Mövenpick Kigali sits on the historic grounds of the former Umubano Hotel, one of Kigali’s first international hotels, reimagined for a new era. Over the years, the site carried several brands, including Le Méridien, Novotel and Laico. Its return to life as a Mövenpick was announced in 2022, when Kasada acquired the hotel with plans to refurbish it fully and reopen it in 2025.
The hotel opened its doors in late 2025. Today, as it celebrates its first anniversary, the figures speak for themselves, with more than 15,000 guests welcomed, over 400 events hosted, more than 30 partnerships established and over 200,000 meals served.
A home for Kigali’s events
Kigali’s conference and events scene is growing, and the hotel was built to be part of it. It offers flexible meeting rooms with panoramic views of Kigali, accommodating up to 17,000 guests, suited to meetings, events and co-working. Its location next to the Kigali Convention Centre, and minutes from the Kigali Golf Resort and BK Arena, puts guests close to the city’s major venues.
With more than 400 events hosted in twelve months, from corporate meetings to celebrations, the hotel has quickly become a go-to address. That matters at a national level too: Rwanda aims to grow MICE tourism revenue from $85 million in 2024 to $224 million by 2028.
Partnerships that grew with Movenpick Kigali
The hotel’s first year was also about building relationships. Its first major corporate partnership was as co-sponsor and official host of the prize-giving ceremony of the NCBA Golf Series. Since then, more than 30 partnerships with businesses, organisations and community partners have followed.
Tables, treats and traditions
With over 200,000 meals served, food has been at the heart of the first year. Guests can enjoy the brand’s Chocolate Hour, a daily celebration of Swiss indulgence in the hotel’s lobby. The Elephant Bar serves a variety of drinks, and the pâtisserie continues the legacy of Hotel Umubano. Founded in Switzerland in 1948 as a restaurant concept, Mövenpick has grown into a globally recognised hotel brand, and food remains core to its identity.
Rest, recharge, reconnect
Beyond meetings and meals, guests have used the heated outdoor pool, fitness center and complimentary shuttle services across the hotel’s 124 rooms and suites, many with panoramic views of the city’s green skyline.
The people behind the year
At the opening, Mediatrice Umulisa, the Hotel General Manager, said: “The hotel’s goal is to create joyful moments of genuine reconnection, where every guest feels both inspired and at home”. The hotel launched with about 160 staff, half of them women.
Here’s to year one, and to many more moments in Kigali.
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