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Lake Kivu Serena Hotel

4.0 star property
4-star beachfront hotel with spa

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for Lake Kivu Serena Hotel

Exterior
On the beach
Terrace/patio
Interior entrance
Breakfast buffet

Reviews

8.8 out of 10
Excellent

Popular amenities

  • Pool
  • Spa
  • Parking included
  • Free WiFi
  • Restaurant
  • Air conditioning

Explore the area

View in a map
Gisenyi Rwanda, Gisenyi, 00100
  • Place, Gisenyi Beach
    ‪5 min walk‬
  • Place, Rwanda Tourism University College
    ‪19 min walk‬
  • Place, Université Libre de Kigali
    ‪3 min drive‬

Room options

View all photos for Family Room, 2 Queen Beds, Non Smoking, Pool View

Family Room, 2 Queen Beds, Non Smoking, Pool View

Family Room, 2 Queen Beds, Non Smoking, Pool View

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(4 reviews)
  • 25 sq m
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for Superior Room, Pool View

Superior Room, Pool View

Superior Room, Pool View

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful
(7 reviews)
  • 23 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed OR 2 Twin Beds
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for Junior Suite, 1 King Bed, Lake View

Junior Suite, 1 King Bed, Lake View

Junior Suite, 1 King Bed, Lake View

  • Lake view
  • 40 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed
  • Free WiFi

About the area

Gisenyi

Beachside getaway.You'll be steps from Gisenyi Beach and a 5-minute walk from Kivu Lake. Rwanda Tourism University College and Université Libre de Kigali are also within 2 miles (3 km).

What's nearby

  • Gisenyi Beach - 5 min walk - 0.5 km
  • Rwanda Tourism University College - 19 min walk - 1.6 km
  • Université Libre de Kigali - 3 min drive - 2.3 km
  • Nyamyumba Hot Springs - 8 min drive - 7.1 km

Restaurants

  • ‪Restaurant Chalet - ‬8 min drive
  • ‪Kivu Resto - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪Caritas Hotel - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪Steven shop - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪Pili Pili - ‬3 min drive

About this property

Lake Kivu Serena Hotel

4-star beachfront hotel with spa
Lake Kivu Serena Hotel offers its guests a full-service spa, an outdoor pool, and a fitness center. There's a restaurant on site. You can enjoy a drink at one of the bars, which include a poolside bar and a bar/lounge. Public spaces have free WiFi.

A 24-hour business center and meeting rooms are available. A terrace, gift shops/newsstands, and a garden are also featured at Lake Kivu Serena Hotel. An airport shuttle (available 24 hours) is available for a fee. Free self parking is available.

Smoking is allowed in designated areas at this 4-star Gisenyi hotel.

  • 1 building
  • 30 guestrooms or units
  • 2 levels
  • Meeting rooms
  • Childcare (surcharge)
  • Business center (24 hours)
  • Conference space
  • Self-service laundry
  • Front desk (24 hours)
  • Express check-out
  • Storage area for luggage
  • Front-desk safe
  • Concierge
  • Terrace
  • Garden
  • Gift shop
  • Bellhop
  • Smoking in designated areas
  • Bar or lounge
  • Bar by the pool
  • Dining venue
Lake Kivu Serena Hotel offers 30 air-conditioned accommodations with safes and complimentary bottled water. LCD televisions come with premium satellite channels.

Bathrooms include bathtubs or showers and hair dryers. This Gisenyi hotel provides complimentary wireless Internet access.

Guests can indulge in a pampering treatment at the hotel's full-service spa.

