Top Hotel Recommendations in Nigeria for Families

Planning a family vacation to Nigeria and wondering where to stay? Look no further! Nigeria boasts a range of fantastic hotels that cater specifically to families, offering amenities and services designed to make your stay comfortable and memorable. From bustling city centers to tranquil coastal retreats, this guide will highlight some of the top hotel recommendations across Nigeria, ensuring your family enjoys a delightful and stress-free holiday.

Understanding the Needs of Families When Choosing a Hotel

Before diving into specific hotel recommendations, it’s crucial to understand what makes a hotel truly “family-friendly.” Families have unique needs and preferences when traveling, and the right hotel can make all the difference. Key considerations include:

• Room Size and Configuration: Families often require larger rooms or suites to comfortably accommodate everyone. Connecting rooms or family suites with separate living areas can provide much-needed space and privacy.
• Children’s Activities and Entertainment: Hotels with kids’ clubs, playgrounds, swimming pools, and game rooms can keep children entertained and engaged, allowing parents to relax and enjoy their vacation.
• Dining Options: Diverse dining options, including kid-friendly menus and buffet-style meals, can cater to different tastes and dietary requirements. Consider hotels with on-site restaurants or easy access to nearby eateries.
• Safety and Security: A safe and secure environment is paramount for families. Look for hotels with security features, well-lit surroundings, and attentive staff.
• Amenities and Services: Essential amenities such as cribs, high chairs, babysitting services, and laundry facilities can significantly enhance the family travel experience.
• Location: The location of the hotel can greatly impact your family’s vacation. Consider proximity to attractions, transportation options, and essential services like hospitals and pharmacies.
• Budget: Family travel can be expensive, so it’s important to find a hotel that fits your budget without compromising on quality and comfort.

Top Hotel Recommendations in Lagos for Families

Lagos, Nigeria’s vibrant and bustling megacity, offers a diverse range of family-friendly hotels. Here are some top recommendations:

Eko Hotels & Suites

Eko Hotels & Suites is a landmark hotel in Lagos, renowned for its luxurious accommodations, extensive facilities, and prime location. It’s a popular choice for families due to its numerous amenities and activities:

• Accommodation: Offers a variety of rooms and suites, including spacious family suites with separate living areas.
• Children’s Activities: Features a large outdoor swimming pool, a playground, and a kids’ club with supervised activities.
• Dining: Boasts several restaurants serving diverse cuisines, including kid-friendly options. Offers buffet-style meals and room service.
• Amenities: Provides cribs, high chairs, babysitting services (upon request), and laundry facilities.
• Location: Located in Victoria Island, close to attractions like Landmark Beach, Lekki Conservation Centre, and shopping malls.

The Wheatbaker

The Wheatbaker is a stylish and sophisticated hotel in Ikoyi, known for its excellent service, contemporary design, and tranquil atmosphere. It’s a great option for families seeking a more refined and relaxed experience:

• Accommodation: Offers spacious rooms and suites, some with connecting options for families.
• Children’s Activities: Features a swimming pool and a garden area for children to play. While it doesn’t have a dedicated kids’ club, the hotel staff can arrange babysitting services and recommend nearby attractions for families.
• Dining: Offers a variety of dining options, including a restaurant serving international cuisine and a patisserie with delicious pastries and desserts.
• Amenities: Provides cribs, high chairs, and laundry facilities.
• Location: Located in Ikoyi, a quieter and more upscale neighborhood, close to the Ikoyi Golf Club and other attractions.

Radisson Blu Anchorage Hotel, Lagos VI

Situated on the waterfront in Victoria Island, the Radisson Blu Anchorage Hotel offers stunning views and a relaxing atmosphere. It’s a popular choice for families due to its convenient location and family-friendly amenities:

• Accommodation: Offers spacious rooms and suites, some with balconies overlooking the lagoon.
• Children’s Activities: Features a swimming pool and a playground. The hotel can also arrange boat tours and other activities for families.
• Dining: Offers several dining options, including a restaurant serving international cuisine and a bar with snacks and drinks. Provides kid-friendly menus.
• Amenities: Provides cribs, high chairs, and laundry facilities.
• Location: Located in Victoria Island, close to attractions like the National Museum and the Kuramo Beach.

