Kabul Serena Hotel Ceases Operations After Nearly Two Decades
After almost two decades of service, Kabul Serena Hotel, one of Afghanistan’s most prominent luxury hotels, has officially announced its closure.
The hotel, known for its international hospitality standards, has been a key destination for state delegations, diplomats, and international guests.
In an official statement, the management of Serena Hotels confirmed that operations at Kabul Serena would cease effective February 1, 2025.
The hotel’s operations will now be taken over by the Hotel State Owned Corporation (HSOC).
The management expressed gratitude for the support received over the years but did not specify the reasons for the closure.
The hotel has been a preferred venue for international travelers and dignitaries visiting Afghanistan. It has also been a target of attacks in the past, notably in January 2008 and March 2014.
The closure follows reports that the Taliban authorities have taken over the management of the hotel, breaching a prior agreement with the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), the original owners.
The Kabul Serena Hotel, originally known as the Kabul Hotel, was established in 1945 by the Afghan government.
It underwent a significant renovation by the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) in 2005, reopening as the Kabul Serena Hotel.
The renovation was a substantial investment, with AKDN reportedly spending over $25 million on the project.