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  • Breakfast included
  • Spa
  • Parking included
5.0 out of 5, Exceptional, 6 reviews
The price is CA $139
CA $171 total
includes taxes & fees
Jun 26 - Jun 27
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Property amenities

Family friendly

  • Babysitting (surcharge)
  • In-room crib
  • Laundry facilities
  • Outdoor pool

Internet

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

Parking and transportation

  • 24-hour roundtrip airport shuttle on request for a surcharge
  • Free self parking on site

Food and drink

  • A bar/lounge
  • A poolside bar
  • A restaurant

Things to do

  • Full-service spa
  • Gym
  • Outdoor pool

Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • No elevator
  • Wheelchair accessible (may have limitations)

Room amenities

Entertainment

  • LCD TV with premium cable/satellite channels

Bedroom

  • Bedsheets provided
  • Free crib

Bathroom

  • Bathtub or shower
  • Hair dryer
  • Towels provided

Food and drink

  • 24-hour room service
  • Free bottled water

More

  • Air conditioning
  • Phone
  • Safe

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 3 PM; Check-in end time: midnight
Minimum check-in age: 18

Check-out

Check-out before noon
Express check-out available

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
Front desk staff will greet guests on arrival at the property
This property doesn't offer after-hours check-in
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Access methods

Staffed front desk

Pets

  • Pets and service animals are not allowed at Lake Kivu Serena Hotel

Children and extra beds

  • Children are welcome.
  • Free cribs (infant beds)!

Property 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: USD 120 per person (one-way)
  • Airport shuttle fee per child: USD 60 (from 4 to 12 years old)

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 and cash
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, and a first aid kit
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children; if you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room
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 has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children. If you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room. This property accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, JCB International, Union Pay, and cash. For guests' safety, the property includes a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, and a first aid kit in each accommodation.

Property Registration Number A505/06

We should mention

  • Pets and service animals are not allowed on site.

Property is also known as

Kivu Serena
Kivu Serena Hotel
Lake Kivu Hotel
Lake Kivu Serena
Lake Kivu Serena Gisenyi
Lake Kivu Serena Hotel
Lake Kivu Serena Hotel Gisenyi
Serena Hotel Kivu
Serena Hotel Lake Kivu
Serena Kivu
Lake Kivu Serena Hotel Hotel
Lake Kivu Serena Hotel Gisenyi
Lake Kivu Serena Hotel Hotel Gisenyi

Frequently asked questions

How close is Lake Kivu Serena Hotel to the airport?

Lake Kivu Serena Hotel is 101.9 mi (237-min drive) away from the Kigali (KGL-Kigali Intl.) airport, the closest popular airport to the property.

How much does it cost to stay at Lake Kivu Serena Hotel?

As of Jun 10, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Lake Kivu Serena Hotel on Jul 2, 2026 start from CA $273, excluding taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

Does Lake Kivu Serena Hotel have an airport shuttle?

Lake Kivu Serena Hotel offers an airport shuttle 24 hours a day, on request, for a charge of USD 120 per person, one-way.

How close is Lake Kivu Serena Hotel to the beach?

This hotel is on the beach. Don't forget your sunscreen!

Does Lake Kivu Serena Hotel offer free breakfast?

Lake Kivu Serena Hotel does not offer free breakfast.

Is there a casino at Lake Kivu Serena Hotel?

No, there is no casino at this hotel.

What time is check-in at Lake Kivu Serena Hotel?

Check-in start time: 3 PM; Check-in end time: midnight.

Is there free parking at Lake Kivu Serena Hotel?

This hotel offers free self parking.

Does Lake Kivu Serena Hotel have a pool?

Lake Kivu Serena Hotel features an outdoor pool.

Does Lake Kivu Serena Hotel have a restaurant?

Lake Kivu Serena Hotel is home to The Lake Restaurant, which features British cuisine and light fare.

Does Lake Kivu Serena Hotel have a spa?

Yes, this hotel has a spa.

How close is Lake Kivu Serena Hotel to downtown Gisenyi?

Lake Kivu Serena Hotel is 0.7 mi away from Gisenyi.

