About Lagos

Lagos isn’t a city that wakes up, it never really sleeps. Between the rhythmic honking at Lekki’s roundabouts and the scent of fried plantain from a roadside vendor near Victoria Island, the city is alive in a way that keeps visitors coming back, even after the occasional traffic meltdown. Lagos is Nigeria’s largest city; sprawling, bold, and unapologetically energetic. Its skyline climbs above the lagoon, its nightlife vibrates past midnight, and its hospitality scene… Well, that’s a story on its own.

The best hotels in Lagos range from glass-tower business suites facing the Atlantic to small, tidy guesthouses tucked behind busy markets. There’s a certain honesty to the city’s accommodations; less polish, more pulse. You’ll find polished 5 star hotels in Lagos on Victoria Island, budget guesthouses around Ikeja, and surprisingly cozy hotel apartments in Lagos in Yaba where Wi-Fi actually holds steady during rain (not always guaranteed elsewhere).

A quick local note: traffic is not a joke. A 10-minute drive on Google Maps can stretch to 45 minutes on a rainy Friday. That’s why choosing from the right hotels in Lagos near airport or hotels in Lagos near beach can make or break your stay.

Explore our exciting Nigeria tour packages to travel across Lagos on akbartravels.com that include flights, hotels, and guided city experiences at budget-friendly prices.

Lagos Airport Address

Murtala Muhammed International Airport (LOS)
Location: Ikeja, Lagos State, Nigeria

The airport’s domestic and international terminals sit about 1.5 km apart, which sounds close but packs patience; shuttles sometimes crawl in peak-hour congestion. If your flight lands after 10 p.m., pre-book your transfer. Hotel taxis charge around ₦8,000–₦12,000 to Victoria Island, depending on mood and weather & sometimes, both.

The Best Time to Visit Lagos

Dry season from November to March is when the city is at its best. Breezes off the Atlantic make evenings softer, and the beach shacks in Tarkwa Bay buzz with energy. Rainy months (April–September) can be moody. The roads flood quickly, and cab drivers raise fares faster than the clouds gather. 

If you’re here during December’s festive stretch, book hotels in Lagos at least 45 days ahead. Prices rise about 40% once the holiday crowd rolls in. For business travelers, midweek bookings (Tuesday–Thursday) tend to have steadier rates, especially for Lagos famous hotels in Victoria Island and Ikoyi. 

How to Reach Lagos

By Air:

Murtala Muhammed International Airport handles most arrivals. From there, hotels in Lagos near airport such as Legend Hotel Lagos Airport, Presken Hotel, and Hotel Ibis offer immediate rest. Many business travelers prefer these for early flights, breakfast starts absurdly early at 5:30 a.m.

By Rail:

The Lagos-Ibadan Standard Gauge Railway is efficient; cleaner and calmer than expected. For visitors arriving by train, hotels in Lagos near railway station like The Sojourner and Shoregate Hotel are practical picks. The station’s immediate surroundings are improving but not quite stroll-worthy at night.

By Road:

Buses from Abuja or Accra spill into Jibowu or Ojota terminals. It’s a chaotic first impression, yes, but nearby cheap hotels in Lagos like De Next Center Hotel offer short-stay comfort until you find your bearings. Avoid road arrivals after sunset because traffic and lighting both vanish in unpredictable ways.

Things to Do in Lagos

• Lekki Conservation Centre – A canopy walkway above mangrove forest; monkeys may photobomb selfies.
• Nike Art Gallery – Four floors of vibrant Nigerian art and the friendliest staff imaginable.
• Tarkwa Bay Beach – Accessible only by boat; soft sand and grilled fish that deserves applause.
• Freedom Park Lagos – A calm spot on Broad Street with history stitched into every wall.
• National Museum Lagos – A slightly worn but fascinating peek into Nigeria’s heritage.
• Elegushi Beach – Loud, lively, and best visited when you’re ready to dance with sand on your feet.
• Terra Kulture – A cultural café-meets-theatre where lunch sometimes turns into an impromptu concert.
• Balogun Market – Lagos in full color: fabric, noise, heat, and a thousand bargains.
• Third Mainland Bridge Drive – At sunset, it’s cinematic. Avoid rush hour though, you’ll age waiting.
• Omenka Gallery – Art, river views, and the quiet charm of old Ikoyi.

Shopping in Lagos

• Ikeja City Mall
• The Palms Shopping Mall
• Balogun Market
• Lekki Arts & Crafts Market
• Ebeano Supermarket
• Adeniran Ogunsanya Mall
• Mega Plaza
• Novare Lekki Mall
• Jankara Market
• Nike Art Centre (for curated gifts)
• Shoprite (multiple locations)
• Yaba Market
• Spar Lagos
• Tejuosho Market
• Alade Market

Bring cash; card machines like to “temporarily malfunction” during rush hours.

Famous Restaurants in Lagos

From sizzling suya to sushi with Atlantic views, Lagos eats well.

