Talkmore Gandiwa
HARARE – Rainbow Towers Group will invest US$880 000 in refurbishing three hotel properties in Harare and Victoria Falls to improve quality and meet international standards.
During a media tour conducted today in Harare, the company revealed that it has spent US$500 000 on refurbishing the Ambassador Hotel, with full completion expected by February 15, 2025.
In Victoria Falls, the group is investing US$380 000 in upgrading its properties, including Victoria Falls Rainbow Hotel and A’Zambezi River Lodge. These efforts align with the company’s ongoing commitment to providing world-class hospitality experiences.
RTG Corporate Affairs & Quality Manager, Pride Khumbula, said during the media tour, that the Ambassador Hotel closed for refurbishment on January 6 and is expected to complete its first phase by February 7, with the final stage set for February 15. This renovation comes as the group prepares to host SADC summit delegates before the end of the month.
“We are pleased to announce that the New Ambassador Hotel will be ready to accommodate the delegations attending the SADC Ministers’ meeting in February and March,” she said.
Khumbula added that the property’s transformation reflects the company’s commitment to quality, innovation, and sustainability. “The refurbishment is strategic. We chose the first month of the year because there is less traffic, while we record increased traffic from April until the end of the year.”
The extensive renovation includes a complete transformation of guest rooms and bathrooms to enhance comfort and elevate the overall guest experience.
“All 72 rooms are undergoing a complete transformation. The refurbishment includes reconfiguring and reconstructing the room layout to maximize space. The bathrooms have been overhauled with brand-new modern fixtures, including bathroom vanities, walk-in showers, and modern low-flow toilets to reduce water consumption in line with the group’s sustainability drive,” said Khumbula.
The company emphasized that sustainability remains a key focus in its refurbishment projects. The New Ambassador Hotel has incorporated water-saving low-flow toilet flushing systems, LED energy-efficient lighting, and other environmentally conscious measures to reduce its carbon footprint.
The hotel will also feature state-of-the-art technology, including smart televisions and internet-based telephone systems. In line with RTG’s commitment to enhancing guest connectivity, the hotel’s WiFi infrastructure is being upgraded with enhanced wireless access points to ensure seamless, high-speed internet performance.
Over the past five years, the group has invested US$26 million in hotel refurbishments. In July 2024, it completed a US$5.2 million renovation of the Rainbow Towers Hotel and Harare International Conference Centre (HICC).
The upgrades included the creation of six luxury diplomatic suites by merging four rooms into one Presidential Suite, which features two en-suite bedrooms, a lounge, dining area, kitchenette, and visitor’s bathroom.
In addition to the suites, 48 guest rooms were modernized, and the HICC received brand-new seating with integrated charging ports, including 3-pin, USB, and Type-C options. In 2020, the group completed the refurbishment of Rainbow Towers Hotel in March, just before the national lockdown was announced. This enabled the hotel to accommodate returning citizens affected by global lockdowns.
