Kempinski began its management contract for Kempinski Hotel Fleuve Congo on August 1st following the signing of an eleven-year management agreement in Geneva in January.
Named after Africa’s largest river, the hotel is located near its banks in the heart of the embassy district in the Commune of Gombe. The hotel’s 22 floors offer elevated views over the Congo River, and the capital cities of Kinshasa and neighbouring Brazzaville, Republic of Congo, which sit on opposite sides of the river. The tallest building in the Gombe area, the property was originally designed for offices and was beautifully transformed into a luxury hotel in 2012.
The hotel’s 237 contemporary rooms – including 42 suites, are now bookable on Kempinski.com. Three specialty restaurants, four bars, and five meeting and events spaces, including an auditorium with seating for 250 attendees, provide ample space for entertaining large groups and conferences. Guests have access to three boutiques and a florist conveniently located in the lobby. Leisure facilities include two floodlit outdoor tennis courts, an outdoor swimming pool, a fitness centre, and billiard and snooker rooms. The extensive landscaped grounds provide a welcome respite from the busy city life of Africa’s third-largest city, and a full-service spa is being designed for the hotel.
The hotel is ideal for business travellers and groups looking for five-star luxury in close proximity to the country’s principal governing bodies, diplomatic and media organizations, and international corporations located in the Gombe area. With a full range of leisure facilities available at the hotel and Kinshasa’s 18-hole golf course a mere five minutes away, Kempinski Hotel Fleuve Congo is also ideal for visitors and Kinshasa residents looking for a place to relax and enjoy five-star luxury.
Kempinski Hotels currently operates 74 hotels in 31 countries and has 40 hotels under development worldwide. President and CEO of Kempinski Hotels, Mr Reto Wittwer said that following the company’s successful expansion into the Middle East and China over the past twenty years, Kempinski expects its growing portfolio across the African continent to become a major source of revenue for the company, as well as provide new sources of talent and for further talent development across the company.
Speaking about the new management agreement Mr Wittwer stated, “Signing the agreement for Kempinski Hotel Fleuve Congo was part of our plan for expansion in Africa over the next few years. By partnering with key players on the continent to secure the best locations for our luxury properties we will continue to be the pioneer of luxury hospitality in Sub-Saharan Africa. Our distinct brand of European luxury and operational know-how makes us a leader in all the markets we operate in, and we expect that our new property here in Kinshasa will be no different.”
On selecting Kempinski as the management company for his hotel, owner Mr Mao Huai Cong said, “I chose to invest in Kinshasa because of the growth and economic potential I see in the country. I chose Kempinski Hotels to manage my hotel because of their reputation as leaders in the luxury hospitality sector. I expect Kempinski to put its management knowledge to work so that I can get a good return on my investment and to ensure that Kempinski Hotel Fleuve Congo is the top hotel in the DRC and known for its impeccable service.”