• Yellow Chilli – Nigerian classics refined; jollof here is a religion.
• Nkoyo – A fine-dining take on home-style Nigerian meals.
• RSVP Lagos – Stylish, cosmopolitan, and perpetually full.
• The Grill by Delis – Steaks worth the splurge.
• The House Café – Chill spot with bohemian décor in Lekki.
• Hard Rock Café – Beachfront burgers with live music nights.
• Craft Gourmet by Lou Baker – Breakfasts to linger over.
• Ocean Basket – Reliable seafood chain; fresh and fast.
• Shiro – Pan-Asian drama meets beachfront elegance.
• Terra Kulture Restaurant – Local flavors, good art, better crowd.
• Izanagi – Arguably Lagos’ best sushi.
• Ofada Boy – Purely Nigerian soul food, no pretensions.
• The Backyard Lagos – Outdoor, social, and playful.
• Cactus Restaurant – Waterfront dining with a family vibe.
• The Blowfish Restaurant – Chic, pastel, and worth a photo stop.

Popular Hotels in Lagos

These hotels in Lagos tell the story of its character; polished but pulsating underneath.

• Eko Hotels & Suites – The grand dame; slightly dated but endlessly energetic.
• Radisson Blu Anchorage – Overlooks the lagoon; rooms with twilight reflections.
• The George Lagos – Modern luxury wrapped in quiet Ikoyi streets.
• Lagos Continental Hotel – Tall, proud, and solid service; breakfast with skyline views.
• Lagos Marriott Hotel Ikeja – For those who prefer airport proximity with finesse.
• The Wheatbaker – Understated luxury, attentive staff, and flawless pastries.
• Presken Hotel Ikeja – One of the cheap hotels in Lagos that punches above its weight.
• Southern Sun Ikoyi – Business travelers’ favorite; gym opens early.
• Bogobiri House – Boutique art hotel; loud on weekends but full of soul.
• Four Points by Sheraton Lagos – Balanced between business and leisure.
• Legend Hotel Lagos Airport – Technically inside airport grounds, ultra-convenient.
• The Blowfish Hotel – Colorful, intimate, with a playful pool bar.
• The Lilygate Lagos – Lekki comfort with modern touches.
• Maison Fahrenheit – Trendy rooftop, popular with Lagos nightlife crowd.
• Shoregate Hotel Ikeja – Practical choice near business zones.

Popular Resorts in Lagos

For beachside downtime or a full recharge, these resorts are favorites:

• La Campagne Tropicana Beach Resort – Rustic meets luxury; hammocks and palm-fringed peace.
• Inagbe Grand Resort – Boat ride away; perfect for a digital detox.
• Epe Resort & Spa – Eco-retreat style, 90 minutes from city center.
• Whispering Palms – Slightly old-school charm by Badagry lagoon.
• Lekki Miami Resort – Good for weekend escapes.
• Atican Beach Resort – Lively but family-friendly.
• Jara Beach Resort – Reservation-only and worth every call.
• Barracuda Beach Resort – Simpler setup; BYO food is allowed.
• Eleko Beach Resort – Less commercial, softer sand.
• Sailor’s Lounge – Technically more bar than resort, but the vibe fits.

Where to Stay in Lagos

Picking from hotels in Lagos isn’t just about budget, it’s about sanity. Traffic patterns shape everything. For business, stay near Ikeja or Victoria Island. For culture and nightlife, Lekki or Ikoyi are smart bets.

Best places to stay in Lagos:

• Victoria Island – Central, high-end, and near corporate hubs.
• Lekki Phase 1 – Modern, creative, filled with cafés and co-working spaces.
• Ikeja – Airport proximity, cleaner roads, practical for business stays.
• Ikoyi – Quiet, leafy, slightly pricier but less chaos
• Yaba – Budget-friendly, youthful energy, close to the university.

Places to Stay in Lagos Near Popular Attractions

For those chasing convenience, pick hotels in Lagos near the beach like Maison Fahrenheit, The Blowfish Hotel, or Eko Hotels & Suites, each less than 10 minutes from the Atlantic breeze. Near cultural zones, Bogobiri House and Southern Sun sit close to Ikoyi’s art galleries. For early departures, hotels in Lagos near the airport like Legend Hotel or Presken Hotel are unbeatable.

Travelers looking for balance near both work and leisure, often settle around Victoria Island. From there, you’re 20 minutes to most attractions… well, except during rush hour, when “20 minutes” becomes philosophical.

Budget Hotels in Lagos

Budget doesn’t mean basic here. You’ll find decent 2 star hotel Lagos options where service feels genuine. Try Westown Hotel or De Rigg Place for comfort under ₦35,000 a night. Cheap hotels in Lagos tend to drop rates by 15–20% if you book directly or via platforms like akbartravels.com, which occasionally lists package deals with airport transfers.

For truly frugal travelers, the cheapest hotel in Lagos may hover around ₦12,000 a night, think functional beds, slow Wi-Fi, and air-conditioning that sighs louder than it cools. Book wisely, check photos, and call before paying online.

