The mist-shrouded volcanoes of northern Rwanda just got cooler with the opening of the picturesque Classic Lodge resort in Musanze district.
The hotel, which sits on an expansive 15-acre piece of land, has been welcoming guests since November 2018 and is set to be officially launched in the next few months, according to its proprietors.
The new 50-room hotel is conveniently situated in the dramatic mountainous landscapes of Nyakinama Village, about seven kilometres west of Musanze town, offering guests easy access to Musanze’s famous attractions such as the Volcanoes National Park, home to the world-famous mountain gorillas, as well as the nearby Buhanga Eco Park.
A good night’s sleep
Classic Lodge’s 50 rooms are contemporary and spacious – albeit built using 90 per cent local materials – and some of them are inter-connected to cater to families or large groups of travellers who may need to stay for an extended duration.
The hotel also features twin rooms, deluxe rooms, one presidential suite and eco-friendly cottages that suit luxury travellers seeking relaxation in a natural, yet opulent environment.
All of Classic Lodge’s rooms have complimentary bottled water, customized towels, sitting area with comfy couches, an office desk, closet, safe deposit box, bathtub (and Jacuzzi in some), a flat iron and ironing board as well as a plush mattress and duvet and pillows that guarantee guests a good night’s sleep.
Yet, despite the luxurious experience that Classic Lodge offers its guests, the rooms here are moderately priced: single is at $80, while doubles and twins go for $100 and 110, respectively.
Dining
The hotel boasts four dinning venues, including three that are reserved for those who prefer to have their meals in privacy.
The main restaurant is big enough to accommodate up 300 dinners in one go, serving up a medley of local and international dishes, including Chinese, Italian, French and Indian delicacies. What’s more, some of the food is freshly harvested from the hotel’s own nearby farm.
Classic Lodge’s restaurants are currently offering an a la carte menu (including breakfast) as well as business lunch packages prepared with exotic flavours and a creative flair. The exotic food aside, the main restaurant features a beautiful outdoor terrace that offers dinners incredible views of numerous mountains and the Virunga volcanoes.
Guests also have the option of lounging in the hotel’s beautiful gardens and enjoy the scenic views while sipping on coffee, tea and or alcoholic drinks that are served at the bar that is just adjacent to the main restaurant.
Recreational activities
Thanks to Classic Lodge’s expansive land, the hotel offers several recreational areas that are surrounded by lush greenery and spectacular views of the volcanoes.
Guests can cool of in an open-air, Olympic-size swimming pool – which also features a small kids’ pool on the side – and then lounge by the cosy terrace and enjoy their favourite drinks.
Some of the other noteworthy facilities at the hotel include a gym for both men and women, steam and sauna rooms, a volleyball court, a football pitch, a handball pitch and a tennis court, among others.
Classic Lodge also caters to the needs of business travellers, offering up to nine conference rooms that can sit up to 3,000 people, as well as a spacious parking lot that can accommodate up to 100 vehicles.
Super luxury travellers will soon be able to take a helicopter ride from Kigali straight to the hotel when construction of its own private helipad is complete.
For those who cannot afford a helicopter ride, Classic Lodge has a shuttle minibus service to and from Kigali International Airport.
