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Discover Rwanda Gisenyi Beach

3.0 star property
Relax lakeside where warm hospitality meets natural beauty. Enjoy delicious meals and unwind in style.

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Photo gallery for Discover Rwanda Gisenyi Beach

View from property
Exterior
Fireplace
View from property
2 bars/lounges

Reviews

7.4 out of 10
Good

Popular amenities

  • Airport transfer
  • Bar
  • Pool
  • Free breakfast
  • Free parking
  • Laundry facilities
Main amenities
  • Daily housekeeping
  • Near the beach
  • Restaurant and 2 bars/lounges
  • Beach towels
  • Room service
  • Airport shuttle
  • Area shuttle
  • Terrace
  • Garden
  • Front-desk safe
  • Laundry service
  • Self-serve laundry
Feel at home
  • Rollaway/extra beds
  • Garden
  • Terrace
  • Daily housekeeping
  • Laundry facilities
  • Barbecue grill(s)

Room options

Available filters for rooms
Showing 4 of 4 rooms

View all photos for Deluxe Double Room

Deluxe Double Room | Desk, rollaway beds, free WiFi, bed sheets

Deluxe Double Room

Highlights

Private bathroom
Free bottled water
Daily housekeeping
Desk
  • 129 sq ft
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

View all photos for Family Room

Family Room | Desk, rollaway beds, free WiFi, bed sheets

Family Room

Highlights

Private bathroom
Separate bathtub and shower
Free bottled water
Daily housekeeping
Desk
  • 301 sq ft
  • Beach view
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 Queen Bed and 2 Twin Beds

View all photos for Shared Dormitory ( 8 )

Desk, rollaway beds, free WiFi, bed sheets

Shared Dormitory ( 8 )

Highlights

Daily housekeeping
Desk
  • 301 sq ft
  • Beach view
  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Twin Bunk Bed

View all photos for Shared Dormitory (6 )

Shared Dormitory (6 ) | Desk, rollaway beds, free WiFi, bed sheets

Shared Dormitory (6 )

Highlights

Daily housekeeping
Desk
  • 194 sq ft
  • Beach view
  • Sleeps 6
  • 1 Twin Bed

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About the neighborhood

Map
Rue de la Cooperation, Gisenyi

What's nearby

  • Gisenyi Beach - 1 min walk
  • Rwanda Tourism University College - 18 min walk
  • Université Libre de Kigali - 3 min drive
  • Nyamyumba Hot Springs - 7 min drive
  • Parc National des Virunga - 9 min drive

Getting around

  • Kigali (KGL-Kigali Intl.) - 63.2 miles/101.7 km
  • Airport shuttle (surcharge)
  • Area shuttle (surcharge)

Restaurants

  • ‪Kivu Resto - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪Caritas Hotel - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪The New Tam Tam - ‬10 min walk
  • ‪Migano Cafe - ‬3 min walk
  • ‪Salt and Pepper Restaurant - ‬3 min drive

About this property

Discover Rwanda Gisenyi Beach

Discover Rwanda Gisenyi Beach is a great choice for a stay in Gisenyi. Guests looking for a bite to eat can check out the restaurant, and the 2 bars/lounges are nice spots to grab a drink at the end of the day. Other highlights at this Colonial hotel include a terrace and a garden.

Languages

English, French

At a glance

DONE

Hotel size

    • 7 rooms
    • Arranged over 2 floors
DONE

Arriving/Leaving

    • Check-in start time: 2 PM; Check-in end time: 11 PM
    • Minimum check-in age: 18
    • Check-out time is 11 AM
    • Late check-out subject to availability
DONE

Special check-in instructions

    • This property offers transfers from the airport (surcharges may apply); guests must contact the property with arrival details before travel, using the contact information on the booking confirmation
    • The front desk is open daily from 7 AM - 11 PM
    • Guests must contact the property in advance for check-in instructions; front desk staffed during limited hours
    • To make arrangements for check-in please contact the property ahead of time using the information on the booking confirmation
    • If you are planning to arrive after 10:30 PM please contact the property in advance using the information on the booking confirmation
DONE

