Kigali Serena Hotel Kigali, which has been undergoing extension and refurbishment, has finished the first phase of the project. 

The extension and refurbishment which was projected be conducted in two phases commenced in September 2008.

The first phase involved the construction of a new wing comprising 44 guest rooms- 28 standard and 16 executive rooms plus an ultra modern 2 storey fitness centre complete with a contemporary swimming pool.

The main restaurant capacity was also increased with additional stand alone buffet area.

The $15 million (Rwf8.5 billion) project is intended to meet Rwanda’s growing demand for hotel rooms.

Statistics from the tourism office in the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) show that the country has 4,225 hotel rooms compared to 3,438 registered at the end of last year representing a record of 23 percent increase in the number of hotel rooms.

Rwanda needs about 6,000 rooms by 2012 to accommodate the increasing number of tourists.

The second phase will focus on soft refurbishments where the interior furnishings of the existing rooms will be upgraded to match the standards of the hotel’s new wing.

According to a statement from the management,  with effect from today, the Swimming pool, Sauna, Jacuzzi, Steam bath, will be fully functioning.

During the period of refurbishment, the gym, swimming pool and diplomat restaurant, which used to serve as the main restaurant, were closed to allow for the construction work to take place in these areas. 

Also during that period, to ensure minimal disruption to guests, the management insured that contractors carried out the heavy duty work during the day at times that most guests are out of the hotel. 

"For the equipments for the gym and aerobics are being installed and should be ready for use by 15th November, "the statement stated

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