Background
Born into the Nigerian hospitality industry a little less than four years ago, Protea Hotel Leadway in Ikeja, Lagos, adds a unique touch, with elegance and guests’ satisfaction a priority.
What’s it Like?
The charm of this hotel lies in its absolute serenity, devoid of the bustle and noise which Lagos is known for. As you step into the Protea Hotel Leadway there is an immediate atmosphere conducive for business travellers to relax and to rejuvenate business ideas. In the lobby, two large bookshelves provide diverse literature for a quiet read. Architecturally, the hotel is different from the other Protea-managed motels in Lagos. The facade, interior and layout of the rooms are refreshingly different. Rustic oranges, reds and yellows have been used throughout as the predominant colour scheme. The furniture is a mixture of dark wood and cane with modern deck chairs in the rooms. There is a good light flow in the hotel and it has an airy feel about it.
Location
It’s in a quiet close inside the Maryland Estate in Ikeja, and as I drove into the hotel I felt assured of total safety, as the hotel’s relatively hidden location will surely prevent unwanted guests. Just about 15 minutes drive from the Lagos International Airport, less than 10 minutes to the Lagos Government Secretariat, and 20 minutes to Victoria Island – the economic hub of the city – the hotel is ideal for all guests.
Room Facilities
Protea Hotel Leadway has a total of 49 luxury rooms with 24-hour room service. There are 47 standard rooms and two suites on arrival. I was checked in to one of the suites by the hotel’s GM, Ankia Geldart, as a VIP (Business Traveller has accorded me such status). The decor is a delightful combination of milk-white and flower-red, and there was a welcoming bowl of fruit. The comfort and convenience is awesome. There is an LCD flat-screen television, a work station that can accommodate two business partners in case of brainstorming, a mini bar and a safe. The king-sized bed is inviting and luxurious, with a well-appointed bathroom less than five feet from the bed. After a refreshing shower I continued my work, thanks to the complimentary Wi-Fi Internet connection in the room (and elsewhere within the hotel environment). A look at the standard rooms shows the same great facilities. If you are a lover of nature, then you will like the specially designed rock wall inside all the rooms.
Banqueting & Conferencing
The hotel has three conferencing facilities with the latest state-of-the-art equipment. There are two boardrooms each with a capacity for 12-15 people, and a conference hall that can seat up to 60 guests. This is an ideal venue for large meetings and seminars. The hotel also has a business centre for guests’ work convenience.
Restaurants & Bars
The Protea Hotel Leadway Ikeja restaurant offers exquisite local and intercontinental dishes, with full buffet breakfast and an a la carte menu for lunch and dinner. At dinner, I ordered a special Nigerian cuisine, pounded yam and ‘Efo riro’ – a particular soup delicacy from the Yoruba-speaking western part of Nigeria. The food was great! The restaurant is separated from the swimming pool with transparent glass, and there is a bar that offers a full choice of wine as well as assorted drinks.
Recreational Facilities
For the comfort and relaxation of guests, the recreational facilities in the hotel are grouped together. Guests can finish exercises inside the gym on the ground floor, and find that the door of the gym opens to the swimming pool for a refreshing cool-off. Although there is no in-house spa, a contracted spa treatment professional can arrive on demand at the hotel within a few minutes. One facility that clearly separates this hotel from the rest is an Audio/Sound room, where guests, can get away from the hustle and bustle from Lagos and relax in a private lounge with surround-sound stereo audio and video facilities, or have a private meeting.
Verdict
I loved the food, the environment and the facilities. Not surprisingly, the hotel has a daily 75-90% guest attendance. When next in Lagos it may be well worth your while to pay this truly superb hotel a visit, whether to stay, have a conference, and enjoy a snack, dinner, or to simply relax.
Mohammed Abdullahi