Luxury Redefined: Your Emerald Oasis Awaits at Ivy Hotel, Lagos
Ivy Hotel, Lagos: My Chaotic Dive into Emerald Luxury (and Figuring Out the WiFi!)
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because I'm about to spill the tea on the Ivy Hotel in Lagos. Forget those pristine, perfectly crafted reviews you see online – this is the real deal, warts and all, because let’s be honest, perfection is boring. We're talking messy, honest, and maybe a little bit obsessed.
First, the Vibe: "Luxury Redefined: Your Emerald Oasis Awaits," they say. And honestly? They weren't completely lying. From the moment you roll up, the Ivy Hotel just feels different. It's that Lagos sheen of modern elegance, but with a surprisingly chill vibe. Finding the entrance (damn, I swear I went round the block twice) was the first adventure!
Accessibility: The Good, The Okay, and the "Could Be Better":
- Wheelchair Accessible: They say they are, and I poked around, and yeah, elevators and ramps seem in place. But, uh, I didn't spend a day trying to navigate everything in a wheelchair, so I can't give a definitive A+. Proceed with caution, check with them directly about specifics.
- Everything Else: Okay, so it's not a perfect accessibility paradise for people with disabilities, but the staff were AMAZING (more later!).
Internet: My Personal War Zone with free wifi!
This is where things got… interesting.
- Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!: YES! Glorious… mostly. The first few hours? Solid. Streaming Netflix? Smooth like melted butter. Then… well, let’s just say the internet in Lagos is a fickle mistress.
- Internet Services & Internet (LAN): Honestly, I didn’t even try to connect via LAN. Who even uses a LAN? (Shame on me, I should have tried, but the Wifi eventually worked, right?)
- Wi-Fi in Public Areas: Spotty. Like, very spotty. The pool area? Forget about it. Tried to upload a photo of the pool? Epic. Fail. The lobby? Better, but still, the occasional "loading… loading…" made me want to throw my phone.
- Overall: Good in spurts, but don't rely on it for mission-critical stuff. Bring a personal hotspot, just in case. Which I should have done. Sigh.
Things to Do, Ways to Relax: Spa-tastic Mayhem
Let's get this straight: I am not a spa person. Never have been. But, the Ivy Hotel? It almost converted me. Almost.
- The Spa: The jewel of the Ivy! They offered:
- Body Scrub: Ahhh… amazing. Seriously – if you want to feel like a brand new human, get one.
- Body Wrap: Meh. I didn't get it, but it was relaxing.
- Massage: The real deal. I’m still dreaming of the masseuse's magic hands. Best massage ever. Pure bliss. I could have stayed there forever.
- Sauna, Steam Room: Typical spa fare. Good for the detox-y types, I guess.
- Fitness Center: I intended to go. I really did. But post-massage, my motivation evaporated. Heard it was decent, though.
- Pool with View: The pool itself is gorgeous, and the view? Stunning! The perfect place to nurse a cocktail after that incredible massage.
- Poolside Bar: Essential. See above. The mocktails were divine, though. (Didn't drink alcohol. I intended to, but… well. You know.)
Cleanliness and Safety: The Sanitization Symphony
Okay, so in these uncertain times, cleanliness is key. The Ivy Hotel takes it seriously, which is reassuring.
- Anti-viral cleaning products? Check.
- Room sanitization between stays? Check.
- Daily disinfection in common areas? Ditto.
- Staff trained in safety protocol? Saw them constantly sanitizing, so yep.
- Hand sanitizer? Everywhere!
- Hygiene certification? I didn't bring a ruler or a magnifying glass, but it felt clean.
- Safe dining setup? Yes. Tables spaced, etc.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: My Stomach's Report
- Restaurants: There are multiple restaurants!
- A la carte in restaurant: Yes.
- Asian cuisine in restaurant: Yes.
- Western cuisine in restaurant: Yessssss!
- Breakfast [buffet]: Delicious, and with a very tempting assortment of food options.
- Coffee/tea in restaurant & Coffee shop: Excellent.
- Desserts in restaurant: Oh. My. God. The desserts! (I may have eaten too many.)
- Room service [24-hour]: Blessedly available. Especially helpful when the WiFi went rogue.
- Snack bar: Perfect for those late-night munchies.
- Poolside bar: Cocktails, anyone?
Services and Conveniences: Beyond the Basics
- Concierge: Extremely helpful, even when wrestling with the Wi-Fi. (They were probably laughing at me behind their hands).
- Cash withdrawal: Yep, ATMs on site.
- Currency exchange: Available.
- Facilities for disabled guests: They look in place!
