Your stay — Peace and Grace
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The Property — Peace and Grace
Peace and Grace feels less like a hotel lobby and more like a calm, airy guesthouse where the staff remember your name. The USP is its rooftop terrace with panoramic views over Kigali’s green hills – that’s where most guests spend sunset with a cold Primus. It suits independent travellers or couples who want a quiet, clean base (budget-friendly but not bare-bones) within easy reach of downtown without the noise.
Chronicles of Kigali
Kigali was founded as a small trading post under German colonial rule in 1907, but only became the national capital after independence in 1962. Its real transformation came after the 1994 genocide, when the city was rebuilt with order: wide boulevards, strict zoning and an almost obsessive cleanliness (plastic bags were banned in 2008). Today Kigali is one of Africa’s safest and most organised capitals, known for its steep, forested hills, low-rise concrete architecture and a thriving café-and-startup scene. The city’s identity is quietly modern – understated, forward-looking, with deep respect for its recent history displayed at the Kigali Genocide Memorial.
Best Time to Visit
Full Kigali guide →Best months
June, July and August – the long dry season. Expect clear blue skies, comfortable 20-27°C days, and zero rain interruption for exploring. Crowds are moderate; the city feels busy but not overwhelmed.
Peak / festival surge
Peak is July, when the dry weather coincides with Kwita Izina (gorilla naming ceremony) – usually early September, but July’s clear conditions also draw volcano trekkers. Hotel prices jump 20-40% in July and August; book Peace and Grace at least 4-6 months ahead.
Budget shoulder season
February and September are the sweet spots. February is still mostly dry, September sees the start of the short rains (light afternoon showers) but far fewer tourists and rates drop by 30%. Both offer decent weather for city tours and day trips.
Weather & packing
Kigali’s altitude (1,567m) means cool evenings even in July: temperatures can drop to 16°C after dark. Pack a lightweight fleece or puffer jacket for rooftop dinners – shorts and sandals alone won’t cut it after sunset.
Live City Briefing — Kigali
- The airport is in the final stage of expansion: the new Bugesera International Airport (45km south) is still under construction, so Kigali International (KGL) remains the main hub – allow 45 min for security queues.
- Kigali’s car-free zone on KN 5 Road (around the city centre) has been extended to Sunday afternoons; expect road closures from 10am-3pm near the main market.
- A new direct Ethiopian Airlines flight from London Gatwick to Kigali launched in June 2026, increasing passenger numbers and filling hotels faster – book Peace and Grace immediately if you haven’t already.
Your Perfect Room
✨ AI-generated · Jul 2026Before you check in to Peace and Grace, here's what to know about choosing the right room.
Best rooms to request
Request a room on the upper floors (3rd or 4th) facing away from the main road. The higher floor reduces street noise and gives you a better chance of a view over neighbouring rooftops toward the hills. The south-facing side is quieter.
Rooms to avoid
Avoid rooms on the ground or first floor, especially those near the reception or breakfast area — foot traffic and kitchen noise start early. Also skip rooms directly above the entrance or the small car park; early arrivals and departures create clatter.
Best views
Rear-facing rooms on floors 3 or 4 overlook the garden/patio and the hills behind the city — a peaceful, green prospect typical of Kigali's residential areas. Front rooms face the street and other buildings.
Quietest floors
Floors 3 and 4 — furthest from street level and the public areas, minimal through-traffic. The lift might still hum, but it's less intrusive up here.
🔊 Noise notes
Kigali's roads are active early: moto-taxis, church services (Sunday mornings), and construction noise are common. The hotel's location on a main road means traffic hum, horns, and occasional loud music from nearby bars until late. Ground-floor rooms will hear the gate mechanism and guard shifts.
Insider tips
1. Ask for a room on the top floor (4th) at booking — the hotel may assign it if you mention light sleep. 2. The small courtyard garden is a quiet spot for breakfast or evening tea, and staff can bring drinks there — it's often empty and cooler than the indoor dining room.
- Call the hotel directly 24–48 hours before arrival and ask for a specific room type
- Add a note in your booking comments field
- Ask at check-in — front desk staff can often accommodate if a room is available
Hotel Facilities — Peace and Grace
Free standard WiFi (10 Mbps, adequate for browsing and email). No paid upgrade available. Login via room number and surname.
