Kigali’s Best Kept Secret: Select Hotel

Travel
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.

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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.

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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! 😀

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Select_Hotel

 

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.

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PHOTOGRAPHY BY: WANJIKU THUO

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A Taste of The ‘Presidential Treatment’

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

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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… 😀

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Copy of _DSC0901 (Copy)

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Select_Hotel

 

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?

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Select_Hotel

 

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. 🙂

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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!

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

 

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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…

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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.

 

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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 🙂

 

 

 

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20 Comments

  • Reply
    Explore The Best of Boutique Hotels In Nairobi - Scrapbook Journeys
    November 4, 2016 at 5:22 pm

    […] I discovered the concept of Boutique Hotels during my visit to Rwanda. I promptly fell in love with Select Hotel, this amazing boutique hotel in Kigali… (You can read about Select Hotel>> HERE)  […]

  • Reply
    Stanleys
    June 29, 2016 at 2:44 pm

    lovely. place for holidays

  • Reply
    Lavender
    June 28, 2016 at 10:01 am

    Absolutely beautiful! Worth the read.

    • Reply
      Scrapbook Journeys
      June 28, 2016 at 8:29 pm

      Thanks dear for reading! I am glad you like Select Hotel. It is indeed a beautiful place!

  • Reply
    Atishi
    June 25, 2016 at 10:15 pm

    What a thrill to read

  • Reply
    Stella Nguu
    June 24, 2016 at 12:35 pm

    The pictures say it all. Haven’t been to Rwanda, but I intend to visit soon, and I already know where to start. At Select Hotel.

    • Reply
      Scrapbook Journeys
      June 25, 2016 at 12:01 am

      Thanks for reading and for the comment. I wish you all the best as you plan your visit!

  • Reply
    Wanjiku Thuo
    June 24, 2016 at 10:54 am

    Lovely place.
    Awesome Chef.
    Great food.
    Good service
    I would do this all over again.

    Yes Select has the cleanest Kitchen, because I have entered none other. ever.

  • Reply
    Nesh Kanja
    June 24, 2016 at 10:38 am

    Scrapbook Journeys,

    Been to Kigali three times before and seems there are a lot more gems that i will need to check out thanks to this blog. That is another majical place and thanks for showing it to us. We look forward to your other EA destination and wish the best while at it.

    What i loved about this piece is that the pics tell a whole lot about the place and your words synced so well to a very fined tuned delivery.

    • Reply
      Scrapbook Journeys
      June 24, 2016 at 11:55 pm

      Thanks a lot for taking the time to read, and comment 🙂
      It was such a wonderful find, and it’s a great pleasure to be able to share such gems 🙂
      Many thanks 😀 🙂

  • Reply
    Ben
    June 23, 2016 at 8:27 pm

    Seems like my DEC holiday is sorted. I just loved it.

    • Reply
      Scrapbook Journeys
      June 24, 2016 at 11:57 pm

      Oh wow! That is awesome Ben! Enjoy the holiday, and certainly let me know how it goes 🙂 😀

  • Reply
    Janet
    June 23, 2016 at 1:09 pm

    I like …should I ever visit Rwanda then this is def a go to place , always bringing alive the little things we take for granted. The food yaani ……:)

    • Reply
      Scrapbook Journeys
      June 23, 2016 at 7:43 pm

      Thanks Janet! Sounds like a plan!! I agree, the food is mouthwatering, thinking about it now makes me hungry 😀

  • Reply
    Alex Karanja
    June 23, 2016 at 11:49 am

    First!! :). An awesome piece right there as always. Rwanda has been added to my travel goals. Thanks Marion, keep it up.

    • Reply
      Scrapbook Journeys
      June 23, 2016 at 7:45 pm

      Aaaw!! Yes First!! Well done 😀 Thank you-super kind of you!! 😀 😀 #Goals

    • Reply
      Nesh Kanja
      June 24, 2016 at 10:50 am

      yeey, we should do a road trip there

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