Your stay — Select Boutique Hotel
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The Property — Select Boutique Hotel
A smart, small hotel in Kiyovu, Kigali’s diplomatic quarter, that feels more like a well-run guesthouse than a corporate chain. The lobby is calm and modern, with dark furniture, local art and a reliable coffee corner. It suits business travellers who want a quiet, secure base within walking distance of restaurants and embassies, or couples after a no-fuss, clean room without frills.
Chronicles of Kigali
Kigali was founded in 1907 as a German colonial outpost, but only became the national capital at independence in 1962. Its modern shape is defined by steep hills and recent reconstruction after the 1994 genocide, which destroyed much of the old centre. Today it is known for its safe, orderly streets, strict plastic-bag ban and a fast-growing service and tech sector. Contemporary identity is a mix of resilience, green ambitions and a thriving café culture, with the memorial sites acting as a sombre counterpoint.
Best Time to Visit
Full Kigali guide →Best months
June and July – these are the driest months, with clear skies and comfortable daytime temperatures around 25°C. August is also good but slightly busier. Avoid the long rains of March–May and the short rains of October–November for outdoor exploration.
Peak / festival surge
July – the peak of the dry season coincides with the Kwita Izina gorilla-naming ceremony (early July), which draws international wildlife tourists and journalists. Hotel prices in Kigali can rise by 20–30% during that week. Safari bookings in Volcanoes National Park also sell out months in advance.
Budget shoulder season
September and February – both are dry-ish and less expensive, with lower hotel rates and fewer tourists. Weather is still pleasant, and gorilla permits are easier to get at short notice. Crowds are thinner.
Weather & packing
Kigali sits at 1,500m, so evenings are noticeably cool – a fleece or light jacket is essential after sunset. Pack for sun and showers on the same day: a waterproof shell and sun hat are both non-negotiable, even in the dry season.
Live City Briefing — Kigali
- The Kigali Arena in Remera now hosts regular international basketball and volleyball tournaments, plus concerts – check the schedule ahead.
- New pedestrian crossings and traffic lights have been installed on KN 5 Avenue near the city centre, reducing jams but still causing delays at rush hour (7.30–9am, 4.30–6.30pm).
- Rwanda’s new direct flights from Doha (Qatar Airways) and London (RwandAir) have increased visitor numbers, so book gorilla permits and guided tours early for July.
Your Perfect Room
✨ AI-generated · Jul 2026Before you check in to Select Boutique Hotel, here's what to know about choosing the right room.
Best rooms to request
Request a room on a higher floor (4th or 5th floor) to minimize street noise, which can be a concern in Kigali's busy city center. Consider a room with a city view to enjoy the views of Kigali, but be aware that this may also mean more noise from the surrounding area. Additionally, rooms with a higher floor number are likely to be farther from the lift and service entrance, reducing noise from these areas.
Rooms to avoid
Avoid rooms near the lift, as it can be a source of noise, especially in a 3-star hotel like Select Boutique Hotel. Also, rooms near the service entrance may experience more noise from delivery and staff activity.
Best views
From the higher floors (4th or 5th), you can enjoy views of Kigali's city center, including the surrounding hills and valleys. Be aware that the views may be partially obstructed by the hotel's architecture or nearby buildings.
Quietest floors
The 4th and 5th floors are likely to be the quietest, as they are higher up and farther from the street and lift. However, keep in mind that Kigali's city center can be noisy, so even on these floors, you may still hear some street noise.
🔊 Noise notes
Kigali is a busy city, and street noise can be a concern in the city center. The hotel's location means that you may hear some noise from the surrounding area, especially from the street and lift. However, the hotel's layout and higher floors can help minimize this noise.
Insider tips
1. If you're driving, consider requesting a room near the hotel's parking area, as it's more convenient for guests with cars. 2. Ask the hotel staff about the best time to visit the nearby attractions, as some may offer early morning or late afternoon tours to avoid the peak tourist hours.
