Harare’s latest luxury destination: 258 Hotel now open

A NEW boutique hotel, 258 Hotel, has opened its doors to the public after nearly a year and a half of renovation.

Located at number 258 Herbert Chitepo in Harare, next to Chop Chop Bar and Grill, the hotel boasts 16 rooms draped in sophistication and amenities.

The hotel features 16 rooms, including six garden suites, eight classic rooms, one junior suite, and one grand suite.

The room prices range from US$120 for a Classic/Standard Room to US$450 for the Baobab Executive Suite, with rates including bed and breakfast for one person and an additional US$20 for breakfast for each extra guest.

“We offer a sanctuary of luxury and tranquillity in the heart of the central business district (CBD). Our commitment to providing an elite guest experience is reflected in every detail, from our exquisite suites to our innovative dining options,” hotel manager Similo Mzizi said during the tour of the premises.

“We are thrilled to welcome guests to discover the modern elegance and timeless sophistication that define our hotel. 258 Hotel is the place to be.”

The hotel features 16 rooms, including six garden suites, eight classic rooms, one junior suite, and one grand suite.

Accordingly, the opening of 258 Hotel coincides with the tourism month of September. Among the events for the month is the Sanganai/Hlanganani World Tourism Expo, which will be held in Bulawayo during the period 11 to 13 September.

This comes as the hospitality sector also offers pockets of growth, driven by operators’ desire to be closer to their markets. They are seeking hotel spaces that provide visibility along major arterial routes in key cities and proximity to their target audience.

Several firms are pursuing opportunities to convert its Harare CBD properties to boutique hotels, residential apartments, and student accommodation purposes.

Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) are gaining traction as an investment class that can provide stable returns even amid challenges such as low occupancy rates in major office buildings.

Revitus REIT aims to raise funds from investors to revive a number of central business district (CBD) properties held under the property portfolio of the National Railways of Zimbabwe Contribution Pension Fund.

Under a multi-phased rehabilitation program, the REIT is projected to generate more than US$6 million per year in rentals at completion.

Last year, the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA) reported that the sector generated approximately US$1,16 billion, a 27 percent increase from 2022. International tourism receipts also saw a substantial rise of 43 percent.