**El Doria Hotel Lomé: Togo's Hidden Gem? (Luxury Awaits!)**
El Doria Hotel Lomé: Togo's Hidden Gem? (Luxury Awaits!) - A Deep Dive (and a Few Rants!)
Alright, alright, settle in, because I'm about to spill the beans (and maybe a little bit of that complimentary tea) on the El Doria Hotel in Lomé, Togo. Forget those sterile, polished travel reviews – this is the real deal. Think messy, honest, and with a side of "did I really eat that much from the buffet?".
First Impressions & The "Getting There" Grind: Accessibility & the Initial Jitters
Finding the El Doria was a bit of an adventure, let me tell you. Lomé traffic can be… optimistic. But hey, the airport transfer offered by the hotel was smooth, once you actually got to the airport. They whisked me away in a comfortable car, which was a godsend after the multiple flights and layovers. Now, from what I saw, the elevator is a definite plus for anyone with mobility issues. They also advertise facilities for disabled guests, which is GREAT news. However, I can't personally vouch for how well the accommodation caters for all their needs.
The Rooms: Comfort, Coffee (and the Occasional Hiccup)
Okay, the rooms. They’ve got the basics covered: Air conditioning (essential, trust me), free Wi-Fi (hooray!), a decent desk for getting work done (or pretending to), and, thank goodness, a coffee/tea maker. My room had a window that opens - a simple pleasure I appreciate in the hotel room - fresh air is so good to wake up. I actually got a room with a private bathroom and a separate shower/bathtub. The extra long bed was unbelievably comfortable, and I slept like a log.
Now, the slightly less smooth stuff. The complimentary tea? Let’s just say the tea bags were… well, they were there. And the satellite/cable channels? A bit limited. You'll manage to stream some TV shows, but if you are one of those people that relies on TV in your hotel (guilty) then, maybe, bring your own movies. But hey, I'm not complaining: I did enjoy the daily housekeeping, which was pretty spot-on.
Cleanliness & Safety: Pandemic-Era Peace of Mind (Mostly)
Let's talk about the C word: Cleanliness. The El Doria really seems to have upped its game in this department, which is hugely reassuring. I saw evidence of:
- Daily disinfection in common areas.
- Room sanitization between stays.
- Hand sanitizer readily available.
- Staff trained in safety protocol.
They even advertised anti-viral cleaning products which, you know, sounds good, and, for a COVID-cautious traveler like myself, was exactly what I wanted to see. Plus, the 24-hour security and CCTV in common areas and outside property provided a definite sense of security.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: A Buffet Bonanza (and Beyond!)
Ah, the food. This is where things get… interesting.
- The Breakfast Buffet: This was the star of the show. Seriously, prepare to loosen your belt. They had a massive selection, including Asian breakfast, Western breakfast, a coffee/tea, and a dazzling array of pastries. I may have, possibly, eaten my weight in croissants one morning. It’s a buffet in restaurant so you can take whatever you need.
- Restaurants: The restaurants were good, and offered a good variety of international cuisine and potentially Asian cuisine. They had a bar with a poolside bar, which I absolutely loved.
- Snacking: There's a coffee shop! Perfect for a pick-me-up after a long day of… well, whatever you're doing in Lomé.
- Room Service: Room service [24-hour] – a lifesaver for late-night cravings.
Stuff to Do & Ways to Relax: Therapy for the Weary Traveler
This is where El Doria really shines.
- The Pool: The swimming pool [outdoor] is a total highlight. It's stunning, with a gorgeous view and perfect for a lazy afternoon. They also have a pool with a view.
- Spa & Wellness: They have a full-on spa/sauna experience! They've got a sauna, a steamroom, and offer massage, body scrub, and body wrap. I indulged in a massage, and it was pure bliss. My therapist seemed to work out all the kinks. If you need it, you need it.
- Fitness Center: Did I use the fitness center/Gym? No. Did I intend to? Yes. Did I eat too many croissants? Also yes.
Services & Conveniences: They've Thought of Everything (Almost)
- Concierge Service: Excellent. The concierge/Doorman made it easier.
- Helpful Stuff: Car park [free of charge], currency exchange, laundry service, dry cleaning, and luggage storage. They didn't miss many.
