Nigeria has seen a steady increase in the number of business travelers as a result of its status as the largest oil industry in Africa. There has recently been a growing number of business hotels in Lagos providing world-class services and modern facilities, and all striving to ensure that guests are as stress-free as possible while working in Africa.
We have identified a selection of the best business hotels in Lagos, all meeting the standards expected by international business travelers: high-speed Internet easily available, business centers staffed around the clock, accessible conference rooms, cutting edge gym equipment, convenient transportation, etc. Most of these are based on Victoria Island, home to the majority of foreign embassies and multinational companies, or in Ikoyi, a residential area close to the business district.
Federal Palace Hotel and Casino
Located in the heart of Victoria Island, the Federal Palace Hotel and Casino is one of Nigeria’s finest properties. Set in an idyllic environment and overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, this luxury hotel first opened in 1960, and was completely renovated in 2008. Now under South African management, this real five-star hotel provides 150 luxury rooms with an eclectic blend of modern style and comfort, ranging from junior suites to 2 bedroom apartments. Daily business affairs can be managed in the luxurious convenience of one of the Federal Palace Hotel’s 7 boardrooms or the executive Business Center.
A major attraction of the Federal Palace Hotel is its Pool and Recreation Club, with crystal pools, slides, tennis courts and an array of thrilling recreational facilities. Fine meals can be found at the Explorers restaurant. Nevertheless, the hotel is better renowned for its Ancestors bar which offers an elegant Business lunch buffet, popular with busy travellers. We like: the Casino, situated off the lobby area in the old Independence Hall, and harboring the boardroom where Nigeria’s independence declaration was signed in 1960.
Rates starting from US $300
Address: 6-8 Ahmadu Bello Way Victor, Victoria Island
Phone: + 234(0 1 277 9000
Radisson Blu Anchorage Hotel & Resort
Radisson Blu Anchorage Hotel & Resort is nestled along the Lagos Lagoon waterfront area of Victoria Island and close to the Mega Plaza shopping centre, consulates and the banking district. This upscale hotel -which opened in 2011- has 170 guest rooms, offering views of Lagos Lagoon or the city, having both bathtub and walk-in shower, and free high speed internet access.
The Radisson blu Anchorage features two on-site restaurants and a bar. The all-day-dining Voyage Restaurant serves an international buffet with a choice of Nigerian and continental dishes, in addition to an à la carte menu with dishes from Europe. Al fresco dining can be found at the Surface Bar & Grill’s terrace, with views over the lagoon and with jetty access for dining cruises.
The hotel also has some of the finest meeting facilities in Lagos with 4 spacious meeting rooms and 2 boardrooms. We like: the stunning ocean view, best enjoyed from the infinity swimming pool and its timber decked terrace bar overlooking the lagoon. Don’t forget to ask for a river side view!
Rates starting from US $370
Address: 1a Ozumba Mbadiwe Avenue, Victoria Island
Phone: +234 (0)1 461 0125
The Wheatbaker Lagos Hotel
For seriously chic accomodation and facilities meeting the highest standards, consider the five-star Wheatbaker, a top-class luxury boutique hotel. Located in the residential heart of Ikoyi, 10 minutes from Victoria Island, this property is said to be “the best hotel in Nigeria”. Like any hotel operated by Legacy Hotels & Resorts, it has the attention to detail that every guest seeks. Built in 2009, the Wheatbaker features 65 luxury hotel rooms/suites with world class technology including multi-functional video conferencing facilities & WIFI.
We like: the various dining options. The Wheatbaker Hotel offers an array of bars, delis and restaurants. The Grill Room, specialising in delectable prime steaks, seafood and a range of international dishes with a local selection of national favourites, has fast become a gastronomic spot. In addition, the Eko Bar, an exclusive designer bar overlooking the pool courtyard and serving the ultimate in cocktails, is open 24 hours a day whilst the more sedate and comfortable Shackleford Bar and lounge is the ideal venue to use for social and business meetings. The Sarayi Deli, a modern and fresh venue, offering the healthiest treats to eat in or take home, also dishes up a fine alfresco breakfast.
Rates starting from US $300
4 Onitolo Road (Lawrence Road), Ikoyi
Phone: + 234 (0) 1 277 3560
Moorhouse Hotel
Located in Ikoyi, the Moorhouse Hotel (former Sofitel) has reopened in 2011 after expensive renovation to join the prestigious Gallery collection. Still referred to as the “Sofitel Lagos”, this five star property offers all the luxuries of a five star hotel one can expect, with highly personalized service in a peaceful atmosphere and great attention to detail. The Moorhouse features 94 guest rooms including 8 suites, all air-conditioned and furnished with high sophistication. The hotel also offers a cigar bar, an Asian bar, a Japanese garden, swimming pool and fitness facilities. Business facilities include two meeting rooms plus a board room.
We like: L’Aquarelle, the onsite restaurant, praised for serving excellent and refined French cuisine along with with the latest fusion dishes from around the world.
Rates starting from US $330
Address: 1, Bankole Oki Road, Ikoyi
Phone: +234 (0) 1 461 5409
Golden Tulip Festac Hotel Lagos
Built in 2009, the Golden Tulip Festac Lagos is a four star first class superior hotel, comprising 471 spacious and elegantly designed rooms. The hotel offers a wide range of facilities such as a bank with ATM, a gym with cardio equipment, aerobics rooms, sauna, therapy room and massages.
The hotel also features one swimming pool specially designed for adults and one for the children, tennis and squash courts.
We like: the excellent display of various African arts, paintings and sculptures, throughout the hotel.
Some artworks were especially created for the Golden Tulip. Some pieces can also be bought.
Rates starting from: US $170
Address: Amuwo Odofin, Mile 2
Phone: +234 (0) 1 279 2980
Inter Continental Lagos
Scheduled to open on Victoria Island at the end of 2012, the InterCotinental Lagos will be a major addition to the Nigerian hospitality. The 358-room luxury hotel is expected to change dramatically Lagos’ skyline.
The Inter Continental will include a ballroom of 1477m2. a-250m2 InterContinental Club Lounge including meeting room facilities, a 24-hour gym & health club, three spa & massage treatment rooms, outdoor lapping pool and pool deck, Zen Garden, branded luxury retail…
The hotel will also offer a world-class fine dining experience with options including ‘Ekaabo,’ an all day dining restaurant Soho, a Chinese restaurant and Milano Rest & Bar, Italian bar. Other dining options include Soul Bar Lounge, a lounge offering best of wine menu, Lobby Café, and Poolside Café & Bar.
