Set in a quiet residential district not far from the city centre, Asdam Lodge/Five Two Zero is a large two-storey structure set around a small courtyard and swimming pool. The lobby is basic with a small restaurant/dining area on a raised platform and a mural of Cross River attractions on the balcony facade above.

Access to the pool area is off the lobby; it’s a 10-metre pool in a bare environment, with several tables and chairs scattered around. The spa and gym facilities are accessed via the internal balcony in the lobby and comprise two treatment/massage rooms offering Ayurvedic treatments, a two-person sauna and a whirlpool bath/Jacuzzi suitable for personal use.

Accommodation blocks are rather tired, and the hallways show signs of wear with worn carpets and peeling/damp patches in places. The rooms themselves show fewer signs of wear, and although lacking tea and coffee facilities, there is a reasonable sized desk, large mattress and flat screen TV’s with limited DSTV channels. Bathrooms are well-appointed and have individual boilers with good hot water supply. Unfortunately Wi-Fi speeds are slow, especially towards the extremities of the buildings, and the pillows are so large as to be impractical for their main purpose.

The service was slightly confused, with staff experiencing shortages of correct billing stationery, and offering no facility to pay using overseas credit cards.

Five Two Zero has two sites; Asdam Lodge and a conference centre a mile or so away. This division means that business facilities are located in the conference centre, which may prove impractical for many business travellers.