Online Reporter
Tafadzwa Zimoyo
Lifestyle Editor
Clad in my blue, pink-striped suit, a matching shirt and brown shoes, I exuded diplomatic confidence and gait as I walked into one of Zimbabwe’s celebrated tourism homes.
Lush-green lawns on both sides of the paved-path walk serenaded me to the entrance.
And the golden colour that talks the old Sheraton Hotel, just as my grandmother always says, “Take me to Sheraton for lunch, it has some memories . . .”
Well, back to the script, the entrance was a grand yawn that swallowed me into an abyss of comfort.
With each step inside, the aura was refreshing.
Everything smelled luxuriously good.
The decor and the fragrance was superb — matching the overall feel.
Refreshing!
“Refreshing morning!” came the greeting in affable hotel etiquette hyperbole, as I was handed a Malawi shandy.
Immaculate! Designed to my style.
Indeed, refreshing is the imposing Rainbow Towers, that dwarfs almost every building around it and has become Zimbabwe’s ceremonial home of what is luxurious and comfortable.
Excuse me, I am no diplomat, but a mere journalist who is exploring comfort and luxury at its best.
Journalists are used to the rough turf of the profession, but I got treatment fit for a diplomat.
Royalty!
The invitation was for a journalist to come and have a feel of the newly refurbished presidential suite and diplomatic suite.
By the way, I was not alone as other journalists from various media houses, were also on the tour.
I had security and potters with me during the tour.
If you have ever watched the series, ‘The Diplomat’, then you can have an idea of the atmosphere.
For those lost in translation, The Diplomat is about a political thriller series centred on Kate Wyler, a US Ambassador to the UK, navigating high-stakes international crises and her own complicated marriage.
The show explores themes of diplomacy, political intrigue, and personal relationships, with a focus on the delicate balance between avoiding war and pursuing justice in dangerous situations.
Well, for “this diplomat” it was just the experience. There was no political situation to deal with, rather, a chance to experience the character of the recently furbished room.
I was fortunate enough to be the first person to tour the suite.
Whenever I visit hotels in various countries, my favourite room is the bedroom for obvious reasons — relaxation, but it has to have my desired aesthetics.
In the diplomatic room, I loved the Italian texture headboard design.
I did notice the spacious lounge with antic style of late 90s and what I liked most is, it speaks Africa.
The room evoked in me a lion’s roar, elephant trumpets and of course the majestic Victoria Falls, sounds of the thunder as all these are captured in the room through various décor pieces.
Of course, I did not need a round the clock tour, as the tourism books placed by the corner did justice.
I am sure if the Minister of Tourism and Hospitality gets an invitation to check out what’s on offer, she would definitely be impressed to see how even small spaces can speak volumes about Zimbabwe.
I do not like green in the bedroom, but to see how the side thrower brought life to the queen size bed, believe you me, I was green with envy.
A bed ceases to be a place for just sleep. The mood is different.
The warmth, aroma, and comfort of the diplomatic suite is inviting.
I had dinner at Komba Hari, but that is a story for another day. In terms of cuisine, the Rainbow Towers in Harare has stood both the taste and test of time.
It is the host for businesspeople, tourists, politicians and everyone. In its belly lies the Harare International Conference Centre where most of Zimbabwe’s major conferences and events – religious, political or social – have been launched or held.
Most people have one or two memories of this hotel.
Background
Tucked on the western edge of the Central Business District, the Rainbow Towers, Harare’s luxury hotel and conference centre (formerly the Sheraton Harare Hotel & Towers, and Harare International Conference Centre) has since 1985 been at the centre of Zimbabwe’s hospitality industry.
Construction of the building started in 1981 and was completed in 1984. It was officially opened on November 22 1985.
Since then, it has been the lion’s share of a plethora of local and international events.
Those who have patronised the hotel will agree that it meets the highest international standards and ranks with the best in the world.
History has it that it hosted in the 1986 the eighth conference of the Non-Aligned Movement.
In 1991 it hosted the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting and thereafter hosted several other regional and international events.
Famous mega stars, royals, Nobel laureates, heads of state, such as former Presidents Robert Mugabe, Nelson Mandela, Jimmy Carter and Queen Elizabeth II, among others, have enjoyed the comfort of the Rainbow Towers.
New Features
The hotel’s chief executive, Tendai Madziwanyika, confirmed that they completed a significant refurbishment of the hotel.
“With a total investment of US$26 million over the past five years, including US$5.2 million dedicated to this project, the enhancements are set to elevate the guest experience and position Zimbabwe as a premier destination for international conferences,” he said.
Described as a holistic “refashioning” of the facilities, Madziwanyika said the project included the complete renovation of three floors of the hotel, creating six luxurious suites (rebuilding four standard rooms transforming it into one suite).
“Each suite now features two en-suite bedrooms, a lounge, dining room, kitchenette, and a visitor’s bathroom.”
“In addition, 48 modernised guest rooms were created with contemporary designs and sustainable features. The rooms were stripped down to their core, allowing for the installation of modern amenities such as bulk heads with downlights, new flooring, and fully remodelled bathrooms, ” he said.
