Zaria Court Kigali Opens as Rwanda’s First Urban Lifestyle Hotel

Rwanda’s hospitality scene has reached a new milestone with the official opening of Zaria Court Kigali as part of the Tapestry Collection by Hilton. This landmark debut, according to a press release dated 13 January 2026, introduces the nation’s first urban lifestyle hotel, blending authentic African excellence with Hilton’s world‑class standards, global reach, and the Hilton Honors loyalty program.

A New Chapter Defined by Hilton

Located in the heart of Kigali Sports City, just steps from the 10,000‑seat BK Arena and the iconic 45,000‑seat Amahoro Stadium, Zaria Court Kigali redefines hospitality in one of East Africa’s most dynamic capitals. The 80‑room property offers guests a modern African experience infused with Hilton’s trusted service and consistency.

Guests can expect bold contemporary design, locally crafted details, and the convenience of Hilton’s digital innovations such as Digital Key and direct booking perks.

Masai Ujiri, founder of Zaria Group, reflected on the hotel’s journey: “This is a defining moment for Zaria Court Kigali. We’re proving that African hospitality can lead on the world stage, maintaining our authentic identity while embracing global standards that allow us to serve our guests even better.”

Elevating the Guest Experience

As part of Hilton’s Tapestry Collection, Zaria Court Kigali integrates personalized service and operational excellence across every touchpoint. Highlights include:

• A heated pool overlooking the multipurpose court.
• A sophisticated lobby bar and globally inspired all‑day dining restaurant.
• A rooftop lounge with panoramic views of Kigali Sports City.

Guy Hutchinson, Hilton’s president for the Middle East & Africa, emphasized the significance: “We are excited to open our first hotel in Rwanda. Zaria Court Kigali embodies the spirit of Tapestry Collection – distinct personality, strong local connections, and a contemporary lifestyle experience that today’s travelers seek.”

More Than a Hotel: A Destination

Zaria Court Kigali is designed as a cultural and social hub within a mixed‑use sports and entertainment district. Guests step into the vibrant rhythm of Kigali, with access to retail spaces, event facilities, and recreational amenities including a community basketball court and five‑a‑side football pitch.

The hotel’s event spaces accommodate up to 60 guests in theatre‑style seating or 120 for cocktail receptions, making it ideal for corporate seminars, intimate gatherings, or post‑concert celebrations.

Every detail celebrates African innovation – from locally crafted artwork to eco‑friendly design principles that earned EDGE certification. Interiors showcase Rwandan craftsmanship and contemporary African art, creating an authentic cultural experience that meets international standards of comfort.

Dining & Lifestyle Venues

Zaria Court Kigali offers diverse venues that create “destinations within the destination”:

• Sports Bar – 19 large screens, bold African‑inspired cuisine, and live sports.
• MANSELA’s All‑Day Dining – energizing breakfast buffets and vibrant fusion menus.
• ANUVO Lobby Bar – intimate space for coffee breaks and casual meetings.
• SOLIA Pool Bar – relaxation with entertainment, overlooking the multipurpose court.
• The JARO Rooftop Lounge – crafted cocktails and breathtaking views of Kigali.

Future plans include rotating art installations, curated cultural programming, and partnerships with Rwandan entrepreneurs through retail concepts – reinforcing the hotel’s vision of inspiring the next generation of African leaders.

Hilton Honors & Rwanda’s Global Spotlight

Guests now enjoy access to Hilton Honors, Hilton’s award‑winning loyalty program with over 235 million members and a portfolio of 9,000+ hotels worldwide.

For travelers, Zaria Court Kigali offers a gateway to contemporary Kigali – a city alive with energy, creativity, and forward momentum. For Hilton Honors members, it’s an opportunity to discover Rwanda’s remarkable hospitality through a lifestyle‑focused lens. And for Rwanda, this partnership strengthens its position as a leader in African tourism and hospitality innovation.

Final Word: Zaria Court Kigali is more than a hotel – it’s a statement of Rwanda’s rising role in global hospitality, where authentic African culture meets world‑class service.