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Where to Stay in Benin City

Where to Stay in Benin City

Edo State Nigeria Travel Guide

Accommodation Types

Benin City mainly focuses on hotels and guesthouses for lodging.

Full Spectrum of Lodging Options

  • Luxury Hotels:

    International standard 4-star hotels offer comfort and amenities like pools, restaurants, and business centers.

  • Mid-range Hotels:

    The most common type, providing a balance of comfort, services, and price with clean rooms and air conditioning.

  • Budget Hotels/Guesthouses:

    Numerous locally-run establishments offer basic amenities at affordable prices.

  • Serviced Apartments:

    Limited but increasing availability, suitable for longer stays or those seeking more space and kitchen facilities.

Other Accommodation Notes

  • Special Local Places To stay:

    Benin City does not feature unique local accommodation types that significantly differ from standard hotel or guesthouse models.

  • Vacation Rentals and Apartment Options:

    Some places are available on platforms like Vrbo, offering privacy and kitchen facilities. These suit longer stays or families.

  • Homestay and Community-Based Tourism:

    This sector is not widely developed or formally advertised. Arrangements through local contacts or specialized tour operators may provide such experiences.

  • Camping and Outdoor Accommodation:

    No established camping grounds or outdoor accommodation for tourists exist within or immediately around Benin City.

Neighborhood Guide

Benin City's neighborhoods present distinct characters, each together with their own atmosphere and amenities.

Government Reservation Area GRA

Pros
  • Generally safer and more peaceful.
  • Upholds a fancy environment with better infrastructure.
  • Often closer to higher-end hotels and some amenities.
  • Quieter streets and larger houses.
Cons
  • Higher cost of accommodation.
  • Not as direct access to bustling local markets or street life.
  • May require taxis or ride-shares to main attractions.
  • Limited direct local interaction.

Sapele Road / Ikpoba Hill Area

Pros
  • Bustling commercial activity with markets and shops.
  • Close to transit hubs, connecting to major expressways.
  • Variety of shops and services are readily available.
  • A mix of commercial and residential properties.
Cons
  • Can be very busy, noisy, and prone to heavy traffic.
  • Some locations may have higher crime rates, requiring vigilance.
  • Ambiance is full of life and bustling, not quiet.
  • Potentially overwhelming for some visitors.

Ugbowo / University of Benin Area

Pros
  • Lively atmosphere with many eateries and small shops.
  • Potential access to university facilities and events.
  • Relatively affordable accommodation options.
  • Student vibe, suitable for budget-conscious travelers.
Cons
  • Can be crowded, especially during term time.
  • Experiences traffic and may be noisy.
  • Less direct access to core cultural sites.
  • Vigilance against petty crime is needed.

Additional Neighborhood Insights

Safety Considerations by Area:

Areas with more commercial activity and crowds (like markets, bus stops) warrant higher vigilance against petty crime. Residential areas like GRA are usually more secure, but no area is entirely crime-free. Avoid walking alone at night in any neighborhood.

Proximity to Attractions and Transportation:

City Centre (Oba Market area) is closest to key historical attractions. Airport Road is convenient for Benin Airport. Sapele Road provides good access to inter-city bus terminals. GRA might entail a short taxi or ride-share to reach central attractions.

Booking Strategies

Advance Booking Recommendations by Season

  • High Season (December-January, especially Christmas/New Year): Book 1-3 months in advance as hotels fill quickly.
  • Shoulder/Low Season: Booking a few weeks to a month in advance is generally sufficient, with more flexibility for last-minute bookings.
  • Rainy Season (Low Season): More availability and potential for last-minute deals.
  • Local Events: Check local calendars as major events may increase demand for accommodation.

Trusted Booking Platforms and Local Systems

  • International Platforms: Booking.com, Agoda, Expedia, and Hotels.com list properties for Benin City.
  • Local Platforms: Jumia Travel (Travel.Jumia.com) is a prominent Africa virtual travel agency.
  • Direct Booking: Many local hotels have their own websites or allow direct booking via phone or email, sometimes offering better rates.
  • Chain Hotels: Book without a third party with IHG Hotels for their properties in the region.

