Traveling in Nigeria offers plenty of exciting opportunities, but finding cheap hotels around you can be a challenge. However, With the right tools, information (like this one), and a little planning, it’s possible to find cheap hotels that don’t compromise on comfort or safety. This article combines examples, research, and practical strategies to help you find cheap hotels near you and book smartly.
Domestic tourism has witnessed impressive growth in Nigeria in recent years. According to the Nigerian Bureau of Statistics, the hospitality industry contributed over ₦2.7 trillion to the economy in 2023, this is fueled by Nigerians visiting places. Despite all this, affordability remains a challenge, with many travelers looking for ways to book hotels without exceeding their budgets.
A recent survey by Statista found that 60% of Nigerian travelers prioritize affordability when selecting hotels, with 53% willing to trade luxury for convenience and lower prices. Hotel booking platforms like Thetravelhunters and others have responded by offering increasingly cheap hotel options tailored to the needs of Nigerian travelers.
Now let's talk about the practical steps you can take to find cheap hotels near you.
Step 1: Use Google and GPS-Enabled platforms for Real-Time Hotel Searches Finding “hotels near me” has become easier thanks to Google and GPS-enabled platforms. These tools help you discover nearby budget hotels, often with real-time information on availability and pricing. For example, when traveling to a busy city like Lagos, searching for “hotels near me” can bring up options of cheap hotel rooms closest to you. This works by allowing the platform to know your location through a location pop-up that appears on your screen. The ability to filter by price and amenities will also make it easy for you to stick to your budget while ensuring comfort and convenience.
For instance, Ada, a young professional traveling to Lagos for a business meeting, found a cheap hotel close to her standpoint in Ikeja through TheTravelHunters website. She didn't have to drive far before locating the hotel and checking in.
Step 2: Book During Off-Peak Seasons for Better Deals
Hotel prices in Nigeria often fluctuate based on demand, with rates spiking during peak travel seasons like Christmas, Easter, and major local events- you might be surprised at how high these prices can go! But by booking during off-peak seasons—such as from January to March or in mid-August—you can often find significantly better deals.
For example, Farida, a mother of three, was planning a family vacation to Calabar. After noticing high prices for hotel rooms around the Obudu Cattle Ranch during December’s holiday season, she decided to visit in January. She found a spacious family-friendly hotel in Calabar for ₦18,000 per night, a substantial saving compared to the ₦30,000 he saw earlier in December. By choosing to travel off-season, she was able to keep her family’s vacation affordable.
Step 3: Look Beyond Major Cities for Affordable Options
While cities like Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt are popular among travelers, yes- these cities have commercial areas and many other infrastructures that makes them attractive - but they also tend to have higher hotel rates. In contrast, smaller cities often offer comparable, or even better, cheap hotel options at a fraction of the price.
This is what I mean, a hotel room in Victoria island may cost upwards of ₦35,000 per night, while in part, you can find similar rooms for as little as ₦15,000–₦25,000.
When Amina, a tailor from Sokoto, wanted to attend a friend’s wedding in Kano, she realized the hotel rates in the city were higher than her budget. However, after researching alternatives, she found a small boutique hotel just outside the city center for ₦8,500 per night. It wasn’t the most luxurious option, but it offered a comfortable stay at a much lower price.
According to Euromonitor International, smaller Nigerian cities like Ilorin, Makurdi, and Sokoto are emerging as more affordable travel destinations compared to bigger cities like Lagos and Abuja.
Step 4: Take Advantage of Mobile Booking Platforms
Booking hotels via hotel booking websites and apps is becoming more common, and these platforms often offer additional savings, especially for those who book early. Many platforms also allow for flexible payment options, such as paying at the hotel or using loyalty points for discounts. In addition to these options, some platforms like TheTravelHunters allow you to pay 20% to book-on-hold while you pay the rest at the hotel.
Collins, a frequent traveler from Port Harcourt, used a booking app to secure a last-minute stay at a hotel in Lagos. The app offered a 10% discount and allowed him to book the room at the last minute with flexible payment terms, saving him time and money.
Pro Tip: Many booking platforms offer mobile-exclusive deals, so it’s worth checking for discounts when using apps or websites to book your stay. See exclusive deals for you here
Step 5: Focus on Amenities That Offer Extra Value
When looking for a cheap hotel near you, it’s crucial to look for hotels that provide additional value without driving up the price. While cheap hotels may not offer luxury amenities, many include benefits such as free Wi-Fi, complimentary breakfast, and even transportation options like shuttle services to nearby places.
For example, when Funke, a Lagos-based entrepreneur, stayed at a cheap hotel near her in Abuja, she was able to save some money by taking advantage of the hotel’s free breakfast and Wi-Fi. This allowed her to work from her room without the need to go buy breakfast, ultimately lowering the overall cost of her stay. Now you get the idea right?
Step 6: Consider Short-Let Apartments for Group Stays
If you’re traveling with family or friends, renting a short-let apartment can be a more economical option for you. Short-lets often provide more space, the option to cook your own meals, and a more homely atmosphere for a lower price than booking multiple hotel rooms.
Chinedu and his family found that renting a two-bedroom short-let apartment in Jos for ₦18,000 per night was much cheaper than booking two hotel rooms. The apartment had a kitchen, allowing the family to prepare their own meals, which further reduced their travel costs.
Short-let apartments can also provide greater flexibility, with amenities like washing machines, living rooms, and fully equipped kitchens, which are often unavailable in standard hotel rooms.
Step 7: Direct Booking for Lower Prices
While third-party booking platforms are convenient, some good deals can be found by booking directly with hotels, especially small or independent establishments. Many hotels offer discounts or better room options to customers who book directly through their websites or via calling their hotlines, as they don’t have to pay commission fees to booking platforms.
A young lady, Amina found that by calling a hotel in Surulere directly, she was able to negotiate a better rate of ₦8,500 per night, rather than the ₦10,000 listed online. This saved her money and helped her secure a room that suited her needs.
Conclusion:
Finding cheap hotels near you in Nigeria is entirely possible with the right strategies. By using Google search, GPS-enabled platforms, booking during off-peak seasons, looking beyond major cities, and taking advantage of short-let apartments and direct booking, you can cheap hotels near you that meet your needs.
No matter where you're going with a little research and planning, you can make your stay both enjoyable and budget-friendly. Be sure to explore multiple options, and with the right tools, you’ll be ready to book your next trip without overspending. Need further assistance on finding a cheap hotel at your particular destination? Contact us for the best recommendations.
