As one of the oldest hotels in Rwanda, it was the first to open its doors after the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. Over the years, the hotel has had several name changes, including Hôtel Novotel, Hôtel Meridien, and Hotel Umubano, before being acquired and expanded.

The hotel was first purchased in 2017 by Marasa Holdings Ltd, a subsidiary of the international Madhvani Group.

Initially, the hotel was expected to reopen in 2019, but construction delays and further expansion projects led to a postponed timeline.

Mövenpick Kigali Hotel’s General Manager, Umulisa Médiatrice, shared with IGIHE that the renovation is 70% complete, with the hotel scheduled to begin operations in September 2025.

"The hotel will be named Mövenpick Kigali, and we have added a presidential suite. It will be managed by a company called Kasada," she said.

Mövenpick is a well-known brand under Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts, a Swiss company owned by the French multinational hospitality company Accor.

The expansion will increase the hotel’s room count from 100 to 124, with additional upgrades to cater to VIP guests.

The hotel will move from a three-star to a five-star rating upon reopening, offering four conference rooms, with the largest accommodating up to 360 people.

Additionally, the hotel will provide both permanent and temporary office spaces, alongside various other amenities.

Umulisa will be the first woman to lead a five-star hotel in Rwanda, among the approximately 10 such hotels in the country.

She added that the hotel will provide employment for around 100 permanent staff, with the majority being Rwandan nationals. Half of the staff will be women, reflecting commitment to gender equality and inclusiveness.

Mövenpick Kigali is set to join the prestigious group of five-star hotels in Rwanda after undergoing significant renovations.