Nigeria’s hotel industry dates back to the colonial era, when British administrators, traders, and expatriates required places of lodging and leisure. These establishments became centres of politics, entertainment, and high society, forming a crucial part of Nigeria’s hospitality and cultural history.
In this article, we will explore 5 of the oldest hotels in Nigeria, particularly those famous hotels from Nigeria’s colonial era, and their impact on tourism and historic hotels in Nigeria. Some of these iconic landmarks remain operational, while others are undergoing restoration to recapture their past glory.
5 Oldest Hotels in Nigeria
- Hill Station Hotel, Jos
- Grand Hotel, Asaba
- Premier Hotel, Ibadan
- Hotel Presidential, Enugu
- Hamdala Hotel, Kaduna
1. Hill Station Hotel (1938- Under Renovation)
This hotel is one of the hotels from Nigeria’s colonial era and has stood the test of time. In its early days, it was a 5-star hotel where dignitaries visited. It is located at #10 Tundun Wada Road, Jos, Plateau State. It was built in 1938 and served as a haven for colonial masters involved in tin mining. The late Queen Elizabeth II used this famous hotel during her visit to Nigeria.
Although this hotel has been a victim of negligence, abandonment and poor maintenance, the Plateau state government and Hill Station’s management have recently assured that this moribund hotel will be revamped and once again be the star it used to be.
It is a 17-minute drive from the Yakubu International Airport.
Amenities here are:
- 170 rooms
- Even till now, 24-hour security
- Rooftop pool
- Restaurant
- Lounge
- A spacious green environment for events
Although this hotel is currently under renovation, this customer who went to check it out wrote on Google:
“This hotel feels like it was wrapped up in a time machine and delivered straight from 1959…. The rock facade is picturesque, and the rocktop pool definitely makes for an interesting holiday picture.. Located conveniently in the heart of town, I am convinced this was what a 5-star hotel looked like pre-independence😂”
-Raymond Ofagbor
2. Grand Hotel (1950s- Till Date, Still Operating)
This was a 5-star hotel in its glorious days, attracting tourists and important guests to the country. It was one of the earliest luxury hotels in the Delta Region that served colonial masters and Nigerian elites. During the Nigerian Civil War, Asaba was a flashpoint. The hotel temporarily sheltered foreign nationals and Red Cross officials for peace treaties. It is located at #112 Nnebisi Road, Asaba, Delta State, near Asaba International Airport.
Further, many reviews on Google have shown that this hotel needs proper renovation because of its Slack management system, even if it’s still functional in the hospitality industry.
Amenities here are:
Rooms with the following categories:
- Standard Room: ₦30,000 per night
- Superior Room: ₦35,000 per night
- Executive Room: ₦45,000 per night
- Chalet: ₦75,000 per night
- Presidential Room: ₦175,000 per night
Amenities such as a comfortable bed, air conditioning units, chairs, a drawer and a lamp are available in each room.
Other facilities here are:
- Free Wi-Fi
- A gym,
- A banquet/ event hall
- A Chinese restaurant facing the River Niger, giving customers a beautiful viewing experience.
- A bar/ lounge
- A business centre
- A large swimming pool
- A private beach access with boat rides, which used to run but has been paused for now.
Additional services rendered by Grand Hotel Convention Centre include concierge services, room service, airport pickup, housekeeping, and laundry services. A doctor is also on call in case of an emergency.
This customer, who visited recently, wrote on Google:
“My favourite hotel in Asaba needs more upgrading to modern standards, but it always going to outlast others because of their high quality.”
-Okeye Bright
For more information:
Tel: 08037584941
3. Premier Hotel (1966- Till Date, Currently Shut Down for Renovation)
Premier Hotel is reputedly one of the best and oldest hotels in Nigeria. Jointly owned by the “Odu’a States” (South Western states of Nigeria).
Located on the crest of Mokola Hill, Premier Hotel is one of the oldest and most prestigious hotels in Ibadan.
The premier hotel in Ibadan was a key venue for post-independence state events in the Western Region. During Nigeria’s literary boom, they also hosted literary icons like Wole Soyinka and Chinua Achebe.
Today, this hotel’s location also provides easy access to major attractions and business districts in Ibadan, such as the Ibadan Airport (22 minutes’ drive), Agodi Gardens (14 minutes’ walk), and Bowers Tower (11 minutes’ drive), making it a good place to stay for tourists and business travellers.
Amenities here are:
Its storied edifice has an elevator installed and houses 87 spacious, well-furnished rooms. Room types are:
- Classic
- Deluxe
- Executive Deluxe
- Business Suites
- Executive Suite B
- Diplomatic Suite
- Oduduwa Luxury Suite.
All rooms are en-suite and equipped with smoke detectors, bedside tables, satellite TV sets, and air conditioners. All suites have separate dining and TV lounge areas.