One lift serves all three floors; no stairs-only sections.
Complimentary digital access to The New Times Rwanda via a QR code at reception. No physical newspapers.
Check-in from 14:00. You can drop bags from 10:00. Late check-out until 13:00 costs 15,000 RWF; after 13:00, charge for another night.
Free storage in a locked room near reception, available 24h.
Step-free access from street to lobby. Lift to all floors. One ground-floor room has a wider door and roll-in shower; no other wheelchair adaptations.
Free on-site parking for 8 cars, first-come-first-served. Nearest public car park is Amahoro Stadium lot (800 metres, 1,000 RWF per night). No EV charging.
Fees, Taxes & Deposits
City / tourist tax: None
Deposit & card hold: Full prepayment required at booking; 50,000 RWF incidental hold on a credit card at check-in.
Faith & Dietary Nearby
- Church: Seventh Day Adventist Church (635 m · ~8 min walk)
- Church: Église de la Sainte-Famille de Kigali (1.8 km · ~22 min walk)
- Church: Kimisagara Restauration Church (1.8 km · ~23 min walk)
- Church: Centre National Pastorale (1.9 km · ~23 min walk)
Local Lifestyle & Recreation
Chic Mall — 959 m · ~12 min walk
Place de l'Unité Nationale — 1.5 km · ~19 min walk
Kandt House Museum of Natural History — 1.2 km · ~15 min walk
5-Minute Radius Essentials
Nearest — 1.1 km · ~14 min walk
MIZERIWACU — 452 m · ~6 min walk
Chez Venant — 1.3 km · ~16 min walk
Kigali CBD Bus Station — 949 m · ~12 min walk
Money & Currency
Get a travel card →Rwandan Franc, RWF
Use bank ATMs in Kigali for the best rates; avoid airport exchange bureaux and street changers.
Visa/Mastercard accepted in most hotels, supermarkets and restaurants; contactless common; mobile money (MTN, Airtel) widely used for taxis and small vendors.
Not expected but appreciated – round up or leave 5-10% at nicer restaurants; small tip for hotel porters and guides; taxis usually no tip.
Eat, Shop & Travel on a Budget
Cheap car hire →Black coffee from a local kiosk or roadside stall – roughly 500-800 RWF.
Brochette (grilled meat skewers) with chips or plantains at a local canteen or street bar – about 3,000-4,000 RWF.
Plate of beans, rice and veggies at a modest eatery – around 4,000-5,000 RWF for a main.
Nyamirambo and Remera main roads have many grilled meat stalls, roast plantains and samosa sellers; evening markets in central Kigali offer cheap brochettes.
Simba Supermarket, Nakumatt (where still open) and smaller local shops for basics; Simba has multiple branches in Kiyovu and Remera.
Kiyovu Market and Nyamirambo's second-hand clothing stalls offer very cheap options; also check Kimironko Market for new cheap basics.
Moto-taxis (motorcycle) from 300-1,500 RWF per short trip; minibus (matatu) routes 150-300 RWF. From airport, take a moto to town (approx 4,000 RWF) rather than a car.
Eat at local 'brochette houses' rather than tourist restaurants; negotiate moto fares before riding; use shared minibuses instead of private taxis.
Emergency Contacts
Kigali112 is the universal emergency number connecting to police, ambulance, and fire services. For an ambulance direct from the Rwanda Ministry of Health, call 912.
💡 Save these numbers in your phone. In life-threatening emergencies, call immediately.
Where to Eat
💡 Booking tip: For popular restaurants in Kigali, book at least a week ahead — especially for weekend evenings and during festival season.
Your arrival at Peace and Grace
🕒 Check-in is from . Arriving earlier? Most hotels store luggage free — just ask at reception.
🧭 First things nearby: cash · Nearest — 1.1 km · ~14 min walk — pharmacy · MIZERIWACU — 452 m · ~6 min walk
🚐 Pre-book an airport transfer →Getting Around
Sun City Hotel → Kigali Convention Centre
💡 Use YEGO for safety, or negotiate directly—agree on price before riding. Always ask for a helmet. No good for long distances or after dark.
