Of all the hotels in the centre of Calabar, Transcorp is probably the best of the bunch. It has 146 rooms spread over six floors, and the Nigerian corporation responsible for its construction has made an effort to keep the standard consistent with the brand’s other international offerings.

The lobby is a plush, grand space with marble floors and a heavy marble reception desk that gives a sense of space and gravitas. Within the lobby there is the Carter bar, a stylish formal bar; the Vienna cafe/restaurant; and a couple of shops, one selling some fairly high-quality curios and carvings and the other selling luxury items like jewelery, watches and cufflinks.

Rooms are large and well-equipped, and though they’re neither recently updated nor stylish, they have good build quality and show little signs of wear. They have a limited range of DSTV channels, a safe and tea/coffee facilities. The internet was a reasonable speed when it worked, but during my stay was beset with server problems. Bathrooms have both bathtub and shower, and a good range of complimentary toiletries.

The location on Murtala Mohammed Way, one of the main thoroughfares in the city, is ideal. Along with Tinapa, this is probably the best  accommodation choice in Calabar, though this hotel’s city centre location is slightly more convenient than Tinapa’s.