As with all major hotels in Lagos, the Sheraton is ringed with ominous-looking security gates, but once you get past them you’ll find a pleasant six-story block fronted with formal gardens and fringed by palms. As you make your way inside you’ll notice that the lobby has a slightly 70s feel, but it’s nonetheless smart, with an abundance of comfortable seating, a Microsoft powered “communication suite,” a small gift shop, and a well-stocked bar.

Rooms have been updated more recently than the lobby, though they still show signs of minor wear and tear (e.g. cracked tiles in the bathroom). They are decently sized, with comfortable beds, large flat- screen TVs, wi-fi and minibars (stocked upon request). There are six different dining options (gourmet option Pili Pili has now closed) though your choice will depend on time of day – I found it difficult to get anything other than room service after 10:30pm. Breakfast is a buffet with a range of hot/cold and Western or African dishes.

The spacious pool to the rear is the real heart of the hotel. It is here during the heat of the day that guests swim or relax on loungers in the shade of two huge rubber trees. Once the sun sets the palm frond-roofed pool bar becomes the focus. There is a pleasant relaxed vibe here with shisha being a popular option [does this mean you can smoke a hookah?].

The hotel also boasts a small spa and a well-equipped gym with modern “Technogym” equipment and powerful air conditioning. There is a running track around the two tennis courts, but at 300m it’s not really a length that allows for a serious workout. The business centre offers a full secretarial service as well as the usual Internet and printing facilities, though most guests prefer the Microsoft suite in the lobby. There are also a variety of meeting/conference rooms for groups from anywhere between 20 to 350 people. Staff are friendly, efficient and courteous, making up for the slightly dated feel overall.

The Sheraton is situated on busy Mobolaji Bank Anthony dual carriageway, just 10 minutes (4km) from the airport, making it extremely popular with flight crews on layovers, who seem to be always milliing about.