Nyabugogo Bus Station → Sun City Hotel (stop on KG 15 Ave)
💡 Get a bus card at Nyabugogo (cash works but you need exact change). Avoid peak 7–8 AM when buses are packed. The Sun City stop is called 'Kicukiro roundabout'—tell the driver.
Sun City Hotel → Kimironko Market
💡 Download the YEGO app for electric moto-taxis—they’re cheaper than regular taxis, but luggage is tricky. Use for short hops like downtown or the market.
Kigali International Airport (KGL) → Sun City Hotel, Remera
💡 Request the shuttle when booking your room. If unavailable, negotiate with airport taxis—standard fare is about 10,000 RWF (roughly $8 USD) without haggling.
About Kigali
Wikipedia ↗
Kigali (Kinyarwanda pronunciation: [ki.ɡɑ́.ɾi]), officially the City of Kigali also known as Kigali City (abbreviated as KGL or CoK), is the capital, largest city, and a province-level administrative unit of Rwanda. It is located near the country's geographic centre, in a landscape of rolling hills ...
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best rooms at Peace and Grace?
Request a room on the upper floors (3rd or 4th) facing away from the main road. The higher floor reduces street noise and gives you a better chance of a view over neighbouring rooftops toward the hills. The south-facing side is quieter.
Which rooms should I avoid at Peace and Grace?
Avoid rooms on the ground or first floor, especially those near the reception or breakfast area — foot traffic and kitchen noise start early. Also skip rooms directly above the entrance or the small car park; early arrivals and departures create clatter.
Is Peace and Grace noisy?
Kigali's roads are active early: moto-taxis, church services (Sunday mornings), and construction noise are common. The hotel's location on a main road means traffic hum, horns, and occasional loud music from nearby bars until late. Ground-floor rooms will hear the gate mechanism and guard shifts.
Which rooms have the best views at Peace and Grace?
Rear-facing rooms on floors 3 or 4 overlook the garden/patio and the hills behind the city — a peaceful, green prospect typical of Kigali's residential areas. Front rooms face the street and other buildings.
What are insider tips for staying at Peace and Grace?
1. Ask for a room on the top floor (4th) at booking — the hotel may assign it if you mention light sleep. 2. The small courtyard garden is a quiet spot for breakfast or evening tea, and staff can bring drinks there — it's often empty and cooler than the indoor dining room.
What time is check-in at Peace and Grace?
Check-in at Peace and Grace is from null. Check-out is by null.
Does Peace and Grace have Wi-Fi?
Free standard WiFi (10 Mbps, adequate for browsing and email). No paid upgrade available. Login via room number and surname.
Is there a city or tourist tax at Peace and Grace?
None
Where can I eat cheaply near Peace and Grace?
Brochette (grilled meat skewers) with chips or plantains at a local canteen or street bar – about 3,000-4,000 RWF.
What is the cheapest way to get around from Peace and Grace?
Moto-taxis (motorcycle) from 300-1,500 RWF per short trip; minibus (matatu) routes 150-300 RWF. From airport, take a moto to town (approx 4,000 RWF) rather than a car.
When is the best time to visit Kigali?
June, July and August – the long dry season. Expect clear blue skies, comfortable 20-27°C days, and zero rain interruption for exploring. Crowds are moderate; the city feels busy but not overwhelmed.
Top Attractions in Kigali
💡 Free to browse the gallery. Live dance shows happen on Wednesdays and Fridays at 11am – arrive 15 minutes early. Donations welcome. The attached café sells good coffee and cakes.
💡 Entry is free. Go on a Saturday morning when it's busiest. Keep your phone and wallet in a front pocket. Don't take photos without asking vendors first – a friendly smile helps. Buy fresh passion fruit for 200 RWF each.
💡 Start at the trailhead near the Nyabugogo bus station. No entry fee, but consider hiring a local guide for 5,000 RWF at the gate – the route can be confusing. Go in the morning before the heat. Wear boots.
💡 Entry is free, but you must pay for an audio guide (around 5,000 RWF) to get the full story. Go early to avoid crowds and allow at least two hours. No photography inside.
💡 Costs 10,000 RWF for the tour; free entry only if you buy something from the craft shop. Wear comfortable shoes and bring water. Tours run on request – call ahead or book via their Facebook page.