- 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 — Select Boutique Hotel
free, 50 Mbps speed, no login constraints
serves all floors, no stairs-only sections
complimentary digital newsstand (PressReader) via app
check-in from 14:00, late check-in until 23:00, late check-out until 12:00 (RWF 20,000 fee after 12:00)
available 24/7, RWF 10,000 per bag per day
step-free access, wheelchair-friendly entrances, accessible rooms available
on-site parking available, RWF 20,000 per night; nearest public car park (RWF 15,000 per night), EV charging available (RWF 10,000 per charge)
Fees, Taxes & Deposits
City / tourist tax: RWF 2,500 per person per night
Deposit & card hold: RWF 50,000 advance deposit + RWF 500,000 incidental card hold at check-in
Faith & Dietary Nearby
- Church: Christian Life Assembly (1.1 km · ~14 min walk)
- Church: Solace Ministries (1.4 km · ~18 min walk)
- Church: AEBR Kacyiru (1.9 km · ~24 min walk)
- Church: Saint Dominique (1.9 km · ~24 min walk)
Local Lifestyle & Recreation
Kigali Heights — 831 m · ~10 min walk
Kigali Centenary Park — 1.4 km · ~18 min walk
Campaign Against Genocide Museum — 224 m · ~3 min walk
5-Minute Radius Essentials
Nearest — 827 m · ~10 min walk
Conseille Pharmacy — 794 m · ~10 min walk
Crystal — 929 m · ~12 min walk
Prince House — 2.5 km · ~31 min walk
Money & Currency
Get a travel card →Rwandan Franc, RWF
You can exchange currency at Kigali International Airport or at local banks, but be aware that rates are often poor at the airport and tourist bureaux. It's better to exchange at a local bank or use an ATM.
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted at hotels, restaurants, and shops, but contactless payments are less common. Mobile money services like MTN Mobile Money and Airtel Money are also widely used.
Tipping is not expected but is appreciated for good service. For taxis, round up the fare to the nearest 100 RWF, and for hotel staff, 500-1000 RWF per day is sufficient.
Eat, Shop & Travel on a Budget
Cheap car hire →You can find a cup of coffee for around 500-800 RWF at a local café or street vendor.
A traditional Rwandan meal at a local restaurant costs around 1,500-2,500 RWF.
A meal at a mid-range restaurant costs around 3,000-5,000 RWF for a main course.
Street food is common in areas like Nyabugogo and Kiyovu, where you can find a variety of local dishes like brochettes and matooke.
Supermarket chains like Imbuko and Top Supermarket have outlets in the Kigali area.
You can find affordable clothing at local markets like Kigali Central Market or at shops in the Kimihurura district.
A day pass for public transport costs around 1,000 RWF, and the cheapest way to get to the city from the airport is by taxi, which costs around 8,000-10,000 RWF.
Use public transport instead of taxis to get around the city.Eat at local restaurants and try traditional Rwandan cuisine, which is often cheaper than international options.Avoid exchanging money at the airport and use an ATM instead.
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 Select Boutique Hotel
🕒 Check-in is from . Arriving earlier? Most hotels store luggage free — just ask at reception.
🧭 First things nearby: cash · Nearest — 827 m · ~10 min walk — pharmacy · Conseille Pharmacy — 794 m · ~10 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 Select Boutique Hotel?
Request a room on a higher floor (4th or 5th floor) to minimize street noise, which can be a concern in Kigali's busy city center. Consider a room with a city view to enjoy the views of Kigali, but be aware that this may also mean more noise from the surrounding area. Additionally, rooms with a higher floor number are likely to be farther from the lift and service entrance, reducing noise from these areas.
Which rooms should I avoid at Select Boutique Hotel?
Avoid rooms near the lift, as it can be a source of noise, especially in a 3-star hotel like Select Boutique Hotel. Also, rooms near the service entrance may experience more noise from delivery and staff activity.
Is Select Boutique Hotel noisy?
Kigali is a busy city, and street noise can be a concern in the city center. The hotel's location means that you may hear some noise from the surrounding area, especially from the street and lift. However, the hotel's layout and higher floors can help minimize this noise.
Which rooms have the best views at Select Boutique Hotel?
From the higher floors (4th or 5th), you can enjoy views of Kigali's city center, including the surrounding hills and valleys. Be aware that the views may be partially obstructed by the hotel's architecture or nearby buildings.
What are insider tips for staying at Select Boutique Hotel?
1. If you're driving, consider requesting a room near the hotel's parking area, as it's more convenient for guests with cars. 2. Ask the hotel staff about the best time to visit the nearby attractions, as some may offer early morning or late afternoon tours to avoid the peak tourist hours.
What time is check-in at Select Boutique Hotel?
Check-in at Select Boutique Hotel is from null. Check-out is by null.
Does Select Boutique Hotel have Wi-Fi?
free, 50 Mbps speed, no login constraints
Is there a city or tourist tax at Select Boutique Hotel?
RWF 2,500 per person per night
Where can I eat cheaply near Select Boutique Hotel?
A traditional Rwandan meal at a local restaurant costs around 1,500-2,500 RWF.
What is the cheapest way to get around from Select Boutique Hotel?
A day pass for public transport costs around 1,000 RWF, and the cheapest way to get to the city from the airport is by taxi, which costs around 8,000-10,000 RWF.
When is the best time to visit Kigali?
June and July – these are the driest months, with clear skies and comfortable daytime temperatures around 25°C. August is also good but slightly busier. Avoid the long rains of March–May and the short rains of October–November for outdoor exploration.
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.