Federal Palace Hotel

The Federal Palace Hotel is a historic landmark in Lagos, offering a blend of classic elegance and modern amenities. It’s a popular choice for families due to its rich history, extensive facilities, and central location:

• Accommodation: Offers a variety of rooms and suites, including spacious family suites with separate living areas.
• Children’s Activities: Features a large outdoor swimming pool, a playground, and a kids’ club with supervised activities.
• Dining: Boasts several restaurants serving diverse cuisines, including kid-friendly options.
• Amenities: Provides cribs, high chairs, babysitting services (upon request), and laundry facilities.
• Location: Located in Victoria Island, close to attractions like the National Museum, Tafawa Balewa Square, and shopping malls.

Lagos Continental Hotel

Lagos Continental Hotel, formerly known as InterContinental Lagos, stands tall in Victoria Island, offering panoramic views and a sophisticated ambiance. Its family-friendly offerings make it a noteworthy option:

• Accommodation: Provides a range of rooms and suites, with options for connecting rooms to accommodate larger families.
• Children’s Activities: Features an outdoor swimming pool suitable for children and can arrange for babysitting services upon request.
• Dining: Offers diverse culinary experiences with multiple restaurants catering to different tastes, including kid-friendly choices.
• Amenities: Provides cribs, high chairs, and laundry services.
• Location: Strategically located in Victoria Island, providing easy access to business districts and entertainment venues.

Top Hotel Recommendations in Abuja for Families

Abuja, Nigeria’s capital city, offers a more relaxed and planned environment compared to Lagos. Here are some top hotel recommendations for families visiting Abuja:

Transcorp Hilton Abuja

Transcorp Hilton Abuja is a landmark hotel in Abuja, known for its luxurious accommodations, extensive facilities, and excellent service. It’s a popular choice for families due to its numerous amenities and activities:

• Accommodation: Offers a variety of rooms and suites, including spacious family suites with separate living areas.
• Children’s Activities: Features a large outdoor swimming pool, a playground, and a kids’ club with supervised activities.
• Dining: Boasts several restaurants serving diverse cuisines, including kid-friendly options. Offers buffet-style meals and room service.
• Amenities: Provides cribs, high chairs, babysitting services (upon request), and laundry facilities.
• Location: Located in the heart of Abuja, close to attractions like the National Mosque, the National Christian Centre, and the Millennium Park.

Nicon Luxury Abuja

Nicon Luxury Abuja (formerly Le Meridien Abuja) is a stylish and sophisticated hotel in Abuja, known for its contemporary design, excellent service, and tranquil atmosphere. It’s a great option for families seeking a more refined and relaxed experience:

• Accommodation: Offers spacious rooms and suites, some with connecting options for families.
• Children’s Activities: Features a swimming pool and a garden area for children to play. While it doesn’t have a dedicated kids’ club, the hotel staff can arrange babysitting services and recommend nearby attractions for families.
• Dining: Offers a variety of dining options, including a restaurant serving international cuisine and a bar with snacks and drinks.
• Amenities: Provides cribs, high chairs, and laundry facilities.
• Location: Located in the Central Business District, close to attractions like the Aso Rock Presidential Villa and the National Assembly.

Sheraton Abuja Hotel

Sheraton Abuja Hotel is a well-established hotel in Abuja, offering comfortable accommodations and a range of amenities for families. It’s a popular choice due to its convenient location and family-friendly services:

• Accommodation: Offers spacious rooms and suites, some with connecting options for families.
• Children’s Activities: Features a swimming pool and a playground. The hotel can also arrange excursions to nearby attractions for families.
• Dining: Offers several dining options, including a restaurant serving international cuisine and a bar with snacks and drinks. Provides kid-friendly menus.
• Amenities: Provides cribs, high chairs, and laundry facilities.
• Location: Located in the Maitama district, close to attractions like the Zuma Rock and the Arts and Crafts Village.

