Unbelievable Benin City Stay: Protea Hotel Emotan's Hidden Gem!
Unbelievable Benin City Stay: Protea Hotel Emotan – My Honest, Messy, and Absolutely Worth It Review! (Finally, a Hotel That Gets It – and Me!)
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because I'm about to spill the tea (and maybe a little pepper soup) on my recent stay at the Protea Hotel Emotan in Benin City. Let me preface this by saying, I'm not your average hotel reviewer. I'm more like… a travel-weary, slightly cynical, but perpetually hopeful explorer who's seen her fair share of "luxury" that’s about as luxurious as a bus station toilet. So, when I say Protea Emotan is a hidden gem… well, it actually is. Prepare for the good, the bad, and the beautifully… Benin City!
First Impressions (and the Drive In!)
Finding the place wasn't exactly a cakewalk, but hey, that's Africa, right? Signage could use a little… pizzazz (seriously, the hotel lobby felt more like a waiting room than a welcome). But the moment I stepped past the 24-hour security and their eagle eyes, things started to look up. The lobby itself is a bit… understated. Not exactly "wow", but clean, well-maintained, and the front desk staff (24-hour, mind you!) were genuinely friendly. This isn't always the case, folks. Trust me.
The Room: My Sanctuary (and a Spot of Mild Panic!)
My room? Ah, my room. Let's be honest, I'm obsessed with room quality. The decor was modern, the air conditioning blasted out a welcome coolness that fought bravely against the Benin heat, and the blackout curtains were a godsend after a long day of… you know, Benin City things. It came equipped with all the mod-cons - a coffee/tea maker, free bottled water, and surprisingly good free Wi-Fi in all rooms! (A win! No more paying exorbitant rates for internet access that barely managed to load my emails!)
Now, a small confession: I get a bit claustrophobic and have a tendency to get panicked in small rooms. The space was nice, especially the bathroom with its separate shower/bathtub, but I did notice that the additional toilet offered, well, a little too close proximity to the bed for my liking, hahaha! Anyway, moving on… I also loved the slippers and bathrobes, they made me feel like a pampered celeb!
Accessibility & Safety: More Than Just Perks
Listen, accessibility is crucial. My legs are a little wonky after a bad accident, so accessibility is always one of my top considerations. Yes, there's an elevator! This is a huge plus for me, and the facilities for disabled guests seemed thoughtfully considered, although I didn't test everything. Importantly, I felt safe. There are CCTV cameras in common areas and outside the property, 24-hour security, and smoke alarms in the rooms. It's comforting to see such attention to detail, especially in a city that can be a bit… hectic (to put things mildly).
The Food! Oh, the Food! (And My Mid-Dinner Meltdown)
Alright, let's talk chow. The hotel has multiple dining options, including a restaurant that offers a buffet, a la carte options, and even a Vegetarian restaurant! There's Asian cuisine too. What I really loved, though, was the breakfast buffet. It's definitely a good way to start the day. The breakfast buffet had everything: omelets, pancakes… and a surprising amount of local options I still couldn't identify, but the local options weren't exactly my thing.
And then there was the bar! Yes, the bar. I went there one evening. Oh my God, I was so overwhelmed. I had a meltdown halfway through my meal. The bar, after a long day's work just sounded nice. I asked for a salad, they said they didn't have my salad. Then the waiter tried to give me a meal that I really didn't like (I'm very particular when it comes to salads). After this I couldn't speak without getting overly emotional. I'm still not sure what was going on, but I burst into tears at my table. I honestly thought I might just run away.
But, the staff were so quick to react! A lovely lady took me aside, fetched me some water. They just looked after me. The waiter came back to apologize. I'm smiling now, but let me tell you, it wasn't pretty at the time!
And that's when I realized, it's all about being human. It's about feeling safe enough to have a complete meltdown, and then being supported. I'm still not sure why it happened, but the hotel's staff just rolled with it, which made the experience a lot more bearable.
Wellness & Relaxation: The (Almost) Blissful Indulgence
Okay, I’m going to be honest, I didn't get to fully enjoy all the amenities, there wasn't a body scrub, (I really wanted one) or a body wrap, (I needed one). But they have a spa with massage and a sauna, etc. I did manage to sneak in a little time at the swimming pool [outdoor] which had a pool with a view, which was pretty darned amazing. There's also a fitness center if you're the energetic type (spoiler alert: I'm not). I didn't check out the steamroom or get a foot bath, but maybe next time.
