Perched on the shores of Lake Kivu, this upscale hotel offers a tranquil retreat. Unwind at the spa or soak up the sun by the poolside bar, and enjoy British cuisine at The Lake Restaurant. Previous guests praise this haven for its serene atmosphere.
Lake Kivu Serena Hotel is a great choice for your beach stay in Gisenyi. The outdoor pool provides a splash of fun, and guests can also take advantage of a fitness centre. The Lake Restaurant serves British cuisine and is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Other features include a poolside bar, a terrace and a garden.
Languages
English, French
At a glance
Hotel size
30 rooms
Arranged over 2 floors
Arriving/Leaving
Check-in start time: 3 PM; check-in end time: midnight
Express check-out available
Minimum check-in age – 18
Check-out time is noon
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
Required at check-in
Credit card, debit card or cash deposit required for incidental charges
Government-issued photo ID may be required
Minimum check-in age is 18
Children
Babysitting*
Pets
No pets or service animals allowed
Internet
Free WiFi in public areas
Free WiFi in rooms
Parking
Free on-site self-parking
Transfers
Airport shuttle on request (available 24 hours a day)*
Other information
Designated smoking areas
Property amenities
Food and drink
Restaurant
Bar/lounge
Poolside bar
24-hour room service
Travelling with children
Babysitting (surcharge)
What to do
On the beach
Working away
24-hour business centre
Meeting rooms
Conference space
Services
24-hour front desk
Concierge services
Laundry facilities
Luggage storage
Porter/bellhop
Facilities
1 building/tower
Safe-deposit box at front desk
Garden
Terrace
Fitness centre
An outdoor pool
Full-service spa
Banquet hall
Room amenities
Be entertained
LCD television
Premium satellite channels
Home comfort
Air conditioning
Sleep well
Free cot/infant bed
Bed sheets provided
Freshen up
Private bathroom
Bath or shower
Hairdryer
Towels
Stay connected
Free WiFi
Phone
Food and drink
Free bottled water
More
In-room safe
Special features
Spa
Guests can indulge in a pampering treatment at the hotel's full-service spa.
Dining
The Lake Restaurant – This restaurant specialises in British cuisine and serves breakfast, lunch, dinner and light fare. Guests can enjoy drinks at the bar.
Ziwani Cafe – This café only serves light fare.
Fees & policies
Optional extras
Airport shuttle service is offered for an extra charge of USD 120 per person (one-way)
Children & extra beds
Babysitting is available for an extra charge
Airport shuttle service for children between the ages of 4 and 12 costs USD 60
Policies
This property does not have lifts.
Guests can rest easy knowing that there's a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit on-site.
This property accepts credit cards and cash.
Property Registration Number A505/06
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
Frequently asked questions
Does Lake Kivu Serena Hotel offer free cancellation for a full refund?
Yes, Lake Kivu Serena Hotel does have fully refundable room rates available to book on our site. If you’ve booked a fully refundable room rate, this can be cancelled up to a few days before check-in, depending on the property's cancellation policy. Just make sure that you check this property's cancellation policy for the exact terms and conditions.
Is there a pool at Lake Kivu Serena Hotel?
Yes, there's an outdoor pool.
Are pets allowed at Lake Kivu Serena Hotel?
Sorry, neither pets nor service animals are allowed.
Is parking offered on site at Lake Kivu Serena Hotel?
Yes, there's free self parking.
Is an airport shuttle service offered by Lake Kivu Serena Hotel?
Yes, an airport shuttle is available. The charge is USD 120 per person one-way.
What are the check-in and check-out times at Lake Kivu Serena Hotel?
Check-in start time: 3 PM; check-in end time: midnight. Check-out time is noon. Express check-out is available.
What is there to do at Lake Kivu Serena Hotel and nearby?
Lake Kivu Serena Hotel has a spa and an outdoor pool, as well as a fitness centre and a garden.
Are there restaurants at or near Lake Kivu Serena Hotel?
Yes, The Lake Restaurant offers British cuisine.
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Lake Kivu Serena Hotel Reviews
Reviews
8.8
Excellent
All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travellers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.More informationOpens in a new window
8.8/10
Cleanliness
9.0/10
Staff & service
8.0/10
Amenities
8.6/10
Property conditions & facilities
9.0/10
Eco-friendliness
Reviews
10/10 Exceptional
29 October 2024
Beautiful propertyz beautiful town
Martin
Martin, 2-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
9 December 2024
Beauty meets fantastic service
Beautiful setting and view. The comfort and cleaniness of the rooms were amazing. The restuarant and bar services were fantastic
Calvin
Calvin, 1-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
5 August 2024
Lovely hotel. Very relaxing and ina nice neighborhood.
Ryan
Ryan, 3-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
9 July 2023
Enjoyed the stay on the serene , quiet and scenic environment. The service and hotel dining is great
Murithi
Murithi, 2-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
26 March 2022
Everything was as expected from a 4 to 5 star hotel.
Rosemarie Jeanne
Rosemarie Jeanne, 4-night trip
8/10 Very good
28 February 2023
Would recommend
Adeola
Adeola, 3-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
21 August 2024
I did NOT want to leave…. Thats all I’ll say.
Matthew
Matthew, 1-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
1 March 2023
The staff are really good. They provide high level customer care.
Verified traveller
3-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
3 December 2023
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!
Catriona
Catriona, 2-night trip
8/10 Very good
16 July 2022
Hotel is run down with most in-room amenities in bad shape.
Food was decent
Michal
Michal, 2-night trip
6/10 Good
30 September 2023
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.
YOUKYOUNG
YOUKYOUNG, 1-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
5 August 2024
Serena
Magnifique hôtel avec belle vue sur le lac et piscine très agréable.
Les repas sont copieux et très bons.
Mathieu
Mathieu, 1-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
23 June 2024
Timothy
Timothy, 3-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
27 May 2024
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.
Thomas
Thomas, 1-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
14 February 2024
Inoubliable découverte de la Riviera du Kivu
Jean-Marie
Jean-Marie, 1-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
14 November 2023
David
David, 1-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
23 July 2023
Nick
Nick, 1-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
25 June 2023
Georgia
Georgia, 4-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
18 April 2023
Cyril
Cyril, 1-night trip
8/10 Very good
11 March 2023
David
David, 1-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
27 October 2022
Paul
Paul, 2-night trip
8/10 Very good
27 December 2021
Nice and comfortable
Aderemi
Aderemi, 1-night trip
8/10 Very good
9 January 2021
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!
Verified traveller
1-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
29 February 2020
Alexander
Alexander, 1-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
12 February 2020
The staff were courteous, very solicitous, and helpful at every turn.
Perched on the lake, the location of the property is superb.