The Hotel is named after the famous British explorer, John Hanning Speke, who discovered ''The source of River Nile.'' The Hotel is the first and oldest hotel in Uganda. Built in the British Colonial times, it has gone through renovations but still maintains its colonial ambience. The hotel has all the modern luxury facilities. There are also several themed restaurants, (including Italian and Indian) and one of the best cocktail bars in Uganda. It is situated in the heart of Kampala, close to banks, shopping and business centres, and offers all the charms of bygone days complimented by efficient modern services and facilities. The rooms provide a peaceful retreat in the centre of the buzzing capital just within the pearl of Africa.