They are only forty minutes apart, including the ferry. And probably less when a long-awaited bridge, which could become a reality in a few years' time, links the world's two closest capitals, Brazzaville and Kinshasa. New hotels have just appeared within days of each other on either side of the Congo River.
The world's leading hotel group, Marriott International, made its entry into the Democratic Republic of Congo at the beginning of December with the opening of two hotels in Kinshasa, both strategically located for business travellers. Located in the heart of the capital's business district, the Four Points by Sheraton Kinshasa has 134 rooms and four meeting rooms. The hotel also boasts a rooftop outdoor swimming pool and lounge bar, a restaurant and a fitness room.
At the same time, the South African-born Protea Hotels brand, acquired by Marriott in 2014, has set up in direct proximity to government offices and corporate headquarters with an 88-room hotel, most with balconies and city views. Housed in a former school building, the establishment boasts a Kinshasa exclusive, an indoor swimming pool, while guests can enjoy a restaurant and bar, in addition to a 56 m² meeting room.
" Entering the Democratic Republic of Congo is an important step for Marriott International, and allows us to continue to develop our presence in Africa. "said Sandra Schulze-Potgieter, Vice President of Premium, Select & Midscale brands for Marriott's EMEA region. For Kinshasa, these two developments will help to strengthen the hotel offer, while a Radisson Blu and a Ibis Styles are also expected there next year.
While Marriott is stepping up its expansion on the continent, Kempinski is picking up speed again ten years after opening its last hotel in Africa, in Accra. The group has just inaugurated a hotel in Brazzaville, in the presence of the President of the Republic of Congo Denis Sassou Nguesso. For the first luxury hotel in the country's capital, symbolising the ambitions of a destination that had already seen the opening of a major MICE hotel at the same time last year, the Hilton Brazzaville Les Tours Jumelles, housed in the country's tallest skyscraper and boasting 221 rooms and a vast 2,400 m² conference centre.
Facing the Congo River and just a stone's throw from the city's key sites, along Avenue Amílcar Cabral, this first five-star hotel to be built in Brazzaville was developed by Saudi investor Al Othman Holding. " This iconic project reflects our vision of raising the standards of luxury and hospitality in the Republic of Congo, while celebrating Brazzaville's rich cultural heritage. "said Abdullah Mohammed Abdullah Al-Othman, Vice-Chairman of Al Othman Holding. " Our vision for Hotel Kempinski Brazzaville is to redefine hospitality in Central Africa, combining world-class service with a deep respect for local culture and heritage. "commented Etienne Joguin, the school's general manager.
Business travellers will find 197 elegant rooms and suites, all with city or river views. Brazzaville's flagship pied-à-terre, the hotel caters for international conferences and state events as well as professional events, with over 870 m² of MICE space, including a ballroom that can accommodate 600 guests. Each of the four meeting rooms - Iroko, Okoumé, Tali and Eben - is named after a noble African wood, echoing the design of the hotel which, behind its modern façade, is inspired by the surrounding forests and the nearby river. However, the Kempinski Brazzaville also exudes a European atmosphere with its bistro, La Capitale, and a refined café, Café de Paris, for light snacks and pastries. Other leisure facilities include an outdoor swimming pool, spa and fitness centre, as well as two tennis courts.
