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Where to Stay in Ouagadougou

Where to Stay in Ouagadougou

Ouagadougou Centre, Burkina Faso Travel Guide

Full Spectrum of Lodging Options

Hostels and Budget Guesthouses

  • Basic Rooms

    Shared facilities, no-frills experiences.

  • Simple Amenities

    Locally run establishments.

  • Cost-Effective

    Budget-friendly for travelers.

  • Communal Vibe

    Opportunities to meet other travelers.

Mid-range and Luxury Hotels

  • Mid-range Properties

    Private rooms, en-suite bathrooms, air conditioning.

  • Comfort and Facilities

    Some include a swimming pool or a restaurant.

  • Luxury Hotels

    International chains, extensive amenities, multiple restaurants.

  • High-End Service

    Large pools, health clubs, business services.

Ouagadougou Neighborhood Guide

Ouagadougou features distinct neighborhoods, each with its own character and atmosphere.

Centre Ville Downtown

Advantages
  • Central location for markets and banks.
  • Easy access to basic services.
  • Many local eateries are here.
Considerations
  • Can be noisy and crowded.
  • Less secure at night.
  • Limited upscale accommodation options.

Ouaga 2000

Advantages
  • Usually safer plus calmer.
  • Home to luxury hotels and international restaurants.
  • Closer to the airport.
Considerations
  • Further from traditional city attractions.
  • Less local character.
  • Accommodation and dining prices are higher.

Zone du Bois / Zone A

Advantages
  • Balance of the urban area center access and residential tranquility.
  • Mix of guesthouses and mid-range hotels.
  • Often has more green spaces.
Considerations
  • Still requires transport to reach most attractions.
  • Safety levels vary by specific street.
  • Less local character than other residential areas.

Safety and Transport Considerations

General Safety Advice:

Exercise caution everywhere, especially after dark. Petty crime occurs. Ouaga 2000 and diplomatic areas have heightened security. Centre Ville needs vigilance for pickpocketing.

Proximity to Attractions:

Centre Ville is closest to the Grand Marché, Grand Mosque, and Cathedral. Ouaga 2000 is near Ouagadougou International Airport (OUA) and modern amenities. Zone du Bois has decent proximity to both.

Booking Strategies

Smart booking secures preferred accommodation at a favorable price.

Advance Booking Recommendations

  • High Season (November to February): Book well in advance, especially during major events.
  • Low/Shoulder Season: Booking a few weeks ahead usually suffices.
  • Walk-ins: Possible for boutique guesthouses.
  • Check local event calendars for demand.

Trusted Booking Platforms

  • International Platforms: Booking.com, Expedia, Hotels.com widely used.
  • Local Systems: Some hotels have their own websites or direct booking via phone/email.
  • Deposits: Direct bookings often require a bank transfer for a deposit.
  • Vacation Rentals: Vrbo for apartment options.

Financials and Fluctuations

Deposit and Cancellation Policies
  • Review specific terms before confirming your booking.
  • Deposits are often common for higher-end hotels.
  • Deposits are common for extended stays.
  • Policies vary by accommodation type.
Seasonal Price Fluctuations
  • Prices are highest during the cool dry season (November to February).
  • Higher prices also occur during major festival periods.
  • Prices tend to be lower during the hot dry season (March to May).
  • Lower prices are also common during the peak wet season (July to September).

Negotiation and Confirmation

Negotiation Customs

Modest negotiation on walk-in rates is possible for small b&bs, especially during the low season or for longer stays.

Confirmation Tip

Confirm your booking directly with the hotel a few days before arrival, especially if booked through a third-party site.

Direct Booking Advantage

Local hotels may offer bespoke services or rates not listed elsewhere.

Accommodation Recommendations

Suggested accommodations for various traveler types and budgets.

Budget-Friendly Stays

Auberge du Grand Marché

Basic lodging, centrally located for market access.

  • Good for market exploration.
  • Simple amenities.
  • Very local experience.
Hotel le Pavillon

Offers good value with clean rooms.

  • Comfortable for its price point.
  • Well-regarded for cleanliness.
  • Often chosen by solo travelers.

Mid-Range Comfort

Bravia Hotel Ouaga 2000

Modern property with good facilities, comprising a pool.

  • Located in a modern district.
  • Features a swimming pool.
  • Good service and comfort.
Residence Diane

Comfortable accommodation with good service.

  • Known for attentive staff.
  • Quiet residential area.
  • Clean and well-maintained.

Luxury Experiences

  • Laico Ouaga 2000

    A large, full-service hotel with a pool and multiple dining options. Book on IHG Hotels.

  • Splendid Hotel

    Reopened and central, known for good service.

  • Premium Amenities

    Spas, fitness centers, and high-quality restaurants.

  • Business Services

    Executive lounges and meeting facilities.

Family and Long-Stay Options

  • Family-Friendly Choices

    Hotels with swimming pools and more spacious rooms or suites. Consider Vrbo for space.

  • Solo Traveler Recommendations

    Guesthouses or mid-range hotels with a secure environment plus collective areas. Check Hostelworld for options.

  • Long-Stay Accommodations

    Furnished apartments or houses through local real estate agencies or platforms like Agoda Homes.

  • Extended Stay Discounts

    Lots of accommodations have discounted rates for longer visits; inquire directly.

Cultural Significance and Unique Stays

Properties with Cultural Significance

Few hotels in Ouagadougou are specifically noted for exceptional historical significance; most are modern constructions.

  • Modern constructions dominate.
  • Some older establishments have local charm.
  • Not typically historical landmark status.
House Sitting Options

For a truly integrated local living experience, house or pet sitting might be a possibility for longer visits.

  • TrustedHousesitters for unique stays.
  • Offers a local living experience.
  • Good for pet owners or those seeking a home environment.

Note on Unique Local Stays

"Auberges" and "Campements"

More common outside Ouagadougou. Within the capital, they resemble basic guesthouses, providing a local feel.

Vacation Rentals

Platforms like Airbnb and local agents offer furnished apartments/houses. Good for longer trips, families, or groups.

Homestays

Less formalized for general tourism. Research specific NGOs or cultural organizations if interested in cultural exchange homestays.