Background
S&S Hotels and Suites is a wholly-owned Nigerian company that started operating in July 2010. The hotel company was set up to offer quality hospitality services in small business boutique hotel formats to business travellers in key gateway cities across Africa. Its plan is to be the first truly Nigerian hotel brand that “embodies the richness of Nigerian hospitality”, along with consistently delivering it in a quality, contemporary way.
Where is it?
The hotel is situated on Muri Okunola Street, a busy street in the heart of Victoria Island, the business hub on the island axis of Lagos state. If you’re after some nightlife, then this hotel may be for you, as a variety of evening entertainment options are close by. The hotel is approximately 45 minutes’ drive from Murtala Muhammed International Airport, but considering the unpredictable Lagos traffic, travellers are advised to set out well in advance of their flight time. Five hours is the recommended time, according to the locals. The hotel does offer an airport shuttle on request.
What’s it Like?
It’s a boutique hotel and there’s an air of exclusivity about the place. That’s the feeling you get when you walk in. With good use of space and lighting, along with some attractive wall art, the design and look and feel of the hotel reflects a very modern, minimalist and elegant style.
Room Facilities
There are a total of 18 guest rooms made up of seven standard rooms, six deluxe rooms, three executive deluxe rooms and two executive suites. My room was a stylishly-furnished executive suite that was warm and spacious, and in contrast to the bustle of the city outside. It had a king-sized bed with iPod speakers on the bedside table, a plush pillow-top mattress with clean linen – I particularly liked the pillows as they were very soft and comfortable, and lent themselves to a good night’s rest. The wardrobe contained a bathrobe and a safe. The separate living room had seating for five, two individually-controlled 32-inch flat screen HD TVs with selected satellite channels, two air-conditioners, two entry/exit doors, a balcony, reading table and complimentary Wi-Fi access (throughout the hotel). In each of the suite’s two bathrooms, the shower is part of the bath tub, but my suite did not have a shower curtain or door to stop the water from spraying onto the floor – something I think the hotel could rectify easily.
Restaurants and Bars
The hotel has an in-house restaurant and a lounge which serves a range of continental and traditional cuisine, and seats up to 32 guests. The adjoining patio offers alfresco dining and the bar compliments the restaurant and the patio. I opted for the traditional cuisine of pounded yam and vegetable soup for dinner. It was served fresh within 20 minutes and was really tasty. For guests who wish to dine out, there are several Asian and continental restaurants located within a kilometre of the hotel.
Meeting and Conferencing Facilities
There is a private conference and meeting facility which seats 25 delegates classroom style and 20 banquet style. The meeting room comes with complimentary Wi-Fi, modern audio/visual equipment, complimentary tea break drinks, and writing materials for delegates.
Leisure
The leisure facility includes a swimming pool and sun beds located behind the building. A gym is also available, but was undergoing renovation when I visited.
Verdict
The basics are covered in a ‘no-frills’ manner and I was impressed by the service. With the necessary additions to the bath/shower and once the gym renovations are complete, this will be a worthwhile option for the business traveller who has to do his or her business in and around the busy hub of Victoria Island.
Morisola Obisesan
Contact
Address: 239 Muri Okunola Street, Victoria Island
Tel: +243 1 277 2952
Email: reservations@sshotelsandsuites.com
Web: www.sshotelsandsuites.com