The Stipp Hotels chain boasts three different branches and yet still counting: Stipp Hotel in Kiyovu, Stipp Hotel BIS (opposite the Ninzi Hotel in Kacyiru), and Stipp Hotel in Gisenyi. 

That said, construction of the fourth branch is nearing completion, in Musanze town. In Kigali, Kiyovu is the premiere branch, established in 2005.

Stepping into Stipp Kiyovu is like walking into a warm tropical enclave away from the rat race. The hotel has a unique homely design that is characterised by thick rough cast walls that are covered under a neat layer of creeping plants.

This vintage air is complimented by the permanent hum of water dripping from raised fountains into the swimming pool. Initially a privilege reserved only for the hotel’s in-house guests, the pool has since been opened to visitors as well, although it has retained its home-like privacy.

But perhaps the best thing about the pool is the pool-side bar, which is fitted with granite bar stools installed right inside the pool, in that one can choose to have their brochette or drink while half-immersed in water.

Talking of the food, it is a Continental, Indian and African affair, and we settled for the Continental option, picking out the Stipp Beef Steak. These are chunks of beef marinated in mustard, mixed with black pepper and then fried in butter and olive oil. As a plus, and perhaps mark of distinction, their steaks come stuffed with carrot slices that are half-boiled to give the steak a bit of groove as you munch away.

My steak was accompanied by steamed French beans and onions, but chef Valens would later inform us that it also pairs well with celery, green pepper, Chinese rice, and boiled bananas.

However, the hotel’s core reputation seems to be built on its guest wing, which boasts 50 rooms. The rooms are not hotel rooms in the conventional sense of the word, rather semi-detached cottage-like facilities that give one the feeling of staying in a high-end residential estate.

One of those, the family room easily stands out, in that it is designed to accommodate a family unit or a group.

Equipped with three double-beds, the room is ideal for families with children, who may need the close attention of the parents. I gathered that the hotel has an arrangement with a few airlines, which usually send their layover passengers here for hotel stay as they await the next flight.

They have three conference facilities, with the smallest having a capacity of 15, while the biggest can host 100.