NyaruNest -One Bedroom- Nyarutarama

1. The cleaning lady was kind and efficient, and the building staff were generally helpful despite occasional language barriers. 2. The location is convenient, within walking distance of restaurants and coffee shops, though cab drivers may have some difficulty finding the property. 3. The building itself is quiet, making it suitable if you value a peaceful living environment.

THE HOST. 1. Misleading & Unprofessional Payment Practices. The listing is priced in USD, but the host only accepts payment in Rwandan Francs. This creates major inconvenience if you don’t have enough cash available. The listing also clearly stated that payment would be processed *after* my stay via Booking.com. Instead, a few days before arrival, the host messaged me asking for direct payment, which I refused since it’s against platform rules. On the day of arrival, she told me I would not be hosted without paying upfront. I was forced to pay on my first day, completely contradicting what was advertised. 2. Poor Communication & Broken Early Check-In Agreement. I had requested early check-in weeks in advance (before even booking my flights), and the host agreed. I planned my travel accordingly. On the night of my arrival, just as I was at the airport, she suddenly informed me that she could no longer honor my request because she had "forgotten about it " and also had accepted another guest. This last-minute change was highly inconvenient and avoidable had she communicated earlier. 3. Safety Concern – Unsecured Window The living room has a large, almost floor-to-ceiling window that does not lock. Inasmuch as Kigali is generally a safe city, as a solo female traveler, this was a serious concern. I raised the issue with the host on the first day, but nothing was done, and I had to stay the entire duration (12 days) with a faulty, unsecured window. 4. Preparedness When I finally accessed the apartment, the only towel provided was damp, with the excuse that there hadn’t been enough time to dry it. I had to insist on a replacement, which I only received later that evening, around 9 p.m. Overall, the apartment itself is decent, and the location is good. However, manage your expectations when it comes to the host.