The new boutique 258 Hotel, located at the corner of Hebert Chitepo Avenue and Fifth Street, was officially launched yesterday, which is a significant development in Zimbabwe’s tourism industry. The hotel, a stunning restoration of an old, dilapidated property, has been commended for rejuvenating the neighborhood and providing high-quality lodging to business and leisure guests.
After a year of building and remodeling, the hotel features 16 luxurious rooms, including themed suites such as the Msasa Suite and the Baobab Suite. Each suite provides a unique blend of grandeur, modern conveniences, and warmth; the Msasa Suite, for example, includes a huge lounge, a kitchenette, and a workspace for visitors.
The Baobab Suite is distinguished by its king-sized bed, private verandah with a view of Harare, and luxury amenities that ensure a more enjoyable stay for tourists wishing to relax and work.
258 Hotel owner Drew Jackson image credit Tsitsi Betha
Several stakeholders attended the grand opening, including officials from the Ministry of Tourism and Hospitality Industry.
Mr. Reason Machigere, the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority’s Executive Director of Domestic Tourism and Strategic Research, delivered the remarks in honor of the honoree, Deputy Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Tongai Mnangagwa.
The launch of the hotel image credit Tsitsi Betha
Emphasizing the significance of this investment for the city’s economic growth, he stated, “I am proud to be a part of this historic occasion. 258 Hotel embodies a vision of progress; it is a symbol of revitalization. This facility will increase Harare’s appeal as a destination, benefiting both the city and the tourism industry as a whole.”
The investment is regarded as a significant milestone in the government’s overall effort to expand Zimbabwe’s tourist industry, which seeks to reach a $5 billion tourism economy by 2025. The Deputy Minister emphasized the importance of such programs in achieving national goals and showcasing Zimbabwe as a prime vacation destination.
Tour of the hotel image credit Tsitsi Betha
As the tourism industry recovers and expands, developments like 258 Hotel point to a bright future for Zimbabwe. The Ministry of Tourism has been striving to establish Tourism Development Clusters to help develop specialized niches like cultural, medical, and rural tourism. The hotel’s co-owners, Mr. Temesai Chimusoro and Drew Jackson, were praised for their timely investment, which corresponds to the growing demand for high-quality lodging in Zimbabwe’s capital.
Aside from its opulent housing options, 258 Hotel offers a variety of facilities geared to improve the visiting experience. These services include transportation collaborations for guided city tours and complimentary luggage storage.
The Garden Suites at 258 Hotel provide guests a serene setting as well as a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life. The suites open into well-curated gardens. Room service, laundry facilities, and a complimentary breakfast from the well-known Chop Chop Restaurant are all considered basic amenities.
Multi-award-winning artist Dominic Benhura is the creator of the three dancing girls sculptures that greet visitors at the main entrance and enhance the hotel’s environment.
The hotel entrance image by Tsitsi Betha
Similo Mzizi, Hotel’s general manager, thanked all parties who helped make the project a success. “We are thrilled to bring a world-class boutique experience to Harare. I urge everyone to spread the news that we have developed something wonderful here,” she said. “We are excited to build and expand this business by maybe opening more branches across the country.
258 Hotel general manager Simi Mzizi
With Zimbabwe’s tourism sector booming, the inauguration of Hotel 258 portends well for Harare’s future as the city grows more and more popular with domestic and foreign tourists.
