Kigali’s Best Kept Secret: Select Hotel

There is no such thing as a pure coincidence…only beautiful instances.

 

One of the most beautiful instances I experienced in Rwanda, was discovering Select Hotel. I chanced upon this beautiful boutique hotel, during my hotel chasing escapade. Overlooking the wondrous sights of Kigali city, Select Hotel settled in my heart firmly like a happy dog, on its master’s lap. 🙂

Select Hotel is a small and luxurious boutique hotel in Kimihurura, an upscale part of Kigali. It is currently their only one in Africa, with plans to open up two more in Bangui, Central Africa, and Brazzaville, Congo.

It felt a little surreal to me as I was taken around. But as fate would have it, I did not get to stay. Yet, as I was leaving, an indelible mark had been made. Somehow, by some miracle or other, I knew I would write about this beautiful place.

 

I recall writing excited text messages to Wanjiku Thuo, in quick succession, gushing about my new find! 😀

A few days later, on a bright Sunday afternoon,  Wanjiku Thuo and I went back to Select Hotel. 😀 Like me, she was enthralled by this lovely hotel.

Their blissful garden restaurant was perfect for sipping on Fanta ‘Citron‘, a savory citrus drink we’d discovered in Rwanda. The Chef came round to say hello, making us feel welcome. We left that evening determined to go back, yet again.

We returned early the next day, praying for a positive outcome and ready to shoot.

The very first person we ran into was Chef Claude, who recognized us from the day before. I was struck by his kind demeanor, when he gave us the ‘OK’ to take pictures of the entire hotel! It was way more than we had hoped for!

Oh the joy! 😀

 

Hotel Ambience is King!

The hotel’s tranquil ambience is to be envied! It is the perfect combination of sophistication and grace, making you feel relaxed and at home.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY: WANJIKU THUO

 

A Taste of The ‘Presidential Treatment’

The rooms were simply magnificent! I especially loved the specially customized African pieces.

 

The elegant boutique hotel has 12 luxurious rooms. You can choose from their variety of rooms: the Standard, Balcony, Junior suite and Presidential suite. The rates vary depending on the length of your stay, ranging from $180 to $440

The Presidential suite was incredible! The huge suite is exquisitely presidential in every little detail… 😀

 

I looooved the bathroom in all its magnificence! Calling it a bathroom feels wrong…surely there must be a more fitting name for such amazingness?

 

The balcony affords you a wonderful view of Kigali, in all its glory. This is a place you can relax and meditate, with all of life’s problems forgotten…well, maybe. 🙂

An Unforgettable Food Experience 🙂

When we were done feeling all ‘presidential’, Chef Claude took us to his kitchen! Honestly, I have not been to a hotel where they allow you to their ‘back rooms’! For me, this was an insight into the high standards that Select Hotel upholds.

It reminds me of those awkward moments when unexpected visitors arrive, and your first impulse is to lock all the ‘inner’ doors to hide your ‘messiness’. However, the kitchen was clean, and well organized. 🙂

We got too distracted by these delectable salads being prepared for us. Yum!

The hotel majorly serves French cuisine. However, they have a versatile menu that adequately caters to international and local guests alike.

 

 

Our dessert was a delightful surprise. The idea of deep fried, crusted ice cream felt hard to imagine… But the real thing was better than anything we could have imagined…

 

Select Hotel is a great place for breakfast, lunch or dinner-the food and ambience will make your visit to Rwanda aptly memorable.

It would likely make a lovely honeymoon or couples’ holiday destination, and is perfect for a solo-trip.

They organize shuttle vans on request, thus you can be assured of  secure transport, should the need arise.

For the fitness-conscious persons, Select has a partnership with Nyarutama Tennis club, a few minutes away. The facility has a gym, tennis court and an Olympic size swimming pool.

They also have a medium size conference room that can hold up-to 12 people.

 

Our time at Select Hotel was nothing short of miraculous and amazing.

The only thing I regret, is not being able to stay at Select Hotel. Thankfully this is a wonderful excuse to visit Rwanda again 🙂

This amazing experience restored my faith in the goodness of humanity, with a lesson on having the courage to Ask. You may end up getting much more than you asked for, and in the most surprising ways. 😀

This brings my Rwanda’s destination series to a close…I hope you have enjoyed the journey  🙂

What did you think? Share your thoughts on the Comments’ Section Below. 😀

Stay Inspired 🙂