Required at check-in

    • Credit card, debit card, or cash deposit required for incidental charges
    • Government-issued photo ID may be required
    • Minimum check-in age is 18
DONE

Children

    • No cribs (infant beds)
DONE

Pets

    • Pets not allowed
    • Service animals welcome
WIFI

Internet

    • Free WiFi in public areas
    • Free WiFi in rooms
LOCAL_PARKING

Parking

    • Free onsite self parking
    • Free onsite extended parking
    • Free offsite parking nearby
DONE

Transfers

    • Airport shuttle on request (available 24 hours)*
DONE

Offsite

    • Area shuttle*
DONE

Other information

    • Designated smoking areas

Property amenities

Food and drink

  • Free cooked-to-order breakfast each morning 7 AM–9:30 AM
  • 2 bars/lounges
  • Restaurant
  • Barbecue grills
  • Room service (limited hours)

What to do

  • Beach access
  • Bicycle rentals nearby
  • Kayaking nearby
  • Windsurfing nearby

Working away

  • Meeting room
  • Conference space (108 square feet)

Services

  • Front desk (limited hours)
  • Tour/ticket assistance
  • Dry cleaning/laundry services
  • Luggage storage
  • Wedding services
  • Beach towels
  • Pool loungers

Facilities

  • 2 buildings/towers
  • Built in 1955
  • Safe-deposit box at front desk
  • Garden
  • Picnic area
  • Terrace
  • Colonial architecture

Room amenities

Sleep well

  • Rollaway/extra bed (surcharge)
  • Bed sheets provided

Freshen up

  • Free toiletries
  • Towels

Stay connected

  • Desk
  • Free WiFi

More

  • Daily housekeeping

Special features

Dining

Onsite venue - Overlooking the ocean and garden, this fine-dining restaurant specializes in African cuisine and serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Guests can order drinks at the bar and enjoy alfresco dining (weather permitting).

Fees & policies

Optional extras

  • Airport shuttle service is offered for an extra charge of RWF 90000 per person (one-way)
  • Area shuttle service is offered for an extra charge
  • Late check-out can be arranged for an extra charge of RWF 20 (subject to availability)

Children & extra beds

  • Rollaway beds are available for RWF 20000 per night

Policies

Only registered guests are allowed in the guestrooms.
This property does not have elevators.
This property accepts credit cards. Cash is not accepted.

Also known as

Discover Rwanda Gisenyi Beach Hotel
Discover Rwanda Hotel
Discover Rwanda Gisenyi Beach
Discover Rwanda
Discover Rwanda Gisenyi Beach Hotel
Discover Rwanda Gisenyi Beach Gisenyi
Discover Rwanda Gisenyi Beach Hotel Gisenyi

Frequently asked questions

Does Discover Rwanda Gisenyi Beach offer free cancellation for a full refund?

Yes, Discover Rwanda Gisenyi Beach does have fully refundable room rates available to book on our site. If you’ve booked a fully refundable room rate, this can be cancelled up to a few days before check-in depending on the property's cancellation policy. Just make sure to check this property's cancellation policy for the exact terms and conditions.

Are pets allowed at Discover Rwanda Gisenyi Beach?

Sorry, pets aren't allowed, but service animals are welcome.

Is parking offered on site at Discover Rwanda Gisenyi Beach?

Yes, there's free self and extended parking.

Is airport shuttle service offered by Discover Rwanda Gisenyi Beach?

Yes, an airport shuttle is available. The charge is RWF 90000 per person one-way.

What are the check-in and check-out times at Discover Rwanda Gisenyi Beach?

Check-in start time: 2 PM; Check-in end time: 11 PM. Check-out time is 11 AM. Late check-out is available for a charge of RWF 20 (subject to availability).

What is there to do at Discover Rwanda Gisenyi Beach and nearby?

