Unfortunately my layover in Kigali was fairly short, as I was arriving from Nairobi after 4PM, and my flight the following morning to London was at 8AM. While I didn't get to see a lot this time around (other than walking around the area near the hotel for a bit), it's a place I definitely…
Continue reading: Review: Marriott Kigali
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40 USD for airport transfer in Kigali. Someone must have had a good laugh at your expense.
Also, gorilla trekking is better done on the Ugandan side.
@ John -- I'd really like to stay there, but figured I'd save it for next time, when I actually return to visit with Ford, rather than for a quick overnight.
@ Bob -- I know the typical going rate for a taxi is closer to $20, and I was fine with paying the premium for a hotel transfer. I've simply had too many issues negotiating with taxis at airports that I find a hotel car to be worth the premium. I shared more of why I feel that way in this post:
https://onemileatatime.com/hotel-car-airport/
Love the food descriptions written straight on plates in marker pen. Marriott can’t run to a few labels?
The Sofitel Legend Metropole in Hanoi has one of the most amazing club lounges you will ever be able to experience - unfortunately, you're not into Accor
Ben, I didnt say a taxi. Those are indeed a pain at Kigali in the evening.
But there are other reliable transfer services, when a nice man in a suit waits for you outside arrivals with a sign with your name. For a lot less money.
I'm staying there for 5 nights in February. There was a promo post devaluation (this is a hotel that moved up a category and was only 8000 points just a few months ago) and with the 5th night free I ended up paying 12,800 points per night, when the cheapest rate was $330 per night so I'm pretty happy with that!
Very excited about this trip, although disappointed we won't get to go gorilla trekking. Rwanda recently increased the fee from $750 to $1500 per person, and knowing you spend just an hour or so around the gorillas, we can't really afford that. It's way cheaper on the other side of the border in Uganda at "only" $600 per person, but as a LGBT traveler I am absolutely not venturing into Uganda.
@Lucky. Glad to hear you want to come back to Rwanda. I'm a tour operator/DMC based in Kigali and Kampala so let me know if I can assist you in any way. It'd be my pleasure. All the best and merry Christmas.
Spent 5 nights there last year and loved the hotel. All the staff were great, especially in the lounge. Fun part of that lounge is if you are there long enough you wind up meeting some really interesting folk who spend professional time in Rwanda and have really great insights into the country.
Lucky, you’re complaining about the service initially in the post, That’s a typical city hotel in Africa, what do you expect? Service levels of Fogo Island Inn or Aman?
Next time, based on your location and hotel brands, adjust your standard of expectation accordingly.
@ Gel -- Service at the Four Points by Sheraton Nairobi was exceptional across the board, FWIW...
I stayed there as a Gold before it went up in points which made it even more exceptional value considering the crazy high cash prices. I too wasn't impressed by the check-in staff but got upgraded to a Junior suite with a huge balcony. Lounge was quite good indeed although it's a bit odd you even have to order soft drinks. Overall excellent property and not too far from the genocide museum (i actually walked there although i guess most people will take a taxi).
I spent three nights at the Marriott in Kigali in April, and my experience of the hotel was similar to yours. Not sure if its a good thing or bad thing that the service is the same after 8 months. I also agree with you about the outstanding service in the lounge - the lounge attendants were really nice, welcoming and very interactive with the guests.
My full review of the hotel: http://0504traveller.blogspot.com/2018/07/stay-report-kigali-marriott-hotel.html
We have stayed here a couple of times, and have minimal (gold) status through Amex platinum card. Both times the ladies checking us in were super. Gave us the junior suite rooms which were excellent. I always wonder if I’m receiving the correct benefits at check in. Depending on how busy it was sounds like they goofed.
Your post described a typical short trip to "anywhere".
Last year I flew 450,000 miles and while I did appreciate the chain hotels for reliable service, the executive lounges for their predictability, the legacy airlines for their punctuality, my most memorable trip was a Shaheen Airlines flight to Lahore staying at a local hotel and hiring a local taxi driver. The other 445,000 miles, Hilton hotels and Star Alliance lounges were a blur.
Not bashing your reviews, but sometimes it maybe to you and your readers benefit to stay at a local hotel and mix a bit with the local scene, otherwise you end up describing a short trip to "anywhere."