Have you ever been stranded in a foreign city or country? Well such was the situation that led me to City Blue hotel in Kigali, Rwanda.
I arrived in Rwanda around mid-morning hours, ready for an adventure with my small suitcase in tow. ๐ It was a short-notice trip and since I love spontaneity, I went in with an open heart…little did I know that I would have to ‘pay’ for my impromptus.
Within an hour of my arrival, I was on the hunt for a hotel, because the initially-planned hotel didnโt pan outโฆ I tried my best not to panic- it felt like I was in some movie about to go really wrong, really fast! Here I was in a foreign country, without an immediate place to stay… Thankfully, my dilemma led me right to City Blue’s doorstep… Speak of blessings in disguise!
I found City Blue Hotel with the help of a cunning taxi driver, who later milked me out of all my money (story for another day!) Weโd been to a couple of places when we drove into City Blue Hotel, with fingers crossed, as I uttered silent prayers to God for a miracle.
City Blue is situated on Embassy Row, an affluent area of Kigali city,ย close to Kigali International Airport and within reach of the city centre. It is part of City Blue Chain of hotels, with a total of 4 in Africa.
The rooms, with stunningly white headboards on the bed and their aqua blue throw-pillows, reeled me in-hook, line and sinker! They have incorporated a simple but elegant theme, that makes the rooms cozy and appealing.
They have a variety of rooms: Standard single rooms, Club rooms, , Junior suites and Suites. The cost of the rooms ranges from $130 to $250.
I liked that I could sit and write, with a calming view right before my eyes. Rwanda is a beautiful country, and it entices you no matter where you look.
The hotel grounds are lovely, though small. The swing, overlooking the garden restaurant, was my favorite place to hangoutโฆI honestly think thereโs some magic to it- it makes you feel yourself relax and rejuvenated.
They have a restaurant called Harry’s where they serve oriental and continental cuisine with a hint of Italian and Indian influence.
The staff is amazingly kind, which is characteristic of the Rwandans. I cannot possibly overstate how kind they are, they always approach with genuine smiles and interest.
At night, you can hear music playing at Harry’s, but you are free to request them to tone it down if you prefer a silent night. My room happened to be close to the kitchen, where the crew’s banter woke me up. I am not a heavy sleeper so a quick call to reception, and I was able to sleep soundly.
PHOTOGRAPHY BY: WANJIKU THUO
Our time in Kigali was limited, thus my stay at City Blue wasย rather short. However, I vividly recall feeling safe and relaxed; nothing like a foreigner. ๐
Ever found yourself stranded in a foreign city or country, or even at home? I would love to hear your story on the comments below ๐
Stay Inspired ๐
NB: This is not a sponsored post.
25 Comments
Christine Mabele
December 14, 2017 at 3:07 pmHey…that looks breathtaking. I love the blue theme. Good job Marion.
Scrapbook Journeys
December 21, 2017 at 10:32 amAw thank you Christine! Great to read from you! I hope you are keeping well ๐
Happy Holidays!
The Best of 2016...in Pictures! - Scrapbook Journeys
December 22, 2016 at 1:36 pm[…] Take your own trip to Rwanda with these posts>> Blessings in Disguise: City Blue Hotel,ย Kigali’s Best-kept Secret: Select Hotel,ย Exploring the Best of Rwanda’s Art Scene, […]
DAVE
June 30, 2016 at 3:59 pmOhhooo! That hotel is most definately off- the- hook.I gotta check it out someday while in Rwanda
Scrapbook Journeys
June 30, 2016 at 6:31 pmThanks a lot Dave!Yes, City Blue is totally worth checking out! I wish you a great visit, hopefully soon in the future ๐
Anthony Maina
June 10, 2016 at 10:33 amThis reminds me of a trip I made to Arusha, Tanzania. There are amazing places out there. Travel is always a great experience and any escape top some place is worthwhile. Thank you Marion, Keep up the good job.
Scrapbook Journeys
June 12, 2016 at 4:07 pmThanks Tony for reading! I am glad the post brought back memories, hopefully they are good ones… ๐ Many thanks!
nelius
June 8, 2016 at 12:48 pmThe place looks beautiful
Scrapbook Journeys
June 8, 2016 at 5:46 pmYes it is Nelius ๐ Thanks for reading!
Irene
June 7, 2016 at 10:32 pmLove the color simplicity, makes for elegance! I agree they are pricey… but well nothing like comfort away from home. I am sure you have lessons learnt from you money milking taxi-man experience!……
Scrapbook Journeys
June 8, 2016 at 5:49 pmYes indeed Irene-spot on! Wah, I certainly learned a good deal thanks to the taxi man ๐ Haha
Janet
June 7, 2016 at 10:14 amLovely read and Hotel. Take me with you on your many travels.
Keep going.
Scrapbook Journeys
June 7, 2016 at 9:10 pmJanet, thank you for reading!! I would love to take you with me my fellow wordsmith ๐
Nesh Kanja
June 3, 2016 at 10:17 amHi Marion and Scrap Book Journeys,
Great read there and glad of your first East Africa Post. Keep up the good job and let us know the wonders of Kenya and Africa as a whole. This trip reminds me how i got left by the bus two times the last time i was in Kigali Rwanda, Jan of 2015. I was not lost per say but the trip had its memories.
looking forward to the next read already.
Scrapbook Journeys
June 7, 2016 at 9:07 pmWow! Twice? That sounds scary, seems like this bus issue is serious as well. Thanks for sharing your experience ๐ Yes, I look forward to discovering and sharing more about East African and beyond! Truly tough times later form fond memories ๐
Mercy
June 3, 2016 at 6:50 amBeautiful…
Scrapbook Journeys
June 7, 2016 at 9:01 pmThanks for reading Mercy!
Diana Busolo
June 2, 2016 at 9:31 pmNice Hotel makes me wish I would travel to Rwanda
Scrapbook Journeys
June 7, 2016 at 9:00 pmThank you for reading Diana! Wow, I hope you get to travel to Rwanda and City Blue ๐
patricia
June 2, 2016 at 8:38 pmi loove the place never thought Rwanda has such nice places someone needs to sponsor me to Rwanda hahaa
Scrapbook Journeys
June 7, 2016 at 8:59 pmhahaha I feel you! Perhaps you and hubby can go down to Rwanda on your next trip…Yes..no? HINT ๐ Thanks for reading dear, I know you would love it!
Wanjiku
June 2, 2016 at 6:47 pmIt was more of a re direction to a beautiful place…..to a magical swing.
Always love to get the description in words โบ
Scrapbook Journeys
June 7, 2016 at 8:58 pmHaha that swing though! I know you can attest to the magic behind the swing….:) And I love the pics too! Thanks Wanjiku Thuo ๐
MS. mithamo
June 2, 2016 at 3:15 pmI don’t know what’s more beautiful : the place or the story. Makes me want to go to Rwanda even more.. Love it and you look amazing
Scrapbook Journeys
June 7, 2016 at 8:57 pmThank you dear for reading ๐ I am sure you will love Rwanda!! We shall totally visit again-it is too lovely not to re-visit! xoxo