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Discover Rwanda Gisenyi Beach

3.0 star property
Lakefront hotel with free breakfast and bars/lounges

Photo gallery for Discover Rwanda Gisenyi Beach

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

Reviews

7.4 out of 10
Good

Popular amenities

  • Bar
  • Breakfast included
  • Room service
  • Housekeeping
  • Laundry
  • Parking included

Explore the area

Map
Rue de la Cooperation, Gisenyi
  • Gisenyi Beach
    ‪1 min walk‬
  • Rwanda Tourism University College
    ‪18 min walk‬
  • Université Libre de Kigali
    ‪3 min drive‬
  • Gisenyi (GYI)
    ‪11 min drive‬

Room options

View all photos for Deluxe Double Room

Deluxe Double Room

Deluxe Double Room

Highlights

Private bathroom
Free bottled water
Daily housekeeping
Desk
  • 12 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

View all photos for Family Room

Family Room

Family Room

Highlights

Private bathroom
Separate bath and shower
Free bottled water
Daily housekeeping
Desk
  • 28 sq m
  • Beach view
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 Queen Bed and 2 Single Beds

View all photos for Shared Dormitory ( 8 )

Desk, rollaway beds, free WiFi, bed sheets

Shared Dormitory ( 8 )

Highlights

Daily housekeeping
Desk
  • 28 sq m
  • Beach view
  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Single Bunk Bed

View all photos for Shared Dormitory (6 )

Shared Dormitory (6 )

Shared Dormitory (6 )

Highlights

Daily housekeeping
Desk
  • 18 sq m
  • Beach view
  • Sleeps 6
  • 1 Single Bed

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Exterior detail

Sawa Sawa Motel

  • Breakfast included
  • Parking included
  • Free WiFi
  • Business services
1.0 out of 5, (2)
The price is AU$63
for 1 room
includes taxes & fees
9 Mar - 10 Mar
Sawa Sawa Motel

About the area

Gisenyi

Discover Rwanda Gisenyi Beach places you steps from Gisenyi Beach and within a 20-minute stroll of Rwanda Tourism University College. Highlights at this beach hotel include 2 bars/lounges, a restaurant and free cooked-to-order breakfast. .This business-friendly hotel offers free WiFi in public areas, a terrace and a garden. Added amenities include laundry facilities, barbecues and a picnic area. Each morning free breakfast is served. There's also free self parking, along with the convenience of an airport shuttle. .Sights within a 10-minute drive of this 3-property class Gisenyi hotel include Université Libre de Kigali and Nyamyumba Hot Springs.

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

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

Lakefront hotel with free breakfast and bars/lounges
There's a restaurant on site. You can unwind with a drink at one of the 2 bars/lounges. Free breakfast is served daily. WiFi is free in public spaces.

Event space at this hotel measures 108 square feet (10 square metres) and includes conference space. A terrace, barbecue grills, and tour/ticket assistance are also featured at the business-friendly Discover Rwanda Gisenyi Beach. An airport shuttle (available 24 hours) and an area shuttle are available for a fee. Free self parking is available.

Smoking is allowed in designated areas at this 3-star Gisenyi hotel.

  • 7 guestrooms or units
  • 2 levels
  • 2 buildings
  • 2 bars or lounges
  • 108 sq ft of conference space
  • 10 sq. m of conference space
  • Built in 1955
  • Cooked-to-order breakfast (free)
  • Towels for the beach
  • Poolside lounge chairs
  • Conference space
  • Dry cleaning
  • Self-service laundry
  • Front desk (limited hours)
  • Storage area for luggage
  • Front desk safe
  • Tour and ticket information
  • Wedding services available
  • Terrace
  • Garden
  • BBQ grill(s)
  • Outdoor picnic space
  • Smoking in designated areas
  • Dining venue
Discover Rwanda Gisenyi Beach offers 7 accommodations with free toiletries. Guests can surf the web using complimentary wireless Internet access. Rollaway/extra beds (surcharge) are also available. Housekeeping is provided on a daily basis.

Languages

English, French

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transport

  • Free offsite parking
  • 24-hour return airport shuttle on request for a surcharge
  • Area shuttle (surcharge)
  • Free extended parking on site

Food and drink

  • Free cooked-to-order breakfast available daily 7 AM to 9:30 AM
  • 2 bars/lounges
  • A restaurant

Family friendly

  • Laundry facilities
  • Rollaway/extra bed (surcharge)

Conveniences

  • Laundry facilities
  • Limited-hour front desk
  • Luggage storage
  • Safe at front desk

Guest services

  • Dry cleaning/laundry service
  • Housekeeping (daily)
  • Tour and ticket assistance
  • Wedding services

Business services

  • 108 square feet of conference space
  • Meeting room

Outdoors

  • Barbecue grill
  • Beach towels
  • Direct access to the beach
  • Garden
  • On a lake
  • Picnic area
  • Pool loungers
  • Terrace

Accessibility

  • No lift

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Bedsheets provided
  • Rollaway/extra bed (surcharge)

Bathroom

  • Free toiletries
  • Towels provided

Food and drink

  • Limited room service

More

  • Desk

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 2 PM; check-in end time: 11 PM
Minimum check-in age - 18

Check-out

Check-out before 11 AM
Late check-out subject to availability
Late check-out fee: RWF 20

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

Access methods

Front desk (limited hours)

Pets

  • No pets allowed, but service animals are welcome

Children and extra beds

  • Children are welcome.
  • Rollaway/extra beds are available for RWF 20000 per night.
  • Cots (infant beds) are not available.

