This place was absolutely beautiful. It had everything I needed. Reliable WiFi, electricity, and hot water. I will definitely book this hotel in the future. The pricing is also great!!
The staff took a while to come and outside didn’t look the best but inside was gorgeous and modern, which is a rarity in Bujumbura. So many good hotels in Bujumbura have aged and haven’t been renovated so this is a great, relatively affordable high quality option.
Great location, nice decor, good AC, good food in the restaurant, good staff. However, some basic things needs sorting out - very poor WiFi, hot water issues sometimes, the bed is too small length wise, the cleaners never knock on the door unless you put a sign outside your room, electricity is a nationwide issue so expect long blackouts especially at night. Whilst these issues persist, the hotel should consider reducing room rates and be transparent with guests about some of the issues so as to set the right expectations.
This place is a jewel. I highly recommend this to any Western traveller looking for a little oasis on their journey. Rooms are spacious. Everything works. Staff is VERY welcoming and sincerely helpful. Restaurant is excellent, and its rooftop location is refreshing. The cocktail bar is one of the best I've seen in my travels through 8 African countries over 15 years. Just sayin'. (Remember: ice cubes at your own risk if you are a foreigner. Usual precautions remain.)
I was fine with the very firm mattress. You run into this kind of hard foam here. But if you like a soft mattress take note. That would be my only alert. Again, not a problem for me.
As for the "noise" others have noted, the music they play is very tasty and doesn't go on too long. I was one floor below and had no trouble sleeping. Elsewhere on the continent I have had to use earplugs. Not here. I did get a "garden" facing room rather than a street-facing one. That eliminated traffic noise. (N.B. there is no garden to look at, so here "garden" just means "facing away from the street." It is downtown, after all. However, if you'd like a little nature, there is a beautiful park a block a way.
Finally, I just think the vibe is very cool. Seulement en Afrique !