Must-see hotels in Benin

  • Saveurs d'Afrique

    Benin

    Looking for a night at some place extra-special? Make a beeline for this lovely property, the pride and joy of affable Mathieu Yélomé, a young Beninese…

  • Pendjari Lodge

    Benin

    A lovely place in a beautiful setting on a small hill (views!), Pendjari Lodge mixes old-style safari ambience with nouveau bush chic. It sports a handful…

  • La Guesthouse

    Cotonou

    This adorable guesthouse, run by a helpful French couple, is one of those whispered secrets that is passed around by word of mouth. The rooms are simple…

  • Centre Songhai

    Benin

    Built to accommodate its numerous visitors, the 70 rooms at Centre Songhai are spartan but clean. Fan rooms have a shower cubicle but shared toilets; the…

  • Maison Rouge

    Cotonou

    A quiet, sometimes overlooked boutique hotel catering to business travellers in a tranquil location close to the sea. The rooms are generously sized and…

  • Hôtel Bellevue

    Benin

    Set in a rambling garden, the Bellevue is a charming collection of sweet bungalows and paillotes. Rooms are simple yet spotless, as is the food in the…

  • Casa Del Papa

    Benin

    Squeezed between the ocean and the lagoon, Casa Del Papa is the closest thing to an exclusive resort you'll find on the coast. It features a host of…

  • Lion Bar

    Benin

    Down a track from the main street, you'll easily find this reggae land by following Bob Marley's languorous beats. It's the hideout of choice for Cotonou…

  • Palais Somba

    Benin

    'Palace' might be pushing it a bit, but this venture is something special, blending African touches with European levels of comfort. All the bungalows,…

  • Ecolodge La Perle de l'Atakora

    Benin

    We can't think of a better place for immersion in local culture. This modernish tata house features five rooms that are tidy, functional and well priced,…

  • Hôtel de Bourgogne

    Benin

    This efficiently run hotel is a safe bet. Although not the height of luxury, rooms are colourful, comfy, spacious and serviceable, with modern, clean beds…

  • Awalé Plage

    Benin

    A great place to recharge the batteries, Awalé Plage's most notable features are its excellent service, beachfront setting, beautiful gardens awash with…

  • Azalai Hotel de la Plage

    Cotonou

    Ultramodern rooms meet historic colonial structure at this waterfront hotel. Its rooms are arguably the best in the city – especially those with sea views…

  • Hôtel du Port

    Cotonou

    Ignore the slightly surreal surrounding towers of containers at the next-door port. Inside, this hotel encircles a courtyard and features a tasteful mix…

  • Hôtel Chez Théo

    Benin

    In a stunning lakeside location, Chez Théo is guaranteed to help you switch to 'relax' mode. A path through a garden bursting with all sorts of exotic…

  • Tata Touristique Koubetti Victor

    Benin

    This is a wonderfully laid-back Boukombé haven, with a leafy courtyard, a chilled-out ambience and tasty meals. Rooms occupy a large tata house. It's…

  • Hôtel de la Pendjari

    Benin

    Although it's starting to fray around the edges, this establishment offers spacious, utilitarian rooms with good bedding, and its location at the heart of…

  • Tichani

    Benin

    This well-run guesthouse scores high points with its location – it's only 300m away from the beach in a peaceful area. The six sun-soaked rooms are neat…

  • A La Lune – Chez Monique

    Benin

    You'll love the exotic garden, complete with antelopes, crocodiles, tortoises, monkeys, flower bushes and huge wood carvings. Accommodation-wise, it's a…

  • Gîte de Possotomé

    Benin

    Embedded in a manicured tropical garden, this well-run venture has eight impeccable rooms with salubrious bathrooms. It's not on the lakeshore, but the…

  • Auberge d'Abomey

    Benin

    This reliable option off the main roundabout is a small, rustic hotel with a colonial feel and just a handful of spare rooms. It gets high marks from…

  • Hôtel du Lac

    Cotonou

    A good-value choice on a breezy spot at the edge of the lagoon. Though the rooms show some signs of wear and tear, they are sunny, spacious and clean, and…

  • Motel le Regal

    Benin

    Simple rooms with plain furnishings and clean spaces, located in a central spot in town. The restaurant serves Beninese and international meals (CFA2500…

  • Qualimax Hotel

    Cotonou

    Drawbacks first: it's a bit out of the way and there's no hot water. Now the good news: it's good value, it's secure, it's quiet and it's clean as all…

  • La Sota

    Benin

    La Sota provides an unexpected overnight haven. Rooms are a little underwhelming for the price but the facilities are tops, with a good restaurant (meals…

  • Hôtel Beaurivage

    Benin

    Tired but spacious rooms (and new beds, finally!) with the town's best lagoon views and a wonderful terrace bar and restaurant. Even if you don't sleep…

  • Chez Clarisse

    Cotonou

    This charming place has seven immaculate rooms in a villa at the back of the its very popular Chez Clarisse restaurant. It's central yet very quiet.

  • Guesthouse Cocotiers

    Cotonou

    A squeaky-clean find in a simple but well-maintained structure with friendly staff. An excellent place to hang your hat for a no-fuss stay.

  • Auberge de Grand Popo

    Benin

    Right by the beach, this place oozes colonial charm and serves divine cuisine in its attractive terrace restaurant (menus CFA8500).

  • Chez M

    Benin

    The friendly Chez M offers 22 rooms with bathrooms, standing fans and mosquito nets. The setting is lovely – the dining room overlooks the main stream and…

  • Auberge Victor's Place

    Benin

    Victor's Place boasts a spiffing beach frontage. Pitch your tent on the grassy plot or choose one of the three slightly threadbare bungalows. The real…

  • Ancrage de l'Océan

    Cotonou

    Don't be put off by the concrete facade; open the door and you're in another reality – a seductive garden, no-frills but spruce rooms, and a relaxing…

  • Camping de Possotomé – Chez Préfet

    Benin

    How does watching the sun rise over Lake Ahémé sound? This campsite, on an idyllic spot on the sandy lakeshore, is basic (bucket showers and toilets) but…

  • Edelweiss Les Retrouvailles

    Benin

    This excellent budget choice is clean and bright, and set in leafy grounds with a paillote restaurant (meals CFA3000 to CFA4600). The name of the hotel…

  • Le Palais

    Benin

    Poised on the edge of the lagoon, this is an unexpected oasis: well-furnished, comfy bungalows with all mod cons, a neat garden, good views and a…

  • Novotel Orisha

    Cotonou

    While it lacks charm, rooms here are spotless and well equipped. It's one of the few places in Benin where the wi-fi is reliable. Water views and a…

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