- Business Traveler Friendly: They have business facilities, meetings, meeting/banquet facilities, Xerox, projector/LED display, and a few more.
For the Kids: Not much is listed.
The "Hidden Gem" Verdict (with a Few Caveats):
Is the El Doria Hotel a true gem? In many ways, yes. It's clean, comfortable, the staff are friendly, and the spa is heavenly. The location is good, the facilities are top-notch, and the buffet is… well, you know.
However, no hotel is perfect. Some minor imperfections: the coffee could be better, the TV channels limited, and the internet was a bit spotty at times, even with the free Wi-Fi in all rooms. However, these flaws are easily forgiven given everything else the El Doria has to offer.
Final Thoughts: El Doria Hotel Lomé gets a solid recommendation from me. It's a great base for exploring Lomé, and the perfect place to unwind and recharge after a day of adventure (or a day of overeating at the buffet!).
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Escape to Paradise: Luxurious Kupang Stay Near Eltari Airport
Okay, buckle up, buttercups. This isn't your sanitized, perfectly-formatted travel brochure. This is my ACTUAL, probably-slightly-over-caffeinated, potentially-sunburnt, and DEFINITELY-not-perfectly-executed journey through the El Doria Hotel in Lomé, Togo. Consider this my messy, emotional, and totally biased travel diary.
Day 1: Arrival, Jetlag, and the Mystery of the Missing Towel (and My Sanity)
- 10:00 AM (ish) - Lomé Airport Arrival: Dust, Delays, and the Desperate Need for AC. Oh. My. God. The humidity hits you like a wet blanket the second you step off the plane. I mean, I knew it would be hot, but this is a whole different level of “surface of the sun” uncomfortable. Passport control was a glorious mess – everyone talking at once, forms filled out in a language I vaguely recognize as French (bless Google Translate), and the general feeling of “hurry up and wait” that defines international travel.
- 11:30 AM - Drive to El Doria: The taxi driver, bless his heart, spoke some English, which was enough to get us (my friend Sarah and I) to the hotel. The drive was a vibrant blur of motorbikes overloaded with people, bustling markets overflowing onto the streets, and a general feeling of controlled chaos. Frankly, it was AMAZING. I felt instantly alive.
- 12:30 PM - El Doria Check-in: Promises and Potholes. The hotel itself is… well, it’s got character. Let's call it that. The lobby is grander than I expected, feels a bit like an abandoned movie set. Check-in was slow (surprise!). They promised us a room with a view. We got a view of… a wall. A very large, imposing wall. Okay, fine. Maybe tomorrow.
- 1:00 PM - Room Reconnaissance and the Towel Debacle: The room… is… decent. Clean-ish. The AC works, which is a HUGE win. But there’s a serious lack of towels. Like, ZERO towels. We called reception. "Oui, Madame. On va envoyer." Translation: something, something, hopefully towels.
- 2:00 PM - Lunch at the Hotel Restaurant: Uninspired Food, Unexpected Joy. The hotel restaurant is… not stellar. The food is bland, the service is a tad slow, but the staff is lovely and has a genuine interest in our experience. They are sweet, they really are. The small imperfections make me feel more welcomed - that they would be accommodating if something's wrong.
- 3:00 PM - That nap that never happened: After a whole lot of mental back and forth, I realized I was wide awake instead. I tried to read - gave up after 5 minutes. Decided to check out the hotel pool (the one with the promised sunset view).
- 3:30 - Pool-side, the best. The poolside is a little oasis. I finally unwind and realize I'm in Africa.
- 7:00 PM - The Return of the Towels (And a Questionable Dinner): Finally! After a few more calls and a visit to reception (where I, admittedly, may have employed some exaggerated hand gestures), the towels arrived. Success!! But oh. That dinner. It began so well. I was feeling relaxed, the sun had set. Then the food. Let's just say I'm starting to think I should bring snacks.
Day 2: Exploring Lomé, the Elusive Laundry Service, and the Existential Dread of Mosquitoes
- 8:00 AM - Breakfast: The Toast Conundrum and the Persistent Mosquitoes: Breakfast. The buffet offers toast. And so, so many mosquitoes. They really, really like me. I had to constantly swat. They're relentless!!
