“History was made” in the Republic of the Congo last week during a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Kempinski Hotel Brazzaville, touted as the first purpose-built luxury hotel in the country’s capital. The hotel also becomes Kempinski’s first property in Africa since the Kempinski Hotel Gold Coast City Accra opened in 2015.

The ribbon-cutting ceremony featured local cultural elements including a local Congolese folkloric troupe. The ceremony took place in the presence of the president of the Republic of the Congo, Denis Sassou N’Guesso, the prime minister, cabinet ministers and more.

Said Abdullah Mohammed Abdullah Al-Othman, vice chairman of Al-Othman Holding, developer of the hotel: “This landmark project reflects our vision to elevate the standards of luxury and hospitality in the Republic of the Congo, while celebrating the rich cultural heritage of Brazzaville.”

Kempinski Hotel Brazzaville, embodying the philosophy of “Le nouveau souffle du luxe” – a new wind of luxury – is set on Avenue Amílcar Cabral, facing the Congo River.

The hotel is home to 197 rooms and suites, all with views of the city or river. Culinary options blend Kempinski’s European heritage with a Congolese identity. La Capitale, an European bistro, serves international and local all-day dining while Café de Paris, a Parisian-style cafe, offers light bites and pastries. Other leisure features include a Kempinski Spa, an outdoor swimming pool, a fitness centre, two tennis courts and a Kids Club.

With about 10,000 square feet of event space, including a Ballroom that can host up to 600 guests, the hotel is expected to draw international conferences, state events and private celebrations.