ISSUE 009 | Nov - Dec | 2019 Kigali Marriott Hotel
The
Festive
Season is here
How to spend Christmas in Rwanda 23
magical
Christmas offers
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We have more for you this season Dear Friends of Kigali Marriott, Welcome to Kigali Marriott Hotel and to Rwanda, “The Land of a thousand hills” This last quarter of the year gives us a moment to reflect on the great achievements and unique developments made in our city so far. Rwanda is a beautiful country and a fascinating destination for first time and returning visitors. Take your time to tour around the city and better still, take a drive and explore outside in the country side and see its remarkable beauty. Here in the hotel, our Food and
Beverage team have put together outstanding menus to celebrate this Festive Season. This quarter has more to offer, including our 2 for 1 Burger promotion every Tuesday and our new improved weekend brunch offerings. Experience the tranquility of our Saray Spa by treating yourself to a relaxing Balinese massage or Aroma Therapy! Our Dead Sea products are also on sale at discounted prices. For our business friends and partners, be sure to consider us for your end of year parties, as the year ends in style. For more information contact our
team on ebc.kigali@marriott.com. They will surely find just the right fit for you On behalf of our brilliant hosts, we send our warm thoughts to you and your families for a wonderful Festive Season and an unforgettable stay at the Kigali Marriott Hotel. Best Regards,
Rex A.G Nijhof General Manager
Kigali Marriott Newsletter Don’t miss our future events. Scan the code and sign-up for our newsletter www.mileisure.com/signupstart/rwa/kgl/kglmc
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Opening soon!
Get to know SoKo
Monthly offers just around the corner Watch this space
Don’t miss
Nyama Choma Best Picks
Grill & Chill | 23rd Nov & 21st Dec Eat all you can plus 2 for 1 offers
HappyThanksGiving Family Dinner Buffet
Best Picks
Rwf 28,000 per person @ Soko Restaurant 28th Nov, 7pm - 11pm
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Saray Spa Festive Season Offers
Best Picks
Offer valid till 31st December, 2019 Call: +250 222 111 111 Email: sarayspa.kigali@marriott.com
FESTIVE S TAY C AT I O N Take advantage of this exclusive offer tailored for Rwandans Residents, East Africans and Central Africans at USD150 a night Bed and Breakfast for two. Valid for the month of December 2019. www.kigalimarriott.com
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Thank you for the great feedback
introducing our
NICE HOTEL IN GREAT LOCATION
Weekend
I stayed for 2 nights during a trip to Rwanda. Nice hotel with well trained staff and overall good service. The food and dining set up was nice with a large variety of food and drinks available. The hotel is well placed for a walk around the area as well. Will stay again. ~ ST
Brunch
THE BEST HOTEL IN KIGALI
OFFERS
Marriott Kigali has now became our favorite place to spend quality time with family, I would recommend Kigali Marriott to everyone who likes quiet , clean, fancy place with good customer service.
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We had an amazing day at Marriott, nice food and drinks , clean pool. And we really thank Esther Muthee one of the staffs of Marriott for helping us and explaining about Marriott services. We look forward to coming back for more memorable moments at the hotel.
Kigali Marriott Hotel
GREAT HOTEL - EXCEEDED EXPECTATIONS Brilliant Magazine is yours to keep, feel free to take me with you and peruse through Kigali Marriott’s offers, promos and news. For more updated information, be sure to visit our website: www.kigalimarriott.com and our social media platforms. Sales & Marketing: Victoria Obiakor | Creative Layout: Robert Wambugu Contributors: Josephine Sharila, Victoria Obiakor, Robert Wambugu, Simon Hodson, Alyson Hayes, Sarah Murimi Photography: Serge Muhizi (IGIHE) | Blu Flamingo
Stayed two nights and then returned three nights later and stayed one more night. Hotel exceeded my expectations. Modern hotel in great shape. Check in experience was quick and staff was very friendly. They arranged for our pick up at the airport which went off without any problems. I would highly recommend this hotel. ~ BG
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Emmanuel Hakilimali Iriba Head Bar Attendant
chat with
Emmanuel Master Mixologist There’s a drink for every mood or occasion, and for cocktails, the bright and vivid colours cannot escape your attention everytime you are in Iriba Bar and Terrace.
research more on cocktails. What’s your favourite cocktail?
We had a chat with our seasoned master mixologist Emmanuel Hakilimali on his love and passion for cocktails.
Emmanuel: Margarita is my all time favorite. This one guarantees that your party can get started. It consists of tequila, orange liqueur, and lime juice often served with salt on the rim of the glass.