Payment types

Important information

Optional extras

The fees and deposits listed below will be charged at the time of service, check-in, or check-out.

  • Airport shuttle fee: RWF 90000 per person (one-way)
  • Late check-out fee: RWF 20 (subject to availability)
  • Rollaway bed fee: RWF 20000 per night

This may not be a comprehensive list. Fees and deposits are subject to change and might not include tax.

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
This property accepts credit cards; cash is not accepted
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary according to property policy.
A cash deposit, credit card or debit card for incidental charges and government-issued photo identification may be required upon check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in. Special requests can't be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.
    This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business or profession. This property accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover and JCB International. Cash is not accepted. 

We should mention

  • Registered guests are the only ones allowed to be in guestrooms.

Property is 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

What is the cancellation policy at Discover Rwanda Gisenyi Beach?

Discover Rwanda Gisenyi Beach offers free cancellation on select room rates. Check out the cancellation policy for more info.

Is parking available at Discover Rwanda Gisenyi Beach?

Yep, Discover Rwanda Gisenyi Beach has a free self car park and free extended parking.

Are there any beaches close to Discover Rwanda Gisenyi Beach?

Yep, Discover Rwanda Gisenyi Beach is a short 1-minute walk from Gisenyi Beach. Fun beach activities include windsurfing, parasailing and kayaking. You can also find boat tours.

Does Discover Rwanda Gisenyi Beach serve breakfast?

Sure does, complimentary cooked-to-order brekkie is available daily from 7 AM to 9:30 AM.

Is there a free airport shuttle available at Discover Rwanda Gisenyi Beach?

No, but there's an airport shuttle that runs 24 hours a day on request for a fee.

Is there a bar or restaurant at Discover Rwanda Gisenyi Beach?

Yep, you can grab a meal at Discover Rwanda Gisenyi Beach's onsite restaurant that serves African cuisine.

What time are check-in & check-out at Discover Rwanda Gisenyi Beach?

Check-in begins at 2 PM. Check-out time is 11 AM.

Are pets allowed at Discover Rwanda Gisenyi Beach?

No, only service animals are allowed.

Discover Rwanda Gisenyi Beach Reviews

Reviews

7.4

Good

Rating 10 - Excellent. 11 out of 48 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 19 out of 48 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 11 out of 48 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 3 out of 48 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 4 out of 48 reviews

7.6/10

Cleanliness

8.2/10

Staff & service

6.0/10

Amenities

7.2/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

4/10 Poor

Leon

Travelled with family
Disliked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
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.
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2019

6/10 Okay

YOAV

Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Cleanliness
Toilets were dirty and broken
Toilets were dirty and broken
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2019

4/10 Poor

Barbara

Travelled with family
Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
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.
Stayed 6 nights in Aug 2019

4/10 Poor

Verified traveller

Business traveller
Disliked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The property has potential but it was dirty and some of it is unkept. The garden are very lovely.
Stayed 1 night in May 2019

8/10 Good

George

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
It was a very comfortable experience.
It was a comfortable experience, and the place was just across the lake.
Stayed 1 night in May 2019

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
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.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2019

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
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.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2019

6/10 Okay

Verified traveller

Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2019

8/10 Good

Victor

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Enjoyed my stay at Discover Gisenyi.
My stay was fantastic.
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2018

6/10 Okay

Verified traveller

Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2018

8/10 Good

Amelia

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.
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2018

6/10 Okay

carine

Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2018

8/10 Good

Rob, California

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
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.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2018

2/10 Terrible

Theo, Kigali, Rwanda

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
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!
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2017

2/10 Terrible

Bri, Kigali, Rwanda

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
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.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2017

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
My stay was terrific!
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2017

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
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.

8/10 Good

Minna

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, room comfort
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.

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

10/10 Excellent

Shannon

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
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.

8/10 Good

Keita

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
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!

8/10 Good

Love to travel, United States

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Good place to stay in Gisenyi
Beautiful gardens and close to the lake. They have a variety of room options to fit travellers needs.

10/10 Excellent

kim, New Jersey, USA

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
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.

8/10 Good

Andrej, Slovenia

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Very nice house, close to the nice beach
we were very nice surprised. Excellent location, lovely beach, nice town - very recommended

6/10 Okay

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
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.