Very rarely do I get a chance to review a piece of history like the Premier Hotel located atop the Mokola Hill in Ibadan, Oyo State. During the three years I lived in Ibadan I recall that every single time I asked friends or colleagues to accompany me to this hotel’s poolside for rest and recreation, they would decline. In their words, “E no make sense jor.” “The place is saturated with people.” “It’s old and run down.” Well nothing could be further from the truth.
In truth the Premier Hotel has changed very little since opening back in 1966 as a resort, amusement, pleasure and relaxation center. It is one of the oldest and best hotels in West Africa. Its unique location gives guests a panoramic view of the ancient city of Ibadan. The general manager informed me that this was the idea when the hotel was built. You can see the Parliament building, Government house, Agodi Gardens, University College Hospital, Bower Tower, Cocoa House, Lekan Salami Stadium, Mokola Lectmuk Barrack, University of Ibadan, Polytechnic Ibadan etc.
No other hotel in Ibadan can rival this 3-star establishment’s view, history or experience. There are 87 rooms in all divided into 4 categories namely – Classic, Deluxe, Executive Deluxe and Executive suites. Each spacious room has a king-sized bed, a writing desk, flat screen TV with cable channels, a mini fridge, a coffee table and armchairs. The suites even have dining tables and complete sofa sets. The bathrooms are a little dated but good news people. A massive renovation is scheduled to begin soon. I saw one excellent room which is a possible rendition of the new modern Premier Hotel. I simply can’t wait.
Other facilities include the free 24-hour WiFi, courtesy newspapers, gym, swimming pools (adult and kiddies), SPA/Saloon shop, Chinese Restaurant, Gift shop, Travel agent, Nightclub (open on Thursdays and Fridays), Restaurant, Pool bar, Training school, Massive car park, Business center, Banquet/Conference Hall with 600 person capacity. There are 2 smaller meeting halls one with seating for 60 people and the other for 120 people. So you could have a Seminar going on at the same time as two wedding receptions. On Saturdays and Sundays there’s a brunch buffet that costs a simple N3, 500 for adults and N1, 750 for kids.
One visit is all it takes to understand why the Premier Hotel is indeed the pride of the Odu’a Heritage. I’m waiting on the renovation but if you find yourself traveling to Ibadan soon click here to make your reservation.