Lagos Hotels by Star Rating

• 5 Star Hotels in Lagos: Lagos Continental, Eko Hotels & Suites, The George, and The Wheatbaker; polished, pampering, and pricey.
• 4 Star: Radisson Blu Anchorage, Southern Sun Ikoyi, Four Points by Sheraton, The Blowfish Hotel; comfort without arrogance.
• 3 Star: Shoregate Hotel, Presken Hotel Ikeja, The Lilygate, Maison Fahrenheit; mid-range charm.
• 2 Star Hotel Lagos: De Next Center Hotel, Hotel 1960 Eagles Park; good for quick business stops.

Lagos 5 star hotel stays come with gym access, skyline pools, and in-room dining menus that read like novels. Check the Lagos hotel prize (or price) before booking; tariffs swing widely between weekdays and weekends.

Best Hotels in Lagos Based on Location

• Near Airport: Legend Hotel, Presken Hotel, Ibis Lagos Airport.
• Near Beach: Eko Hotels, Maison Fahrenheit, The Blowfish.
• Near Business District: Radisson Blu, Southern Sun Ikoyi, Four Points by Sheraton.
• Quiet Corners: The George, The Wheatbaker, Shoregate.

Location drives experience here. That’s why locals use Lagos hotel price comparison sites before locking in a stay. For flexible plans, akbartravels.com is handy, it updates flash discounts faster than most Nigerian booking portals.

Family-Friendly Hotels in Lagos

Families love wide rooms and reliable breakfasts. Eko Suites, The Wheatbaker, and Lagos Marriott excel at that. The staff at Lagos Continental are particularly patient with kids, they’ll even warm baby food in the kitchen if asked nicely. If you prefer kitchenette setups, look for hotel apartments in Lagos like Apartment Royale or Presken Residence. Book early during school holidays; family rooms sell out quickly.

Lagos Hotels Tariff

Room rates in hotels in Lagos can feel like weather patterns, unpredictable but with clear cycles.

• Business season (September–May): ₦60,000–₦90,000 per night in mid-tier hotels.
• Holiday period (December): Add +40%.
• Off-season (July–September): Drops up to 25%, though rainfall adds logistical drama.

Luxury hotels in Lagos cost between ₦120,000 and ₦250,000 per night, depending on views. Cheap hotels in Lagos hover around ₦15,000–₦30,000. Use akbartravels.com to spot early deals; bookings made 30–40 days ahead often snag better tariffs.

Lagos Travel Tips

1. Book your flights early: Lagos flight tickets can vary in price. To secure the best fares, it’s advisable to book cheap flights to Lagos well in advance, ideally 45–60 days before your trip. Prices spike about three weeks prior, especially before festive periods.
2. Choose your hotel location based on traffic reality: The difference between Ikeja and Victoria Island isn’t just distance, it’s a lifestyle choice. Staying near where you’ll spend most of your time saves hours otherwise lost in gridlock.
3. Keep small cash handy: Many vendors and taxi drivers prefer naira notes for quick deals. ATMs can run dry on weekends, so withdraw early and avoid late-night runs.
4. Confirm airport transfers in advance: Hotels in Lagos near airport like Legend or Presken offer shuttle services; book them ahead. Airport taxi counters may quote unpredictable fares, especially during late arrivals.
5. Stay hydrated but cautious: Bottled water is safe; tap water isn’t. The heat sneaks up even on cloudy days & keep a small bottle with you at all times.
6. Avoid the Monday morning rush: Lagos wakes up angry on Mondays. Roads clog early. If your meeting is at 9 a.m., leave your hotel by 7:15 a.m. or risk joining the sea of honking cars.
7. Ask locals before exploring markets: Markets like Balogun and Tejuosho are thrilling but dense. Go with a guide or hotel staff referral, it’s easy to lose your bearings (and occasionally, your phone).
8. Use ride apps like Bolt or Uber: Street taxis are fine for short hops, but app rides are safer and fare-transparent. Don’t be surprised if your driver cancels twice, it’s Lagos, patience helps.
9. Plan meals wisely: Restaurants like Yellow Chilli or Nkoyo serve food till late, but smaller joints shut by 9 p.m. Carry snacks if you’re out exploring at night.
10. Beware of power cuts: Even top luxury hotels in Lagos rely on generators. If you need silence to sleep, pack earplugs; the low hum of a gen-set is practically city music.
11. Respect local etiquette: Greetings matter. Say “Good afternoon” before any request, even small gestures soften interactions, especially in markets or hotels.
12. Watch your step during the rainy season: Streets can flood fast. Waterproof footwear and quick-dry clothing are small miracles when puddles become mini-lagoons.
13. Wi-Fi can be moody: Before booking, call the hotel and ask if the internet “works right now.” That’s the only way to get an honest answer, locals understand the nuance.
14. Keep evenings flexible: Lagos nightlife starts late and ends later. Leave your schedule open, spontaneous invitations often lead to the best memories (and longest stories).
15. Use trusted sites for hotel bookings: Stick to akbartravels.com or official brand websites when reserving hotels in Lagos. Fake listings do circulate, especially for cheap stays near busy zones.

You can easily apply for a Nigeria visa online through trusted travel sites like akbartravels.com for faster processing and secure payment.