MARRIOTT International, Inc. has opened Kigali Marriott Hotel, a new property under the signature Marriott Hotels brand located in the central business district of the Rwandan capital. The hotel represents the company's entry into Rwanda and Marriott Hotels' first property in Southern Africa, an exciting addition to Marriott Hotels' growing portfolio of hotels in major capital cities around the world. The design of the Kigali Marriott Hotel is inspired by the lush hillsides, flowering trees, winding boulevards and bustling streets of this vibrant city that is one of the most attractive capital cities in Africa, as well as one of the cleanest and friendliest. Alex Kyriakidis, President and Managing Director, Marriott International Middle East and Africa, said "we are thrilled to be opening a Marriott Hotel in Rwanda and we believe the property will play a significant role in catering to the desires of business and leisure tourists alike. Marriott is committed to the Southern African market, and our rapid expansion demonstrates our belief in the continent's booming economies. Moreover, our expansion is able to support the creation of job opportunities for local residents, and in this case contribute to Rwanda's economic vision for developing as a travel destination." Boasting beautiful views of the majestic Mt. Kigali, only 20 minutes from Kigali International Airport, the 254-room hotel offers travelers a new perspective on this cosmopolitan location and its people. Its deluxe guest rooms and 25 Suites are designed with a spacious and upgraded look with tailored solutions that are as inventive as the guest, including large 48 inch LCD TVs, high-speed internet and work surfaces providing flexibility to freely move and use technology wherever the guest desires. "Travel expands the mind and it is an exciting time for our brand as we expand to new destinations around the world. We are delighted to be able to host travelers at this beautiful metropolis in Southern Africa. We want our guests to experience forward-thinking, aesthetically pleasing spaces that help foster their inventive nature," said Matthew Carroll, vice president, Marriott Hotels. "Marriott Hotels has consistently pushed the boundaries of innovation in travel to create experiences that inspire and seamlessly match our guests' best thinking." Located at Rwanda's geographical heart, the rapidly growing city of Kigali is not only the national capital, but also the country's most important business center and main port of entry. In 1907, Kigali was a small colonial outpost with little link to the outside world. Today, Kigali has come of age as the capital of Rwanda. It is a city that has not just survived, but is now thriving and has grown into a modern metropolis - a heart of the emerging Rwandan economy and a pride of every Rwandan. Kigali is blessed with a moderate high altitude climate that belies its tropical location, with the Kigali Marriott conveniently located within three hours' drive of the main tourist sites within Rwanda. This sophisticated property offers guests an inspiring introduction to this land of a thousand hills and an ideal springboard from which to explore the country. Famous attractions nearby include The Presidential Palace, Museum of Natural History-Kandt House, Nyabugogo Market, Inema Arts Center and Kigali Genocide Memorial.
