Radisson Blu Hotel & Convention Centre, Kigali — Hotel in Kimihurura

First and foremost, this hotel is incredibly convenient if you’re attending an event at the Kigali Convention Center. It’s just a short two-minute walk from the hotel to the venue, which is a huge plus—especially when considering the city’s traffic. Being located within the same secure compound is a major advantage.

Check-in was simple and efficient. The staff were transparent about all charges, providing 100% clarity on each transaction as it was processed.

The service overall was friendly and welcoming, as you’d expect from a Radisson property.

Rooms are arranged in a sort of “spoke” or “wing” layout, radiating out like a fan. This can be good or bad, depending on your position within the building. Half the rooms face inward toward the pool area, while the others face outward—either toward the Convention Center or the surrounding roads. Be aware that rooms facing the pool can be a little noisy during the day due to activity around the pool, but things tend to quiet down in the evenings.

The rooms themselves are a little quirky. There are multiple cupboards, although not all of them are particularly useful. One seemed to be a display for the air conditioning unit, which was a bit puzzling.

Bathrooms are functional—nothing especially luxurious, but clean and practical, as you’d expect from a business-oriented hotel. The air conditioning was high quality, which is a real plus given the heat in Rwanda.

Breakfast was included in our package, and it was excellent. There was plenty of fresh fruit, and a variety of hot options that catered to African, Asian, and European tastes. Everything was fresh, with good coffee, juices, and attentive service.

A special mention goes to the wonderful Betty K, who looked after us throughout our stay. She was consistently friendly, helpful, and always greeted us with a warm smile—something we really appreciated during a busy conference week.

The pool area sits at the centre of the compound and can be quite lively during the day. There’s a bar next to the pool, which during our conference, hosted an evening buffet (“smorgasbord”). The food was tasty, offering African and European dishes—including desserts—at around $30 USD per person. It was excellent value and incredibly convenient after a long day.

We didn’t get a chance to explore the other restaurants in the hotel, so I can’t comment on those.

Laundry services were available and reasonably priced—starting at about $1 USD per shirt. Compared to hotels in the US or Europe, this was very economical.

The Radisson Blu at the Convention Center is a solid four-star hotel. While I wouldn’t say it reaches five-star luxury, its location and service make it a highly reliable option—particularly for conference attendees. You really can’t go wrong staying here if you’re attending an event nearby.

Additional notes: • There are two shopping centres within walking distance. • There’s a private back gate for hotel guests only, which allows easy access to the Convention Center without needing to pass through the main security checkpoints. I’m not sure if this is officially advertised, but it’s a very handy feature. • If you’re considering using local transport, I highly recommend the motos (motorcycle taxis). They’re extremely economical and easy to access at the top of the hill behind the Convention Center. Taxis are also available, but I found their pricing to be quite inconsistent, whereas motos tend to have much more stable and...

The Kigali Convention Centre (KCC) is a standout architectural landmark and a symbol of Rwanda’s vision, growth, and hospitality.

I visited recently and left impressed by every detail, from its bold design to the thoughtful user experience throughout the space.

Architecture & Design The dome-shaped structure is inspired by the traditional Rwandan king’s palace, merging heritage with modernity. By day, it’s striking in its clarity. At night, the LED-lit dome transforms into a visual masterpiece you can spot from different parts of the city.

The entire complex includes the Radisson Blu Hotel, the convention center, and Kigali Heights mall, all connected yet distinct in function and feel.

Interior & Facilities Inside, the space is expansive and well-organized. The main auditorium seats over 2,500 and is equipped with state-of-the-art AV tech. Breakout rooms are soundproof, spacious, and tech-ready, ideal for conferences, workshops, or private meetings.

The layout makes navigation easy, with clear signage and helpful staff around. Lighting, ventilation, and restroom facilities are all well-maintained and world-class.

Events & Experience Whether you're attending a global summit, a fashion show, or a corporate event, the KCC delivers a polished experience. The acoustics, seating, crowd flow, and security checks are all thoughtfully planned.

The outdoor terrace areas are perfect for networking or taking a break with a view of the city skyline.

Accessibility & Location KCC is centrally located, about 15 minutes from Kigali International Airport. Parking is well-structured and secure. For guests, the Radisson Blu provides direct access without needing to leave the premises. You can also explore Kigali Heights next door for coffee, quick meals, or errands between sessions.

Overall Impression The Kigali Convention Centre is more than a venue. It’s a symbol of Rwanda’s progress and pride. Whether you’re visiting as a local or traveler, it’s worth walking through, even if you’re not attending an event.

I’d recommend it for: International conferences Creative and cultural events Corporate functions Even photo walks or architectural tours This space reflects excellence,...

Our organization, Trócaire Rwanda, had the privilege of hosting events and meetings at the Radisson Blu Hotel & Convention Centre, Kigali in 2024, and the experience was nothing short of outstanding!

From the moment we arrived, we were greeted with exceptional warmth and professionalism. The staff went above and beyond to ensure every detail of our event was perfectly executed, showcasing remarkable attention to detail and flexibility in accommodating our needs.

The conference facilities were world-class—spacious, well-equipped, and impeccably maintained. The audiovisual setup and technical support were seamless, contributing to the success of our sessions. The dining experience was equally remarkable, with a variety of delectable dishes that catered to diverse dietary preferences, leaving our guests thoroughly impressed.

The overall ambiance of the hotel, with its stunning modern design and vibrant yet serene atmosphere, provided the perfect environment for productivity and relaxation (see photos). Every interaction with the team—whether at reception, catering, or housekeeping—was a testament to their commitment to excellence and genuine hospitality.

We are deeply grateful to Radisson Blu Kigali for making our time here so memorable and impactful. We wholeheartedly recommend this venue to anyone seeking top-notch service and facilities for events, conferences, or even a luxurious stay.

Thank you, Radisson Blu Kigali, for your incredible partnership and unparalleled service! We look forward to working with you again in the future.

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