When and how did you learn mixing cocktails?
When should one visit Iriba for a cocktail?
Emmanuel: I got into this profession by chance after meeting a Filipino mixologist who had visited Rwanda for leisure. A few interactions with him inspired me to learn and
Emmanuel: We are open from 7am to late night but I recommend having your cocktail in the evening as you catch up with friends.
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Girls’ night is therapy to the soul. Every Thursdays is #LadiesNight and we’ve got you covered with all kinds of cocktails you’ll need for that night. Cocktails at Rwf 4,000 Live music by Neptunez Band
FINALS
GREAT BANDS, 1 STAGE
who emerges the winner? great selection of food & beverage at KILIMANJARO BALLROOM COMING SOON ENTRY FEE TO BE ANNOUNCED
In Nairobi, we’ve got you covered! Our Sales representative is on standby for you! Nairobi city could be well defined as a cocktail of everything nice. The thriving modern metropolitan is regarded as the gateway to East Africa. It’s a city that never sleeps and offers travelers and residents the great contrasts where multi-cultural unique facets come together. It is home to Nairobi National Park, the only park in middle of the city in the world. And if you are in this great city and plan to hold an event in Kigali - Rwanda, an upcoming
conference hub, then we got you covered. Introducing Pauline Oyoo, our Sales Manager based in Nairobi. Gone are the days you would need to call and email without having a one on one interaction with our representative in Nairobi. She can be reached on email pauline.oyoo@marriotthotels.com and telephone +254 738 051 398
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COMING SOON #Walk4ChildrenKigali
IGIHE file photos Last year, Kigali Marriott Hotel, in partnership with SOS Children’s Villages Rwanda, embarked on a campaign aiming at raising funds that would be used to cater for vulnerable children. The funds were raised through selling T-shirts as well as goodwill donations from volunteers and partners. The campaign dubbed “Road to Awareness” is an annual Marriott’s associate fundraising campaign that has been making a valuable difference in the lives of children across our continent since 2008. Every year, associates throughout the Middle East and Africa organize fundraising events to help raise funds to support the work charities and organizations do to improve the lives of children. This year Kigali Marriott Hotel, a
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flagship of Marriott International will be taking part in this charity cause. The associates of Kigali Marriott Hotel, the Rwandan community together with partners will participate in the Road to Awareness #Walk4ChildrenKigali from the hotel via a route that will be selected and will be a great opportunity to create awareness on the importance of the community in supporting the vulnerable. Kigali Marriott Hotel, would love you to be part of this great cause and will be in the coming days releasing dates for the event. Keep checking our social media handles to stay up to date. Facebook: Kigali Marriott Hotel Twitter: @kigalimarriott, Instagram: @kigalimarriott
Celebration PA C K A G E S
From birthdays, baby showers, engagement parties and more... IF YOU CAN DREAM IT, WE CAN DO IT
Plan with us today! Call: +250 222 111 111 Email: info.kigali@marriott.com
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WINED DOWN WEDNESDAY’S By Kirsty Henderson, LivinginKigali.com The Kigali Marriott invited me to try their Wine Down Wednesday event last week and I was intrigued! Knowing the weekly event is held at their beautiful Italian restaurant, Cucina, I was curious to explore some of Cucina’s vast wine list.
four large samplings of wine, four high-quality snacks, and costs around $20 at the current exchange rate, I think it’s a crazy good deal. The wines rotate on a weekly basis with some of the most popular ones making regular appearances.
From the welcome I really felt like we were well taken care of. The idea for the evening is to sample four different wines along with four paired ‘bites’ for Rwf 18,000. Both the pours of wine and the snacks were quite substantial and we certainly saw the value for money.
As mentioned, I’m not averse to drinking from any manner of dodgy boxed wine, so it was a real treat to get away from the usual house boxes of red or white and actually drink some proper stuff out of an actual bottle. I’m classy, I am! The restaurant is worth a visit anytime for it’s beautiful decor, excellent service, and refined Italian food
When you consider this event is at the nicest hotel in Kigali, comes with
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Join us every Wednesday for wine flights and bites at only Rwf 18,000 per person
5pm - 11pm Cucina Restaurant
Your extra ordinary event is just a call away Our event planners work with you to ensure your meeting connects with people most important to you!
Call our Events Planning Team Tel: +250 222 111 111 or visit meetingsimagined.com to start planning 11
Oktoberfest
in Kigali Party-goers had a variety to choose from platters of traditional German food including the famous German sausages, draught beer and live entertainment.
