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Lake Kivu Serena Hotel

4.0 star property

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Photo gallery for Lake Kivu Serena Hotel

Exterior
Terrace/patio
On the beach
Interior entrance
Lobby sitting area

Reviews

8.8 out of 10
Excellent

Popular amenities

  • Pool
  • Spa
  • Parking included
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • 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
    ‪2 min drive‬
  • Place, Université Libre de Kigali
    ‪3 min drive‬

Room options

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

A hotel room with a bed, television, desk, chair, and a view of the outdoors.

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

  • Sleeps 4
  • Free Wi-Fi

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

A hotel room with a bed, a desk, a chair, a TV, and a window with curtains.

Junior Suite, 1 King Bed, Lake View

  • Sleeps 2
  • Free Wi-Fi

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 Wi-Fi

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 Single Beds
  • Free Wi-Fi

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 Wi-Fi

View all photos for Superior Room

A hotel room with two beds, a desk with a TV, and a window with curtains.

Superior Room

  • Sleeps 2
  • Free Wi-Fi

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  • Pool
  • Breakfast included
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4.5 out of 5, Wonderful, 7 reviews
The price is €215
includes taxes & fees
26 Jun - 27 Jun
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About this property

Lake Kivu Serena Hotel

Spend the day relaxing on the beach or pampering yourself at Lake Kivu Serena Hotel's full-service spa.
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.

Recreational amenities at the hotel include an outdoor pool and a fitness center.
Guests can indulge in a pampering treatment at the hotel's full-service spa.
During your stay at Lake Kivu Serena Hotel, you're just a quick walk from Kivu Lake. Enjoy features like free WiFi in public areas and free self parking, plus a full-service spa.
  • Free WiFi
  • Free self parking
  • Enjoy British cuisine while dining at The Lake Restaurant
  • Take a swim in the outdoor pool
  • Treat yourself with a visit to the full-service spa
  • Services include babysitting, a concierge, and a porter
  • Onsite recreation includes a gym
  • Steps from Kivu Lake and Gisenyi Beach
  • Airport shuttle service available for a fee
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.

The Lake Restaurant - This restaurant specializes in British cuisine and serves breakfast, lunch, dinner, and light fare. Guests can enjoy drinks at the bar.
Ziwani Cafe - This café serves light fare only.
24-hour room service is available.

Property amenities

Internet

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

Parking and transport

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

Food and drink

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

Restaurants on site

  • The Lake Restaurant
  • Ziwani Cafe

Things to do

  • Full-service spa
  • Gym
  • Outdoor pool

Family friendly

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

Conveniences

  • 24-hour front desk
  • Gift shop/newsstand
  • Laundry facilities
  • Luggage storage
  • Safe at front desk

Guest services

  • Concierge services
  • Porter/bellhop

Business services

  • 24-hour business centre
  • Conference space
  • Meeting rooms

Outdoors

  • Garden
  • On the beach
  • Terrace

Accessibility

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

More

  • 1 building
  • 2 floors
  • Banquet hall
  • Designated smoking areas

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Bedsheets provided
  • Free cot

Bathroom

  • Bathtub or shower
  • Hair dryer
  • Towels provided

Entertainment

  • LCD TV with premium cable/satellite channels

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)!

Payment types at the property

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

This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession.
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
Lake Kivu Serena Hotel offers transfers from the airport (fees may apply). Please contact the property at the number on the booking confirmation with your arrival details prior to travel. This property doesn't offer after-hours check-in. Front desk staff will greet guests on arrival at the property.
Property Registration Number A505/06
If you cancel your booking, you'll be subject to the host's cancellation policy. In accordance with EU regulations about consumer rights, property booking services are not subject to the right of withdrawal.

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

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

Andrea

Liked: Cleanliness
Great place to stay! Excellent customer service. Will definitely stay again.
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

David

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

Andrea

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Love staying here! The customer service is top notch. Highly recommend getting a spa treatment. Natasha was amazing. Will definitely be back.
Stayed 14 nights in Mar 2026
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

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

John

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

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

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