Cleanliness & Safety During COVID-19: Seriously Impressive
This is HUGE for me. The Protea takes COVID-19 seriously. They've implemented some incredibly reassuring measures. Staff are trained in safety protocols, there are hand sanitizers everywhere you look, and daily disinfection in common areas is the norm. It feels safe. They also offer individually-wrapped food options, safe dining setups, and room sanitization options. I even saw them using anti-viral cleaning products. This made me feel a whole lot better, and so much more relaxed, especially with the whole meltdown thing!
Services & Conveniences: The Little Things That Matter
They offer a ton of services. There's a concierge, laundry service, and dry cleaning. If you're in Benin for business, there are business facilities, meeting/banquet facilities, and even audio-visual equipment for special events. All the things that matter for a smooth stay. Car park [free of charge] is a massive bonus!
Things to Do & Getting Around:
Benin City itself offers a unique cultural experience. The hotel is in a good location to access it. There is airport transfer and taxi service.
My Final Verdict (And the Emotional Rollercoaster!)
Look, I'm not going to lie. This review has been messy. There were good bits and bad bits, and a whole load of chaotic bits. I almost didn't publish it. But that's real life, isn't it? And Protea Emotan? It's real.
The good: Location, cleanliness, safety measures, friendly staff, strong Wi-Fi, the pool! The bad: The slight issues with the space. The chaotic: My personal meltdown.
Overall? I had a genuinely fantastic time! Sure, there were a few hiccups, but the staff's responsiveness and the overall experience far outweighed them. I'd recommend it to anyone visiting Benin City. It's a hidden gem that's well worth discovering.
Now, here's my offer, for you, my fellow travel-weary soul:
Tired of generic hotel experiences? Craving authenticity? Book your stay at the Protea Hotel Emotan today! You'll get:
- A safe, clean, and comfortable stay in the heart of Benin City.
- 24/7 service from a friendly, attentive staff who actually care.
- Access to a pool and spa to help you unwind after a long day of exploring.
- And, if you're anything like me, a chance to have a good cry (and be looked after!).
Use code "BENINBLISS" at checkout and get a FREE welcome drink at the bar! Don't just stay, experience Benin City. Book your escape today!
Escape to Paradise: Garbos Soleil Hotel, Brazil Awaits!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because this isn’t your sanitized, perfectly-curated travel blog. This is me, raw and unfiltered, about to attempt to conquer… Protea Hotel Benin City Select Emotan, Nigeria. And honestly? I need a vacation from planning this vacation. Let’s see if I survive.
The "Pre-Trip Anxiety Fuelled by Google Maps & Questionable Trip Advisor Reviews" Itinerary (AKA: My Chaotic Attempt at a Benin City Adventure)
Day 1: Arrival and the "Is This Really Happening?" Moment
- Morning (aka: The Panic Before the Storm):
- 6:00 AM - 8:00 AM: Wake up. Stare blankly at the ceiling. Question every life choice that led me to book a flight to Benin City. Scroll through Instagram, seeing flawless influencers frolicking in Bali and wondering if I’ve made a HUGE mistake. Pack. Forget to pack sunscreen. Scream.
- 8:00 AM - 10:00 AM: Airport dash. Traffic in Lagos is a CIRCUS. Contemplate hiring a private helicopter. Reject the idea because… well, let’s just say my budget doesn’t quite stretch that far.
- 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM: Flight to Benin City. Try to seem like a calm, seasoned traveler. Fail miserably. Practice my “polite smile” for customs.
- Afternoon (aka: The Orientation):
- 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM: Arrival in Benin City. Breathe. Smell the air. Is that… exhaust fumes? Okay, maybe dial back the expectations a bit.
- 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM: Taxi to Protea Hotel Benin City Select Emotan. Pray the driver knows where he’s going. Mentally prepare myself for the inevitable “Are you sure you’re going to that hotel?” questions.
- 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM: Check into the hotel. Pray the room isn't riddled with cockroaches. Try to look pleasant in the face of potential hotel staff incompetence.
- 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM: Unpack. Scramble to find my phone charger. Realize I left it. Stare at my suitcase, defeated.
- 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM: Explore the hotel grounds. Find the pool because nothing cures jet lag (and existential dread) like chlorine and lukewarm water.
