Lake Kivu Serena Hotel, Gisenyi ➤ Reviews, Rooms & Prices 2025

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Key details

About the Hotel

Gisenyi Rwanda, Gisenyi, Rwanda, 00100

Lake Kivu Serena Hotel is a 4-star beachfront property featuring a private beach and an outdoor swimming pool. Guests can enjoy amenities such as 24-hour room service, air conditioning, and free WiFi. This Gisenyi hotel offers both recreational activities and sophisticated business facilities.

Rooms & Amenities

Guest accommodations include well-appointed rooms and suites, featuring amenities such as flat-screen TVs, minibars, and private bathrooms. Each guestroom has air conditioning, free WiFi, and a seating area to relax in after a busy day. Certain units offer panoramic views of Lake Kivu.

Dining & Leisure

Dining experiences are available at the lake-view Kiyaga Restaurant, which emphasizes locally sourced ingredients alongside international cuisine. Guests can also enjoy beachside BBQs at Ziwani Café and cocktails at the Lake View Bar. A hot breakfast is complimentary for hotel guests.

Recreation & Business

The hotel features a gym and two floodlit tennis courts for guests seeking fitness activities. A watersports center is available nearby, providing options for adventure on Lake Kivu. The hotel is also equipped with a state-of-the-art conference center for corporate events.

Location & Services

Lake Kivu Serena Hotel is located 2 miles from the center of Gisenyi and 6 miles from Goma, offering access to local attractions. The Kigali International Airport is 99.5 miles away. Transportation options include a roundtrip airport shuttle service.

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Select your room type

The hotel offers a variety of rooms including double rooms, family rooms, and suites with breakfast, free cancelations, and special deals

Standard Double Room

Max:

2 persons

25 m²

Bed options:

1 King-size bed

Garden view

Shower

Coffee machine

room details

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Family Room

Max:

3 persons

25 m²

Bed options:

2 King Size Beds

Lake view

Shower

Coffee machine

room details

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Suite

Max:

2 persons

40 m²

Bed options:

1 King-size bed

Lake view

Coffee machine

Bathtub

room details

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Price and Room Availability Calendar

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Getting around

A list of all available modes of transport

City Centre

Gisenyi700 m

Airports

Goma (GOM) 5.8 km

Bukavu Kavumu (BKY) 167.2 km

Facilities

The hotel offers amenities for your comfortable stay and unforgettable experiences

Stunning Pool Area

“The swimming pool was beautifully designed and provided the perfect place to relax and cool off during warm days.” view full review

Amazing Balconies

“Each room's balcony offered a lovely view of Lake Kivu, making every morning a delight.” view full review

Delicious Breakfast Buffet

“The buffet breakfast had an impressive variety of tasty options that fueled our days perfectly.” view full review

Playground Fun

“The on-site playground kept my young kids entertained, adding a fun and relaxing layer to our family stay.” view full review

General

Non-smoking rooms
Parking
Safe deposit box
24-hour reception
No pets allowed
Rooms/ Facilities for disabled
Private beach

Sports & Fitness

Fitness centre
Tennis court

Guest Parking

Electric kettle
Cookware/ Kitchen utensils

Services

Paid airport shuttle
Room service
Housekeeping
Laundry
Tours/Ticket assistance
Welcome drink

Dining

Restaurant
Poolside snack bar
Outdoor dining area
Special diet menus

Business

Meeting/ Banquet facilities

Children

Cots
Babysitting/Child services
Children's buffet

Spa & Leisure

Outdoor swimming pool
Beach access
Beach umbrellas
Live entertainment
Garden area
Spa & wellness centre
Massage
Pool with view
Shallow end

Room features

Free Wi-Fi in rooms
Air conditioning
Mini-bar
Sitting area
Dressing area
Patio
Terrace
Tea and coffee facilities
Dining table
Ironing facilities