- Dry cleaning & Laundry service: Efficient.
- Daily housekeeping: My room was always spotless.
- Air conditioning in public area & Air conditioning: Necessary in Lagos, and it worked perfectly.
- Luggage storage: No issues.
- Safety deposit boxes: Essential for keeping your valuables secure.
- Car park [free of charge] & Car park [on-site] Parking was easy and secure.
- Taxi service & Airport transfer: Efficient and hassle-free.
- Elevator: Essential.
The Rooms: My Cozy Cave
- Available in all rooms: They had:
- Air conditioning & Blackout curtains: Sleep city!
- Coffee/tea maker: Essential wake-up aid.
- Free bottled water & Complimentary tea: Nice touch. My room was gorgeous with a view.
- Hair dryer & Slippers: All the comforts.
- Mini bar: Tempting.
- Non-smoking: Thank goodness.
- Private bathroom, Separate shower/bathtub & Toiletries: Luxurious and clean.
- Satellite/cable channels, On-demand movies Great for downtime.
- Wi-Fi [free]: (When it worked!).
- Safe box: Peace of mind for your valuables.
- Wake-up service: (When you need it!).
- Additional toilet & Bathroom phone: (Luxury!).
- Bathtub & Closet: Space.
- Daily housekeeping: Clean and immaculate.
- Desk, Extra long bed & Interconnecting room(s) available: Spacious.
- Ironing facilities: No wrinkles!
- Laptop workspace & Linens: Perfect for work.
- Mirror, Refrigerator, Reading light, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed & Sofa: Added comfort.
- Soundproofing: Peace and Quiet within the hotel.
- Telephone, Towels, Umbrella & Visual alarm: All the Essentials.
- Window that opens: Fresh air! The Room: My Cozy Cave
- Additional toilet & Bathroom phone: (Luxury!).
- Bathtub & Closet: Space.
- Daily housekeeping: Clean and immaculate.
- Desk, Extra long bed & Interconnecting room(s) available: Spacious.
- Ironing facilities: No wrinkles!
- Laptop workspace & Linens: Perfect for work.
- Mirror, Refrigerator, Reading light, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed & Sofa: Added comfort.
- Soundproofing: Peace and Quiet within the hotel.
- Telephone, Towels, Umbrella & Visual alarm: All the Essentials.
- Window that opens: Fresh air!
For the Kids: Family-Friendliness?
- Babysitting service & Kids Facilities: Can confirm.
- Family/child friendly & Kids meal: I don't spend my time with children, but I saw kids having fun -- so it works.
Getting Around:
- Airport transfer: Super convenient.
- Car park: Easy.
- Taxi service: Available.
Overall Impression
Okay, here's the honest truth: the Ivy Hotel is damn good. The staff are fantastic. The rooms are great. The spa is… well, you know. The food is delicious. The Wi-Fi…
Unbelievable Birra Sejid Homestay: Kuala Terengganu's Hidden Gem!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your perfectly curated Instagram travelogue. This is the REAL DEAL. Prepare for a Lagos adventure… with all the glorious chaos that implies. I'm supposed to be organized, an itinerary, but honestly, Lagos is a swirling vortex of the unexpected. Here goes…
A Lagosian Ramble: Ivy Hotel Emerald Edition (or, How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Traffic)
Day 1: Arrival - Sensory Overload and a Questionable Suya
- 10:00 AM (ish): Landed at Murtala Muhammed International Airport. Okay, the airport itself? Not glamorous. Forget the sleek, smooth arrivals halls you see in travel blogs. This is a "welcome to Lagos" baptism by fire. The humidity smacks you in the face like a wet dishrag. Passport control, the slowest game of bingo I've ever played. The Nigerian lady with the headwrap, was so beautiful and patient, despite all the other noise around, I felt grateful.
- 11:30 AM (or an Eternity Later): Finally, OUT. Found my driver - a guy named Kingsley who looked exactly like who you’d think a Lagos driver would look like. Already bargaining with hawkers trying to sell me… well, everything.
- 12:30 PM: Finally at the Ivy Hotel Emerald! Sigh. The AC. Oh, the blessed AC. Checked into my room – it's actually pretty lovely, a small oasis of calm. The view is… well, it’s Lagos. Lots of buildings, a sea of traffic.
- 1:30 PM: Lunch: At the hotel restaurant. Ordered the Jollof rice. It’s… good. Not the best Jollof I've ever had. But okay.
- 3:00 PM: Attempting to venture out. Walked cautiously down the street. Lagos is noisy! The traffic is a snarling beast, horns blaring in a symphony of frustration. Hawkers are everywhere, shouting their wares. I managed to pick up some Nigerian snacks from a street vendor.
