Top 8 Hotels to Stay in Lagos as a First-Time Visitor

Your first visit to Lagos can be an exciting experience, whether you are coming for business, a holiday, a family visit or a taste of the city's famous nightlife. From waterfront restaurants and shopping malls to art galleries, beaches and live music, Lagos offers plenty to explore. However, choosing the right hotel can make a significant difference to your experience.

Lagos is a sprawling city, and the distance between your hotel and your planned activities matters. Victoria Island and Lekki are popular choices for visitors interested in restaurants, nightlife and leisure, while Ikoyi offers a quieter atmosphere. Ikeja, on the mainland, can be more convenient for visitors with early flights or business appointments in the area.

If you are visiting Lagos for the first time and wondering where to stay, here are eight hotels worth considering.

1. Eko Hotels & Suites, Victoria Island

Eko Hotels & Suites is one of Lagos's most recognisable hospitality destinations, attracting business travellers, tourists and guests attending conferences and major social events. Located on Victoria Island, the hotel offers multiple accommodation options, restaurants, bars, swimming facilities and event spaces, making it suitable for visitors who want several amenities within one property.

One advantage of staying here is its location. Visitors can explore restaurants, shopping destinations, entertainment venues and other attractions around Victoria Island and nearby Lekki. The hotel is also a convenient base for guests attending events or business meetings on the island, although traffic can still affect travel times.

Eko Hotels & Suites is worth considering if you want an upscale experience and have the budget for premium accommodation. Before booking, compare room categories, check the facilities included in your rate and confirm any additional charges. It is particularly suitable for visitors who want comfort, dining options and leisure facilities in one place.

2. Radisson Blu Anchorage Hotel, Victoria Island

Radisson Blu Anchorage Hotel is a waterfront property located along Ozumba Mbadiwe Avenue on Victoria Island. Overlooking the Lagos Lagoon, the hotel offers modern accommodation, dining facilities and spaces for business meetings and events. Its setting makes it an option for travellers who appreciate water views alongside convenient access to the city's commercial district.

The location is useful for visitors planning to explore Victoria Island's restaurants, attend business meetings or enjoy the area's social scene. Its waterfront setting also provides a different atmosphere from hotels situated directly among busy commercial streets. However, the time needed to reach other parts of Lagos will depend on traffic and the location of your activities.

This hotel is worth considering for business travellers, couples and tourists seeking an established hotel in a central area. Before making a reservation, check recent guest reviews and confirm the current condition of the facilities you intend to use. Comparing room rates and available amenities can also help you determine whether it offers good value for your trip.

3. Lagos Continental Hotel, Victoria Island

Lagos Continental Hotel is a luxury hotel situated on Kofo Abayomi Street in Victoria Island. Known for its high-rise building and contemporary accommodation, the property offers restaurants, meeting facilities, fitness amenities and a swimming pool. It appeals to visitors who prefer a full-service hotel with facilities for both business and leisure.

Its central location makes it convenient for travellers whose plans include corporate meetings, shopping, restaurants and social events around Victoria Island. Rather than travelling across Lagos for every activity, guests can arrange much of their itinerary around the island and nearby districts. Nevertheless, it is advisable to consider traffic conditions when planning outings farther away.

For first-time visitors with a generous accommodation budget, Lagos Continental Hotel is an option worth exploring. It may particularly appeal to business executives, couples and travellers seeking a premium hotel experience. Check the available room categories, current prices and additional charges before booking to ensure the accommodation matches your expectations.

4. The Wheatbaker, Ikoyi

The Wheatbaker is a boutique hotel in Ikoyi, an upscale neighbourhood known for its residential character and proximity to Victoria Island. The hotel offers an intimate atmosphere, contemporary accommodation and art-inspired interiors. Its dining facilities and wellness services also appeal to visitors who want a quieter alternative to some of the larger hotels in Lagos.

Staying in Ikoyi can be convenient if you want to remain close to Victoria Island without being directly in the middle of its busiest commercial areas. The Wheatbaker is suitable for travellers who appreciate privacy, attentive hospitality and a more relaxed setting after a day of meetings or sightseeing. However, you should consider transport arrangements if your activities are spread across Lekki and the mainland.

The hotel is worth considering for couples, business travellers and visitors seeking a premium boutique experience. Before booking, confirm that the facilities you intend to use, such as the swimming pool or gym, are available during your stay. Reading recent guest reviews can also help you assess room condition, service quality and overall value.

5. Lilygate Hotel, Lekki Phase 1

Lilygate Hotel is located on Olubunmi Owa Street, off Admiralty Way in Lekki Phase 1. The hotel offers accommodation alongside facilities such as a restaurant, bar, swimming pool and gym. Its location makes it an option for visitors who want to stay in one of Lagos's popular lifestyle neighbourhoods.

