IZA Serene city centre apartments

Location was okay.

Aircondioner was faulty. Television did not work until the 3rd day. Cleaners do not speak English. WiFi was erratic and unreliable. Rooms were too expensive

The owner Dawson was very attentive and responded to all questions and concerns in a timely manner. There was housekeeping every day which was a full cleaning, not a spot clean. There is a guard at the entrance to the building as well as to the entrance of the property. There is a grocery store, places to eat, banks, and shopping within a 1 mile radius. If walking isn't your thing, there are plenty of Moto around to take you where you want or need to go. The kitchen included a stove, fridge, pots & pans, cutlery, butcher block, coffee pot, tea kettle, microwave, dishes, dish soap and towel. There was an iron and ironing board provided along with a dirty clothing hamper. You can have your clothing washed for a small fee upon request. I visit Rwanda every year. And in the last 12 months I have been a total of 3 times. This is the first time since COVID that I have stayed somewhere different. I usually stay at the Marriott which has always been like a home away from home. Howevery, the IZA Serene will now be my choice of living accomodations when I visit. Not to mention the price point is wonderful even for those traveling alone. When I stay at the Marriott I have to have a roommate. PROS = Price / Location / Staff / Cleanliness / Airport Transportation / Security / Communication / Wifi / Cable / Local Telephone Line / Laundry Service Upon Request CONS = None

Location

Internet was not stable, electricity cut one morning, 7th floor walking, no elevator

We stayed there from 14- 22nd July during the Women Deliver conference in 2023. The host was super responsive from Day 1 and organised pick up where he handed the keys to us himself and showed around the apartment. The two bedroomed apartment was big, the beds very comfortable and the apartment had a lot of natural light. Only one of the bedrooms had attached bathroom and an ac, the other bedroom did not have attached toilet but the toilet was steps away and big. The ac in the drawing room was good enough to cover the living area as well as the other bedroom. The host also arranged for a fan for my friends who were staying in the 3-bedroomed apartment on request. We had a super comfortable stay. Taxis were available in from of the Marriott hotel which was bang opposite the apartment and a 2 mins walking distance. There was a pharmacy downstairs open till 9 pm so you could get water from there. The Simba Supermarket was 10 minutes walking distance though Kigali is a hilly area and walking that 10 mins could be a chore. The kitchen was operational and the stove and chimney worked perfectly.

The water in the shower was erratic - it was either too hot or too cold, the mixing could not be satisfactory ever. The wifi wasnt too good either - it could be improved upon. It was absent in the last two days of our stay. One other thing, the cupboard that had glasses and mugs were too high to reach - a short stool or ladder in the kitchen will be great. A few more pots and pans in the kitchen will make cooking easier for guests.

Very well maintained, clean and spacious apartment. Dawson and his whole family were always available to help and provide advice about Kigali.

Wish there was a restuarant/cafe which was open for longer in the building.