Other amenities are:
- Complimentary breakfast
- Wifi connectivity is available in all the rooms.
- In-house restaurant providing both local and continental culinary dishes
- An exotic bar with a variety of drinks stocked.
- The terrace garden also presents a perfect relaxation spot where guests can have snacks.
- A tea/coffee shop and a pastry shop are open to guests.
- An outdoor swimming pool,
- A body spa
- A fitness centre
- Banquet halls with different seating capacities are available at fixed rates.
Additional facilities are airport shuttle, safety deposit, laundry, car hire, room service, concierge, storage room and business centre services are available on request.
This guest wrote on Google:
“It’s a classy and luxurious hotel that has been in existence for a very long time.
It has a Chinese restaurant, a gym, a bar, local restaurant,a hall for your parties and event/gathering…they need renovation/maintenance just as I said it has been in existence for a very long time.”
-Emmanuel Taiwo
And it is under renovation, be sure to follow for updates as to when this 5-star hotel will be reopened, you won’t regret your stay!
For more information:
Tel: (+234) 811 595 9631
E-mail: info@premierhotelibadan.com
Website: premierhotelibadan.com
READ MORE:
- Best Hotels for Solo Travellers in Nigeria – Safe and Comfortable Stays
- Best Scenic Hotels in Nigeria for a Stunning Getaway
- Top 5 Business Hotels in Nigeria for Corporate Travellers
4. Hotel Presidential
This 5-star hotel, which opened in 1963, was built by the administration of the late premier of the defunct Eastern Region, Dr. Michael Okpara. It ran as a prestigious hotel until it became moribund decades later. It is located at #80 Presidential Road, Independence Layout, Enugu, Enugu. During the Nigerian Civil War (1967–1970), Enugu was the capital of Biafra, and Hotel Presidential served as a meeting ground for Biafran officials and foreign journalists.
While slightly post-independence, it retains deep colonial ties as it was built for visiting dignitaries during the British handover.
Rather than leaving this premier hotel to die off, the Enugu State Government has awarded the contract to revamp the Hotel Presidential. Revamping of Hotel Presidential Enugu– link
After this renovation, there will be standard facilities for guests visiting.
5. Hamdala Hotel (1975 to Date, Still Operating)
Hamdala Hotel is a wholly owned subsidiary of the NNDC Group. The Hotel was established in the early 1960s by the then Sardauna of Sokoto, Late Sir Ahmadu Bello, the Premier of the former Northern Region of Nigeria. During Nigeria’s successive coups, key military leaders lodged here, including during the 1975 Murtala Mohammed coup era. It was a regular venue for hosting foreign envoys and regional meetings. The hotel is located on #26 Muhammadu Buhari Way, Kaduna, Kaduna state. It is about 45 45-minute drive from the Kaduna International Airport and 5 5-minute drive from the city centre.
Amenities here are:
A 12-story building with a total of 200 bedrooms comprising:
- Presidential Suites
- Executive Suites
- VIP Suites
- Special Suites
- Studio Suites
- Special Chalets, and
- Luxury Double Rooms
All rooms are spacious and well furnished with features such as refrigerators, air conditioners, multi-channel satellite TV, work tables, chairs and en-suite bathrooms. Guests are entitled to a complimentary breakfast.
Other amenities are:
- An Olympic-sized swimming pool
- 2Nos. 1000 KVA Standby Power Generating Sets
- A standard Lawn Tennis Court
- A clinic
- A sauna
- An Exquisite Garden Bar
- A Cocktail Bar
- A Restaurant
- Shopping Arcade
- Free Wi-Fi
- Spacious Car parking Area
- 500-600 Capacity Conference Hall with adjoining committee Rooms with a capacity to accommodate 10-15 persons.
At a surcharge, Hamdala Hotel renders car hire, laundry, safety deposit and airline booking services.
Although guests still say this old hotel needs renovation, this guest still wrote on Google:
“Hamdala is an old Hotel , but it’s still looking new , and fine too
Very good for the visitors and the people leaving around too are going for an events.”
-Elhadji Sanoussi Fountuwa
For more information:
Tel: 08097640135
E-mail: info@hamdalahotelkad.com
Website: http://www.hamdalahotelkad.com
Conclusion
From Enugu to Kaduna, these oldest hotels in Nigeria have witnessed the country’s transformation from colony to an independent nation. As pillars of tourism and historic hotels in Nigeria, they continue to tell stories of power, culture, and legacy. Whether fully functional or being restored, these famous hotels from Nigeria’s colonial era are worth revisiting—for history, nostalgia, or just a classy stay.
Explore in-depth hotel reviews across Nigeria’s top tourist destinations to help you choose the best stays for your next adventure.
