5 Swiss Hotel

Nice cosy hotel close to the financial district of Kigali. Has a small gym, and bikes you can rent, a decently priced restaurant where you can make special requests such as for a late meal. They have a small gym and bikes you can borrow to ride around. Also, does free laundry.

If you are looking for a small, quiet hotel that mixes a more local feel with all the basic comforts you need when away from your own bed, go for this. 5 Swiss has truly the kindest staff I’ve ever met, and I enjoyed (and deeply benefitted from) the long chats with the local staff over breakfasts and dinners. The little restaurant is great - accommodating and delicious. (Breakfasts were not my favorite, but custom-ordering omelettes is the way to go.) The bed was so comfortable, and I was lucky to get a room with a balcony over the garden - what a nice way to wake up, with the sun coming over the hills. There is a small fitness room inside a garden - literally. So cute and fun. This is not a “luxury” hotel, but there was really nothing I needed that I didn’t have. The rooms are clean, simple, and comfy - I arrived at 3am after a 24-hour travel and was immediately ushered in, safe and sound. After a week, I didn’t want to leave, truly, and I hope to be back soon. Yannick, Nadine, Belize, Alex the driver, everyone else - you’re all amazing. Thank you for such a wonderful stay.

I stayed here for 3 days for the quarantine requirement and really could not have been happier with the experience. I had been a bit overwhelmed by all the government approved hotel options, but based on my research (and the review of another person who quarantined here) I decided this would be the best place to stay in terms of quality and price. The hotel arranged to have a driver meet me at the airport so after arriving a bit exhausted from Uganda, the whole transfer process was very smooth. They put me in a spacious room with a delightful balcony with a decent view. Room service was always a phone call away and the meals were always delicious (the steak w/ pepper sauce was a personal favorite). I never had to wait more than 20-30 minutes for food to arrive. The staff was all delightful and friendly even when there was occasionally a language barrier. The room was cleaned daily and there was always plenty of hot water for the shower. Considering the overall quality of the hotel and food, I found the quarantine daily cost to be very reasonable. I should also mention that the location is excellent, literally a 2-3 minute walk to the center. I wouldn’t hesitate to stay here again.