Hotels in Lagos

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Lagos, a sprawling metropolis on Nigeria's Atlantic coast, serves as a significant economic hub and cultural centre. It's renowned for its bustling markets, dynamic music scene, and as a major port city. Visitors often explore areas like Victoria Island and Lekki, known for their commercial activity and residential developments. The city’s history is evident in places such as Badagry, a historical port town with connections to the transatlantic slave trade, and Freedom Park, a former colonial prison now transformed into a memorial and arts venue.

The city offers a wide array of experiences, from its extensive coastline with beaches such as Tarkwa Bay to the contemporary art galleries and fashion boutiques. The Lagos Mainland presents a different facet of the city, with areas like Surulere offering a glimpse into local life and entertainment. Food enthusiasts can sample a variety of West African dishes, particularly the local seafood, often found in eateries across the city.

When planning a trip to Lagos, many visitors choose to book their accommodation in the Algarve region, particularly around Faro, due to its central location and proximity to the main airport. This area serves as a convenient base for exploring the wider region.

Within Lagos itself, the old town, particularly near Praça de Gil Eanes, is a popular choice for hotels and guesthouses. This central zone offers easy access to the Mercado de Escravos and the Igreja de Santo António. Numerous restaurants line the streets, serving fresh seafood and traditional Portuguese dishes, and there are various bars for evening entertainment. Accommodation here ranges from boutique hotels to more modest guesthouses.

Moving slightly east, the area around Meia Praia offers a different experience, with larger resorts and hotels often featuring direct beach access. This stretch of sand is popular for water sports and relaxation. While slightly further from the historic centre, many establishments provide shuttle services or are a short taxi ride away. The marina area, close to Meia Praia, also has several modern apartments and hotels, with restaurants and cafes overlooking the boats.

For those considering locations further afield, areas like Portimão or Albufeira are also options, though they are distinct towns. Portimão, home to Praia da Rocha, offers larger resort complexes and a lively nightlife. Albufeira is known for its extensive beaches and tourist-focused amenities. Each offers a different atmosphere and range of accommodation, from luxury hotels to self-catering apartments.

Considering transport, Faro Airport (FAO) is the primary international gateway for the Algarve. From Faro, travellers can reach Lagos via train, bus, or private transfer, with journey times typically around an hour and a half. Within Lagos, local buses serve the main areas, and taxis are readily available. The Lagos train station provides connections along the Algarve line.

To make your budget stretch further when booking a hotel in Lagos, consider timing your visit carefully. Accommodation prices typically rise during the peak dry season months, especially from November to February, as this period sees more visitors. Avoiding major public holidays like Christmas, New Year, and Easter will also help, as demand and prices surge then. You might find better deals by looking for options slightly outside the central business districts of Victoria Island or Ikoyi, perhaps in areas like Lekki, which still offer good access to amenities but can be more affordable.

For the best chance of securing lower rates, aim for the rainy season, specifically May to July. While the weather might be wetter, hotels often have more availability and offer more competitive pricing to attract guests. Booking well in advance, regardless of the season, and comparing prices across different platforms can also lead to worthwhile savings.