with a choice of family-friendly layouts and amenities such as cribs and play yards available upon request. With four on-site restaurants, even the pickiest eaters should find something to their taste—especially at Cucina Restaurant, the hotel’s laid-back Italian outlet. When parents need a break, there’s a spa and fitness center; and the concierge can arrange everything from safari tours to gorilla trekking. Notable Amenities Child-friendly pool and gardenFamily rooms with two double bedsRelaxed international and Italian restaurants Best Near Volcanoes National Park : Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel Courtesy of Five Volcanoes Rwanda See Rates on Tripadvisor.com Why We Chose It Frequently rated as the best accommodation option in Musanze, this boutique hotel offers a beautiful garden setting, all-inclusive meals, and close proximity to the national park. Pros Beautiful tropical gardens and outdoor pool All meals included in room rate Gorilla trekking and other activities offered Cons No option for non-inclusive room rates Wi-Fi is only available in common areas Rooms tend to fill quickly in peak season Set amid lush gardens, Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel is ideally located on the road from Musanze to Kinigi, enabling guests to reach Volcanoes National Park in less than 15 minutes. Room rates include breakfast, lunch, and dinner served in a cozy restaurant with sweeping volcano views. After meeting the park’s world-famous gorillas, cool off in the outdoor pool or request a soothing massage. Accommodation options range from eight deluxe rooms to a family suite or three-bedroom private villa. En-suite bathrooms with abundant hot water, a flatscreen TV, and a minibar come as standard. The hotel’s friendly staff can also help to arrange activities for you, including canoeing, cycling, and permits for gorilla and golden monkey trekking. Notable Amenities Restaurant and bar with volcano viewsFull board rates include all meals Family suite and three-bedroom villa available Best Near Nyungwe Forest National Park : One&Only Nyungwe House Courtesy of One&Only Nyungwe House See Rates on Tripadvisor.com Why We Chose It We chose this gorgeous boutique hotel for its ability to offer a once-in-a-lifetime, ultra-luxurious stay on the borders of Nyungwe Forest National Park. Pros Stunning location on a private tea plantation Room rates include three gourmet meals, daily Forest spa offers single and couples treatments Cons Rooms are very expensive Sometime staff can be overly attentive If price is no object, One&Only Nyungwe House offers a bit of paradise within 10 minutes of Nyungwe Forest National Park’s Gisakura entrance. The hotel is spread across five villa clusters, set within a dense forest on the edge of a private tea plantation. Rooms and two-bedroom suites are designed in a rustic African style, with private balconies that overlook the treetops and magnificent bathrooms complete with a walk-in shower and separate soaking tub. All meals are included, with multiple courses for lunch and dinner. The restaurant is particularly spectacular, with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking tea plantation vistas. During the day, join a guided nature trek, canopy walk, or chimpanzee trek, then return for indulgent treatments at the forest spa. Keep in mind, however, this hotel isn't suitable for families with young children. Notable Amenities Magnificent forest spa overlooking a tea plantationFabulously luxurious rooms with private balconyCurated, guided tours including chimpanzee treks Best on Lake Kivu : Hotel Paradise Malahide Courtesy of Hotel Paradis Malahide See Rates on Tripadvisor.com Why We Chose It With its waterfront location, fantastic staff, and adjacent private island, this hotel is our top pick for those looking for a relaxing Lake Kivu retreat. Pros Located directly on the Lake Kivu waterfront Breakfast at the alfresco restaurant included Private island for laid-back beach trips and picnics Cons Decor is comfortable, but not luxurious Food takes a long time at the restaurant Loud music sometimes heard from a bar nearby In between gorilla and chimpanzee encounters, many travelers choose to indulge in some rest and relaxation at beautiful Lake Kivu, and Paradise Malahide, on the outskirts of Gisenyi, is an excellent place to do so. A mid-range choice set directly on the lakeshore, the hotel offers just 12 individual bungalows. The majority are on the water’s edge, with two set in a secluded location further up the hill. All of them are sustainably made from local wood and volcanic rock, and decorated in a simple style with a private veranda for enjoying the view. Rates include breakfast, with options for half and full board available. The restaurant is an alfresco delight, serving local delicacies (including tilapia and sambaza fished directly from the lake), with an option to dine on the hotel’s private island as well. Notable Amenities Lakeview restaurant serving local specialtiesBungalows made with sustainable materialsPrivate island offering beach-based activities Final Verdict Rwanda is a country with many diverse attractions, from the cloud forests of Volcanoes National Park to the bustling cultural center of Kigali. Its hotel choices are just as varied. If you’re headed to the capital, our favorite all-rounder is the Radisson Blu Hotel & Convention Centre. However, if you’re traveling with small children, the Kigali Marriott Hotel is a more kid-friendly option, while The Retreat and the Five to Five Hotel cater to luxury travelers and those on a budget respectively. Outside the capital, our top choice near Volcanoes National Park is the beautiful Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel. One&Only Nyungwe House is the stand-out destination for five-star luxury near Nyungwe while Hotel Paradis Malahide promises laid-back comfort on the shores of Lake Kivu. Compare the Best Hotels in Rwanda Hotel Resort Fee Room Rates Number of Rooms Free Wi-Fi Radisson Blu Hotel & Convention Centre, Kigali Best Overall No $$ 292 Yes Five to Five Hotel Best Budget No $ 22 Yes The Retreat Best Luxury No $$$$ 20 No Kigali Marriott Hotel Best for Families No $$ 254 For Marriott Bonvoy members only Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel Best Near Volcanoes National Park No $$$ 10 Yes One&Only Nyungwe House Best Near Nyungwe Forest National Park No $$$$ 23 Yes Paradise Malahide Best on Lake Kivu No $ 12 Yes Methodology Before narrowing our selection down to the seven hotels featured in this article, we considered dozens of properties from across Rwanda. First, we filtered possibilities by location, choosing to focus on the destinations that would be of most use to potential visitors. Kigali, as the capital and gateway to the rest of the country, was an obvious inclusion, as were the top tourist attractions of Lake Kivu and Volcanoes and Nyungwe Forest National Parks. Then we read countless reviews from past guests to determine how closely each hotel’s website reflected the reality of its amenities, atmosphere, location, and service quality. We tried to include choices to suit a broad range of budgets and interests, whether readers plan on visiting Rwanda as a family, for business, or on a romantic getaway. To qualify, all hotels had to have at least a 4.5 star rating on TripAdvisor. Vicki Jauron / Getty Images Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Share Pin Email Tell us why! Submit Newsletter Sign Up By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Cookies Settings Accept All Cookies