SOME BRANDS JUST HAVE IT AND THE LAGOS RADISSON BLU CERTAINLY DOES
(Posted 25th November 2017)
An ongoing trip to Africa’s largest city, Lagos, allowed for some time out to visit hotels and while some were, well, disappointing – especially given their claims to star ranking vis a vis reality – there was one notable exception, the Anchorage Radisson Blu.
(A small but adequate ‘infinity‘ pool overlooking the lagoon waters
and the adjoining marina for Radisson Blu guests)
Located directly on the water overlooking the lagoon, with a marina attached to it, is this no doubt one of the primiest locations in the city, providing as elsewhere in Africa dependable and consistent five star standards in terms of rooms, facilities and of course the added component of well trained staff.
The rooms were well sized – and my hosts Wellington Mpofu, Director of Sales and Marketing and Funmi Adebesin, Sales Manager – laughed when asked if taking pictures was allowed. They laughed with a twinkle in their eyes as they emphatically said YES, unlike two other properties where constant reminders were uttered in my direction ‘NO PICTURES SIR’. All I have to say about that is that they missed out a mention here but then, as we say in East Africa, ‘Shauri Yako‘.
(Classy offerings at the bar including that famous Dom Perignon. My own preference would
be the brand of the Veuve Cliquot unless the Dom would be a proper vintage)
Both Wellington and Funmi were well informed hosts and able to answer any and all questions thrown at them, and when checking that they had a Business Lounge they promptly took me there. Again a perfect view from the windows over the lagoon, reminding me of the RB in Nairobi where one can see from the 8th floor across the city to Wilson Airport, the National Park and beyond to the Ngong Hills.
(The Anchorage Radisson Blu Lagos’ business lounge)
The colour schemes of the rooms and suites I saw were classic RB style and the furnishings well placed and as complete as it comes, bathrooms with a large amenity kit included.
(Sitting room and bed room of one of the suites seen)
With some 170 rooms and suites is the Radisson Blu not the largest hotel in Lagos but then, what added benefits does size bring when what really matters is upkeep – the hotel after a refurbishment a few years ago is now starting to replace the carpets in the corridors – and of course location, facilities, food and last but not least service levels.
I was able to see the conferencing facilities too, all booked up, and while obviously not as extensive as those in Nairobi, leave alone Kigali with the adjoining conference centre, they were state of the art as well.
My little tablet in my pocket began to hum, when the Radisson Blu free WiFi kicked in – probably on strength of previous sign ins in Nairobi and Kigali – allowing me to check messages and respond to some mails while enjoying a tropical fruit cocktail before saying my goodbyes to my hosts.
I was tempted to send a message to my East African friends working at the Carlson Rezidor brands like Radisson Blu and Park Inn but then my time was up and my programme continued to take me across Victoria Island.
