Kigali Chez Jules Hotel

Chez Jules Hotel in RWANDA Kigali is a modest, but welcoming home away from home, shared by both Rwandans and expats.

Its highlights are a reasonable price, an English-speaking guard and a friendly neighbourhood, where within a 5 min.walk you can find fresh vegetables, bread and other basic groceries.

The place was recommended to me by a friend who had stayed there the year before.

Located in Kimihurura, the neighborhood of Chez Jules, is a vibrant and safe one.

There are lots of restaurants within 10 minutes walking distance (Ethiopian, Pizza, Chinese, Coffee) and its location is ideal for travel to the town center (UTC and such) or stadium.

Groceries can be purchased within walking distance (5 minutes) from the house, but certain luxuries are better found at Nakumatt or Simba.

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The rooms run between $15-20 a night, depending on the length of stay. Internet access is a separate cost; I paid $20 to have wireless access during my three week stay.

I stayed in the Master Bedroom of the house (there are 5 bedrooms, 2.5 bath) and had the master bathroom all to myself at the time.

I was quite comfortable in my room with a large desk, full size bed (with bed net), and wardrobe.

I was able to take nice, hot showers and had wireless internet.

The dining room was a wonderful place to share meals with another roommate and the living room was spacious and outfitted with a TV that included a few key stations (CNN, Aljazeera, BBC, France 24+, MSNBC, among a few).

The kitchen was very practical and useful, with the option of an electrical or gas stove top, a microwave, water boiler, and french press. I made and enjoyed a number of meals in the house. Laundry service is provided, but the house guest must supply the laundry detergent.

One of the biggest selling points of my stay were the staff.

The landlord, Julius, is a French/English speaker who is very interested in making sure his customers are happy.

He was responsive to all of my requests and questions and gave great advice on living in Kigali.

Stefano, the doorman, is like a ray of sunshine and always greets you with a warm smile.

Daria, the woman who helps clean, is very helpful and trustworthy.

There is a 10 minute walk to the main road, but often times you can find a moto taxi before hitting the main road. I also kept a handful of taxi numbers from the area if I ever wanted the taxi to wait for me at my door.

I felt comfortable and safe during my stay at Chez Jules and will return when I go back to Kigali!