Bathroom

Free toiletries

Self-catering

Electric kettle
Cookware/ Kitchen utensils

Bedroom

Electric blankets

Media

Flat-screen TV
AM/FM alarm clock

Room decor

Parquet floor

Location

Gisenyi Rwanda, Gisenyi, Rwanda, 00100

Map view

Gisenyi Rwanda, Gisenyi, Rwanda, 00100

City landmarks

Lake Kivu

3.5 km

Goma

Rond Point Chukudu

3.1 km

Centre d'Accueil de l'Eglise Presbyterienne

920 m

Ave du Marché

Presbyterian Church Rwanda

930 m

off Rue de Ruhengeri

Main Market

1.1 km

Rwanda Tourism University College

1.5 km

Mosquee

1.5 km

Sculpture

1.5 km

ULK

2.2 km

Seventh Day Adventist Church

2.0 km

AEBR Gisenyi

2.0 km

Ave du Rond Point

Village des Artistes

2.2 km

Church

Paroisse Saint-Esprit

2.3 km

Kigali Independent University

2.3 km

Ave Bougenvillier

Kivu Club

2.3 km

Blvd Kanyamuhanga

Chez Ntemba

2.5 km

Fruits and Vegetables market

2.6 km

Eglise Paroles de vie eternelle

2.8 km

Blvd Kanyamulanga

Virunga Booking Office

2.9 km

Chist Tabernacle

2.9 km

Monument Chukudu

3.1 km

Rubona Peninsula

3.3 km

Eglise Evangelique de la Restauration ERC

3.3 km

Taxi Rank

3.7 km

Ave de la Production

New Tam-Tam Bikini

16.2 km

Rue de Ruhengeri

African Art Gallery

16.5 km

Belarusian House

38.9 km

Nearby

Beach

Gisenyi Beach

230 m

Gisenyi Public Beach

380 m

Ave de l'Indépendance

Green Hills Ecotours

480 m

Restaurants

Bistro Restaurant & Wine Garage

450 m

btwn Ave de l'Indépendance & Ave de la Coopération

Calafia Cafe

1.1 km

Avenue de la Revolution

New Tam-Tam Bikini Bar & Restaurant

16.1 km

Avenida De La Production

Hotel Italiano Al Lago

16.3 km

300 Metres from Soccer Field

Reviews and Ratings

Feedback from previous guests about their experience.

82%

liked the hotel and would stay again

Great location

Friendly staff

Dated decor

Noise disruptions

8.2/10

Great

Rooms

7.5

Location

9.5

Service

9.0

Dining

7.8

4/5 based on 359 reviews

#2 of 11 hotels in Gisenyi based on Tripadvisor

Jay

United States, March 2024

8.6/10

The hotel offers clean and spacious rooms with a beautiful lake view, combined with helpful and attentive service. The prime location by the lake and private beach enhances the pleasant experience, although dining quality varies.

Rooms

9.0

I was impressed by the cleanliness and spaciousness of the rooms, especially with the lovely lake view.

Service

9.0

The staff, from the front desk to the restaurant and bar, were incredibly helpful and friendly, adding to the overall positive experience.

Location

9.0

The hotel's location overlooking both the pool and the lake provides a gorgeous setting for relaxation, making it ideal for travelers seeking a tranquil escape.

Dining

7.0

The dining experience offered a mix of quality, with some fantastic options such as the Sunday brunch buffet, but others were only average in comparison.

Facilities

9.0

The hotel's facilities, including the private beach and open lake access, contribute to a luxurious and convenient stay.

Gary

United States, February 2024

8.2/10

My stay at the hotel was fantastic, with a great location by the lake and staff who were incredibly helpful and friendly. However, the room's decor felt a bit outdated and lacked African vibes, and the noise from the band playing in one of the rooms disrupted the peaceful atmosphere. The size of the room could have been more spacious for the price paid, and a refreshment in terms of decoration would be nice.

Rooms

7.0

The rooms, while clean, felt a bit dated and lacked the African vibes seen in other Serena hotels. The carpets didn't look very clean either.

Service

9.0

The service was top-notch, with all staff members, especially those at the front desk, restaurant, and bar, being incredibly friendly and attentive.

Location

10.0

The hotel's location was prime, offering beautiful views of the lake and a private beach. It was also within walking distance to various bars and restaurants.

Dining

7.0

The dining experience was a mix; while the staff were friendly and the pool area relaxing, the food quality was average, and the variety could be improved.

Facilities

8.0

The pool area was clean and relaxing, providing a nice spot to unwind. However, some additional facilities could enhance the overall experience.

Great location

Dated decor

Roy

United States, January 2024

8.8/10

The hotel's location directly on the shore of Lake Kivu is absolutely lovely, offering easy access to bars, restaurants, and a breathtaking view. While the rooms are functional and equipped with AC and TV, they could use a refreshment to match the stunning African vibes found in other Serena hotels. The limited channel selection may disappoint those looking for entertainment. The poolside setting adds to the charm of the property.

Rooms

7.0

The rooms are small but functional, offering a view of the pool.

Service

9.0

The staff went above and beyond to make this stay wonderful, ensuring guests had everything they needed on the spot. Service was excellent.

Location

10.0

The location on Lake Kivu is the hotel's main highlight, providing a perfect setting for relaxation and exploration. With restaurants and bars within walking distance, guests are in for a treat.

Dining

9.0

The dining experience, especially the Sunday brunch buffet, was fantastic, offering a wide variety of delightful dishes in a clean and relaxing poolside atmosphere.

Facilities

9.0

The pool area and restaurant facilities were ideal for a relaxing and enjoyable experience.

Gillian

United Kingdom, May 2023

8.2/10

The hotel offers small but functional rooms with AC and TV, albeit overpriced compared to other fun and comfortable places in Brasserie. The large, nicely furnished rooms come with a small terrace or balcony providing a superb view of Lake Kivu.

Rooms

7.0

The rooms are small but functional with AC and TV, and the channel selection is limited. They are nicely furnished and offer a great view from the small terrace or balcony.

Service

9.0

The service can be pampering to the point of feeling like an extension of your desires. From the pool attendant to the restaurant waiters, the staff is very attentive.

Location

9.0

The hotel sits right on the edge of Lake Kivu, offering an excellent location with a private beach and overlooking both the pool and the lake. It's a prime spot for enjoying water activities like kayaking and swimming.

Dining

8.0

The dining experience was good overall with a friendly and attentive staff, and the variety of choices was satisfactory. However, some may find it to be slightly overpriced.

Facilities

The hotel boasts clean and relaxing pool areas along with other amenities to enhance your stay.

great view

overpriced rooms