- Evening (aka: The Meal and the Doubt):
- 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM: Dinner at the hotel restaurant. Expect lukewarm food and ask for hot food. Overthink my dinner choices. Second-guess ordering the jollof rice and decide to order the beef. Regret the decision.
- 8:00 PM - 9:00 PM: Drink.
- 9:00 PM onwards: Bed. Pray I didn't just eat 1500 calories of mediocre food.
Day 2: Culture Shock and the Oba's Palace (Probably)
- Morning (aka: The "I Survived Day 1" Celebration):
- 7:00 AM - 8:00 AM: Wake up. Actually feel relatively human. Rejoice.
- 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM: Breakfast at the hotel. Pray the buffet isn’t a war zone.
- 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM: The Oba of Benin's Palace! A cultural immersion experience. I may get yelled it, the staff may be rude or unhelpful, but I must brave it. Prepare to be amazed and also confused. (Honestly, I'm picturing a lot of "What did he just say?" moments.)
- Afternoon (aka: The "Lost In Translation" Adventure):
- 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM: Go for a walk. Probably get lost. Ask for directions. Get wildly inaccurate directions. Decide to embrace the chaos.
- 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM: Lunch at a local restaurant that looks… interesting. Try something I’ve never heard of. Probably love it. Or maybe not. Either way, it’ll be an experience.
- 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM: Visit the Benin Museum. Attempt to appear sophisticated. Pretend I know what I’m looking at. Take pictures (because that’s what we do, right?).
- Evening (aka: The "Maybe I Should've Stayed Home" Moment):
- 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM: Shopping. Search for souvenirs. Get haggled mercilessly (probably). Try to maintain a sense of humor.
- 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM: Dinner. This time, I'm trying the jollof rice. No regrets. Possibly.
- 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM: Attempt to find a bar with live music. Embrace the local nightlife (or at least, try to).
- 9:00 PM onwards: Back to the hotel. Collapse. Mentally list all the things I didn’t do. Realize I’m okay with that.
Day 3: Digging Deep & The "I'm Actually Having Fun" Surprise
- Morning (aka: The "I'm Becoming A Nigerian Expert" Delusions):
- 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM: Breakfast. Repeat.
- 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM: Explore the local markets. Fully immerse myself in the sights, smells, and chaos. Maybe buy a weird hat.
- Afternoon (aka: The "I'm Trying To Be Brave" Challenge):
- 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM: Visiting a local community centre. Meeting normal people. Discover the beating heart of Benin City. Ask questions. Listen.
- 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM: Lunch at a local restaurant!
- 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM: Go for a final stroll.
- Evening (aka: The "Departure" Existential Crisis):
- 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM: Pack. Say goodbye to the hotel pool (sniff).
- 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM: Travel to the airport.
- 6:00 PM Onwards: Flight home. Reflect. Wonder if I'll ever actually finish this itinerary. Probably not.
Final Thoughts (aka: The "I'm Probably Going to Need Therapy" Epilogue):
Okay, this has been a whirlwind. Truthfully, there's a good chance I’ll deviate wildly from this plan. Expect traffic delays, unexpected detours, and a whole lot of “winging it.” I also anticipate a healthy dose of culture shock, moments of profound beauty, and at least one instance where I'll question my sanity.
But that's the point, isn't it? This isn't about perfection. It's about embracing the mess, the unexpected, and the glorious, chaotic reality of travel. Wish me luck. I’m going to need it. And if I don't post again, assume I’m either having the time of my life… or have been swallowed by the Benin City traffic. Either way, it’s been an adventure.
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Unbelievable Benin City Stay: Protea Hotel Emotan's Hidden Gem! (And My Hot Mess Opinions)
Okay, spill it. Is the Protea Hotel Emotan *really* a "hidden gem" or just marketing fluff?
Alright, alright! Look, as someone who regularly questions the authenticity of "hidden gem" claims (because let's be real, everything's on Instagram these days), I went in skeptical. Benin City, right? My expectations, admittedly, weren't sky-high. But *damn*. Listen, it's absolutely a hidden gem. It’s not faultless, mind you - more on that later – but the experience… it's got something special. It’s like stumbling into a secret garden after slogging through a dusty market. You instantly feel a sigh of peace. The staff are fantastic, they actually smile and engage. I felt like I was walking a red carpet as they were so nice, every time.
Tell me about the rooms. Comfortable? Clean? Anything *weird* happen?
