Overview
In the heart of downtown Kigali, on a quiet side street high on a hill, you will find the Heaven Boutique Hotel. This independently owned cluster of two boutique hotels and two restaurants, set in a leafy residential street just a short walk from the city centre, works well for both a quick stop or a longer stay.
Assiduously run by an American couple who first came here in 2006, the motivation behind Heaven Rwanda is to provide young adults with vocational training and employment in the hospitality industry. The hotel’s keen and ever-smiling staff are one of the joys of staying here. The hotel is also environmentally conscious through the use of solar power and locally crafted furniture made with teak from sustainable forests.
The hotel is privately owned and run by Josh and Alissa Ruxin. It is an ideal stopover for travelers on their way to or from lodges and camps in Volcanoes National Park. Spend a little more time exploring Kigali while making the Heaven your home away from home.
The most affordable rooms are categorized as Villa Queen Economy, which are the only ones without air-conditioning – a good pick if you are just passing through for a night. These form part of the two-storey Villa building which is set apart from the rest of the hotel and close to a main road with some traffic noise. All the rooms here have a balcony and throughout the property amenities include mosquito nets, TV and mini-fridge, plus tea, coffee and purified water. Three small and somewhat boxed-in Onsite rooms are set close to Heaven restaurant, while the Garden Chalet rooms and suites enjoy the most attractive location beside a large lawn, small pool and the gym. All these rooms were created from existing buildings and their style is colourful with Rwandan touches.
The city centre lies a 10-minute walk west with shops, banks, restaurants and the lively Nyarugenge Market.
Why we like it
Close to Kigali city centre and Nyarungenge Market
Stylish intimate accommodation which is a good alternative to the big hotels
The hotel is providing young adults with vocational training and employment in the hospitality industry
Set with lush landscaping with beautiful flowers and hibiscus with a workout area and a relaxing swimming pool
Activities
Connect with locals at the Nyamirambo Women’s Center
Visit Question Coffee with a “crop to cup” experience
Prepare the “urwagwa” local banana beer experience
Kigali city tour
Visit the Inema Arts Centre
A visit to the Kigali Genocide Museum
Visit the Kimironko market
Visit the 1000 hills distillery
Location
Kigali, Rwanda