- 6:00 PM: Suya time! Found a roadside spot that looked promising. Oh god. It was spicy. I’m pretty sure my mouth is still on fire. But… kinda delicious? The meat itself was a bit gristly, but the flavour was amazing. I'm still not sure if I should trust it, but hey, when in Rome… err, Lagos.
- 8:00 PM: Back at the hotel. Exhausted but exhilarated. My brain is still trying to process ALL of it. This city is a sensory punch in the gut. Definitely looking forward to a hot shower and the air conditioning.
Day 2: Exploring (or, Getting Utterly Lost in the Market and Finding My Soul…)
- 9:00 AM: Breakfast at the hotel (The omelete was not bad).
- 10:00 AM: Decided to be adventurous. Headed to Balogun Market. This, my friends, is where the real Lagos lives. The sheer volume of people, the colours, the smells… it's overwhelming in the best possible way. I was immediately swept away in the current. And I got LOST, totally and utterly lost.
- 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM: Panicked. Slight panic. I don't know where I am. I don’t know how to get back. I’m surrounded by people speaking a language I barely understand. But then, something incredible happened. I started to wander.. I let the tide take me. Bought some fabric, some colourful things, something like an old man’s cap (I think, anyway). I saw life, the rhythm of the city. I bartered for a pair of earrings. Laughed with a woman selling plantains. It was messy, it was confusing, but it was… real. It was exactly what I needed.
- 1:00 PM: Found a little local cafe and had a small meal of pepper soup. Delicious!
- 2:00 PM: Finally, with the help of a friendly vendor who pointed me in the general direction of civilization, managed to catch a taxi.
- 3:00 PM: Back at the hotel feeling like I’d run a marathon. I’m utterly drained, but my heart feels like it’s about to burst. This city, THIS CITY, is a force of nature.
- 4:00 PM: Swimming in the pool at the hotel to catch my breath. The pool is great.
- 7:00 PM: Dinner at the hotel. I couldn’t bring myself to venture out again. Too much Lagos for one day.
Day 3: Art, History, and the Lingering Smell of Suya
- 9:00 AM: Breakfast, this time I was a little more adventurous, trying some local cuisine.
- 10:00 AM: Visited the Nike Art Gallery. This place is stunning! So much art! And the energy of the place. This place is just inspiring. Spent a glorious hour taking it all in, wandering by the art, and thinking.
- 12:00 PM: Moved on to Freedom Park. A former prison turned into a park, it's now a space for art, culture, and a reminder of Nigeria’s history.
- 2:00 PM: Attempted to find decent lunch. This time ordered some local dishes. It tasted great.
- 4:00 PM: Back at the hotel. Deciding what to do next.
- 7:00 PM: Decided to skip dinner. I’m full of experiences.
Day 4: Departure - Goodbye Lagos, You Crazy, Beautiful Thing
9:00 AM: Last breakfast at the hotel.
10:00 AM: Packing, trying to decide what to take home as souvenirs.
11:00 AM: Checkout. The staff had been lovely.
12:00 PM: Heading to the airport. Traffic. Of course.
1:00 PM: Airport. The return flight.
1:00 PM (And Forever): Lagos, you wild, chaotic, beautiful, exhausting mess. You got under my skin. You made me laugh, you made me cry, you probably gave me a mild stomach ache (thanks, Suya!). I'll be back. Eventually. Maybe. But in the meantime, you'll be etched in my memory, a permanent colourful stain on my soul. And that, my friends, is what a real travel experience is made of.
Ivy Hotel, Lagos: Emerald Oasis - Your Questions (and My Ramblings) Answered
Okay, so... Ivy Hotel. Is it *really* that "luxury redefined" jazz? I’ve seen the pictures. Everything's so...green.
Alright, let's get real. "Luxury redefined" – it's marketing, right? They’re always tossing that phrase around. And yes, the pictures give you the green vibes, the lush, emerald, verdant... (okay, I’m getting carried away). Here's the thing: it *is* luxurious. But not in that stuffy, you-can't-touch-anything kind of way. It’s more... calming. Like, actually *calming*. I’m normally a walking ball of anxiety, especially in Lagos traffic – the thought of driving there already raised my blood pressure – but stepping into the Ivy felt like... like someone handed me a giant, green smoothie of chill. Seriously, the green is intense, but in a good way. Like, you get a little jolt of "oh, nature!" with every breath. Think less Versailles, more... incredibly stylish jungle.
What's the deal with the location? Is it… safe? Lagos safety is a minefield, you know.