The rooms… okay, let's get real. They're *mostly* great. Clean? Yes, generally. Comfortable? Absolutely. Good beds, nice aircon, generally. I had one small issue at the beginning though, for a start, the first room I was in had a *slightly* wonky door. Like, it felt like a gentle push would have blown it open. I mentioned it, and they switched me rooms immediately. No fuss, no drama. Just, "Oh! Yes, of course, right away sir!" That's the customer service I'm talking about. That response was on point. Oh, and the shower? The pressure was *amazing*. Which, after a long day of dusty Benin City exploring… pure bliss.
The FOOD! What's the food situation like? Was it edible? Did it give you the dreaded Benin Belly?
Food is a *major* make-or-break for me. I'm a sensitive soul and if the food's bad, I'm miserable. Luckily, the Protea Hotel Emotan comes through. The breakfast buffet? Solid. Lots of local options, plus your standard eggs and bacon. I *might* have gone back for seconds (and thirds) on the akara one day. Guilty. The restaurant itself is lovely, nice ambience, and the service is sharp and attentive. I had a delicious pepper soup one evening, it really hit the spot. And the best part? No Benin Belly! Hallelujah! I survived.
Location, location, location! Is it convenient? What's nearby? Is it safe?
Okay, location is important. It's in a surprisingly quiet, residential area. Convenient? Yes, definitely. Not right in the thick of things, which is what I appreciated - I could get away from the buzz. Taxis were easy to hail. As for safety… I felt safe. The hotel had good security - proper guards, and the area felt generally calm. I wouldn't recommend wandering around late at night obviously, but then I wouldn't do that anywhere! I generally found the whole city to be welcoming and that's always important.
Pool time! Tell me about the pool. Is it Instagrammable? Is it clean? Did you jump in?
Oh, the pool! Okay, listen. I'm not a pool person. I am more of a "lie-on-a-sun-lounger-and-read-a-book" person. But the pool at the Emotan is *gorgeous*. It's sparkling clean, surrounded by greenery. Instagrammable? Absolutely. Did I jump in? Nope. But I sat by it, with a cocktail, and watched other people have a blast. It was a beautiful scene, a proper chilled vibe. It was so tempting, though. I am such a fan of a pool.
Any downsides? Be honest! Nothing's perfect.
Okay, okay, you're right. Let's be real. Perfection is a myth. The Wi-Fi... wasn't always rock solid. (But hey, you're in Benin City, maybe you're *supposed* to disconnect!) Occasionally it dropped out, and I briefly considered a minor meltdown. And, as I mentioned before, the one wonky door issue, but it got sorted fast. Honestly, those are the only things I can grumble about. It wasn’t perfect, but it was close enough. For the price point, and the overall experience, it’s an absolute winner.
Would you recommend this hotel to a friend? And, more importantly, would *you* go back?
YES! Absolutely, unequivocally, yes. I've already told *everyone* I know about it. And would I go back? Without a doubt. In a heartbeat. I'm already planning my return trip. It wasn’t just a hotel stay; it was a *vibe*. I left feeling refreshed, pampered, and genuinely happy. The staff, the atmosphere, the comfortable rooms, the delicious food – it all just *worked*. It's a bit of an oasis. Seriously, if you're going to Benin City, the Protea Hotel Emotan isn't just a good choice, it's the *only* choice, as far as I'm concerned. Go! Book it now! You won't regret it. Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm off to look at photos from the pool...
OK, so I'm sold... what about the spa facilities? Are they any good?
The spa… ah, yes. Now, I am a fan of a good massage, I won't lie. So, let me dish. The spa itself is small but perfectly formed. I had a deep tissue massage and... wow. Just wow. The masseuse was amazing; really skilled and really listened to my "problem areas." I walked out feeling like a new person. Seriously, if you're a massage enthusiast, absolutely book a treatment. Highly recommend. It’s exactly what you need after traipsing around Benin City. The facilities are simple, clean, and the atmosphere is incredibly relaxing. That massage alone is worth the price of admission, and I’m not even exaggerating.
Any advice for getting the absolute most out of your stay? Any insider tips?
Ok, listen up because this is golden. First, book a room with a pool view if you can. Trust me, that view is worth it, especially if you're spending time at the pool. Second, don't be shy about asking the staff for recommendations. They know the best places toLow Price Hotel Blog