Fraser Suites Abuja

Fraser Suites Abuja offers serviced apartments, providing families with more space and flexibility than traditional hotel rooms. It’s a great option for longer stays and families who prefer to have self-catering facilities:

• Accommodation: Offers spacious apartments with separate living areas, bedrooms, and fully equipped kitchens.
• Children’s Activities: Features a swimming pool and a kids’ play area.
• Dining: Offers an on-site restaurant and a cafe. Guests can also prepare their own meals in the apartment kitchens.
• Amenities: Provides cribs, high chairs, laundry facilities, and babysitting services (upon request).
• Location: Located in the Central Business District, close to attractions like the Millennium Park and the National Mosque.

BON Hotel Grand Towers Abuja

BON Hotel Grand Towers Abuja provides modern accommodation with a focus on comfort and convenience. Its family-oriented services make it a viable choice for families visiting Abuja:

• Accommodation: Offers various room types, including suites suitable for families.
• Children’s Activities: Features a swimming pool and can arrange for excursions to local attractions suitable for children.
• Dining: Provides on-site dining options with diverse culinary offerings.
• Amenities: Offers cribs, high chairs, and laundry services.
• Location: Conveniently located in Abuja, offering easy access to key areas.

Top Hotel Recommendations in Port Harcourt for Families

Port Harcourt, a major industrial city in Nigeria, offers a range of hotels catering to both business and leisure travelers. Here are some top hotel recommendations for families visiting Port Harcourt:

Hotel Presidential

Hotel Presidential is a historic landmark in Port Harcourt, offering a blend of classic elegance and modern amenities. It’s a popular choice for families due to its extensive facilities and central location:

• Accommodation: Offers a variety of rooms and suites, including spacious family suites with separate living areas.
• Children’s Activities: Features a large outdoor swimming pool and a playground.
• Dining: Boasts several restaurants serving diverse cuisines, including kid-friendly options.
• Amenities: Provides cribs, high chairs, and laundry facilities. Babysitting services may be available upon request.
• Location: Located in the heart of Port Harcourt, close to attractions like the Port Harcourt Zoo and the Isaac Boro Park.

Novotel Port Harcourt

Novotel Port Harcourt is a modern and comfortable hotel offering a range of amenities for families. It’s a popular choice due to its convenient location and family-friendly services:

• Accommodation: Offers spacious rooms and suites, some with connecting options for families.
• Children’s Activities: Features a swimming pool and a kids’ play area.
• Dining: Offers several dining options, including a restaurant serving international cuisine and a bar with snacks and drinks. Provides kid-friendly menus.
• Amenities: Provides cribs, high chairs, and laundry facilities.
• Location: Located in the GRA (Government Reserved Area), close to the Port Harcourt Pleasure Park and other attractions.

Golden Tulip Port Harcourt

Golden Tulip Port Harcourt is a well-established hotel offering comfortable accommodations and a range of amenities for families. It’s a popular choice due to its convenient location and value for money:

• Accommodation: Offers spacious rooms and suites, some with connecting options for families.
• Children’s Activities: Features a swimming pool and a playground.
• Dining: Offers several dining options, including a restaurant serving international cuisine and a bar with snacks and drinks.
• Amenities: Provides cribs, high chairs, and laundry facilities.
• Location: Located in the GRA, close to the Rivers State Museum and other attractions.

Swiss International Mabisel Port Harcourt

Swiss International Mabisel Port Harcourt provides comfortable and contemporary accommodation with a focus on guest satisfaction. Its amenities cater to both business and leisure travelers, including families:

• Accommodation: Offers a variety of rooms and suites suitable for families.
• Children’s Activities: Features a swimming pool and can arrange for local excursions.
• Dining: Provides on-site dining options with international and local cuisines.
• Amenities: Offers cribs, high chairs, and laundry services.
• Location: Located in a convenient area of Port Harcourt.

