Per other reviews, there are not many options in Kinshasa. During a recent stay, my room on the 17th floor had an overwhelming mold/mildew smell throughout that never went away. The carpets where gathered in channels that suggested moisture damage underneath, and the ventilation ducts were full of mold. The sink had some sort of substance in it that resembled blood plasma. The only positive aspect of the room were that the bed linens were clean with no debris or hair on them, and a sweeping view of the Congo River across to Braazaville. I agree with other reviewers on the poor quality, overpriced breakfast... however I was thankful to have food period after viewing some of the local conditions.

After two weeks at the Memling, I moved to the Grand Hotel basically in search of more comfortable seating in the room and a change of menu in the restaurants. For the first six nights at the Grand, I was in room 1940 ($250/night), a somewhat tattered, large room with twin beds, a sofa in the seating area, and expansive views. My wife joined me for the last six nights and we were moved to room 742 which was smaller, had a king bed and not as dramatic a view (although the Congo River was visible in the distance). All the rooms feature a fairly large balcony, strangely without any outdoor furniture. Wifi is available ($85/week). The Grand seems to be perpetually under renovation somewhere on the property without ever making much headway. It really COULD do with some serious updating, specifically in the ground floor public areas (lobby, reception, restaurant, shops) which lack organization, are dark and unwelcoming, and difficult to navigate. Getting to the pool area is particularly confusing. The décor throughout the hotel lacks vibrancy; and the food in the indoor restaurant and at the pool terrace is uninspired and expensive ($40 for a steak). Breakfast is an adequate buffet ($28, not included in the room rate). There is a pleasant wood-fired pizzeria near the pool ($30 for a small vegetarian pizza). A very nice, well-equipped fitness center is located in a separate building with big windows overlooking the pool. The pool is popular and well-maintained, and has sufficient loungers, umbrellas, and towels. Overall, considering the exorbitant costs associated with staying at the Grand and its dated, worse-for-wear appearance, I can’t recommend it. There are better places to stay in Kinshasa such as the new O Castelo Hotel (an as-yet-undiscovered gem) or the older Sultani (which has good, less expensive food; free wifi; a busy, welcoming lobby; but rooms that are in need of extensive renovation).

the hotel is in very nice location, quiet area and safe [very important in kinshasa] rooms have been just rennovated and thus very clean very nice wide rooms overlooking river. very very nice pool and gym too. food is excellent and service too. i will definetly stay there next time.

I stayed here with 3 colleagues for three nights in early May. The hotel is equivalent to a 3 star hotel in most other cities but in Kinshasa there really aren't many options. I have also stayed at a small boutique hotel -- the Faden House -- across the street from the Grand which was nicer. The Faden was more cosy and the ambience was at least on par with European/Western standards.

BUT since this isn't a review of the Faden House, let me continue. Expect to pay at least $30 - 50 for any given meal (without alcohol) and the service, particularly at check-in is dismal. Unfortunately, the city lacks capacity on the hospitality front. I did see some hopeful signs however that things may be picking up -- the government is investing in infrastructure and increasing tourism seems to be on this agenda. With any luck -- in the next 3-5 years, Kinshasa may be a new city! But for now, don't expect the luxuries of home like hot water every day!