In order to match standards with customer expectations, Kigali Serena Hotel, a five star hotel, is to be refurbished. “We need to cope with the increased demand of our services, because Rwanda is growing very fast,” Said Mugo W. Maringa, Kigali Serena Hotel’s country manager. The process that will be sponsored by International Finance Corporation, Germany Investment Group and Serena Group of Hotels is to cost over $10 million - about Frw5.8 billion. “The first part of the construction will start next month, while the construction itself will begin in June or July,” Maringa said. Phase One of the construction will see the construction of a new bedroom block, which will increase the hotel rooms by 48 rooms from the current 104 rooms to 152 to create capacity for more clients. The country manager added that construction of 48 more rooms will create more employment opportunities, asserting, “It’s just like building a new hotel.”Serena’s management plans to demolish the current swimming pool and build a spacious 25-meter lap pool. The refurbishment plan indicates that Serena’s gym will be demolished and a new and a larger one set up in the new building. The plan also introduces a health spa, comprising of a Jacuzzi, steam bath and a sauna. This construction will also see the extension of the Diplomat Restaurant and four new meeting rooms with capacity increment of 44 people. Phase Two involves the construction of a new hotel reception and lobby. The gift shop and saloon will be demolished to cater for the reception, and the current reception and lobby will accommodate the new lobby. Phase Three caters for the Banana Jam Restaurant, which will be re-done and be enclosed and air conditioned, to become a specialty restaurant.Ends
