Background
The Wheatbaker is a 5-star boutique hotel that opened in October 2011, and represents the only presence in Nigeria for Legacy Hotels & Resorts. The group owns and manages hotels, lodges and resorts across Africa, in South Africa, Nigeria, Ghana, Namibia and Madagascar.
Where is it?
The hotel is located in the upmarket Lagos suburb of Ikoyi. It is situated close to the financial, business and entertainment districts of Ikoyi and Victoria Island. The Wheatbaker is approximately 35 kilometres from Murtala Muhammed International Airport, and depending on Lagos traffic, the drive can take anything from half an hour to a couple of hours.
What’s it Like?
Unusual for Lagos is that the Wheatbaker exists on a fairly spacious property, which sets it apart from most of the properties in this city. Legacy has clearly gone for an upmarket look, with impressive architecture, in the form of stone walls, iron sculptures and crafts from local artists. There’s also good use of lighting and the hotel is particularly easy on the eye in the evenings. Thereafter, the facilities are befitting a 5-star boutique hotel and the service is excellent. Oh, and I quite enjoyed the complimentary food basket I was presented with on checking in.
Room Facilities
The hotel has 65 air-conditioned rooms, made up of standard queen, luxury king and executive king rooms, and executive suites. The rooms are differentiated by the size of their living areas, but all the rates include complimentary breakfast. The décor is contemporary, mixing coffee brown and grey colours, whilst the large, opaque sliding glass door leading to the bathroom, only lends itself to the notion that this is an upmarket hotel room. Importantly, for me, there was a separate shower and bath, whilst another business traveller-focused feature was the 24-hour complimentary Wi-Fi. No surprise there, as the hotel is clearly geared towards the high-end business traveller. Other features supporting this are the espresso machine, comfortable work station, complimentary magazines, 28 DSTV channels and 24-hour room service. My room also featured a comfortable leather sofa, whilst I also enjoyed the large wall mirror.
Meeting and Business Facilities
The hotel has the Taraba Room, which can accommodate 200 people, theatre style. Apparently, it has the flexibility to cater to smaller groups, thanks to the movable partitions built into the design. Also not too far from the conference room on the same floor is the business centre, which offers secretarial, fax and Internet services.
Leisure Facilities
An inviting pool is surrounded by sun loungers, where you can enjoy a drink or two. Just above the pool is the hotel gym, which is open from 06h00 to 22h00 and has an in-house instructor and steam room. The Wheatbaker is currently building a spa and it is expected to be complete by the end of the year.
Restaurants and Bars
The hotel serves a range of intercontinental and local dishes in the Grillroom and the Saraya Deli. The Grillroom offers fine dining over lunch and dinner, and has an impressive wine cellar, from which guests can select something suited to their tastes. Breakfast is usually served in the Saraya Deli. There are two bars on the property – the Grillroom Bar and the Conference Bar, which is located just outside the conference room.
Verdict
An impressive addition to the Lagos hotel scene and a luxury boutique hotel with a difference. Impressive features and well-suited to the business traveller. My only criticism –
Contact
Address: 4 Onitolo Road (Lawrence Road), Ikoyi, +234 1 277 3560, legacyhotels.com
Afam Anyika