• New era of luxury hospitality in Nigeria’s capital

Continental Hotels Group has unveiled its ambitious vision for its Nigerian facility Abuja Continental, suggesting that it would be unleashing a new era of luxury hospitality in the country’s capital, according to a report in Travel and Tour World. 

This will involve the transformation of the former Sheraton Abuja into a state-of-the-art, world-class facility that would mark a significant step forward in Nigeria’s growing hospitality industry. 

As one of the premier destinations for both business and leisure travellers, the newly revamped Abuja Continental Hotel promises to offer an exceptional guest experience, blending modern luxury with Nigerian culture. 

With expanded facilities, including a 2,500-seat convention center, upgraded wellness and dining options, and a strong commitment to sustainability, this redevelopment aims to position Abuja as a global hospitality hub. 

The hotel’s commitment to delivering African hospitality at its finest is expected to not only enhance the city’s tourism appeal but also attract a diverse array of international visitors. As the capital’s tourism and business sectors continue to grow, the Abuja Continental is set to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of luxury travel in Nigeria.

Continental Hotels Group’s new vision for Abuja Continental

As one of the leaders in the hospitality industry, Continental Hotels Group understands the vision and potential of the Abuja Continental hotel, previously the Sheraton Hotel, as one of the first luxury hotels in the market to dominate Africa’s hospitality value chain. 

With the first-rate hospitality services offered to international travellers and the local market, Continental Hotels Group is redefining Africa’s hospitality and hotel services. The major redevelopments in the hospitality infrastructure focus on the provision of Abuja as one of the leading business, leisure and events destinations in the world, as the available hospitality services and infrastructure are sufficient and world-class. The hotel is focused on positively transforming the capital on the tourism, business and cultural values due to the cutting-edge hospitality services and the strong focus on sustainability.

Luxury hospitality in the heart of Nigeria’s capital

Under the management of Continental Hotels Group and with deep respect for Nigerian culture, the Abuja Continental Hotel will undergo radical reconstruction. 

Abuja Continental Hotel, due to its location and affordable luxury accommodation, was for many years the most popular hotel among foreigners and business people who came to Nigeria. The completed reconstruction will be a milestone in the history of hospitality in Abuja, as it will combine luxurious accommodation, an exceptional range of dining options, and expansive multi-purpose business facilities for the hotel. This radical reconstruction will expand the hospitality and tourism business in Nigeria for years to come.

The reconfiguration of the hotel will match changes in the hospitality and tourism business Nigeria. Every hotel room will be redesigned to strike a unique balance between refined elegance and absolute comfort. The luxurious business suites of the hotel will be an oasis of comfort and relaxation for the stressed and tired leisure and business traveler. The opulent lobby and dining area will be a true masterpiece of Nigerian art and architectural craftsmanship and a grand setting for the hospitality of international standards.

Radical changes to Abuja’s hospitality scene

The refurbishment of Abuja Continental Hotel is much more than a face-lift of the facility. The hotel is also aiming to modernize and expand its amenities to accommodate today’s travellers, especially attendees of prestigious events and conferences. The hotel’s additional facility is the International Conference and Exhibition Center, which is designed to host events and serve as a summit venue for government meetings and corporate events. Most recently, the hotel is expected to accommodate and conduct international conferences and exhibitions, thus making it a modern multi purpose facility.

The hotel remains committed to improving additional features such as the Sports Village, which is designed to enhance the overall guest experience. The Sports Village will be equipped with a modern fitness hub, tennis and pickleball courts, and will cater to the hotel’s leisure and wellness travelers. Guests will also experience the hotel’s standout relaxation and rejuvenation offerings, as the hotel’s wellness services will also include a spa and wellness center.

Culinary offerings shaped by heritage, global influence

Guests of the Abuja Continental will have the opportunity to indulge in the unique culinary experience that celebrates the richness of traditional Nigerian cuisine and gastronomy with influences from fusion cuisine across the globe — culinary offerings crafted by internationally acclaimed and locally passionate chefs and connoisseurs. Framed in the context of an immersive dining experience crafted for each guest and every meal occasion, the cuisine offerings will span traditional Nigerian dishes and contemporary culinary  fusions.

The establishment of the hotel will also have a culinary attention with offerings in its bars and lounges for guests to refresh in a social context and sip on confectioned cocktails. Abuja Continental will cater each guests culinary need and preference from a cup of coffee in the morning to a timely adult beverage relaxed at the end of a day filled with meetings.