Think Oktoberfest, Think Germany. Kigali residents and visitors joined millions of people around the world who celebrated the legendary and historical Oktoberfest right here in town. Oktoberfest traditionally starts in the third weekend of September and ends the first Sunday of October however at Kigali Marriott Hotel it was spread out for two weekends; end September and early October. But what really happened at the event? According to the Assistant Director of Food & Beverage, at the hotel, Alyson Hayes, the event was designed to make revelers have a taste of Germany right at
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the heart of Africa without having to travel overseas. “We are bringing this particular German Tradition at the heart of Rwanda, and our guests will have precious memories of this,“ she said. Party-goers had a variety to choose from platters of traditional German food including the famous German sausages, draught beer and live entertainment. The last two days of the events had fans of Battle of the Bands series that is happening at the hotel join in the festivities as the cheered, voted and supported their favorite bands.
a cross-section of the event
Fans getting down at the event
German sausages were in plenty
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Housekeeping WEEK
2019
Celebrating our Kings & Queens of clean
Kigali Marriott Housekeeping ‘SuperHeroes‘ celebrate with pomp By Robert Wambugu The housekeeping ‘Kings and Queens of clean’ celebrated the end of the Housekeeping Week 2019 on September 20 at the Kigali Marriott with pomp and color. The event which was attended by housekeeping attendants and the hotel’s management led by the General Manager Rex. A.G Nijhof was a culmination of a week long of activities that the team had. The activities ranged from Bed Making Competition won by Vedaste Uwingeneye, Shirt folding competition and housekeeping trivia competition both won by Florence Habiyaremye. The winners walked away with dinner and Saray Spa treatment vouchers. Sarah Murimi the Executive Housekeeper said ‘The event takes place annually in all Marriott properties and is aimed at thanking and appreciating the super heroes who are usually unnoticed.‘ The hotel GM, Mr Rex A.G Nijhof thanked the team and said the hotel had experienced tremendous growth due to their selfless efforts.
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New Open Year’s Eve Dining Explore our 3 dining outlets with just a single ticket on New Year’s Eve
Soko Restaurant
Cucina Restaurant
Iriba Bar & Terrace
Great delicacies ranging from international buffet and Italian cuisine at Rwf 35,000 per person for all buffets in all restaurants 50% off kids 6 - 12 years Free for kids 5 and below
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B O O K YO U R D R E A M W E D D I N G KIGALI MARRIOTT HOTEL KN3 AVENUE,KIGALI - RWANDA TEL: +250 222 111 204, info.kigali@marriott.com www.kigalimarriott.com
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Marriott News
Marriott International to eliminate single-use shower toiletry bottles from properties worldwide
M
arriott International announced that it’s expanding an initiative to replace tiny, single-use toiletry bottles of shampoo, conditioner and bath gel in guest room showers with larger, pump-topped bottles. To date, the company has already rolled out larger bottles at about 1,000 properties in North America, and now expects most of its other hotels including Kigali Marriott Hotel to make the switch by December 2020.
continuously find ways to reduce our hotels’ environmental impact. It’s a huge priority for us,” said Arne Sorenson, President and Chief Executive Officer of Marriott International.
When fully implemented across the globe, Marriott International’s expanded toiletry program is expected to prevent about 500 million tiny bottles annually from going to landfills; that’s about 1.7 million pounds of plastic, a 30 percent annual reduction from current amenity plastic usage.
A typical large, pump-topped bottle contains the same amount of product as about 10 to 12 tiny, single-use bottles. Because tiny bottles are not usually recycled, they end up in the hotels’ trash bins – generating refuse that will never truly decompose in landfills.
“This is our second global initiative aimed at reducing single-use plastics in just over a year, which underscores how important we believe it is to
In addition to allowing guests to use as much of a product as they need, the larger bottles are also recyclable along with other basic containers, such as plastic soda bottles. The company
Already, more than 20 percent of Marriott International’s more than 7,000 properties now offer largerpump-topped bottles in guest room showers, doing away with single-use bottles that often end up in landfills.
The toiletry program is expected to prevent about 500 million tiny bottles annually from going to landfills is already working on ways to reduce single-use items elsewhere in the guest room. This initiative furthers Marriott International’s commitment to reducing its environmental impact as part of its Serve 360: Doing Good in Every Direction platform that addresses social and environmental issues. As part of Serve 360, Marriott International is working toward several sustainability goals such as reducing landfill waste by 45 percent and responsibly sourcing its top 10 product purchase categories – including guest room amenities – by 2025.
