As I approached the Protea Hotel on Victoria Island, I reminisced about the first time I had cause to do so. This was back in 2006 when a group of friends held a charity event in the multipurpose hall of the hotel, which was located adjacent to the gym and pool.
I remember thinking “This is cozy.” They had set up a drinks table by the pool and there was a barbecue grill on hand as well.
This time I was on a mission to truly understand the Protea brand and what made this branch so special.
Located almost directly in the heart of Victoria Island it turns out this was the very first Protea to have opened in Nigeria. Launched in 2003 with a grand total of 55 rooms and two swimming pools, it had developed a reputation for first-rate service.
I met with the general manager a pleasant gentleman by the name Tim Webster; it was he who told me how many of the guests were frequent returnees who enjoyed staying at the Protea whenever business brought them to Lagos. He also informed me that there was about a total of 12 such prestigious hotels situated in major cities across Nigeria.
Whilst on a private tour of the facilities I was guided by Rita; the Sales/Marketing manager, who showed me the different rooms on offer, each one tastefully furnished and with a splendid view of the constantly evolving cityscape. From the top floor I could see the Eko Hotel and the Atlantic Ocean in the horizon.
I don’t think there was a pin out of place and this was me making a surprise call. Imagine if they had prepared for pomp and pageantry? I concluded my visit by ordering a cappuccino from the restaurant. It had been a while since I had one that good. Now I knew I would surely return from time to time.
A LITTLE PROTEA TRIVIA
Did you know that the Protea brand originated from South Africa?
Did you know that the company was founded in 1984?
Did you know that since 1984 Protea now has over 100 hotels with more than 10,000 rooms in eight African countries (South Africa, Nigeria, Zambia, Namibia, Malawi, Uganda, Tanzania and Ghana)?
Did you know that there are about 12 such hotels situated within major cities in Nigeria?
Did you know that the Protea Hotel Victoria Island was the first to be launched in Nigeria?
Did you know it opened for business in 2003 and has 55 rooms, a pool and a gym?
Did you know that in spite of the free Wi-Fi for guests there is also a fully functional cybercafe/business center where you can print, photocopy and scan documents?
To book Protea Hotel with deep discounts, click here.
