CHOOSING hotels to stay at in Nigeria can be tricky because you cannot always know if you're getting your money's worth or if the hotel accommodates all your needs.
Nigeria is quickly becoming a popular and attractive destination for tourists, holiday makers and business travellers so it's only right we have a range of hotels to suit the needs and preferences of everyone.
Below are some things to take into consideration, it could save you money, time and help make your stay in the country more comfortable.

1. Research
Without proper research, you could be paying over N30K for a 4 or 5 star hotel but the standard of it could be below that or motel-like in appearance so in the end, you won't really be getting what you pay for. Always check to see that the standard of the hotel is worth the price you are being asked to pay. Also, have a good look through the pictures on the hotel website to see if it is up to your standards.

2. Read Reviews
Take reviews seriously. You can find plenty of candid reviews about specific Nigerian hotels on Trip Advisor. People who leave comments on that website are brutally honest so it could give you a clear idea of what a hotel you're interested in staying at may be like.

3. Location
If you plan to go out frequently, then choosing a hotel that is situated in a good location would be a good idea. Also, take into consideration the Lagos traffic; It can be really bad at times and it would make things worse if your hotel was not central to other locations in town. Leaving your hotel and getting back to it could be a nightmare if you are in a bad location.

4. Facilities
What are some facilities you may need during your stay in a hotel? Free wifi connection, a gym, residential lounge or a pool? If your stay will be lengthy then it's worth you finding out whether your hotel has these facilities available.

5. Menu Prices
People often overlook this because they think if they can afford the hotel then it means they can afford the food. However, sometimes, the price of food and drinks in hotels can be intentionally pricey, so you may be better off eating out somewhere else, bringing your own food or booking a self catered hotel that comes with a kitchen.
If doing this will be too much of a hassle then you could call up the hotel you're interested in and enquire about their menu prices. I once stayed in a hotel in Benin and the food and drink I bought from a restaurant outside turned out to be way cheaper than meals in the hotel.

6. Simplicity or Luxury
Essentially, all you are really paying for is somewhere to sleep, bath and eat in for a certain period of time. The price of a hotel usually depends on the quality and standard, so if you are just looking for a nice clean, habitable place to stay then you are better off going for a 3 or 5 star hotel. If you like luxury, comfort, fantastic customer service and super excellent security then the best hotels to stay at are Four Points by Sheraton Lagos, Intercontinental Hotel Lagos or Raddisson Blu.

Are there any things you look out for when choosing hotels in Nigeria?