Hilton (NYSE: HLT) has announced the launch of its lifestyle brand, Tapestry Collection by Hilton, in Sub-Saharan Africa, marking a significant milestone in the company’s regional growth strategy. The debut follows the signing of agreements for three properties — The Sterling Hotel in South Africa, Ava Hotel Nairobi in Kenya, and Zaria Court Kigali in Rwanda.
The move underscores Hilton’s accelerating expansion across Africa, where it plans to open over 100 new hotels in the coming years, nearly tripling its current footprint on the continent.
Carlos Khneisser, Hilton’s Chief Development Officer for the Middle East & Africa, highlighted the company’s confidence in Africa’s thriving hospitality sector.
“With its beautiful scenery, vibrant cities, and rich cultural heritage, Africa’s travel and tourism industry is experiencing significant momentum,” Khneisser said. “We’re excited to introduce our lifestyle brand, Tapestry Collection by Hilton, to Sub-Saharan Africa — bringing authentic, contemporary stays to the growing number of travellers visiting Africa each year.”
The Sterling Hotel, Tapestry Collection by Hilton – South Africa
Developed in partnership with Crown Pound (Pty) Ltd., The Sterling Hotel will rise in Sibaya, KwaZulu-Natal, a coastal enclave between Umhlanga and Ballito known for its lush forests, luxury living, and entertainment hubs.
Scheduled to open in 2027, the 111-room hotel will fuse modern comfort with local character and feature amenities including a fitness centre, all-day dining restaurant, lobby café and bar, outdoor pool, and terrace.
Guests will enjoy proximity to major attractions such as Dolphin Coast beaches, Crocodile Creek, Tala Game Reserve, and Natal Lion Park, while King Shaka International Airport and Durban International Convention Centre are just minutes away.
Ava Hotel Nairobi, Tapestry Collection by Hilton – Kenya
Signed with AVA Hotel Limited, Ava Hotel Nairobi will be located in Lavington, one of Nairobi’s most desirable neighbourhoods. The hotel will feature 91 guestrooms, a rooftop bar and restaurant, outdoor pool, fitness centre, and meeting spaces — designed to reflect bold aesthetics inspired by Kenyan heritage.
Its location provides easy access to Nairobi’s Central Business District and Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, only 45 minutes away. Upon completion, it will become Hilton’s fifth trading property in Kenya.
Zaria Court Kigali, Tapestry Collection by Hilton – Rwanda
Developed by NBA Champion Masai Ujiri’s Zaria Group, Zaria Court Kigali will mark Hilton’s first property in Rwanda when it opens later this year.
Located in a dynamic mixed-use complex focused on sports and entertainment, the hotel will offer 80 guestrooms, a rooftop lounge, all-day dining restaurant, sports bar, co-working space, pool, and fitness centre.
Its prime location — adjacent to BK Arena and Amahoro Stadium, and just 15 minutes from Kigali International Airport — positions it as a hub for business, leisure, and events.
Both the Kenyan and Rwandan hotels will be managed by Aleph Hospitality, an independent management company operating across the Middle East and Africa.
A Lifestyle Brand with Local Soul
Elizabeth Scruggs, Brand Leader for Tapestry Collection by Hilton, said the brand’s expansion aligns with a global trend toward experiential travel.
“Travellers today are seeking authentic experiences, local connections, and distinctive design,” she noted. “Our new properties in South Africa, Kenya, and Rwanda embody the Tapestry Collection ethos — celebrating the originality of their surroundings while delivering the reliability and warmth Hilton is known for.”
Launched in 2017, Tapestry Collection by Hilton now boasts over 170 hotels worldwide, each offering a distinct identity and immersive local storytelling. Every property participates in the Hilton Honors loyalty programme, allowing guests to earn and redeem points across Hilton’s global portfolio.
Hilton’s Expanding African Footprint
Hilton currently operates 64 hotels across Africa, with another 106 projects in the pipeline. The company’s strategy aims to expand to more than 160 operational hotels in the coming years — a testament to its long-standing commitment to Africa’s growing hospitality market, which it has served for over six decades.
