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Reviews of Lake Kivu Serena Hotel 4 stars

Gisenyi Town, Gisenyi, Rwanda

#4 of 20 hotels in Gisenyi

Guests' Choice

Review score

Based on 124 hotel reviews

8.7

Score breakdown

  • Cleanliness

    8.9

  • Comfort

    9.2

  • Location

    9.4

  • Facilities

    8.5

  • Staff

    9.2

  • Value for money

    8.0

  • Free WiFi

    9.0

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Showing 1 – 25

  • Reviewed: 23 August 2025

    9.0
    Superb
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Superior Room
    • Stayed 5 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    It was unfortunate that the swimming pool was out of order as that was one of the main reasons for visiting the pace

    It has a beautiful ambience and a nice view of the lake ..the greens are lovely

    Stayed in August 2025

  • Reviewed: 14 August 2025

    10
    KIVU Serena is a jewel in Gisenyi
    • Business trip
    • Solo traveller
    • Superior Room
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    NA

    Quality does not tolerate compromises. Kivu Serena is a juwel in Gisenyi. The variety of the breakfast buffet is hardly to be competed. The garden and private acces to lake Kivu as well as the Pool are unbeatable assets

    Stayed in August 2025

  • Reviewed: 8 August 2025

    8.0
    Lake side hotel in good location,excellent food.If you stay at the weekend very noisy.
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Superior Room
    • Stayed 3 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    We stayed over the weekend when there was several large weddings on nearby.It was very noisy with loud music being played at the hotel and wedding venues from mid morning to the early hours of the morning. The bedrooms are very dated and could do with a refurbishment.We thought there was fridges in all the rooms but there wasn’t. Before our stay I had messaged and emailed the hotel through Booking .com and privately and no reply. I ended up having to phone from the UK.

    Location on the lake beautiful gardens . Excellent food. Friendly and helpful staff during our stay.

    Stayed in August 2025

  • Reviewed: 8 June 2025

    8.0
    Very good
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveller
    • Superior Room
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    The staff are a gem. The thing that makes this place is the helpful and friendly staff. The best service Ive received throughout my stay in Rwanda

    Stayed in June 2025

  • Reviewed: 31 May 2025

    10
    Lovely hotel and location
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Superior Room
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    We had a great stay. Hotel staff were amazing and really helpful. The location is great and on the beach and beautiful. We partially enjoyed the breakfast. Would stay again.,

    Stayed in May 2025

  • Reviewed: 10 May 2025

    9.0
    Superb
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Family Room
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    The location by the lake makes it a perfect hotel for those who like to swim.It has a private beech. the breakfast was amazing with various options . there were plenty of space to walk outside.

    Stayed in May 2025

  • Reviewed: 17 February 2025

    8.0
    Very expensive for what it is
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Superior Room
    • Stayed 2 nights

    A lot of noise all night! as public beach-near by pool is not heated very cold water

    It is a nice resort great location

    Stayed in February 2025

  • Reviewed: 15 February 2025

    8.0
    Excellent location, great facilities, slightly outdated but all in all a good stay
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Superior Room
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    No fridge in room although it said mini-bar. Also no escalator which is then not friendly to wheelchair users

    Lovely and clean, excellent location

    Stayed in February 2025

  • Reviewed: 30 January 2025

    10
    no
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveller
    • Superior Room
    • Stayed 2 nights

    all

    not bad

    Stayed in January 2025

  • Reviewed: 10 January 2025

    8.0
    Very good
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Superior Room
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    The rooms where too small. No fridge.

    The environment was nice. Good facilities. Great breakfast. Great views. Love it.

    Stayed in January 2025

  • Reviewed: 31 December 2024

    10
    Exceptional
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Family Room
    • Stayed 3 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    Great location and freindly staff.

    Stayed in December 2024

  • Reviewed: 22 December 2024

    8.0
    Very good
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Superior Room
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    Felt it over priced for what the hotel is. Is becoming old.