- 9:00 AM - Attempted Laundry: The Lost Cause: I tried to get laundry done. "Laundry service?" I asked. "Oui, Madame." Three hours later, still no laundry. The hotel is slowly starting to drive me insane.
- 10:00 AM - Lomé City Tour: A Sensory Overload in the Best Way Possible: We hired a guide for the day - a young man named David. He took us to the Grand Marché (a cacophony of colors, smells, and sounds), the Presidential Palace (picturesque but closed), a market of artisanal crafts, and the Cathedral. The sights and sounds, the vibrant culture… it all made my head spin in the best way possible.
- 1:00 PM - Lunch with David: The Value of Locals. Lunch with David was amazing. We ate some delicious local street food (I have no idea what it was, but it was delicious!), and he gave us the REAL story of Lomé. Absolutely the best decision of this trip so far, so much more than a tourist trap.
- 3:00 PM - A Frustrating Afternoon (And a Very Long Nap): Went back to hotel for an afternoon nap. Woke up feeling more annoyed than refreshed. Decided to spend time at the pool and read. Still no laundry. Ugh.
- 7:00 PM - Dinner at the Hotel Restaurant (Again): Decided to stick with the hotel restaurant again for dinner, because I was too exhausted to deal with the city.
- 8:00 PM - Final thoughts: I've noticed a lot of people in the hotel are European business people. After a lifetime in the US, this is very noticeable. I really wish I could speak more French so I could interact further.
Day 3: The El Doria Spa Debacle, a New Perspective, and the Hope for Clean Clothes (Maybe)
- **9:00 AM - The El Doria Spa: A "Relaxing" Experience? ** Apparently, the spa is open. I decide to treat myself to a massage. It was a mixed bag, shall we say? The therapist, bless her heart, seemed genuinely trying. But the room was a bit… let's call it "rustic." The massage itself was also… something. It took place while the technician had some sort of conversation with someone else. As a woman who values her privacy, I don't think this spa experience will be repeated.
- 11:00 AM - Reflections and New Perspective: After the spa, I walked around the hotel property, looking for good angles to photograph the hotel. I realized, I was being a total baby. I was focusing on the small imperfections, the little annoyances. And I was missing the bigger picture. I'm in Africa! I'm experiencing a different culture, seeing things I could only dream of.
- 1:00 PM - The Laundry Miracle (Sort Of): THEY! FINALLY! DID MY LAUNDRY! It arrived, wrinkled, maybe a bit stained (a definite no-no on my white linen shirt), but CLEAN. Victory!
- 3:00 PM - Final dip in the pool: I went to write, but I could not. So I dipped in the pool, again.
- 7:00 PM - Dinner and packing: I've decided to move from the hotel; I am not looking forward to the airport, but everything will be easier from now on.
In Conclusion:
El Doria Hotel? It's not perfect. It's a bit rough around the edges. But it's part of the experience. It's a slice of Lomé. And honestly? I'm glad I stayed here. Despite the missing towels, the questionable food, and the mosquito attacks, this trip has been amazing. And hey, maybe I learned a little something about going with the flow and embracing the chaos. Now, to find a decent airport snack… and hopefully, my flight isn't delayed! Wish me luck!
Luxury Escapes Await: Uncover the Hidden Gem of La Casa Hotel, Vung Tau
El Doria Hotel Lomé: Togo's Hidden Gem? Let's Dive In (and Face the Reality Check!)
Okay, Honestly, Is El Doria Really 'Luxury'? I've Seen the Pics...
Alright, let's rip the band-aid off. "Luxury" in Togo is... well, it's a sliding scale. El Doria *attempts* luxury. Those pictures? They're good. Really good. They got the angles down pat. In reality? It's more like... **aspirational luxury.** You know? Like, they're *trying*. Think: plush towels that are slightly less plush than *you* imagined, a pool area that's impeccably clean for like, the first five hours of the day, and a lobby that *screams* "effort!"
My first impression? "Wow, okay...this is nicer than I expected, actually." Then, day two? "Alright, the Wi-Fi is a little...glacial." And by day four? "Is that a crack in the marble? And the AC *still* hasn't cooled my room to the temperature of a walk-in freezer." (Which, ironically, is what I needed.)