Lekki Phase 1 is known for its restaurants, cafés, lounges, shops and other leisure destinations. Staying at Lilygate can make it easier to explore these places without travelling from a distant part of the city for every outing. Visitors interested in the Lekki Conservation Centre, Nike Art Gallery and other attractions along the Lekki corridor can also plan trips from this base, depending on their itinerary.

Lilygate Hotel is worth considering for couples, holidaymakers and business travellers whose plans are centred on Lekki. However, traffic along the Lekki-Epe Expressway can affect journeys to Victoria Island and the airport, so plan accordingly. Before making a reservation, confirm the current room rates, available amenities and distance to the places you intend to visit.

6. Lagos Oriental Hotel, Victoria Island

Lagos Oriental Hotel is an upscale hotel located along the Lekki-Epe Expressway near the Victoria Island and Lekki corridor. The property is known for its prominent building, waterfront setting and views of the surrounding lagoon. Its accommodation, dining facilities and event spaces make it an option for visitors seeking a hotel where they can relax and enjoy amenities without leaving the property.

Its location offers access to parts of Victoria Island and Lekki, making it worth considering for visitors attending conferences, weddings or social events in the area. Guests who enjoy waterfront views may also find the setting appealing. As with other hotels in Lagos, however, the actual journey to restaurants, attractions and business appointments will depend on traffic conditions.

Lagos Oriental Hotel may suit visitors who value location, dining options and scenic views. Before booking, check recent guest feedback about room condition and maintenance, as well as the facilities available during your intended stay. Requesting details about your specific room category can help you make a more informed decision.

7. Radisson Blu Hotel, Lagos Ikeja

Radisson Blu Hotel, Lagos Ikeja, is located on Isaac John Street in Ikeja GRA. The hotel offers contemporary accommodation, dining options, meeting facilities and leisure amenities. Unlike hotels on Victoria Island, it provides a base on the mainland, which can be more practical for visitors whose plans are concentrated around Ikeja and nearby business districts.

One of its main advantages is its location within driving distance of Murtala Muhammed International Airport. This can be helpful if you are arriving late, leaving early or visiting Lagos for a short business trip. Visitors can also explore destinations around Ikeja, including shopping centres and entertainment venues, without needing to cross to the island for every activity.

This hotel is worth considering for business travellers, families and visitors who prioritise airport access and mainland convenience. However, if your itinerary revolves around Victoria Island's restaurants, nightlife and waterfront attractions, factor in transport time and costs. Check current room prices and confirm airport transfer arrangements directly with the hotel before booking.

8. Lagos Marriott Hotel, Ikeja

Lagos Marriott Hotel Ikeja is a premium hotel located on Joel Ogunnaike Street in Ikeja GRA. It offers contemporary rooms, dining facilities, leisure amenities and spaces for conferences and social events. Its full-service approach makes it an option for visitors seeking comfortable accommodation for business trips, family visits or special occasions.

The hotel's location makes it useful for travellers with appointments in Ikeja or plans that require convenient access to the airport. Visitors attending weddings, conferences and corporate events on the mainland may also find it practical. However, guests planning to spend most of their time in Lekki or Victoria Island should consider how much they are willing to spend on transport and travel time.

Lagos Marriott Hotel Ikeja is worth considering if you prefer premium accommodation and your itinerary is centred on the mainland. Before reserving a room, compare rates, confirm which facilities are included and ask about airport transfers if you need them. Choosing a hotel that matches your activities can make your visit more convenient and help you get better value from your accommodation budget.

How to Choose the Right Hotel for Your First Visit to Lagos

Before booking, decide which parts of Lagos you intend to explore. Victoria Island is a practical base for visitors interested in business, upscale restaurants and nightlife. Ikoyi may suit those who prefer a quieter setting, while Lekki is worth considering for visitors interested in its restaurants, galleries and leisure destinations. Ikeja is often more convenient for airport access and activities on the mainland.

Your budget should also influence your decision. Remember that the cheapest room is not always the least expensive option overall. If your hotel is far from your planned activities, transportation costs can add up quickly. Similarly, paying for premium facilities may not make sense if you intend to spend most of your time outside the hotel.

Finally, read recent guest reviews, confirm your reservation directly with the hotel or through a trusted booking platform, and check the cancellation policy before paying. Ask about electricity backup, Wi-Fi, breakfast, security and airport transfers where necessary. Most importantly, choose accommodation based on where you will spend your time, not just how attractive the hotel looks in photographs.