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Where to Stay in Port Harcourt

Where to Stay in Port Harcourt

Port Harcourt Rivers State, Nigeria Travel Guide

Accommodation Types

Port Harcourt has a full variety of places to stay, ranging from budget guesthouses to luxury hotels. Your choice relates to your budget, required amenities, and favored security level.

Luxury Hotels

  • Hotel Presidential

    Offers premium services, amenities, and enhanced security.

  • Novotel Port Harcourt

    International chain with comprehensive facilities.

  • Golden Tulip Port Harcourt

    High-end local establishment with good amenities.

  • Le Méridien Ogeyi Place

    Often located in GRA, with premium offerings.

Mid-Range & Budget Options

  • Mid-range hotels

    Comfortable stays with good amenities, without the luxury price tag.

  • Budget guesthouses

    Basic accommodation at lower price points; quality is not consistent.

  • Serviced apartments

    Available for corporate travelers or longer stays, offering more space and kitchen facilities.

  • Hostels

    Traditional backpacker hostels are limited or non-existent.

Booking Tips

When booking accommodation, prioritize safety and read recent guest reviews carefully.

Luxury Hotels

Amenities
  • Pools and fitness centers
  • Restaurants and bars
  • Enhanced security
  • High-quality services
Considerations
  • Higher cost
  • Less 'local' feel
  • Mainly in GRA
  • Advanced booking advised

Mid-Range Hotels

Amenities
  • Air conditioning
  • Attached bathrooms
  • Often a restaurant or bar
  • Good value
Considerations
  • Quality varies
  • Security verification useful
  • Good comfort
  • Check specific location

Budget Guesthouses

Amenities
  • Basic lodging
  • Lower price points
  • Local character
  • Various locations
Considerations
  • The quality differs significantly
  • Security concerns can occur
  • Read reviews for safety
  • Walk-in rates sometimes negotiable

Serviced Apartments

Ideal for:

Business travelers, longer stays, or groups

Benefits:

More space, kitchen facilities, home-like feel

Neighborhood Guide

Port Harcourt's neighborhoods possess distinct characteristics that shape your stay.

Government Reserved Area GRA

  • Upscale, predominantly residential and commercial with reputable hotels.
  • Higher concentration of luxury hotels, restaurants, and private residences.
  • Generally the safest part of the city due to higher security presence.
  • Centrally located with good access to other parts of the city via ride-sharing or taxis.

Old Port Harcourt Town

  • Historic core with older architecture and bustling markets like Creek Road Market.
  • Presents a more authentic, local experience.
  • Very crowded and may have higher security considerations. Nighttime travel discouraged.
  • Close to the historic waterfront and its markets.

Other prominent Areas

Trans Amadi:
  • Industrial plus retail hub.
  • Hosts many oil and gas companies.
  • Some hotels cater to business travelers.
  • Can be noisy during business hours.
Diobu & Outskirts:
  • Densely populated, lively commercial areas.
  • Markets like Mile One Market.
  • Security varies by certain areaity.
  • Affordable accommodation options.

Safety Reminders

GRA Security:

Generally safest, but petty crime can occur. Stay vigilant.

Busy Areas:

Old Town, Diobu have higher reported crime rates. Avoid walking alone at night.

Traffic & Noise:

Expect crowding and noise in commercial zones. GRA typically quieter.

Booking Strategies

Advance booking reputable hotels secures your preferred accommodation and better rates.

Planning Ahead

Advance Booking

Guaranteeing your preferred accommodation and potential better rates.

  • Recommended for reputable hotels.
  • Essential during peak holiday periods (Christmas, Easter).
  • Booking several weeks ahead is advised.
  • Booking.com, Agoda
Direct vs. Platforms

Comparing options through various channels.

  • International platforms are widely used and reliable.
  • Nigerian-specific sites exist but vary.
  • Direct hotel booking at times haves better deals.
  • IHG Hotels, Hostelworld

Policies & Pricing

Deposit & Cancellation

Understand terms before confirming.

  • Review policies carefully.
  • Full payment or significant deposit is common.
  • Non-refundable rates usually require upfront payment.
  • Vrbo, TrustedHousesitters
Seasonal Pricing

Pricing influenced by demand cycles.

  • Higher prices during dry season (Nov-Apr).
  • Especially around Christmas and New Year.
  • Lower prices during wet season (May-Oct).
  • Walk-in rates for guesthouses may be negotiable off-season.

Accommodation for Travelers

  • Family-Friendly Options

    Hotels with swimming pools, play areas, and family rooms are preferable. Mid-range to luxury hotels offer these facilities.

  • Solo Travelers

    Prioritize security and amenities. Staying in reputable hotels (mid-range to luxury) within the GRA area is recommended.

  • Long-Stay Accommodations

    Serviced apartments or extended-stay hotels for expatriate workers or extended visits. Options like Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium Apartments or short-let options through local agencies.

  • No Specific Cultural Hotels

    No hotels are renowned for exceptional cultural or historical significance; focus on modern comfort and security.

Unique Aspects

  • Unique Local Accommodation

    No distinct unique local accommodation types specifically marketed for tourism exist. The focus remains on standard hotel and guesthouse formats.

  • Camping & Outdoor

    Not available or recommended within Port Harcourt due to the urban environment and prevailing security concerns.

  • Homestay Opportunities

    Not a broadly developed or promoted tourism sector in Port Harcourt for general tourists, mainly due to safety and lack of organized frameworks.

  • Beachfront Resorts

    No dedicated beachfront resorts; Port Harcourt Tourist Beach is an artificial sand beach having a range of accessibility and safety.

Top Accommodation Picks

Luxury Options

For luxury services, amenities, and enhanced security.

  • Hotel Presidential
  • Novotel Port Harcourt
  • Le Méridien Ogeyi Place
Mid-Range Options

For comfortable stays with good amenities and value.

  • Golden Tulip Port Harcourt
  • Best Western Plus Port Harcourt
  • Swiss International Mabisel

Booking Considerations

Platform Use

Trusted international booking platforms like Booking.com, Agoda are widely used.

Rates & Deposits

Always review deposit and cancellation policies. Many hotels require full payment or a significant deposit upfront.

Seasonal Changes

Accommodation prices are higher during the dry season (Nov-Apr), especially around Christmas and New Year.

Where to Stay in Port Harcourt. Hotels, Neighborhoods, Accommodation