Booking Considerations

Negotiation Customs for Walk-in Rates:
  • For smaller, independent hotels and guesthouses, especially outside of peak season, a small possibility for negotiation on walk-in rates is present.
  • For larger, more established hotels, rates are usually fixed.
  • Always inquire politely and with a smile.
  • Walk-in rates may be higher than online rates during peak times.
Deposit and Cancellation Policies:
  • These vary widely by hotel and booking platform.
  • Always check specific policies before booking.
  • Many properties require full payment or a significant deposit upfront, especially for non-refundable rates.
  • Understand the refund terms for cancellations.

Seasonal Price Fluctuations

Peak Seasons:

Prices typically increase during peak holiday seasons (Christmas, Easter) and major local events or festivals due to higher demand.

Low Seasons:

Prices tend to be more stable or a little less during the rainy season, which is often considered the low season for tourism.

Special Events:

Accommodation rates can surge during major local festivals, sports events, or conferences. Booking ahead for these times is recommended.

Accommodation Recommendations

Here are some top picks for different budget levels and travel needs in Benin City.

Top Picks by Budget

Luxury 4-star

These hotels provide comprehensive amenities and high service standards.

  • Protea Lodging by Marriott Benin City Select Emotan: A reputable international chain with good amenities and a central location.
  • Randekhi Royal Hotel: A well-established local hotel with good facilities, including a swimming pool.
Mid-range 3-star

These options offer a good balance of comfort, service, and value.

  • Presken Hotel @ Sapele Road: Modern, clean, and provides good value.
  • Golden Tulip Essential Benin City: Provides decent amenities and comfortable rooms.
  • Wellington Hotel: Known for consistent quality and a popular choice.

Traveler-Specific Recommendations

Family-Friendly Options

Hotels with swimming pools and larger rooms or suites are fitting for families.

  • Protea Lodging and Randekhi Royal Hotel are good options.
  • Serviced apartments may offer more space and kitchen facilities.
Solo Traveler Recommendations

Mid-range hotels providing good security and amenities are suitable.

  • Consider hotels with positive reviews regarding safety and service, like Protea and Presken.

Long-Stay Accommodations

  • Serviced Apartments:

    When obtainable, these provide a home-like experience with greater privacy.

  • Extended-Stay Hotels:

    Some hotels offer special rates for longer durations, sometimes including laundry facilities or kitchenettes.

  • Amenities:

    Look for properties with self-catering options to enhance comfort for extended visits.

  • TrustedHousesitters:

    For those considering longer, unique stays, platforms like TrustedHousesitters offer reciprocal house and pet-sitting opportunities, often free of charge.

Properties with Cultural Significance

  • Local Art and Decor:

    While no accommodations are direct historical sites, some local hotels incorporate Edo art and decor into their design, providing a cultural ambiance.

  • Randekhi Royal Hotel:

    This hotel, for instance, exhibits local flavor in its architecture and artwork, offering a glimpse into Edo aesthetics.

  • Cultural Immersion:
  • Artisan Presence:

    Some establishments might even feature works by local artisans, contributing to their unique charm.

Featured Accommodation

Protea Hotel by Marriott Benin City Select Emotan

A top-rated international hotel offering comfort and modern amenities, making it a reliable choice for visitors to Benin City.

Hotel Features

Guests often commend its clean rooms, attentive service, and convenient location for exploring the city.

  • Swimming Pool
  • A restaurant plus Bar
  • Business Centre
  • Fitness Centre

Budget/Value Options

Local Guesthouses

Numerous smaller, locally-run establishments offer basic but clean rooms, ideal for travelers focused on value.

Ugbowo Area

Look for options near the university (Ugbowo) for a better deal accommodation.

Less Central Areas

Accommodation in less central business districts often provides more affordable rates while maintaining reasonable accessibility.