Location, location, location! This is my biggest concern as well. Let me just say, navigating Lagos traffic to get anywhere is a trial in itself. Ivy Hotel is conveniently located in Victoria Island, which is usually fine. I’ve heard stories, though, even in VI. But honestly, the hotel itself is a haven. It’s tucked away, it feels very secure. Okay, full disclosure: I’m not a security expert. I’m more of a "panic when I lose my car keys" type. BUT, I felt safe. They had security guards, the whole nine yards. It’s not going to magically erase all your Lagos worries, but it's a good starting point. And the drive in... well, that's on you. Buckle up and pray for no LASTMA encounters.
The Rooms: Are they worth the hype (and the presumably hefty price tag)?
Alright, the Rooms. This is where it gets interesting. Yes, they *are* pricey. Let’s not sugarcoat it. My wallet whimpered a little. But... the rooms? They're stunners. I’m talking actual, usable space. Huge windows. And the bathrooms? Oh. My. God. Picture rain showers that feel like a waterfall. There was even this fancy bidet thingy. I *almost* tried it. (Okay, I chickened out. I'm not that fancy). The bed was a cloud, the pillows were… well, I wanted to steal them. Okay, I *seriously* considered it. And yes, the green theme continues, but it's done in a way that's actually aesthetically pleasing, not overwhelming. I had this view… honestly, I spent a good hour just staring out the window. I did end up wishing for a balcony though. But overall? Yes, the rooms are a highlight.
Let's talk food! Is the restaurant actually… you know… good? Lagos restaurants are a gamble.
Oh, the food. This, for me, is where the Ivy redeemed itself. Lagos restaurants, you're right, are a crapshoot. But the Ivy? I ate at their restaurant - I think it's called "The Verdant Table" or something similarly dramatic, which is the first sign that the food is probably legit. The food was fantastic! Actually, scratch that. It was *delicious*. I mean, seriously, I'm still dreaming about the grilled fish (and I'm not a fish person). The presentation was beautiful, the service was attentive, and I didn't get that nagging feeling of "did I just pay too much for this?" that plagues me at most Lagos eateries. The breakfast buffet? Absolutely worth it. Their pancakes were fluffy perfection. I'm now seriously considering going back just to eat breakfast. Don't tell anyone I said that, though. It'll ruin my street cred.
What about the amenities? The pool? The gym? Spa? Did you actually use them?
Okay, the amenities. I am a creature of comfort, and I needed to test them. I saw the pool – it was lovely. Crystal clear with a cute little area to order drinks. Did I swim? No. I tend to avoid water whenever possible when I'm fully dressed. I peeked at the gym, it was well-equipped, plenty of stuff I didn't know how to use. Did I work out? Absolutely not. I’m there to relax, not to punish myself. And the spa… that’s where I made my actual mistake. I booked a massage. And honestly, I was expecting a relaxing rub down. What I got was a full body detoxing experience. Now, I'm a simpleton, just wanting to de-stress not undergo a lifestyle change. I'm not a fan of "exfoliating". The poor masseuse, though, was very professional. I'm sure the spa experience is amazing for those who actually enjoy that sort of thing and aren't completely terrified of being touched. I'm considering skipping the spa the next time, I'll see.
Would you go back? And is it worth the splurge?
The million-dollar question! Would I go back? Yes. Absolutely. Despite the slightly traumatizing spa experience. Despite the dent in my bank account. The Ivy Hotel is a genuinely special place in the chaos of Lagos. It’s a haven. A green, luxurious, slightly overpriced haven. Is it worth the splurge? That depends. If you need a escape, want top-notch service, and appreciate a bit of beauty, then yes. If you're on a super tight budget? Maybe save it for a special occasion. But seriously, those pancakes... They're calling my name. And that, my friends, is the ultimate test. Food wins. I'm going back. And maybe, just maybe, I'll brave the bidet. Probably not.
Okay, but what about the staff? Are they ridiculously formal and stuffy, or actually nice?
Ah, the staff! This is huge. Nothing ruins a luxury experience faster than surly or indifferent service. Thankfully, the staff at Ivy were brilliant. Not in a robotic, fake-smile way, but genuinely helpful and friendly. Like, actually *nice*. They were attentive without being overbearing. They remembered my name (creepy, but I liked it). They were patient with my endless questions (which, let's be honest, were probably annoying). I have a terrible memory, but I always will praise people who actually makes a genuine effort to ease your stay. I think they probably go through serious training to find the balance between accommodating and professional, which can be difficult in Lagos. So, in a word, the staff? Excellent. They made the experience that much better.
