Background
Protea Hotels is the largest hotel group in Africa, with over 100 hospitality establishments in nine countries on the African continent, through various ownership, management and marketing deals. The 4-star Protea Hotel Kuramo Waters is the newest addition to the group’s Nigeria portfolio.
Where is it?
It’s on Victoria Island, just off the main roads, on the banks of Kuramo Creek, which is a stone’s throw from the beach. The hotel is minutes from VI’s night life, shopping malls, restaurants and bars. Murtala Muhammed International Airport is approximately 40 minutes’ drive away, but that commute varies, due to the unpredictable traffic.
Room Facilities
The hotel has a Caribbean theme, with 60 rooms made up of six different types of accommodation – 20 standard rooms, 20 superior rooms, eight classic rooms, four terrace suites, four executive suites and four Mandela suites. The actual hotel is made up of seven two-storey buildings, with six for guests and one servicing administration, reception, dining and the bar. Quite interesting for me was the fact that large groups or families can take up an entire block with its own entrance and furnished living area on the first floor. I thought the rooms were quite contemporary in design, and I was impressed with the attention to detail. I stayed in an executive suite, which had a cozy sitting area, work station, and a large terrace with a two-seater couch, which I rather enjoyed, reclining there whilst enjoying the view of the Atlantic. The suite was also very spacious and featured a 32-inch TV in the living area and another in the bedroom – both with selected DSTV satellite channels, complimentary Internet, air-conditioning, mini-bar, tea and coffee-making facilities, complimentary in-room beverages and mini safe. The bathroom was also very spacious, with separate shower, jacuzzi and two basins. Room service was 24 hours and the food from it I’d rate as above average.
Meeting and Business Facilities
The reception block has a facility that can seat up to 60 people theatre style, and it’s also ideal for small boardroom-style meetings. There was quite a bit of construction going on at the time I visited, and I believe this is going to result in another conferencing facility, which will be able to accommodate 150 delegates. The office is open to guests who seek a business centre, with staff on standby to render necessary secretarial assistance.
Leisure Facilities
The hotel’s leisure facilities include a 12 metre swimming pool surrounded by sun loungers. Just adjacent to the pool, there are changing rooms, an average size gym and massage parlor, offering massages to guests on request.
Restaurants and Bars
Protea Kuramo Waters has its Whale Restaurant in the reception block. It serves both local and international cuisine and is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. When asked as to what distinguishes its cuisine from other hotel cuisine, the hotel’s South African chef, Gavin delivered an explanation in just a few words – ‘simple, Mediterranean, and breaking rules’. I did try one of his specials, the Prawns Bombay, and it was delicious. The Piano Bar and Lounge, which is on the ground floor just next to the reception area, serves a wide variety of drinks, whilst the highlight of the bar area is the grand piano, which is an impressive design feature. If you fancy yourself as a pianist, you might want to give it a try.
Verdict
I’d call it a ‘boutique’ experience and the hotel certainly fits that mold.
Contact
Protea Hotel Kuramo Waters, Off Akin Ogunlewe Street, Victoria Island, +234 1 271 29624, proteahotels.com
Morisola Obisesan