2019

Our Hotel Review of the Year 2019

The hotel world is one of constant change, with openings, closures, and multi-million-pound refurbishments. In the UK, specifically, the last few years have heard constant talk of how Brexit is affecting the market.

But sadly, 2019 started with another hotel terrorist attack.

In January, 21 people were confirmed dead in the DusitD2 hotel attack in the Nairobi siege. Reports from the BBC, among other outlets, stated that the luxury hotel and business complex was targeted by the Somalia-based Islamist group al-Shabab, which triggered a 19-hour security operation.

The impact of terrorism on the hotel and resort market in Africa has been substantial over the last few years. David Harper, head of property services for Hotel Partners Africa, has provided some unique research on the impact of such terror attacks, with the help of hotel trading statistics and analysis, carried out by STR.

For further information or for a copy of research paper, please contact David Harper at David.Harper@HotelPartnersAfrica.com

New African hotel openings in 2019

Forbes listed its pick of some of the new, top hotels to open on the African continent

Magashi Camp, Rwanda

The newest place to experience it is at Wilderness’ Safaris’ upcoming Magashi Camp, a six-tent enclave with a luxurious lounge, dining and bar area, wine cellar and pool. It’s located in the northeastern part of Akagera overlooking Lake Rwanyakazinga – home to one of Africa’s highest hippo densities, some very large crocodiles, and the secretive sitatunga and shoebill stork -, an area in which poaching has essentially been eliminated and wildlife is now thriving.

Sonop, Namibia

Zannier Hotels, the company behind top properties like Le Chalet in the French Alps and Phum Baitong in Cambodia, opened Sonop – local word for ‘sunrise’ in the Sossusvlei area, Namibia. Designed as a refined British Colonial experience from the 1920s, the out-of-the-ordinary lodge is built on top of boulders, and has 10 tents furnished with antiques, colourful carpets and precious wood. It also has a spa, fitness center and heated outdoor infinity pool, all facing the desert’s vastness.

Tuludi, Botswana

Operator Natural Selection opened its exclusive camp yet in the Khwai Private Reserve in the Okavango Delta. It is exclusive not only because it has a mere seven tents but also because there are very few other visitors to the nearly half a million acres of pristine wilderness. The area around Tuludi houses a leopard family monitored as part of the Khwai Private Reserve’s partnership with the Botswana Predator Conservation Trust.