Have fun with nearby activities like cycling, boat tours, and kayaking. Enjoy amenities like 2 bars, a picnic area, and a garden.

Are there restaurants at or near Discover Rwanda Gisenyi Beach?

Yes, there's an onsite restaurant that offers alfresco dining, African cuisine, and garden views.

What's the area around Discover Rwanda Gisenyi Beach like?

Discover Rwanda Gisenyi Beach is a short 1-minute walk from Gisenyi Beach and 18 minutes' walk from Rwanda Tourism University College.

Reviews

7.4

Good

7.6/10

Cleanliness

8.2/10

Staff & service

6.0/10

Amenities

7.2/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

4/10 Fair

The property was not as advertised. The place appears a bit run-down and the rooms we stayed in had stained and partially broken toilet seats. We had to urgently make arrangements to secure alternative accommodation for our elderly mothers, which was extremely inconvenient. The hotel employee who was on duty was however very helpful and understanding, which we appreciated very well. He also contacted the hotel manager who was equally understanding and promised to process a refund for the room which we had to cancel at the last minute due to the fact that it was not meeting our expectation as advertised. He indicated the refund will be processed at the end of the month so we are looking forward to it.
Leon, 1-night family trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review

6/10 Good

Toilets were dirty and broken
Toilets were dirty and broken
YOAV, 1-night trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review

4/10 Fair

Fantastic location, a shame the state of the place
The location is fantastic, right in front of the beach and the property has a huge potential. The rooms are very spacious and the gardens are really nice. Food is also good, although it takes forever to prepare (1.5 hrs for a chicken wrap) The staff were great, super friendly and accommodating. However... I would not consider it a hotel as the state of the rooms is very poor, very old and not as clean as you would expect, even for the local standard. We were there for a week and nobody came to clean our room, change the linen, or replenish the toilet paper. Think of a backpackers hostel, only suitable for the more adventurous who do not mind finding suspicious stains on the sheets and towels or walking barefoot and their feet becoming dirty.
Barbara, 6-night family trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review

4/10 Fair

The property has potential but it was dirty and some of it is unkept. The garden are very lovely.
1-night trip
Verified Expedia guest review

8/10 Very Good

It was a very comfortable experience.
It was a comfortable experience, and the place was just across the lake.
George, 1-night romance trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review

8/10 Very Good

The property is really good. The staff is friendly and helpfull. There is good internet in the hostel. The location is beautiful, near by the beach. The staff help you with activities in the neighbourhood. The food was good (lunch and dinner). The breakfast was also good, but maybe it’s better to do a buffet with more fruits and maybe some chocopaste. Maybe it is also better to have some parking for the cars.
2-night trip with friends
Verified Expedia guest review

8/10 Very Good

Dorm rooms need mosqueto nets on all beds, not just a couple. Food was ok, not great. Service was excellent though. Friendly and helpful. Great location, quiet and by the beach. The building and gardens were beautiful. Felt like i was at an old colonial home.
2-night trip
Verified Expedia guest review

6/10 Good

2-night trip
Verified Expedia guest review

8/10 Very Good

Enjoyed my stay at Discover Gisenyi.
My stay was fantastic.
Victor, 1-night trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review

6/10 Good

2-night trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review

8/10 Very Good

The hostel was well-located, right next to Lake Kivu. I had one of their private cabin rooms and it was very comfortable. The water went out in my room for a couple of hours, but came back again. The staff was helpful. Some of the bar/kitchen staff didn't speak English that well which made ordering difficult sometimes. Overall, I had a pleasant experience. I would suggest that the staff give foreign guests recommendations for where to swim on Lake Kivu. I was surrounded by groups of people who were staring at me, and it wasn't that comfortable. Since people normally come to Gisenyi to visit the lake, I think they could do a better job of helping guests navigate what the lake has to offer.
Amelia, 1-night trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review

6/10 Good

carine, 2-night romance trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review

