A survey that was carried out to evaluate the readiness of hotels to host the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (chogm) discovered shortcomings including integrity building, fire, safety, health and hygiene.

The trade ministry’s permanent secretary, Dr. Sam Nahamya, said that the quality of accommodation and service in most hotels was found to be below international standards.

By Kisibo Jackie
Uganda Hotel News

The Serena Hotels in Africa have invested seriously in the arts.

The former chief Executive officer of African Heritage Alan Donovan, said that Going by the way the Serena management is integrating art into the architectural design of their new Kampala Serena, it is likely to be the premier hotel on the continent.

Yony Waite’s metal work covers the entrance with a warm, rich glow that one is bound to carry all the way into the Lake’s Restaurant, one of several in which Waite has created incredible mosaic glass columns and shimmering turquoise blue and sea green wall dressings. The hotel has two giant cranes at the front entrance of the hotel. Made from wrought iron by Dennis Matthews of Kenya, the larger-than-life birds extend their full wings gracefully as if to welcome visitors to Kampala.

Donovan says that no one is pretending that Serena will be a showcase for authentic antique African art, but it will certainly be a treasure trove of the next best thing.

By Kisibo Jackie
Uganda hotel News

About $24m (sh44.3b) has been used in the Sheraton Kampala Hotel’s renovations.

The renovations are being carried out in sections to ensure the hotel is still functional.
The general manager, Jawaid Akhtar, said that the Guest rooms have been renovated while new presidential suites, junior suites, park square suites and a shopping arcade have been added, improved and modernized. The hotel’s sales and marketing director, Janet Mzigo, said the media night would be an annual event aimed at narrowing the gap between hotel and the media.

Jawaid said in future, three floors would be added.

By Kisibo Jackie
Uganda Hotel News