    Perfect location, well served breakfast. Good service

    Stayed in December 2024

  • Reviewed: 16 December 2024

    10
    More than comfortable
    • Leisure trip
    • People with friends
    • Superior Room
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    My friend managed to get a better deal on Expedia

    Upgraded to a suite which was huge with a large sitting room and patio. The grounds on the shore of lake Kivu are stunning. Breakfast buffet is extensive and delicious.

    Stayed in December 2024

  • Reviewed: 12 September 2024

    9.0
    Great stay!
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveller
    • Family Room
    • Stayed 3 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    Nothing

    The service was very good. Staff are really friendly and willing to assist. Room has great amenities and is clean. The food was good. Overall, I had a really good stay and got some time to relax and unwind.

    Stayed in August 2024

  • Reviewed: 4 September 2024

    8.0
    Very good
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Superior Room
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    Bed- old

    Location

    Stayed in August 2024

  • Reviewed: 15 June 2024

    8.0
    I've stayed there six times and would do so again as it is the best hotel in Gisenyi.
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Suite
    • Stayed 3 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    The rooms are small and dated. Next door is a public beach with loud and annoying music. The constant sound of the base gets on your nerves on weekends.

    I love the location and the staff is exceptional.

    Stayed in June 2024

  • Reviewed: 4 June 2024

    8.0
    Enjoyed facilities
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveller
    • Superior Room
    • Stayed 4 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    Food. Rooms not modern.

    Location

    Stayed in March 2024

  • Reviewed: 30 May 2024

    9.0
    The staff were the best part!
    • Leisure trip
    • Group
    • Superior Room
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    - Two dishes gave us food poisoning. - The place could’ve benefited from activities like water sports, karaoke night or live band to liven it up.

    - The staff are absolutely incredible! - Location is great

    Stayed in May 2024

  • Reviewed: 7 April 2024

    9.0
    Peaceful
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveller
    • Family Room
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    Nothing it was great

    Great hotel on the lake, the location is near a lot of restaurants and bars along the lake

    Stayed in February 2024

  • Reviewed: 3 March 2024

    9.0
    Fantastic weekend at the lake Kivu beach
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveller
    • Superior Room
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    Slightly dated hotel room decor.

    Great lakeside location. Great pool. Great food.

    Stayed in February 2024

  • Reviewed: 28 February 2024

    10
    Exceptional
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Superior Room
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    Nice private beach and swimming pool The restaurant is good and the people working here are kind The room is big with a balcony, and the bedding is comfortable Nice place to stay in Gisenyi !

    Stayed in February 2024

  • Reviewed: 26 February 2024

    9.0
    Tranquil, safe stay in beautiful location
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Suite
    • Stayed 4 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    Liked the garden, views across the lake, tranquility. Breakfast was very good. Staff super friendly

    Stayed in February 2024

  • Reviewed: 26 February 2024

    8.0
    Classic Kivu
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Family Room
    • Stayed 1 night

    Rooms are a bit dated and surprisingly small. The restaurants are quite expensive. A bit of overgrowth on one area of the property. Not much to complain about, but when you are paying a premium in the area, you tend to be a little more picky.

    Lake Kivu Serena is a classic. It is very popular among visitors and residents of Rwanda alike. The property is beautiful with a private beach, green spaces, and of course the pool. The restaurant is good, if a little overpriced. Can't beat the location. Feels very secluded, even though the public beach is right nearby. There are a couple of walkable restaurants and places to visit outside of the property as well, including the waterfront road/walkway/park area.

    Stayed in February 2024

  • Reviewed: 24 February 2024

    9.0
    Superb
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Superior Room
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    It was on the lake

    Stayed in January 2024

  • Reviewed: 15 February 2024

    9.0
    Superb
    • Leisure trip
    • Group
    • Superior Room
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    Location

    Stayed in January 2024

Showing 1 – 25

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