Commitment to sustainability, local procurement

A cornerstone of the transformation of the Abuja Continental is the dedication to the principle of sustainability. The hotel is undergoing a transformation, with the incorporation of solar power, water-saving technologies, and waste management systems aligned to a global standard for greening. This sustainability commitment is a part of the Continental Hotels Group’s larger objective of responsible tourism and decreased environmental footprint.

Along with this commitment to the environment, the hotel is equally keen on helping the local businesses by intentionally sourcing food, drinks, and décor from local providers. This collaboration with local Nigerian farmers, artisans, and manufacturers enables the hotel to boost the local economy and staff. Additionally, the guests benefit from an experience that describes the diversity of Nigeria’s rich culture.

Global destination and versatile hospitality facilities

The revolutionisation of Abuja Continental Hotel is intended to make the destination more luxurious and simultaneously develop Abuja’s position in Africa’s Hospitality sector. Abuja is the center of politics and businesses in Nigeria and across the continent. In its current state, Abuja is busy with government and corporate dealings. World-class accommodation and purpose-built business facilities such as the Abuja Continental, will attract a new profile of international guests to the city.

Expansion of the Abuja continental hotel will be of immense benefit to Nigeria’s hotel and accommodation services. Other Hotels and service providers in Abuja will benefit from the increasing demand for quality accommodation as Abuja positions itself as a center of choice for conferences, exhibitions, and business travel. The hotel’s focus on MICE tourism will facilitate the flow of delegates and event coordinators from across the globe, further increasing the value of Abuja’s business tourism.

Enhanced access to air travel and tourist attractions

With Abuja Continental Hotel’s anticipated prominence among luxury accommodation providers, travel to Abuja is more likely to include scope for international and domestic airlines. Abuja is also likely to attract more business travellers, tourists, and attendees from an international hotspot, London, New York, Dubai, and Johannesburg. The hotel’s new luxury, state-of-the-art, convention facilities will captivate powerful multinational companies and lure high-level, elite, high-profile, and prestigious formal events to further improve Abuja’s image and international conference market positioning.

Tourists arriving in Abuja will experience an increase in business travel. However, an improvement in leisure travel will also create an increase in more accessible and direct flights from Abuja. Several overseas carriers, Emirates, British Airways, and Air France, currently service Abuja, but given the city’s burgeoning reputation for luxury and business travel, it is likely that further airlines will service the city. For passengers wanting direct travel to Abuja, these airlines service the city’s Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport which has many direct flights to other parts of Nigeria, and other regions of the world.

Travel guidance for visitors to the new Abuja Continental Hotel

Visa requirements. International travellers to Nigeria will need to get a visa for entry. Fortunately, many travelers can get an e-visa to expedite the process. Ensure documents are prepared and checked visa requirements beforehand.

Best time to visit. Abuja is best to visit during the dry season (November to March). The weather is much more favourable and pleasant than the other months and this is when the humidity is lower and the temperatures are cooler, making it perfect for sightseeing and enjoying various outdoor activities.

What to do in Abuja. While you are in the Abuja Continental, you can take the opportunity of visiting some of the city`s historical and cultural spots. The Aso Rock, Nigerian National Mosque and National Christian Centre are attractions to never miss. There are also traditional Nigerian restaurants to enjoy nearby and you can visit the local markets.

Airport transfers. To save time and avoid any hassle, feel free to book a private airport shuttle in advance for easy transportation to your hotel. Abuja Continental is also just 30 minutes from the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, so that you can easily get to the hotel when you arrive from your trip.

Stay connected. The hotel has many services that include high-speed internet and AI concierge services, making it easy for you in case you still need to catch up with work or communicate with loved ones. This convenience makes Abuja Continental a hotel you would love to work with and take some time off.

Future of Abuja’s hospitality and tourism industry

The exceptional renovation of the Abuja Continental Hotel is the beginning of a new era for the city’s hospitality industry. As the hotel’s luxury accommodation offerings increase, and additional convention facilities are added, the hotel’s focus on sustainability will expand to become a blueprint for the entire hospitality industry in Nigeria’s tourism sector. Abuja Continental will become a key component of the hotel’s growing tourism ecosystem and will appeal to a new demographic of travelers who desire luxury, cultural experiences, and sustainable hospitality.

As Abuja develops to offer a wider scope of business, leisure, and cultural tourism, the Abuja Continental Hotel will embed itself in the forefront of the city’s tourism industry. The hotel will become an international and distinct landmark that offers world-class services, embraces sustainability, and epitomizes the hospitality industry in Nigeria.

                             — Culled from Travel and Tour World