The casual observer might mistake the Sheraton Abuja for a fortress from The Empire Strikes Back. Its huge, brutalist structure towers twelve stories over the surrounding city, with sloped exterior walls and balconies around the perimeter. Even on the inside of the hotel, which opens into a massive outdoor courtyard, one can look up into the belly of the tower and marvel and the rows of rooms. It’s geometric and beautiful in a massive sort of way.

This hotel is so big that it feels like a small city, with 540 rooms separated among two distinct inflected towers. Near reception there is a lobby bar and the club lounge for elite Starwood guests. Other dining options on the premises include a continental restaurant (Papillon), an Italian restaurant (Luigis), a bar (Boathouse), and a steakhouse (Obudu). Property amenities include a fairly large swimming pool and splash pool (the latter was non-functional during my visit), a well-equipped fitness center with squash courts, a gym, tennis courts and even table tennis. There is also a salon adjacent to the fitness center.

The attached building facilitates the transition from work to play: it houses a conference center with massive ballrooms and breakout rooms, plus a casino.

Business travelers will find work facilities just off of the lobby, with paid access to the internet, scanning and fax services. They can also get access to the web for free at one of several public computers just off of the reception desk.

While the Sheraton’s grandiose architecture is impressive, the circa-1991 building is starting to show its age. Parts of the pool are under repair, the interior reflection pool has chipped tiles, and the overall style of the hotel seems dated.

Rooms reflect that age, with cheap hardwood floors, older fixtures, CRT televisions and louder air conditioning units. Conversely, the beds are comfortable, each room has a balcony and a 256k wireless connection is free (higher speeds are available for a fee). I was told that a portion of the rooms are currently being remodeled.

Regardless of the hotel’s condition, the Sheraton Abuja feels more like a resort than a standard hotel. It’s big enough to let the family run around out to the pool or to spend a day floating between the fitness club, one of the restaurants and the casino. There are lots of foreigners here, and the staff are friendly and accommodating.

The Sheraton is located on the edge of the business district next to Wuse I and II, and is well-situated for business travelers working in the city center. Keep an eye out for the Star Wars-era building right next to the national Mosque and you can’t miss it.