Anew face has eventually egressed allover capital of Uganda. The urban centre's skyline has been remolded and is looking attractively different ahead of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting is an understatement.

Within a small radius are hotels, guest houses, motels or inns. Mid-century architecture that has for long symbolised Kampala is fast giving way to futuristic constructions; whose beauty has complemented the equatorial lushness.

On Acacia Avenue alone are two landmark buildings within adjacent to one another. The Kampala Protea Hotel and Metropole Hotel, some yards down the road have added to the magnificence of the already elegant and serene Kitante Golf course.

The illusionary Kampala Protea Hotel with 70 deluxe Suite Hotel may not be that tall to hug the sky, but icovers acres of space, making it hard to pass unnoticed.

The hotel has an gratifying architecture that is more than the usual concrete blocks. It exposes a creative design that uses cutting-age technology. It has brown, smooth and bronzed exterior walls that can only leave you speculative about the interior.

If the golf course's lush greenery is not dazzling enough to warrant one's attention as they drive by, the stylish 60-room Metropole Hotel will do. Not only does the hotel have the space and flexibility to accommodate large numbers of people, but also its design and roofing provides fresh air and natural light that filters through the corridors and the washrooms.

"We intend to establish a reputation for comfort, charm and friendly efficient service and we believe our guests, after getting a feel will return to our delightful retreat," Rahul Sood, the manager, says.

The decor is a clever mix of old and new; art-deco furniture poses comfortably beside stunning modern pieces. Rooms are contemporary, bright and welcoming, a sure way to provide relaxation that can soothe any stress.

Sood reckons that the hotel is the first in Africa with the Voice over Internet Protocol telephony for the guests. The hotel has Internet Protocol phones installed everywhere. It is wireless and guests can browse the high speed Internet anywhere.

That said, the Golf course Hotel is another marvel. The hotel is one of the grandest and historical landmarks.

I believe even some environmentalists who went up in arms during the hotel's infancy days would get impressed by what greets them today.

Pointed and cylindrical roofs, large fountains and an expansive swimming pool in the middle of a canopy of trees all spell a 'cool atmosphere' befitting a queen.

Chinese architecture is most famous for the Great Wall of China. However, The Nanjing restaurant and Motel, on Impala Avenue in the plush Kololo suburb is an architectural marvel. It is proof that there is so much more to Chinese architecture than just that huge Chinese wall.

An aquatic theme runs through the hotel and its design is both visually and functionally cascading. It has a transparent glass 'waterfall' that lights the building as night falls. Calling it 'large and extravagant', 'a pleasure to look at' 'breath-taking and 'detailed to the last drop' best describes, the Nanjing Motel.

In city centre is yet another awesome sight - the Royal Imperial Hotel.

Though said to be built in the road reserve, the hotel is really a spectacle.

It has no extraneous clutter, but the attention to detail is superb. The colours used on the hotel are beguiling and encourage the much clamoured for natural light.inations/mabira-forest-uganda.html