Bon Hotels sets new benchmark with Abuja revamp

Following on their commitment to Nigeria and the development of its hotels and tourism segment, and the success of its previous 28-roomed offering, Bon Hotels International West Africa (BHIWA), operators and managers of the Bon Hotels Abuja recently celebrated the launch of its upgraded and extended offering, which has been in process for 18 months.

The four-star facility, which was taken over by the Bon Hotels Group in October 2016, has completed phases one and two of a total revamp. The initial phases saw a refurbishment and redecoration of the existing rooms and bathrooms, an upgrade and revamp of all the public areas, the addition of a swimming pool, a gym and a coffee lounge. 

The final phase, which is still in progress, is the addition of 20 new rooms on the recently acquired property adjacent to the existing hotel. The owner and general manager in consultation with executive chef, Chris Geldart have also upgraded the restaurant and kitchen facilities and launched a new menu. 

Located close to Abuja’s city centre, BON Hotel Abuja, offers a superior hotel experience, comfortable rooms and friendly service. Just 10 minutes from the main city centre, 3km from the British Embassy and within walking distance of the Irish Embassy, the four star hotel has such features like a lounge area and king-sized beds.

The restaurant serves a great buffet breakfast, delicious lunches and dinners complimented with a bar and coffee bar for light dining and socialising. There is also a 24-hour business centre and 20-seater boardrooms ensure that corporate guests with free wi-fi can get their work done. After a long day, guests can relax at the pool or take a dip. 

Bon Hotels had last year acquired four properties, bringing the total to sixteen hotels under its management agreement within 18 months, thus making the group the largest hotel operator in Nigeria.

The four hotels acquired according to the executive director of operations, Bon Hotels International West Africa (BHIWA), Paul Umoh are being revamped to four-star grade and of an international standard.

The hotels include, Bon Hotel Tripod Owerri, a 70-room facility catering to the corporate and leisure markets, is due to open early next year; Bon Hotel Sunshine Enugu, a 120-room facility primed for the business travelers, which opened its doors to the public in January; Bon Hotel Newland Abuja, located in Wuse 2, and Bon Hotel Airport Enugu which are still under construction and due to open in 8 to 12 months time.

According Umoh, “Nigeria has the potential to become a powerhouse of tourism and hospitality on the continent. In Africa, you need to add value well before you start to extract value,” he said.

He noted that too many international operators lose sight of this in Africa, and try to focus on the extraction of value, rather than adding value to jobs, tourism and training, and being in the country for the long term.