The RDB's approval, granted on December 26, 2025, follows compliance assessments by the relevant authorities, confirming that the hotel has now met all the required standards to legally provide hospitality services under the applicable tourism regulations.
The leadership of Karongi District shared the news with the public, expressing excitement over the development.
'Your dream of relaxing in one of Rwanda's most beautiful spots has come true! Château le Marara, the iconic hotel on the shores of Lake Kivu in Karongi, is authorized to operate once again! The district is home to 14 hotels ready to welcome you,' they posted on social media.
Following the reopening, Royal Retreat, a company specializing in hotel management, will oversee the hotel's operations moving forward.
The management transition is expected to take some time, with the hotel making necessary improvements to ensure it meets the high standards of service expected.
Before closure, Château le Marara had faced criticism on social media after a wedding held at the hotel resulted in complaints from Shadadi Musemakweri and Uwera Bonnette, who accused the hotel of poor service, including power outages, bad food, and overall unprofessionalism.
The hotel management responded by filing a legal complaint, asserting that the couple had intentionally spread negative publicity to avoid paying for the services they had received.
Plans for Château le Marara
Emmanuel Ngayaboshya, who works with Royal Retreat that will manage the hotel, explained that the facility will begin receiving guests again before the end of the year.
Ngayaboshya, who will oversee the kitchen at Château le Marara, mentioned that significant improvements will be made, particularly in the kitchen, which has been a major area of concern.
He noted that changes will also be made to the hotel's reservation system, which previously lacked a structured approach, leading to customer dissatisfaction.
"The way reservations were made, whether for a stay, a wedding, or a photo shoot, will change. There was no streamlined system in place, which led to conflicts between customers and the hotel," he explained.
Originally, the hotel was expected to meet five-star standards, but an inspection revealed that its services, particularly in the kitchen, fell short of that level. Ngayaboshya emphasized that food and beverage services will now be prioritized to meet the standards of a five-star hotel.
"We are preparing to ensure that the services we offer, particularly in food, are at a five-star level," he said.
Regarding prices at the hotel, Ngayaboshya shared that some aspects will remain unchanged while others may be adjusted. "The room rates will remain the same, but food and beverage prices may change," he said.
Another significant change will be in the staff, who will undergo training to meet the standards expected at a five-star hotel.
"The new management is not here to dismantle the existing team but to address weaknesses, whether through training or behavior management, as service delivery relies heavily on staff conduct," he added.
Despite the social media backlash from the wedding incident, Ngayaboshya believes that the hotel's reputation remains strong, and it is set to welcome many guests in the coming year. Château le Marara has 21 rooms and is ready to continue offering high-quality services.
IGIHE
