Built in 2013, Grand Towers is one of the more recent hotels to open in Abuja. It’s set on a rocky escarpment overlooking the city, near the upmarket Maitama district.

It’s a fairly compact site, but the space is well used. The grounds feature with a small reception, bar, restaurant, and small business suite on the ground floor. There is accommodation on the first and second floors, and an open plan conference room (suitable for 60 people with good views over Abuja) on the third floor.

The recent build means it’s considerably more stylish than many of the other offerings locally, and finish levels are good throughout the hotel. Rooms, whilst compact, are tastefully decorated with a mix of understated fabrics in subtle colours, veneered headboards, integrated furniture/desk space, marble worktops, and bath suites. They all have good Wi-Fi speed, a full complement of DSTV channels, stocked minibars, safes, and tea/coffee facilities.

The only letdowns were the pool changing rooms and the gym, which look as if they’re being used as temporary storage. Also, the pool area features high-quality wooden pool furniture that looks a little worn, with some cladding missing and exposed plaster in places.

Service is exceptional and staff are attentive, happy to help, and understanding of the need to get quickly checked in and relax, rather than deal with front-desk bureaucracy. This comfort does come at an additional cost, but generally it’s worth it.