BACKGROUND: Protea Hotel Victoria Island began its operations in 2003 and is part of Africa’s largest hotel group operating in Nigeria – Protea Hotels has 11 hotels in operation around the major cities of the country. Protea Hotel Victoria Island underwent a full refurbishment in 2009.
WHAT IS IT LIKE? Elegance, comfort, luxury and charm quickly define the ambience of this hotel. Guests are particularly delighted by the warmth and homely services on offer. The personal interaction from staff gives the feeling of being home away from home.
LOCATION: The hotel is located off Ademola Adetokunbo Street, right in the heart of Victoria Island’s business district. Situated on Violet Yough Close, guests are assured of their total safety.
The ever-popular Bar Beach is just five minutes away, and in less than 30 minutes you can be at the international airport. making Protea Hotel Victoria Island is a great choice for both the leisure and business traveller.
ROOM FACILITIES: Protea Hotel Victoria Island boasts 59 exquisite bedrooms with 24-hour room service. When I went into one of the luxurious rooms there was a welcoming complimentary fruit basket and a great South African wine. With four Suites, 11 Classic, 40 Superior and four de luxe rooms, this hotel has got the capacity to cater to everyone’s needs. Staying in one of the classic rooms (only difference is that the classic room does not have a balcony whereas the superior room does) was nothing less than luxury, and I quickly jumped into the shower to freshen up after a hard day’s work. The decor of the room and bathroom was exceptional, and there is a flat-screen TV, work station, refrigerated mini bar, digital safe, and a coffee-making facility with complimentary coffee and tea. The bed is absolutely one of the most comfortable I have ever slept on. I could conveniently surf the Web with the complimentary Wi-Fi Internet connection in the room which extends within the hotel environment. This is something every business traveller appreciates.
BANQUETING AND CONFERENCING: The hotel has two conference rooms which can seat up to 60 delegates with modern conference equipment. The boardroom can seat up to 12 people for smaller meetings. Protea Hotel Victoria Island is the ultimate venue for small-scale conferencing and boardroom meetings. There is also a business centre for guests’ use.
RESTAURANT AND BAR: Even as early as 06h30 Nigerian time, a full buffet breakfast of continental and local dishes was ready. The food was delicious and breakfast was served until 10h00. On weekends, the breakfast extends to 11h00 to cater for the guest that just does not want to get up early. The restaurant is located on the ground floor of the hotel, almost adjoined to the lobby, with a capacity for about 60 people. Long-staying guests can always request the chef for specific delicacies of their choice if the wide-variety menu is too small for them!
I enjoy the local dishes and at dinner I ordered pounded yam and bitter leaf soup – a delicious meal. Guests can enjoy their food with a variety of drinks readily available from the bar which is situated within the restaurant. Amazingly, there is a unique bush bar next to one of the swimming pools and this can be used as an excellent hide-out for little private parties, and can include barbeques or buffet lunches or dinners.
RECREATIONAL FACILITIES: The hotel has two swimming pools for the comfort and relaxation of the guests. Protea Hotel Victoria Island has a fully equipped gym which kept me energized during my stay. Nearby is the Ikoyi Golf club and, for those who love the beach life, one take a stroll to the buzzing Bar Beach which is only a stone’s throw away.
VERDICT: The services and friendliness of the hotel and its staff was great. I simply felt that this was home away from home.
Mohammed Abdullahi
FACT FILE
CONTACT
Address: Plot 1700, Violet Yough Close, Victoria Island, Lagos, Nigeria.
Tel: +234 1 4485693/4, proteahotels.com