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Swimming Classes
Enock (left) with fellow instructors Job (middle) and Robert (right)
How an almost tragic swimming expedition in the lake inspired Enock to learn crucial swimming skills By Robert Wambugu If he hadn’t taken a trip to Lake Kivu and almost drowned, Enock would probably have chosen another career path. He was 20 at the time, and a swimming trip to the lake that almost ended up tragic inspired him to make up his mind and learn crucial swimming skills. “After that lake incident, I endeavored to learn how to swim and master it,“ he says. “Apart from being a pro-swimmer years later, I realized that I had to add on essential life saving skills that would be useful in such incidents, “ he added. In 2013, he got his first internship as a lifeguard at a local hotel which gave him the opportunity to harness his then acquired knowledge. Over time he got extra trainings from the Workforce Development Authority (WDA). In 2018, Enock joined Kigali Marriott Hotel as a Lifeguard and swimming instructor. He says the opportunity
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came at the right time as he had desired together with his supervisor to establish swimming classes for guests. I had always wanted to transfer my skills to others, and when the opportunity came we established a swimming class that took place every weekend of Saturday and Sunday, “ he adds. Basically, guests have the opportunity to come on Saturday or Sunday at the hotel from 9am - 11am. These two hours include basic classes in swimming starting with water comfort where the learner is taught how to simply be comfortable in water. Others that follow are breath control as its always difficult for beginners, floating and basic kicking. “Swimming requires full body coordination. You need to move your legs and arms in tandem, as well as time
your breathing and swimming strokes for maximum efficiency,” says Enock. While some people are shy and just enjoy just relaxing in the water and pass time, Enock believes that more practice would help them to perfect this art. For your next class, Enock invites you every Saturday and Sunday starting 9am - 11am for a beginners or refresher’s session. Each session is Rwf 4,000 per adult. Other swimming pool offers are available for those who desire to spend longer hours at the pool at Rwf 12,000 per day per adult and if accompanied by a child, the rates are discounted at Rwf 6,000 per adult and Rwf 3,000 per child.
Happy ThanksGiving Family Dinner Buffet with homemade roast turkey Rwf 28,000 per person @Soko Restaurant 28th Nov, 7pm - 11pm 50% off kids 6 - 12 years Free for kids 6 and below
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A cross section of the appreciation cocktail. Image: File
Global Customer Appreciation Week #GCAW2019 #MarriottSaysThx
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ver the years it has become our culture at Kigali Marriott to come back to our guests and say a BIG thank you for all you do.
We all know that our customers are the engine that drives our business and this means a lot to us. In Kigali in particular we had a customer appreciation week in 2018 where we knocked your doors and just expressed our appreciation for your loyalty and patronage at our beautiful hotel. This year in November, we look forward to meeting you and expressing our gratitude for your support since the hotel opened. We have also created great packages and discounts for you. Be sure to visit our social media pages for detailed and updated information.
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is back
New and
Revamped Introducing our
Weekend Brunch OFFERS
Regular Family Brunch Rwf 28,000 per person
Alcoholic Brunch Choice of a beer bucket, 3 large draughts or a bottle of housewine Rwf 39,000 per person 50% off for kids 6 - 12 years. Free for 5 and below
Champagne as per the menu Includes free access to the swimming pool For reservations please call Please call: +250 222 111 111
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The
Festive
Season is here ! 22
How to spend Christmas in Rwanda Rwanda is picturesque with a number of activities and attractions that offer everyone many choices on things to do this season By Robert Wambugu
N
ow that the Christmas season is around the corner, it would be a great time to start planning.
