What’s it like?
The ‘hotel versus serviced apartment’ debate is an ongoing on, but one that is even more relevant today, with corporates tightening their belts and business travellers no longer just checking into the first 5-star hotel they come across. Apartment Royale claims to offer “the convenience of a hotel stay, whilst providing you with a luxury ‘home-from-home experience’.” They have three-bedroom apartments, which are competitively priced. That’s not to say that service is not their concern. On the contrary, from my first honk of the horn at the heavy black gates, I was greeted warmly by the staff, and that warm hospitality was to prove a feature of my stay. Depending on your taste or style, certain sections of the apartments are opulent in design and décor, but with all the requisite bells and whistles one would expect from a well-serviced executive apartment. This particular block had three floors and a penthouse. My first impression was good, with the lobby featuring comfortable furniture, a computer work station, a 50-inch TV, tasteful paintings and a small shop selling toiletries, snacks etc.
Where is it?
It is located in Ikeja, approximately half an hour’s drive from Murtala Mohammed International Airport, depending on the legendary Lagos traffic. There are a variety of shopping facilities and department stores nearby, as well as fast food outlets and restaurants. If you are a night owl, the hotel is barely 10 minutes from Ikeja G.R.A, which is the hub of nightlife in the Ikeja suburb.
Rooms
Apartment Royale has 13 apartments, made up of five Classic Royale Deluxe apartments, six Prestige Royale Deluxe apartments, one Pent Royal Deluxe apartment and one Presidential Royale Suite – the latter two located on the penthouse level. The Presidential Royale Suite has two large bedrooms and two standard bedrooms, whilst the remaining suites are all three-bedroom (one master and two standard), with en-suite bathrooms. Each suite is decked out in marble flooring, with the living room featuring leather furniture and a 42-inch LCD TV (with selected DSTV satellite channels). Adjacent to the living room is a dining area, complete with cutlery and crockery. Only the Classic Royale and Prestige Royale Deluxe apartments have terraces leading from their living areas. Each suite comes with a large air-conditioned and fully-equipped kitchen, with pantry and terrace. Whilst the emphasis is on looking after yourself, Apartment Royale also offers catering, with a 24-hour kitchen, along with a 24-hour laundry service, as well. The bedrooms have 32-inch LCD TVs, as well as a work station and bedside lamps. All apartments come with complimentary Wi-Fi Internet access. The Presidential Suite has a jacuzzi.
Restaurants & Bars
There is a restaurant on the penthouse level, which serves buffet-style food, and can seat nearly 40 people.
Leisure Facilities
The gym is located to the right of the restaurant on the penthouse level. It is well-equipped, with a changing room and 50-inch LCD TV. To the right of the building there is an outdoor pool area, with inviting pool and a bar that serves a variety of drinks.
Verdict
This is a clean, comfortable and convenient option, ideally suited to the business person looking for somewhere to spend a long stay. Alternatively, you may just be looking for an alternative to a traditional hotel stay. Either way, Apartment Royale is also well-situated, in terms of access to the airport, and if living space is an issue for you, then this might be an option.
Contact
Address: 4 Wole Ogunjimi Street, Opebi, Ikeja, +234 1 815 4814, apartmentroyale.com
Afam Anyika