Still, it's a far cry from the dusty hotels with questionable plumbing I've endured in the region, that's for sure. It's a solid 7/10 on the luxury scale. Maybe even a 7.5 on a good day after a particularly rigorous cleaning.
The Pool! Tell Me About The Pool! Is It Instagrammable?!
The pool... oh, the pool. It *is* Instagrammable, I’ll give it that. It's clean, it's turquoise, it's got those little loungers begging for a photo shoot. I’m pretty sure I saw a couple of influencers, armed with ring lights and questionable swimwear, *live* there. The water felt divine. But the *sun loungers*, that’s where the crack started to show. Some were a little... rickety. One time, I sat on one, and felt like I was moments from plunging into the water. I think I might have gained a new appreciation for the durability of furniture.
My advice? Snap your photos early. Before the pool gets crowded. Before the sun starts to cook you. And *always* inspect your sun lounger before committing your precious posterior. And don't expect ice-cold drinks to be on hand, you might have to do a bit of hunting for that. I'm pretty sure one day I saw a guy trying to flag down a passing plane to get a cocktail.
What's the Food Like? I'm a Foodie, So...
The food... okay, look. It's good. It's *generally* good. The breakfast buffet is a solid performer. Omelets made to order? Yes, please! Fresh fruit? Check. Pastries that are sometimes still warm? Major bonus points. My first morning? I was in heaven, wolfing down everything. The next couple of days? The pastries were a little... stale. It was a culinary rollercoaster!
The dinner menu at the restaurant had its moments. But after a few too many "dishes with a spicy kick" (that were, in reality, an inferno), I started asking for my meals "mildly seasoned." The seafood? Excellent. The local Togolese dishes? Worth exploring and trying. I had a dish with groundnut stew that was... mind-blowing. So, it has its wins, and a few misses. Don’t go expecting Michelin-star quality, but do go with an open mind (and maybe some antacids, just in case).
How's the Location? Is It Safe? Can I Get Around?
The location is pretty good, right in the heart of Lomé. Safety-wise? Like anywhere, be aware of your surroundings. Don't flash expensive jewelry, keep your valuables secure, and stick to well-lit areas at night. The hotel staff are generally helpful and will advise you on the best ways to get around. I felt relatively safe, but again, always exercise caution.
Getting around? Taxis are plentiful, though you'll need to negotiate the price beforehand. Uber… well, let’s say availability is *variable*. My experience? I tried to get an Uber. After a good 20 minutes of waiting, the car was mysteriously 'unavailable'. I think I ended up walking for like 20 minutes, until I saw a car which offered to drive me to my chosen destination, the driver was charming and very helpful. So always be prepared to be flexible!
The Staff! Are They Friendly? Helpful? Annoying? (Be Honest!)
The staff… this is where El Doria really shines, I have to say. Mostly. Okay, there were some minor hiccups (like the front desk guy who clearly wasn't a morning person), but generally, the staff are fantastic. They are genuinely friendly, incredibly helpful, and they *try*. They *really* try to make your stay enjoyable. They'll go above and beyond to assist you, from arranging taxis to helping you with any issues you may have.
I distinctly remember trying to explain to a housekeeping staff member that my AC was broken (again). My French is...elementary, at best. His English wasn't much better. But we eventually managed to communicate through a combination of hand gestures, charades, and frantic pointing. He got the message. And he fixed the AC. It made me smile when I realised a hotel staff member was able to resolve the issue. So, the minor imperfections are more than made up for by the warmth of the people who work there.
Okay, Final Verdict: Should I Stay at El Doria?
That really depends. If you're after "luxury" as defined by Western standards, with pristine perfection and faultless service? Maybe temper your expectations. You *might* be disappointed. It's not the Four Seasons. It's El Doria, in Togo.
However, if you want a comfortable, clean, and relatively luxurious (for Lomé!) hotel with a friendly staff, a decent pool, and a good starting point for exploring the city? Then absolutely, yes. Go for it! Just remember to pack your patience (for the Wi-Fi, perhaps), your sense of humor (because sometimes things go sideways in the most amusing ways), and your willingness to embrace the "hidden gem" vibe. I'd go back.. I really would. Just promise me you'll check the sun loungers first.
