This five-star resort-style hotel, one of the larger ones in Lagos, edges out its competitors on Victoria Island because it offers some noteworthy features that the others do not. These include an in-house casino and a pool club, which is one of the best in the city.

The hotel is positioned on prime real estate at the western edge of Victoria Island, and offers excellent views across Lagos Lagoon toward the mainland and islands. If you’re so inclined, you can just kick back and watch a succession of tankers trawl back and forth throughout the day. The grounds are well-tended, green and spacious, there are even a couple of peacocks wandering sedately and admiring their plumage in the hotel windows.

The lobby is a capacious if slightly gaudy space with a range of seating options including some private alcoves. There is an ATM and a Stanbic Bank branch located within the lobby (bank opening times; 9-5pm, Mon-Sat). The small business centre is really a couple of private booths with Internet enabled computers offering nothing in the way of secretarial services beyond printouts. There are however 8 board rooms available for guest use each with a 10-15 person capacity, one executive board room suitable for groups up to 25 and a conference marquee can be set up in the grounds for larger groups up to 500. For this reason, the Federal Palace is known as one of the better business hotels in the city.

There are also three in-house restaurants, including the Ancestors Spirits & Wine Bar (which also offers a snack menu) and the Explorers Restaurant, where high-end international food is offered with creativity and flair. Fitness centre has modern ‘techno-gym’ equipment and free weights, though it seems to get very little use.

Rooms are spacious and there is no premium for a water facing room. They are not the most stylish however they are well fitted, showing little sign of wear and tear and all benefit from free Wi-Fi (speed is reasonable) and 32 inch flat screen TV’s.

The hotel’s most famous feature (besides the casino) is the pool club, whose centerpiece is an Olympic-size freshwater pool. Around it are day-beds, waterslides, a kids’ play area, tennis courts and an 18-hole mini-golf course. The complex also includes a game room, jogging track, exercise circuit, a restaurant and a snack bar.

Between its ideal location, endless amenities, and excellent business facilities, the Federal Palace hits all the marks. I highly recommend it – it you can afford it.