Clarion Hotel Port Harcourt

Clarion Hotel Port Harcourt offers modern amenities and comfortable accommodations. It is suitable for families looking for a relaxing stay in the city:

• Accommodation: Provides different room types, including family-friendly suites.
• Children’s Activities: Includes a swimming pool and can assist with arranging nearby activities suitable for children.
• Dining: Offers diverse culinary options with various restaurants on site.
• Amenities: Provides cribs, high chairs, and laundry services.
• Location: Situated in a strategic location in Port Harcourt.

Tips for Planning a Family Hotel Stay in Nigeria

Here are some helpful tips for planning a family hotel stay in Nigeria:

• Book in Advance: Especially during peak seasons, it’s essential to book your hotel well in advance to secure the best rates and availability.
• Read Reviews: Check online reviews from other families to get an idea of the hotel’s family-friendliness and overall quality.
• Contact the Hotel Directly: Contact the hotel directly to confirm specific amenities and services, such as crib availability, babysitting services, and kid-friendly menu options.
• Consider Location: Choose a hotel that is conveniently located near attractions, transportation options, and essential services.
• Pack Essentials: Pack essential items for your children, such as favorite toys, snacks, and medications.
• Be Prepared for the Climate: Nigeria has a tropical climate, so be prepared for hot and humid weather. Pack light clothing, sunscreen, and insect repellent.
• Respect Local Customs: Be mindful of local customs and traditions. Dress modestly when visiting religious sites and avoid public displays of affection.
• Stay Safe: Take precautions to ensure your family’s safety. Avoid walking alone at night, be aware of your surroundings, and keep your valuables secure.
• Learn Some Basic Phrases: Learning a few basic phrases in the local language (e.g., Yoruba, Igbo, Hausa) can be helpful and appreciated by locals.
• Enjoy Your Trip: Relax, have fun, and create lasting memories with your family!

Beyond the Big Cities: Family-Friendly Options Elsewhere in Nigeria

While Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt offer a variety of family-friendly hotels, don’t overlook the opportunities in other Nigerian cities and regions. These can often provide a more authentic and relaxed experience:

Obudu Mountain Resort, Cross River State

For a unique and adventurous family vacation, consider Obudu Mountain Resort. This resort, located high in the mountains of Cross River State, offers stunning scenery, outdoor activities, and a refreshing escape from the hustle and bustle of city life:

• Accommodation: Offers chalets and rooms with breathtaking views.
• Children’s Activities: Features a cable car ride, a swimming pool, hiking trails, and a canopy walkway.
• Dining: Offers a restaurant serving local and international cuisine.
• Amenities: Provides laundry facilities.
• Location: Located in the Obudu Plateau, Cross River State.

La Campagne Tropicana Beach Resort, Lagos State

For a beach getaway close to Lagos, La Campagne Tropicana Beach Resort offers a blend of natural beauty, cultural experiences, and family-friendly activities:

• Accommodation: Offers chalets and villas inspired by African architecture.
• Children’s Activities: Features a beach, a lagoon, a swimming pool, horseback riding, and cultural performances.
• Dining: Offers restaurants serving Nigerian and international cuisine.
• Amenities: Provides laundry facilities.
• Location: Located in Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos State.

Tinapa Lakeside Hotel, Cross River State

Part of the Tinapa Business and Leisure Resort, the Lakeside Hotel offers a comfortable base for exploring the resort’s various attractions:

• Accommodation: Offers various room types and suites.
• Children’s Activities: Access to the Tinapa resort’s facilities, including a water park and entertainment center.
• Dining: Provides on-site dining options.
• Amenities: Offers standard hotel amenities.
• Location: Situated within the Tinapa Business and Leisure Resort in Cross River State.

Final Thoughts: Creating Unforgettable Family Memories in Nigeria

Nigeria offers a wealth of opportunities for families to create unforgettable memories. By choosing the right hotel and planning your itinerary carefully, you can ensure a comfortable, enjoyable, and enriching vacation experience. Whether you’re exploring the vibrant cities, relaxing on the beaches, or discovering the natural wonders of the country, Nigeria has something to offer every family. Remember to prioritize safety, respect local customs, and embrace the adventure. With a little planning, your family vacation in Nigeria will be one to cherish for years to come.