Background
There are few hotels located along the road leading to Nigeria’s busiest airport, Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos, so Welcome Centre & Hotels opened this property in 2008, to cash in on the need for a quality hotel close to the airport.
Where is it?
It’s located about three kilometres from the airport, on the road to MMIA, and opposite the Ajao Estate. It’s barely five minutes’ drive to the airport terminal building, and with its close proximity to MMIA, the hotel does not have a dedicated shuttle service. It is perfectly located for quick, ‘on-the-run’ business meetings or overnight stays, that are able to take place away from the bustling city centre.
What’s it Like?
Firstly, it’s huge! There’s also an interesting use of tiles and marble decoration, and the hotel is attractively decorated in soft white colours with brown accents. As already mentioned, the size is noticeable, even though there are only 80 rooms. There are, also, arguably, more recreational facilities than any other hotel in Nigeria.
Rooms
The 80 rooms are all air conditioned and minimalist in design, with comfortable king-sized beds. There is complimentary Wi-Fi in all the rooms, as well as selected cable TV channels (but no flat-screen TV), a digital safe, hairdryer and extra beds available for families with small children (on request). The rooms vary in what they offer and one exquisite Ambassadorial Suite has two rooms with a large sitting room, private bar and massage room. There are four Business Suites, each with two connecting doors, which differentiates them from the De Luxe Suites. I was accommodated in a Junior Suite, which was comfortable, with the mentioned king-sized bed, work desk etc. A personal preference of mine is to have the option of a bath, but this room only provided a shower, which, apparently, is just about standard for Welcome Centre & Hotels, with baths in only a few rooms.
Business & Conference Facilities
The hotel sees itself as one of the premiere conference and events in Nigeria, with a range of venues that cater to different needs. Top of the pile is the 2500-capacity hall, whilst there are smaller venues for groups of 25, 40, 50 and 70, as well as a 350-capacity banquet hall. Further to that, there is underground parking for about 150 vehicles. All the function rooms are equipped with the latest conferencing facilities, whilst hotel guests also have free access to the on-site business centre.
Recreational Facilities
Within the hotel facility there are several recreational and sports facilities. There is a standard beach volleyball court and lawn tennis court. Indoor activities in the hotel include table tennis, snooker, squash, badminton and table soccer. I made use of the exercise machines inside the large and well-equipped gym (with personal changing rooms and lockers), and after a shower, I relaxed by the swimming pool with a soft drink.
Restaurants & Bars
Tired from work as I checked in, the only thing on my mind was to eat and sleep. As my room was on the fourth floor and the restaurant is located on the ground floor, I simply ordered room service for dinner, and the meal was highly enjoyable. The hotel serves local and continental dishes and a buffet breakfast that also has a main course meal. There is also a choice of three bars – the roof terrace bar, the poolside bar and the main/sports bar.
Verdict
Obviously, for the business traveller with little time on his/her hands, the location of this property is first-rate, particularly if you’re flying in for a quick meeting, as you can avoid the city traffic. Beyond that, it has good amenities, lots of activities on offer, and comfortable accommodation.
Contact
Address: 70 International Airport Road, Ikeja, +234 01 271 9254; +234 0 805 476 3801, welcomecentrehotels.com
Mohammed Abdullahi