Lake Kivu Serena Hotel Reviews

Reviews

8.8

Excellent

Rating 10 - Excellent. 60 out of 102 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 28 out of 102 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 8 out of 102 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 5 out of 102 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 1 out of 102 reviews

9.0/10

Cleanliness

9.0/10

Staff & service

8.4/10

Amenities

8.6/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Divine

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Clean room and wonderful breakfast
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

David

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Wonderful hotel and staff.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025
Verified

6/10 Okay

James

Liked: Room comfort
Disliked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Set on a beautiful spot
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Martin

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Beautiful propertyz beautiful town
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

John

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great service
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Ryan

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Lovely hotel. Very relaxing and ina nice neighborhood.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Murithi

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Enjoyed the stay on the serene , quiet and scenic environment. The service and hotel dining is great
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Edwards

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
It’s an exceptionally good hotel with very friendly staff. Very efficient service. Great breakfast. Lakefront. Will come back
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Rosemarie Jeanne

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Everything was as expected from a 4 to 5 star hotel.
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Calvin

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

Beauty meets fantastic service

Beautiful setting and view. The comfort and cleaniness of the rooms were amazing. The restuarant and bar services were fantastic
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2024
Verified

8/10 Good

Arun

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
A lake shore property, near a small sandy beach. Amazing view of lake and boats. Selection of fruits and juice in breakfast is amazing. Rooms and toilets and furniture are dated and can be improved a lot.
Hotel Building
View from Restaurant
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025
Verified

8/10 Good

Adeola

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Would recommend
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
The staff are really good. They provide high level customer care.
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2023
Verified

8/10 Good

Michal

Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
Hotel is run down with most in-room amenities in bad shape. Food was decent
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Catriona

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The Serena Hotel in Lake Kivu was lovely. We had a great room with a lake view. Since we traveled with a guide we did not use any of the extra guest services but we did take a boat ride out to the Nyamyumbo hot springs which was quite an experience. The opposite of a hotel spa! Staff were very pleasant and accommodating. I would recommend this hotel!
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2023
Verified

6/10 Okay

YOUKYOUNG

Liked: Staff & service, amenities
Disliked: Cleanliness
Great lake view, beautiful landscape and relaxing place. It was a nice stop after hiking Volcano National Park. The property is a bit outdated. Carpet and chairs in our room had lots of stains. Bathroom door was dusty, but shower (hot water & pressure) was good.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Matthew

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I did NOT want to leave…. Thats all I’ll say.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Mathieu

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

Serena

Magnifique hôtel avec belle vue sur le lac et piscine très agréable. Les repas sont copieux et très bons.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Thomas

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Positiv: Sehr gut ist die Lage des besten Hotels der Stadt direkt am Kivusee mit Privatstrand, abe auch eigenem Swimming pools. Ruhige Lage, große Zimmer mit guten Matrazen. Exzellentes, opulentes Frühstück. Sehr netter Service. negativ: Etwas in die Jahre gekommen.
Stayed 1 night in May 2024
Verified

8/10 Good

Aderemi

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Nice and comfortable
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2021
Verified

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Always love the Serena, especially for the pool + beachfront and excellent breakfast. Rooms are a bit dated (small, older TVs and AC units) but they recently updated to new mattresses and all rooms have balconies. Also the grounds are beautiful!
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2021
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The staff were courteous, very solicitous, and helpful at every turn. Perched on the lake, the location of the property is superb.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2020
Verified

2/10 Terrible

Raz

Disliked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
There is nothing in the rooms listen in the booking list. Even not a hairdryer or a toothbrush available in the bathrooms.
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2019
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Staff very helpful and supportive. Special the receptionist called Love she was magnificent and very supportive. Breakfast was excellent variety of different types of food and excellent taste. All the staff were excellent and excellent location with private beach. The hotel required to be upgraded to modern style
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2019
Verified

4/10 Poor

Verified traveller

Disliked: Staff & service
It was loud the two days I was there . Music blaring from 730 am until 830 pm. It’s not a place to go if you need down time like I did
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2019