In December 2017, a 3-star, 25 key Golden Tulip Suites opened in Oniru, Lagos. The property is located off the major arteries in the area, but close to other high-end hotel products in the city, such as Four Points by Sheraton Lagos and Lagos Oriental Hotel, as well high-end retail facilities such as the Palms Shopping Mall.

The property consists of one and two bedroom apartments designed for short and long-term stays, with the following room types and amenities:

• 1 King Bedroom Apartment – 32 sqm
• 1 Superior King Bedroom Apartment – 64 sqm
• 2 Executive King Bedroom Apartment – 93 sqm
• Presidential Apartment (2 King Bedrooms) – 130 sqm
• Lounge/Restaurant
• Swimming Pool
• Onsite Gym
• Meeting Rooms (10 PAX)
• Business Center
• Garage/Covered Parking
• Architects:  Mindseye Associates
• Interior Designer:  Helge Docters Van Leuwen
• Main Contractor:  Diruo and Creo Construction Company

The hotel is one of the first branded properties in this market to embrace the all-suite (or apart’hotel) concept, targeting extended-stay hotel demand. These markets include long-staying business guests, relocations, families, and so on.  The development of the all suite/apart’hotel concept has seen a resurgence in recent times particularly due to the rise of apartment renting sites such as Airbnb.  Hotel brands have recognised the actual and potential loss of significant market share to these platforms and are reacting by increasing their presence in the space.

Nevertheless, many global hotel companies have long operated all suite hotel brands.  Notable brands include Marriott’s mid-range suite chain – SpringHill Suites, and Hilton’s pioneer brand in the all suite hotel concept – Embassy Suites – none of which are currently operated in the Nigerian market.  Branded hotel development in Nigeria has long focused on establishing flagship brands before secondary brands are introduced, so it is welcoming to see an established brand introduce this all suite concept brand.

The Golden Tulip brand, which is part of the Louvre Hotels Group, a Paris-based global chain, currently operate five other hotels in Nigeria, including two other properties in Lagos, Port Harcourt, Benin City and Warri. The Golden Tulip’s sister brands include Tulip Inn and Royal Tulip.