NENA HOUSE

Huge disappointment: misleading and outrageously expensive. What a massive letdown. No mention during booking that there is no running water. There is no proper shower, only a few thermoses with hot water. The toilet is highly unhygienic: just a wooden structure around a pit that has been smelling for days. It was impossible to flush, and there wasn’t even a bucket of water next to it to pour down yourself. For this price, you expect at least basic comfort and hygiene. The owner was nowhere to be seen and leaves the management to local farmers. The young man on‑site did his best and was friendly, but he didn’t speak a single word of English or French. Even to ask for a glass, he had to call the owner to act as a translator. There was absolutely no explanation about the property. The contrast is painful: the owner is completely absent when it comes to welcoming guests, but she is very quick to confirm the booking and collect the payment upon departure. This is unacceptable. This accommodation is absolutely not worth the money. A total disgrace.

Katrien·3 mesi fa

“Expérience authentique et rustique”

Very pretty place. Friendly staff. Great communication with the host. The accommodation is very basic. No running water, no hot water for the shower. No shower at all. Dry toilets with a bucket. It is very difficult to access the accommodation because of the road condition. You need a 4*4 and you have to hold on for the last 3km of the road. It isn’t their fault, but it would have been good to mention it in the listing.

Ange-raïssa·6 mesi fa

“Petite bulle hors de tout”

A tiny place that feels out of time: tucked in the heart of the village, overlooking the hills, it’s a cluster of small houses in a typical style, with various spots to relax – from a hammock to a chair in a giant tree stump. In the evening, when the sun sets over Africa, the fire crackles and the birds sing in the morning. The staff go the extra mile to help and even add a bonus. P.s. there’s a small bar (a bit grimy) attached to the hotel for stock. Oh, a nice cold beer with the flames crackling. On the downside, there are only a few things: maybe the dining room (dinner can be had on site and is excellent), a bit grimy. But we were also the only ones, which makes it feel empty and closed off. Spartan comfort, but we were warned (no hot water, bucket shower, dry toilets) so it’s not really negative, just a reminder. The path to the hotel deserves a good SUV. It’s good to mention that.

Jean-nicolas·8 mesi fa

“Beau et dépaysant”

A great way to step off the beaten path and off the paved road in Rwanda. Françoise rebuilt a set of small individual houses in her childhood village. The little houses are gorgeous and well decorated, the garden is also very pretty, special mention to the avocado trees loaded with fruit. The dinner and breakfast were delicious. We were lucky to meet Françoise, who was present during our stay and took the time to walk us down to the river at the bottom of the village. Access from the main road takes 10‑15 min on a bumpy track and there’s no running water (dry toilet and bucket shower) but that’s also what gives the place its charm. We stopped for just one night between Butare and Nyanza but could have stayed two days if we did it again.

Olivier·Un anno fa

“Beautiful location”

We had such a lovely time at Nena House with Francoise as a welcoming hostess for our travel group of 4 adults and 6 kids (9-16). Being in touch with Francoise while planning the trip was very pleasant and professional. It was very nice she checked out dinner plans on the day we arrived before hand. The traditional houses are a delight, clean and with mosquito nets. The facilities are basic, and fine. The neighbor bar is nice for some festive vibes and a drink. The food is delicious. Eating breakfast in the garden with the beautiful view on the Rwandan hills is like paradise. Francoise is very kind in informing about local walks and in our case we where lucky enough to be there while there was a yearly harvest festival. She offered to go with us. We will never forget the experience of seeing the ceremony and traditional dancing and meeting some people in the village. If you plan a visit or are traveling through Ruhashia (near Kings Palace) we can highly recommend Nenas house!. The road towards the accommodation may be a challenge for light weight cars, but -definitely with 4 wheel drives- if you take it easy it is doable and worth it!

Rogier·Un anno fa