Royal Suites define luxury, private living

CHRISTMAS holiday is a time for many people to retreat to the quiet of the village or far off island towns to relax. However, for especially the corporate class, there has developed a tendency to have the best of both worlds. They want to be ‘too far’ and yet too near town, just in case duty cal

By Alex Balimwikungu

CHRISTMAS holiday is a time for many people to retreat to the quiet of the village or far off island towns to relax. However, for especially the corporate class, there has developed a tendency to have the best of both worlds. They want to be ‘too far’ and yet too near town, just in case duty calls.

There are very few places in Kampala that can guarantee superb facilities in a tranquil, natural environment. The Royal Suites on Bugolobi’s Binayomba road, off Lithuli Avenue, is a perfect example of how living in a suite is far different from merely staying in a hotel room.

The idyllically placed 90 high-end suites, designed for sumptuous luxury and comfort, are nestled amidst acres of tropical gardens, overlooking Muyenga Tank Hill and Namuwongo.

The charming property built on over eight acres of land, with luxurious, spacious self-catering and serviced suites, is one that is sure to provide the kind of ambience many only dream about.

Eng. Matthias Kalanda Kizza, the proprietor, contends that suites are the best option for Christmas relaxation because they feel more like home, allowing guests to relax on the couch, cook their own meals and have the amount of space and level of comfort that they would, in their own house.

The $12m investment was built in phases. It started in 2001 with nine suites. Following the success of the concept, 21 more suites were completed in 2003. This year, they have managed to add 60 units owing to the increasing demand for the suites.

“Our facilities are similar to a hotel arrangement, but the difference is that we have much bigger rooms. Before building the concept, I tried to live in many hotels, both here and abroad. What they lacked in, is what I perfected in; making the suites a blend of uniqueness drawn from all over the world,” he says.

Kizza, who carries 30 years experience in engineering, explains that the suites employ modern design and open style and combine plush luxury and the latest in technology.

“Our complex design is to ensure maximum privacy. At the balcony, you cannot see your neighbour. Each suite has a private garden, for barbeque. For some of our suites, the kitchen and dining are intertwined, making it easy to cook, watch television and interact with guests at the same time.”

All the rooms have unique ceilings that come very handy when doing the lighting. They light specific areas. The dining tables share the same shape as the ceiling, displaying every interior designer’s accomplishment.

Even though the kitchens in the suites are fully-equipped with gas cookers, crockery, micro-waves and toasters, Kizza says there is a food and beverage operation and can deliver meals to suites.

The smallest suite (studio) measuring 50sq metres goes for $120 (sh230,000) per night and $1,500 (sh2.9m) a month and the one bedroom suite covering 100sq metres goes for $150 (sh290,000) a night and $2,000 for a month. The two bedroom suites cost $200 a night, while the three bedroom unit costs $300 a night.