Dubai-based Leva to debut in Southern Africa with Zimbabwe hotel

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Leva Hotels and Revitus REIT sign to transform Chester House into hotel

Dubai-born hospitality brand Leva Hotels is set to make its debut in Southern Africa with the opening of a new property in Zimbabwe’s capital, Harare.

Located at 88 Speke Avenue in the city’s central business district, the hotel is expected to “breathe new life into Harare’s hospitality scene” while preserving the legacy of one of its most recognisable landmarks.

Zimbabwe is emerging as a tourism hub with landmarks including Victoria Falls and Hwange National Park, while Harare now offers direct links to Dubai, Johannesburg, Lusaka and Nairobi.

The project will see Chester House, a historic building in the city centre, transformed into Ekono by Leva @ Chester House, a new three-star upscale hotel, in partnership with Revitus Property Opportunities Real Estate Investment Trust (Revitus REIT).

Once complete, the Harare property will feature 117 keys, offering a mix of modern guest rooms and suites designed for both business and leisure travellers.

Harare, the capital of Zimbabwe

All rooms will be equipped with contemporary in-room amenities, ergonomic workstations and smart technology, while interiors will combine international standards with subtle local design touches.

Facilities will include stylish social spaces, flexible meeting areas and curated dining options aimed at the city’s business community as well as visiting guests.

An all-day dining restaurant, café lounge and grab-and-go concept will cater to travellers on the move, complemented by event-friendly spaces for smaller meetings and gatherings.

Commenting on the project, JS Anand, Founder and CEO of Leva Hotels, said: “This project will connect Dubai’s expertise in design-led, affordable upscale hotels with Africa’s growing tourism and business markets, while adding lasting value to the local community and economy.”

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For Leva, the launch comes amid a period of rapid growth. Its move into Southern Africa follows the debut of its luxury brand, Zen by Leva, announced in late 2024, with the first five-star property set to open in Saudi Arabia.

Earlier in 2025, the group also entered Europe with the takeover of Best Western Hotel Strasser in Graz, Austria.

The Harare opening reinforces Leva’s strategy to expand into high-growth destinations across Africa, the Middle East and Europe. Since launching in 2019 with Leva Mazaya Centre Dubai, the brand has grown to four operating properties, with four more in the pipeline, including further African openings.

Looking beyond 2025, Zen by Leva will debut in Saudi Arabia, focusing on enriching Umrah journeys alongside cultural discovery.

“Zen represents our belief that the true luxury of tomorrow lies in enriching the soul and engaging the senses,” said Anand. “This brand is designed to offer elevated experiences that inspire both internal reflection and external exploration.”

For more information, visit stayleva.com