By Agatha Emeadi
The Continental hotels in Lagos and Abuja are sitting on the heart of two Nigeria’s bustling cities. The two monumental establishments stand out as testaments to luxury, elegance, and world-class hospitality.
The two exotic hotels are not just places to stay, but destinations where comfort meets culture and excellence.
Savouring the joyous moment of Christmas season at the Lagos Continental hotels, the Group General Manager, Karl Hala and the Group’s General Manager, Lagos, Christoph Schleissing, among other executives of the hotels, hosted journalists in Lagos as they unveiled the hotels world-class hospitality and expansion efforts.
The hotel’s management at the meeting shared the excitement surrounding their holiday offerings.
“For starters,” Hala said, “we have decorated from gingerbread houses to twinkling lights, both hotels transform into veritable winter wonderlands, ensuring guests feel the magic of the season.
“We go all out for the holidays, we have decorated the lobby to create a festive atmosphere, and we have even set up a Christmas boutique where guests can buy specialties from around the world. From Santa brunches to themed events, there is something for everyone. We want our guests to truly embrace the joy of the season.”
Hala again opened up on Lagos Continental’s Sugar 52, a stunning rooftop space with panoramic views of the city, which will host an unforgettable New Year’s eve celebration with a DJ, fireworks, and a rooftop crossover event.
Meanwhile, in Abuja, the festive spirit extended across 14 hectares of beautifully landscaped grounds, with special events for families, including Santa surprises, cooking workshops, and exclusive staycation packages.
“Both Lagos and Abuja Continentals are places where families can come together and create lasting memories during the holidays.
“Whether you are looking for a relaxing escape or a high-energy celebration, we have something for every taste,” Hala said
Together, these iconic hotels boast an impressive 947 rooms and suites, each designed to offer an unparalleled comfort.
Explaining, Schleissing said: “Luxury is not just about space, it’s about the experience. “Both Lagos and Abuja Continental Hotels epitomize the essence of high-end hospitality in Nigeria, blending rich local culture with international luxury. When you step into either of these hotels, you will not just be visiting, but experiencing something truly special.”
Interestingly, with the state-of-the-art conference facilities, among the hotel’s standout features are their cutting-edge conference and event spaces. Both hotels offer a combined 5,000 square meters of flexible meeting space that can accommodate up to 3,500 delegates.
Whether it is a government summit, a corporate gathering, a wedding, or a board meeting, these spaces are the perfect venue for any occasion. The conference rooms are pillarless, recently refurbished, and equipped with the latest technology to ensure that every event runs smoothly.
“We pride ourselves on being the go-to venues for conferences in Nigeria.
“Our facilities are world-class, and the teams that support these events are among the best in the country,”” Schleissing said.
Again, the Ladi Kwali Sports Village of Continental hotels is where fitness meets teamwork. In a move to further elevate the guest experience, the Abuja Continental recently launched the Ladi Kwali Sports Village, a state-of-the-art wellness hub designed to foster both physical health and corporate success. Featuring tennis courts, volleyball, squash, and table tennis facilities, along with a new gym.
The sports village is a place where guests can recharge both physically and mentally.
“We have even added two paddle and two pickleball courts—sports that are growing rapidly in Africa and Europe.
“It is all about combining fitness with creativity. When you exercise, you unlock new levels of collaboration, teamwork, and problem-solving. This is a space where corporate teams can bond while staying fit, which ultimately fuels productivity and success,” Hala assured.
Now, with a commitment to providing world-class hospitality, Lagos and Abuja Continental Hotels are paying huge attention to their culinary world.
Hala disclosed that the hotels are second to none when it comes to dinning.
“With 12 restaurants and bars offering an impressive range of Nigerian and international cuisine, the hotels cater to every culinary preference.
“We have a unique story to tell through our food, starting with the humble Nigerian yam, which we incorporate into many of our dishes which are all doing well in the global market,” he said.
Therefore, as the management of the hotels looks forward to 2025, they said the vision remains clear.
To innovate, grow, and provide exceptional experiences, both hotels employ over 1,700, and there is a strong focus on talent development to ensure that the hotels continue to provide the best service in the industry.
“We are committed to investing in our people, There is so much potential here in Nigeria and we are constantly looking for ways to nurture that talent and give our teams the tools they need to succeed. This commitment to development and leadership is what will drive us forward in the coming years.”
Continental Hotels also plans to launch an academy to further develop the skills of their team members and equip them with the knowledge needed to excel in the competitive world of luxury hospitality.