Château le Marara Hotel, located on the shores of Lake Kivu in Karongi District, has officially reopened after being granted a new operating license by the Rwanda Development Board (RDB). The hotel will now be managed by Royal Retreat, a company specializing in hotel management.
Karongi District authorities announced the reopening through a post on X, stating: “The dream you have always had of relaxing in one of Rwanda’s most beautiful places has come true! Château le Marara, the iconic property on the shores of Lake Kivu, has reopened its doors.” The district also highlighted that Karongi is home to 14 hotels ready to welcome visitors.
Why the hotel was closed
On July 22, 2025, RDB ordered the closure of Château le Marara after discovering that it was operating without a valid license to provide tourism and hospitality services. The closure came at a time when the hotel was already under heavy public criticism on social media following the wedding of Shadadi Musemakweri and Bonnette Uwera, which took place at the property.
The couple accused the hotel of providing poor services, including frequent power outages without a backup generator, poorly prepared food, and general service failures. In response, the hotel’s management took the matter to court, alleging that the couple had attempted to defame the hotel and use deception to avoid paying outstanding bills.
What will change under the new management
Following the takeover by Royal Retreat, management has confirmed that the hotel will resume welcoming guests before the end of 2025. Emmanuel Ngayaboshya, who works with Royal Retreat, will serve as the Executive Chef of Château le Marara.
He explained that major changes will focus on the kitchen, which had been identified as one of the hotel’s weakest areas. “Many improvements are coming, especially in the kitchen, because that is where the biggest challenges were,” he said.
Ngayaboshya also pointed out that the reservation system will be completely restructured. Previously, bookings for weddings, photo shoots, and other events lacked a clear and professional process, often leading to conflicts between clients and the hotel. This, he said, will now be corrected.
Aiming for five-star standards
Although Château le Marara is designed to be a five-star hotel, inspections carried out before its closure revealed that its services—particularly food and beverage—did not meet five-star standards. The new management says this will change.
“We are preparing to ensure that the services we offer, especially food and beverages, truly meet five-star hotel standards,” Ngayaboshya emphasized.
Regarding pricing, he noted that room rates will remain unchanged, while prices for food and drinks may be adjusted to reflect the improved quality and service level.
Staff performance and service culture
Another major focus will be staff performance and professionalism. Management says it does not intend to dismantle the existing team but will instead assess gaps in skills, training, and behavior.
“Quality service depends heavily on attitude and conduct. Where training is needed, it will be provided. Where behavior does not align with hospitality standards, changes will be made,” he explained.
Despite the controversy surrounding the wedding incident, the new management insists that public trust in Château le Marara has not been damaged. They say the hotel is already preparing to host many guests during the New Year period.
Château le Marara has 21 rooms and is expected to reclaim its position as one of the most distinctive luxury hospitality destinations along Lake Kivu.
