City Blue Hotel: Blessings In Disguise

Travel
City-Blue-Hotel

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. ๐Ÿ™‚ 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 didnโ€™t pan outโ€ฆ 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!

City-Blue-Hotel

 

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!) Weโ€™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,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.

 

City-Blue-Hotel

 

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.

City-Blue-Hotel

City-Blue-Hotel

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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.

City-Blue-Hotel

City-Blue-Hotel

 

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 hangoutโ€ฆI honestly think thereโ€™s some magic to it- it makes you feel yourself relax and rejuvenated.

City-Blue-Hotel

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.

City-Blue-Hotel

City-Blue-Hotel

City-Blue-Hotel

City-Blue-Hotel

City-Blue-Hotel

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.

City-Blue-Hotel

PHOTOGRAPHY BY: WANJIKU THUO

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City-Blue-Hotel

City-Blue-Hotel

 

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. ๐Ÿ™‚

City-Blue-Hotel

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 ๐Ÿ™‚

Stay Inspired ๐Ÿ™‚

 

NB: This is not a sponsored post.

CityBlue Hotel Embassy Row

 

 

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25 Comments

  • Reply
    Christine Mabele
    December 14, 2017 at 3:07 pm

    Hey…that looks breathtaking. I love the blue theme. Good job Marion.

    • Reply
      Scrapbook Journeys
      December 21, 2017 at 10:32 am

      Aw thank you Christine! Great to read from you! I hope you are keeping well ๐Ÿ™‚
      Happy Holidays!

  • Reply
    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, […]

  • Reply
    DAVE
    June 30, 2016 at 3:59 pm

    Ohhooo! That hotel is most definately off- the- hook.I gotta check it out someday while in Rwanda

    • Reply
      Scrapbook Journeys
      June 30, 2016 at 6:31 pm

      Thanks a lot Dave!Yes, City Blue is totally worth checking out! I wish you a great visit, hopefully soon in the future ๐Ÿ˜€

  • Reply
    Anthony Maina
    June 10, 2016 at 10:33 am

    This 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.

    • Reply
      Scrapbook Journeys
      June 12, 2016 at 4:07 pm

      Thanks Tony for reading! I am glad the post brought back memories, hopefully they are good ones… ๐Ÿ™‚ Many thanks!

  • Reply
    nelius
    June 8, 2016 at 12:48 pm

    The place looks beautiful

  • Reply
    Irene
    June 7, 2016 at 10:32 pm

    Love 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!……

    • Reply
      Scrapbook Journeys
      June 8, 2016 at 5:49 pm

      Yes indeed Irene-spot on! Wah, I certainly learned a good deal thanks to the taxi man ๐Ÿ™‚ Haha

  • Reply
    Janet
    June 7, 2016 at 10:14 am

    Lovely read and Hotel. Take me with you on your many travels.
    Keep going.

    • Reply
      Scrapbook Journeys
      June 7, 2016 at 9:10 pm

      Janet, thank you for reading!! I would love to take you with me my fellow wordsmith ๐Ÿ™‚

  • Reply
    Nesh Kanja
    June 3, 2016 at 10:17 am

    Hi 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.

    • Reply
      Scrapbook Journeys
      June 7, 2016 at 9:07 pm

      Wow! Twice? That sounds scary, seems like this bus issue is serious as well. Thanks for sharing your experience ๐Ÿ™‚ Yes, I look forward to discovering and sharing more about East African and beyond! Truly tough times later form fond memories ๐Ÿ˜€

  • Reply
    Mercy
    June 3, 2016 at 6:50 am

    Beautiful…

  • Reply
    Diana Busolo
    June 2, 2016 at 9:31 pm

    Nice Hotel makes me wish I would travel to Rwanda

    • Reply
      Scrapbook Journeys
      June 7, 2016 at 9:00 pm

      Thank you for reading Diana! Wow, I hope you get to travel to Rwanda and City Blue ๐Ÿ™‚

  • Reply
    patricia
    June 2, 2016 at 8:38 pm

    i loove the place never thought Rwanda has such nice places someone needs to sponsor me to Rwanda hahaa

    • Reply
      Scrapbook Journeys
      June 7, 2016 at 8:59 pm

      hahaha I feel you! Perhaps you and hubby can go down to Rwanda on your next trip…Yes..no? HINT ๐Ÿ˜‰ Thanks for reading dear, I know you would love it!

  • Reply
    Wanjiku
    June 2, 2016 at 6:47 pm

    It was more of a re direction to a beautiful place…..to a magical swing.
    Always love to get the description in words โ˜บ

    • Reply
      Scrapbook Journeys
      June 7, 2016 at 8:58 pm

      Haha that swing though! I know you can attest to the magic behind the swing….:) And I love the pics too! Thanks Wanjiku Thuo ๐Ÿ™‚

  • Reply
    MS. mithamo
    June 2, 2016 at 3:15 pm

    I 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

    • Reply
      Scrapbook Journeys
      June 7, 2016 at 8:57 pm

      Thank you dear for reading ๐Ÿ™‚ I am sure you will love Rwanda!! We shall totally visit again-it is too lovely not to re-visit! xoxo

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