Umutuzo Stay

The location was very convenient for the trip I was on. It is in a quiet spot & a lovely area, but within access of the places we visited (albeit everything in Kigali is up & down hills!) A little supermarket is 3 minutes walk away and a nice cafe at the Arts Centre at a similar distance. It's a large, modern, airy apartment on the ground floor at front and first floor at the back, with an aircon unit in the living room (I did not try it). There were sliding bug screens on the windows (care needed to find the position that doesn't leave a gap) and a mosquito repellent plug-in provided. All rooms had plenty of storage and the fridge was big. There were 2 good-sized double bedrooms and 2 full bathrooms with walk-in showers. Everything worked well. Comfy sitting room. Clean for the most part - the bits that mattered being fine. Kitchen was 2 hotplates, microwave & kettle with the most techno-sink I have ever seen! A wok and a couple of cooking tools are provided but I would not have been able to cook a meal here (I didn't try - the restaurants are great and cheap). Wifi worked well - the guardian helped me get on it. There seem to be 5 or 6 apartments in the block but I did not see many other people around -mostly the guardian & other staff of the block who were friendly and helpful. I did not need to ask for anything but I am sure if I had he would have gone out of his way to get it for me. It is in a secure compound so very quiet and private. I used a card key for the external gate (for future users - press it flat on the reader but only for a quick flash). The pool and seating area is a big bonus and a rare find. Sadly they were awaiting a visit - I think - for someone to fix the filter as it was not on and the water and floor were starting to get a bit grimy. It was still swimmable, however, and very welcome. Nice seating area around it.

I expect I should just have asked for things, but I did go and buy my own extra toilet roll & washing up sponge. As mentioned the cooking & eating equipment is very sparse and little things like a bath mat and drying up towel, a sparkling clean & switched-on fridge and maybe some garbage bags would add to the ease of use. Not huge problems, I suspect the apartment just needs a practised sharp eye over it before a guest arrives. I managed fine without most of these things (or bought them - it is, after all, self-catering).

Cleanliness, the quietness, very respectful and friendly. He offered free pickup from the airport. Was always ready to assist and give recommendations