Hilton finally launches in Uganda

May 7, 2019 in Business, Companies, Travel & Tourism by Editor

Global hotel chain Hilton is set to unveil its first property in Uganda when Minister for Tourism Dr. Ephraim Kamuntu, presides over the official launch of the Hilton Garden Inn on May 8. The development brings to closure a decade long quest by Hilton to set shop in the country.

256BN has been reliably told that Garden Inn, Hilton’s mid-market hospitality brand whose flag flies on more than 800 properties in 40 countries will introduce several firsts to the Ugandan market. The 96 room property is the first to feature a class of rooms purposely designed for people with restricted mobility and will also be the first on the Ugandan market to offer the “Digital Key,” a feature that allows guests that book and pay online to walk straight to their rooms with their phone acting as the key

Located just opposite the British High Commission on Kira Road, Hilton says the hotel “provides a convenient base from which to explore a number of local attractions such as the Uganda Museum (the oldest and largest in the country), the Acacia Shopping Mall; Uganda Golf Club and nearby Independence Park”.

As GM, Sanjeev Tiwari, who will shepherd, Hilton’s first property says: “We are bringing not only a household name in the hospitality world to the market, but a modern hotel with light, airy accommodations and bright service that will deliver a fresh and affordable experience for both business and leisure visitors to the city.”

Set in a rather compact setting, the Kampala Garden Inn also features a Garden Grill and Bar, the Garden Café and Lounge offering an informal space for reading a book or newspaper and the Lobby Café that will be serving freshly brewed Ugandan coffee and pastries.

The property also has 190 square metre conference room as well as two small meeting spaces accommodating 10 and 12 people respectively plus a 150 square metre multi-function room for receptions and banquets.

Hilton was first expected to sign on a property in Kampala in 2006 when the AYA group, developers of the Pearl of Africa Hotel announced their 230 room property, then in development, said it would carry the Hilton badge. The deal fell through however, and international brands have eschewed the property.

A second Hilton branded property in Kampala, in development along Kyadondo road in Nakasero is expected to open doors in two years time.