It’s no secret that Lagos is more of a city for business travelers than leisure tourists. Between the oil business, the coal industry, the Lekki free trade zone, and thousands of investment and infrastructure projects, Lagos attracts hordes of international business visitors every month. As the commercial and financial heart of Nigeria, it’s the place where deals are done and dollars are made. The hotel scene in Lagos caters primarily to business travelers, so there’s no dearth of top-quality places to stay. However, it can be hard to make sense of all the choices. Here are our top picks for business hotels in Lagos.
1. Radisson Blu
This stylish, glass-fronted establishment’s prime waterfront location makes it a strong contender for the best spot in Lagos. Its large open terrace overlooking the lagoon inlet on Victoria Island is great for early evening networking cocktails. The hotel’s 170 crisp, understated rooms were designed by Swedish hospitality designer Christian Lundwal and feature generous workstations and fast Wi-Fi. An excellent business center and fitness center round out the impressive offerings.
2. Federal Palace Hotel
The Federal Palace in Victoria Island not only has one of the grandest entrances in Lagos, but it boasts enough amenities that you have very little reason to leave the premises. It’s more of a resort than a hotel, really. First, there’s the pool complex, which boasts the largest pool of any hotel in Lagos, a kids’ play area, water slides, and day beds. Then there’s the mini-golf, tennis courts, onsite bank, casino, boardrooms, three restaurants, fitness center, and business center. For larger business functions, the grounds (which feature lagoon views and peacocks strutting through well-tended gardens) can be used to set up a conference marquee for groups of up to 500 people.
3. Intercontinental
This monolithic, glass-encased hotel, which opened in 2013, is spoken about in hushed, reverential terms by the ranks of taxi drivers who work on Victoria island. Its 352 rooms and four restaurants are synonymous with luxury. This opulence is felt from the moment you enter the grand lobby and continues throughout the stay. As one of the tallest buildings in Nigeria, the Intercontinental literally and figuratively towers over its competition on Victoria Island.
4. Wheatbaker
What Wheatbaker lacks in size, it makes up for in both quality and service. It is, quite simply, elegance embodied. Cool contemporary art lines the walls and sculptures dot the grounds. Stylish rooms spare no expense, coupled with scrupulous service and attention to detail, Wheatbaker ensures guests leave feeling pampered. In the rooms, fresh cut flowers, nespresso machines, crisp percale linen, and comfy beds may mean you find it difficult to tear yourself away. Even if you do manage to leave the comfort of the room, you may not get further than the restaurants; Wheatbaker has amongst the best food in any of the hotels in Lagos with an excellent buffet style breakfast bar and evening à la carte options in The Grill Room.
5. Southern Sun
Southern Sun is a towering presence amongst the wealth and colonial residences of Ikoyi. Expect a pianist tinkling the ivories on your arrival in the lavish lobby. The 195 large, well-equipped rooms boast views over the Ikoyi towards the colonial polo club and beyond. In the evenings, the dining room and outdoor terrace hum with the conversation of well-heeled Nigerian businessmen and women. Buffet tables groan under the weight of savoury and confectionary delights, this is the spot to celebrate a successfully concluded business deal or simply share a beer and watch the big game after a hard day at the office.
6. Epe Resort & Spa
At 70km away from Lagos city, Epe Resort warrants its entry in the top ten for its proximity to Lekki Free trade Zone as well as the peace and quiet on offer.Leave the city behind you for a weekend and head here. Once through the security gates, switch off your brain enjoy a game of tennis or take a dip in the spacious swimming pool. Walk the verdant grounds overlooking the tree lined greenery of Epe or take the short trip to the palm strewn Eleko beach for one of the least spoilt stretches of coastline in the region. Once sated, return to your elegant chalet style room, recline on the terrace with a glass of wine in hand, and listen as the soundtrack of birdsong replaces beeping car horns.
7. Sheraton Four Points
Modern simplicity coupled with a great location, excellent food and clean contemporary styling. Choose from 5 bars or restaurants on site, dive in the infinity pool, or relax in easily the best spa facilities in Lagos. Four points scores highly in all areas, keeping up with the big guns like Intercontinental and Radisson Blu on Victoria Island. Sheraton Four Points offers, as the marketing literature says: “uncomplicated comfort” and excellent facilities, a far better option than the slightly ageing Sheraton in Ikeja.
8. La Cour
This luxurious hideaway offers spacious suites with dedicated, separate living spaces, and grounds filled with indigenous planting around an attractive pool area. Walkways hang heavy with the scent of jasmine while West African creepers climb the walls. Escape the heat of Lagos to this quiet, green corner amongst the colonial embassies and tree lined streets of Ikoyi. A great value option for those on a budget, or looking for a longer-term stay.
9. Ibis
Ikeja is beginning to become a secondary hub in Lagos as commuters become frustrated with the lengthy commute and frequent “go-slows” that accompany the journey to Victoria Island. The Sheraton Ikeja has become a little dated in recent years, so in terms of cleanliness and value for money, the newly opened Ibis offering has a lot to offer. Comfortable rooms, trendy, modern facilities, and excellent value make this the best option for those looking to stay on the mainland.
10. Hotel Bon Voyage
You may be here to work, but there is no reason why it can’t feel like a holiday. Relax beneath a thatched cabana, dip in the turquoise pool and Jacuzzi, or practice your golf swing in the dedicated golf simulator. The secluded Victoria Island location is perfect for an evening stroll to nearby “bar beach”; from here look over the emerging Dubai-style city being built in the Eko Atlantic project, or gaze out over the Atlantic. Say “bon voyage” to the stresses of the Lagos streets in this boutique resort style hotel.
Related content on AFKTravel:
Luxury In Lagos: Six Hotels To Rest Your Head In Style
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