8/10 Very Good

Great location, staff, vibe, great value
I have been before and I will certainly go back. Right on the beach with very friendly staff, comfortable rooms and grounds. Some of the rooms could use some maintenance attention but everything was clean and comfortable. The staff are very accommodating, helpful, and friendly and I could spend hours in the outdoor sitting area/bar by reception.
Rob, 2-night trip
Verified Expedia guest review

2/10 Poor

Not worth it.
Booked on Expedia, but when we got there they said we had to pay $200 more. Tried to dispute it with Management and he blew me off. Very loud very early in the mornings. Unsafe food. They wash salad greens with untreated water. Staff are friendly, but very unknowledgeable. Unclean. Faulty mosquito nets. Unreliable water. Go somewhere else and be safe!
Theo, 3-night trip
Verified Expedia guest review

2/10 Poor

Beware!!
We booked a family room with 1 double and 4 single beds, but Expedia would only allow us to book for 2 adults and 2 kids. At the end of our stay they forced us to pay an extra $200 because we have 4 kids!!! HUGE holes in 4 of the mosquitoe nets. 1 net did not fit over the bed and 1 bed had no net at all!!! Not clean. Hot water unreliable. NOT FAMILY FRIENDLY!!! Very noisy by 5am could not sleep beyond that.
Bri, 3-night trip
Verified Expedia guest review

8/10 Very Good

My stay was terrific!
2-night trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review

10/10 Exceptional

Pleasant hotel, right on the lake
The hotel was nice. Just on the lake. We had lunch there too which was lovely. The staff were pleasant.
Verified Expedia guest review

8/10 Very Good

Recommended budget option
Great location, good friendly service, in a charming building by the beach. My room was nice, clean and spacious too, with a balcony - excellent! The only minus would be the bed and the bed linen.. having already seen the best days.
Verified Hotels.com guest review

10/10 Exceptional

Verified Hotels.com guest review

10/10 Exceptional

What a view!
This was my first time staying at Discover Rwanda in Gisenyi, and it was a pleasant surprise. The room was very big and had a balcony over the front of the hotel with a view towards Lake Kivu. The staff were excellent and wonderful, very helpful when needed. Breakfast was good and quick. The mattress on my bed was old, and caved in. That's my only complaint.
Verified Expedia guest review

8/10 Very Good

Convenient and clean
Bernard the managager was great! The price of drinks is great! You don't even need to venture out in the evening for your drink! Breakfast included and I had omelets every morning. I'm going there again!
Verified Hotels.com guest review

8/10 Very Good

Good place to stay in Gisenyi
Beautiful gardens and close to the lake. They have a variety of room options to fit travellers needs.
Verified Expedia guest review

10/10 Exceptional

Perfect stopover before DRC! Close to border.
Staff very friendly & helpful. Good food. Nice little bar. Great location, close to DRC border. Clean. Affordable. Very close to lake.
Verified Orbitz guest review

8/10 Very Good

Very nice house, close to the nice beach
we were very nice surprised. Excellent location, lovely beach, nice town - very recommended
Verified Expedia guest review

6/10 Good

Mostly for backpackers
We booked a room here for two nights and it seems like it was the only room that wasn't dorm style. It had a great view across the front lawn to Lake Kivu and some nice decoration. Once we got settled in we went straight to the beach, intending to swim, but changed our minds very quickly. Lots of trash and the water is an uninviting brown. Walked up and down the beach and road a bit. Mostly small hotels along the road. A pretty walk, but not much going on. Tried White Rock for dinner and drinks. It was okay, but really dead so we left after dinner. That night I had some of the worst stomach pain and diarrhea. Can't confirm it was from White Rock, but it did have me feeling like crap the next day. In the evening I was well enough to go down the road and check out the fancy Hotel Serena. It was a nice place, with a cute little pool and all, but not sure I would pay their prices to sleep there. They did have a much more extensive menu, though the chicken fingers were blah. Second night at Discovery Rwanda was much better than the first, and we relaxed with some drinks in the lounge area before hitting the hay.
Verified Expedia guest review