City Blue Hotel: Blessings In Disguise

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. 🙂 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 didn’t pan out… 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!) We’d 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,  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 hangout…I honestly think there’s 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 was  rather short. However, I vividly recall feeling safe and relaxed; nothing like a foreigner. 🙂

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 🙂

Stay Inspired 🙂

 

NB: This is not a sponsored post.

CityBlue Hotel Embassy Row