Even though here in Kigali, the wave of Christmas is not heavily felt as compared to New Year’s crossover celebrations, just before you start planning to cross the border you still have some other exciting things to do in the city or out in the country. Rwanda is picturesque with a number of activities and attractions that offer everyone many choices on things to do to fill their time. Check out some in the list below: 1. Kigali Marriott’s Christmas offers The hotel has tailored great offers for Kigali Residents and visitors who happen to be in town ranging from Christmas Eve and Christmas Day special brunch in Soko Restaurant and Cucina Italian Restaurants. Guests will also get amazing offers in Saray Spa and Rooms for those who would love to experience the night
at the hotel. Deluxe rooms go for USD 150 a night for two inclusive of taxes with breakfast for two and access to the swimming pool, steam and sauna. 2. Christmas Cantata at Christian Life Assembly (CLA), Nyarutarama. If you are a lover of theatre and drama, then you cannot afford to miss spectacle. Christmas Cantata is a 90 minutes musical theatre production in the church’s auditorium telling the Christmas tales with heavy dramatization, effects and explosive messaging. Entry to the event is free and normally runs for 2-3 days ahead of Christmas Day. Its advisable to check actual dates on their social media pages. 3. Game drive to the 3 National Parks in Rwanda. Sometimes the city might be too small for you and yearn for bigger open spaces out of town. Why not get a chance to explore the lush green countryside. Check out
Volcanoes National Park and have the unique opportunity to see gorillas in their natural habitat as they go about their daily lives, with expert trackers and guides, or visit Nyungwe National Park a majestic rain forest filled with nature and wildlife and relax by the waterfalls. And if you love the Savanna, Akagera National Park is in the North East of Rwanda and home to large predators like lions, leopard, hyena, side-striped jackal, zebras, gazelles, crocodiles, hippos and the African elephant. 4. Gisenyi (Lake Kivu) Is a waterfront town located on the shores of the Lake Kivu, a great place way to unwind after trekking adventures. You can enjoy kayaking and other water sports or delight yourself in a dish of local fried sambaza and mizuzu.
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most magical
Christ 24
Christmas Eve Dinner Buffet Indulge in Christmas cake, gingerbread houses, turkey, roast beef, African BBQ, and fresh seafood as a special treat this Christmas.
Christmas Day Brunch Make it a Christmas to remember with a traditional turkey brunch, sweet treats, and kid’s activities.
Soko Restaurant 24th December I Tuesday 7:00pm to 11:00pm
Soko Restaurant 25th December I Wednesday 12:00pm to 4:00pm
Rwf 35,000 per adult (meals only) Rwf 12,500 per child 6-12 FREE for 5 and under
Rwf 35,000 per adult (meals only) Rwf 12,500 per child 6-12 FREE for 5 and under
stmas of all time
Christmas Eve Dinner Celebrate this holiday season the Italian way! Enjoy a five-course dinner menu. Cucina Restaurant 24th December I Tuesday 7:00pm to 11:00pm 5-course menu Rwf 45,000 per adult, Kids set menu Rwf 20,000 per child 12 and under
Christmas Day Dinner Enjoy Christmas day dinner with family and friends as you indulge in our chef’s special creations for the festive season.
New Year’s Eve Open Dining Explore our 3 dining outlets with just a single ticket on New Year’s Eve
Cucina Restaurant 25th December I Wednesday From 7:00pm
Soko Restaurant, Cucina Restaurant and Iriba Bar and Terrace 31st December I Tuesday From 7:00pm
5-course menu Rwf 45,000 per adult,
Rwf 35,000 per adult for all 3 restaurants
Kids set menu Rwf 20,000 per child 12 and under
Rwf 12,500 per child 6-12 FREE for 5 and under 25
Saray Spa Festive Season Offers Couple Massage (60 Mins) What better way to end the year enjoying a relaxing and rejuvenating massage with the one you love with a 60 minutes couples massage at Rwf 68,000
Face and Scalp Massage Ladies – this is for you - what better way to prepare for the whirlwind of parties, weddings, and events you will be attending this festive season? Enjoy a soothing 30-minute face and scalp massage to release tension and then partake in our 30-minute all natural facial to get your glow on at Rwf 35,000
GYM Promotion Get into shape for the party season. Daily rate including gym, pool, sauna, and steam for Rwf 20,000 only 2020 early bird special – annual individual gym membership Rwf 900,000
Offer valid till 31st December, 2019 Call: +250 222 111 111 Email: sarayspa.kigali@marriott.com 26
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FESTIVE SEASON PACKAGE Enjoy our exclusive offer tailored for Rwandan nationals, Residents, East Africans and Central Africans.
Enjoy the festive season at Kigali Marriott Hotel with our festive package promotion. FULL BOARD PACKAGE Room, breakfast, lunch and dinner for 2 at USD 230 per night. HALF BOARD PACKAGE Room, breakast and dinner for 2 at USD 190 per night. ROOM AND BREAKFAST For two at USD 150 per night. Offer valid from December 15 th 2019 to January 15 th , 2020 based on availability. Advance reservation required and proof of residency upon check-in. Rates are per room, per night for deluxe room inclusive of all taxes.
KIGALI MARRIOTT HOTEL K N 3 A V E N U E , N YA R U G E N G E D I S T R I C T KIGALI - RWANDA TEL: +250 222 111 111, kigalimarriott.com
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