RTG CHAMPIONS HARARE’S URBAN RENEWAL WITH THE TRANSFORMED NEW AMBASSADOR HOTEL

Motivated by a desire to elevate the guest experience, optimize operational efficiency, and align with cutting-edge international hospitality standards, the New Ambassador Hotel has recently underwent significant upgrades, further boosting Zimbabwe’s burgeoning hospitality sector. This comprehensive US$500,000 renovation, part of the Rainbow Tourism Group’s (RTG) broader infrastructure upgrade plan across all its facilities in the country, was finalized in March 2025. The hotel is strategically and ideally located in the vibrant heart of Harare’s Central Business District (CBD).

The extensive New Ambassador Hotel project breathed new life into all 72 guest rooms, including the executive and junior suites. Each room now has a distinct transformation, with layouts reconfigured to maximise space and functionality. All furniture and fittings were replaced with contemporary, stylish pieces, including new headboards, bedside tables, and sophisticated lighting that collectively create a clean, inviting, and comfortable ambience.

Embracing the needs of the modern traveler, international power outlets, including 3-pin, USB, and Type-C charging options, have been integrated for unparalleled guest convenience. The aesthetic direction for the rooms leans towards a warm, neutral colour palette, carefully chosen to promote relaxation and a profound sense of calm. Functionality and inclusivity were paramount, thereby extending beyond the aesthetics.

Bathrooms were strategically relocated to further enhance room spaciousness and utility. They now stand out with brand-new vanities, elegant walk-in showers, modern water-saving toilets, and upgraded tiling on both floors and walls, delivering a sleek, contemporary finish.

In a commendable move towards greater accessibility, the refurbishment also included the addition of a paraplegic-accessible room, demonstrating the hotel’s commitment to inclusivity for guests with mobility impairments.

Communication infrastructure received a significant upgrade as well, with all in-room telephone handsets replaced by modern units, and the hotel’s Wi-Fi system overhauled to provide all-in-one, high-speed, scalable, and secure internet access—a vital amenity for today’s connected travellers and event organizers.

Speaking during a recent media tour, Pride Khumbula, RTG’s Corporate Affairs & Quality Manager, underscored the refurbishment as a strong indicator of the Group’s commitment to quality, guest comfort, and sustainable practices. “The upgrades have been carefully planned to enhance both aesthetic appeal and operational performance, with a view to positioning the New Ambassador Hotel as a preferred destination for business and leisure travellers in central Harare,” she stated.

Sustainability is a central pillar of RTG’s refurbishment philosophy. The hotel now proudly features environmentally smart innovations such as low-flow flushing systems in toilets, which remarkably reduce water consumption by up to 30 percent per flush. Furthermore, the entire property is now illuminated by energy-efficient LED lighting, significantly contributing to overall energy conservation. These efforts highlight RTG’s commitment to embedding sustainable practices into every facet of its operations.

The New Ambassador Hotel’s strategic location within Harare’s CBD is a key advantage. It offers unmatched convenience, being within comfortable walking distance of major financial institutions, government departments, commercial centres, diverse retail outlets, cinemas, and significant cultural landmarks, including the National Museum and Art Gallery.

This prime position makes it an ideal choice for both local and international guests seeking a blend of comfort, convenience, and rich cultural connection.

This significant investment in the New Ambassador Hotel is part of RTG’s broader, five-year US$26 million infrastructure upgrade program. This progressive plan has seen substantial enhancements across its portfolio. Notably, in July 2024, the Group completed a monumental US$5.2 million renovation of the iconic Rainbow Towers Hotel and Harare International Conference Centre (HICC). This extensive project included the creation of six new luxury diplomatic suites and a sprawling Presidential Suite, ingeniously developed by combining four rooms into a premium space featuring two en-suite bedrooms, a lounge, a dedicated dining area, a well-appointed kitchenette, and a convenient visitor’s bathroom.

Additionally, 48 guest rooms at Rainbow Towers were modernized, and the HICC received new, state-of-the-art conference seating, thoughtfully equipped with integrated charging ports for 3-pin, USB, and Type-C devices—a clear nod to the demands of modern conferencing.

RTG also injected US$380,000 into the refurbishment of its Victoria Falls properties in the first quarter of 2025, namely the Victoria Falls Rainbow Hotel and A’Zambezi River Lodge. These widespread investments collectively underscore RTG’s mission to provide world-class hospitality experiences in both bustling urban centres and prime tourism destinations.

Tendai Madziwanyika, Chief Executive of Rainbow Tourism Group, articulated the strategic importance of these refurbishments in advancing RTG’s core business objectives and playing a pivotal role in the revitalization of Zimbabwe’s entire hospitality landscape. “As RTG, we view infrastructure investment as a strategic lever for growth, differentiation, and long-term value creation.

The refurbishment of the New Ambassador Hotel is part of a deliberate plan to modernise our assets, uplift our city-centre offering, and contribute to urban renewal in Harare’s CBD,” he affirmed.

He further emphasized, “We are not just upgrading hotels—we are elevating the guest journey, improving accessibility, embedding sustainability, and supporting Zimbabwe’s tourism and economic development agenda. Our investment signals confidence in the future of Zimbabwean hospitality and reflects our belief that exceptional service must be matched by exceptional spaces.” The “new look” of the New Ambassador Hotel, with its modern, comfortable, and aesthetically pleasing rooms featuring international sockets, now positions it competitively as one of Harare’s top hotels in the three-star space.

All furniture was proudly sourced and made locally, highlighting a commitment to local craftsmanship. Initial feedback has been positive, with guests expressing delight at the transformation. To ensure the longevity of these renovations, RTG adheres to an approved cyclical Product Improvement Plan and employs a “Rainbow Fix” maintenance strategy, involving daily proactive spot checks by maintenance teams across all hotels.

The modernized rooms embody the property’s forward-looking vision of offering a contemporary, comfortable, and sustainable guest experience. Through the combination of a sleek design, optimized space, and eco-conscious features, the hotel is now well-positioned as a smart urban destination for today’s discerning traveller.

These elements are not merely about aesthetics; they represent a significant step toward creating a future-ready hospitality environment that not only meets global standards but also caters specifically to the needs of the local and regional market. The enhanced comfort of the new rooms powerfully underscores the hotel’s commitment to redefining affordable luxury in the vibrant heart of Harare.

From Destination 19