Chris Theko
Lesotho’s only top-notch hotel, Mpilo Boutique Hotel announced its closure which was forced by the prevailing Covid-19 pandemic that has devastated the entire global economy.
The establishment owned by the Matekane Group of Companies (MGC) revealed in a statement on Tuesday this week that it will be closing its doors this month after struggling to stay afloat during these trying times brought by the pandemic.
Situated in the heart of Maseru, this was the first ever Boutique Hotel in Lesotho. A luxury boutique hotel that offers modern comfort that appealed to both leisure and corporate clients.
It was officially opened in 2015 as a hotel that would offer elegant accommodation with rooms fully equipped for a stay-in. Located a few minutes away from all the amenities, including the city center, the establishment quickly became the business hub for all local and international corporates.
“Mpilo Boutique Hotel could not survive this monster and today we officially say goodbye. It has truly been an exciting, fun joyful and memorable journey,” the statement reads.
It continued to thank Basotho and the international community that had shown support and love through the years.
“Thank you for the support and love we have enjoyed serving you over the years. Preserve the good memories and always remember that we are the most resilient nation and this too shall pass,” further reads the statement.
“We pray for an end to this pandemic. We pray for wisdom that we recover from this ordeal. The whole world will surely heal from this prolonged pain and suffering.
The Head of MGC’s Corporate Communications and Marketing ‘Mamotake Matekane also confirmed the news through her personal Facebook.
“It hasn’t been easy going through this painful process. I have gone through all sorts of emotions but it still doesn’t get better. By some miracle I pray that we will one day come back with an even better hotel,” She wrote.
During its lifespan, the hotel was home to 75 employees most of whom are now with the prospect of being unemployed.
Matekane told this publication that they have been losing huge amounts of money since the outbreak of the pandemic due to limited movement.
“People haven’t been coming and that meant loss of income. We were now only faced with expenses, having to pay for things such as electricity and water,” she said.
Mpilo Boutique becomes the second hospitality establishment to close shop after the closure of Oxbow Lodge as a result of the covid-19 scare. The pinch of the covid-19 pandemic has, however, been felt by a number of other establishments in the hospitality industry including the Marakabei Lodge which was put up for sale in September of 2020.
