On the day I visited Jeromes Garden & Suites, I appreciated the Google map app on my phone more than ever before. They were listed on the map and I simply followed every turn and curve right to their doorstep at 29 Oroleye Street, off Oreniyi Street, Salvation Road, Opebi-Ikeja, Lagos.
The solid gate was powered by a motor and there were high walls covered in plant vines surrounding the property. The security men directed me to the reception where I met the manager (Bola) who welcomed me and had someone show me around the premises.
There are fifteen rooms in total but I was made to understand there was ongoing construction to add to that number. The rooms were categorized into Standard, Deluxe, Double Deluxe, Executive Suite and Presidential Suite, all decorated in different colors. Custom paintings hung on all the walls in the lounge, corridors and rooms.
As my guide showed me around the beautifully landscaped garden he shared a fun fact: the video for Kiss Daniel’s Woju remix ft. Davido and Tiwa Savage, had been shot right at this hotel. I was pleasantly surprised to hear this since I had assumed it was shot in South Africa like most music videos on TV these days. I took photos of recognizable spots like the stairs Tiwa sat on at the beginning of her verse. And the grotto Davido stood in to do his thing. Check out the video again and see for yourself.
The grounds are covered in trees and flowers of all kinds, there are winding walkways everywhere to stop you from stepping on the lawn and concrete benches to sit on if you just want to stop and admire your surroundings. It’s just perfect for open air picnics or romantic dinners and wedding proposals (the previous weekend a young man had proposed to his girlfriend; during a get together in the garden and she said ‘Yes’).
Still pretty during the harmattan, the greenery is even more beautiful during the rainy season. It also provides an awesome natural background for professional photo shoots. In fact, the publisher of Wedding Planner Magazine held a shoot for December’s edition at Jeromes Garden. I saw an advanced copy of the magazine and all I could say was ‘Wow!’
If you prefer having a roof overhead, the pool is inside a tall building with enough room for parties, seminars and there are plans to install a fully equipped gym on the top floor. Power outlets are strategically placed around the garden plus Wi Fi access for all guests.
There’s a lot going on at this remarkable hotel that was just opened for business in 2014. I arrived just as the water was being replaced in the fish pond and I saw the humongous catfish they had in it; available as fresh fish pepper soup for your events, TGIF or take away. If fish isn’t your style the barbecue that runs every fortnight might better suit.
The prices on the meals and drinks menu are shockingly reasonable, if you want to give yourself a treat, a weekend at Jeromes Garden and Suites wouldn’t be a bad way to start.
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