When 22 Hospitality Limited, a wholly-owned subsidiary of NIPCO Plc, acquired a majority stake in Capital Hotels Plc, the then owners of Abuja Sheraton Hotel, in 2023, and rebranded it as Abuja Continental Hotel, the development marked a significant milestone for the Continental Hotel Group, its hospitality brand, which also operates the Lagos Continental Hotel, its flagship property.
The Continental Hotel Group assured that the Abuja hotel acquisition would further boost its commitment to redefining luxury and hospitality in Nigeria.
Today, almost three years down the line, the Abuja hospitality market is being boosted by the huge investment by 22 Hospitality Limited in the Abuja property, which industry stakeholders and most importantly, the guests are commending, considering the near-collapse state of the hotel before the acquisition.
Truly, Abuja Continental Hotel is back, shining and welcoming guests for improved services, offerings, amid updated facilities as well as ongoing renovations.
Of course, with its 540 well-appointed rooms and suites, spread across 12 floors, Abuja Continental Hotel is unarguably one of Africa’s iconic hotels.
Located at the very centre of Abuja, amid blending nature with sophistication, the hotel is a city landmark, amid offering bird’s- eye view of Nigeria’s capital city to the discerning guests and visitors alike.
As well, its enviable location combines convenience with accessibility to offer the guests close proximity to major landmarks in Abuja; from the Federal Secretariat, the International Conference Centre, and to the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport.
The above are top among the reasons 22 Hospitality Limited, the new owner and Continental Hotel Group, the new manager of the hotel, are refreshing the iconic property for premium experiences for the guests.
While speaking to a group of tourism editors, who were in the hotel on a facility tour recently, Karl Hala, group general manager, Continental Hotel Group, commended the new owners for hitting the group running from the first day of the acquisition.
According to him, the huge investments are reflecting on the improved service and facility offerings in the hotel, with ongoing renovations and more in the pipeline.
“We are excited over the new look Abuja property. You can see, feel and experience it. We are going beyond this because the renovation is in phases and in line with our commitment to redefine luxury hospitality in Nigeria,” Hala said.
Offering details on development at the hotel, the group general manager noted that the upgrade on the room categories is massive; leaving the guests with well-appointed rooms, amid world class facilities that aid leisure or business stay.
“I hope you have experienced the upgraded rooms. They are exquisitely furnished and offer a premium sleep experience for every guest,” he said.
He disclosed that the room upgrade, which is in phases across the three towers of the hotel, would continue until the whole room categories are fully done and operational.
However, Hala is more excited that Abuja Continental Hotel is now the new address for Meetings Incentives Conference and Exhibitions (MICE) in the Nigerian capital city, courtesy of the upgrade in the conferencing facilities in the hotel.
“We have innovative spaces for conferences and for any client. Our Ladi Kwali Conference Centre is the new address for any event in Abuja. It is the largest in town, the most innovative, and best equipped. We have also turned around other venues and have also converted more spaces to conference facilities because of the growing demand from our guests,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Ladi Kwali Conference Centre offers a 3500-square-meter size grand ballroom that can accommodate up to 2000 people cocktail style at a time. The ballroom can also be partitioned into four individual halls, with 8 meeting rooms ideal for big conferences, corporate events, exhibitions, fairs, and lavish wedding ceremonies.
“I remember, when we started here two and a half years ago, we had nothing. And then we started with one national day and I think now we have 20 to 22 national days. We have official visits, delegations and conventions,” he explained.
With the innovative spaces, the group general manager insisted that Abuja Continental Hotel is set for MICE and is a premier venue even for social events.
Read also:
No matter the size of the gathering or meeting, Hala insisted, “We are committed to sending everyone home inspired”.
Again, the hotel is giving priority to sports and fitness with the facility upgrade at the Ladi Kwali Sports Village.
From the pickleball, paddle court, table tennis, lawn tennis, squash court, basketball, volleyball, amid team bonding activities, Hala noted that the sports village combines modern sports facilities with tranquil environment to offer rejuvenation for the body and soul at the same time.
Yet, the two swimming pools and a pool bar add to the recreational offerings of the hotel, while the spa and the gym, equipped with the latest fitness facilities, amid well-trained instructors are for heightened experiences for the guests.
As expected, Abuja Continental Hotel is also home to the finest delicacies, as the hotel takes pride in its diverse culinary offerings, across five distinct food and beverage outlets tailored to cater to the varied tastes and cultures of its clientele.
From the Obudu, Soho, Papillon and to the others, it is the guests experience a harmonious blend of African culinary, amid continental offerings. Yet, live cooking is most delightful for daring guests.
But most importantly, Hala took the Tourism and Hospitality Editors to the future of the hotel group and the Abuja hotel in particular.
The Abuja property would be wearing new designs at the lobby, swimming pool and pool bar soon. The design and new look, according to Hala, will see the hotel rival the chic looks of some global brands in top destinations of the world, especially Dubai.
Already, one of the new designs is being executed at the world class second entrance of the hotel, meant to service a certain category of guests.
The lobbies of the upgraded rooms are now covered with beautiful designs, while the executive lounge on the 9th floor is a place to be because of the innovation and comfort on offer.
So far, he thinks that the hotel has exceeded the expectations of the owners and the guests.
He gives credit to his team for their unwavering commitment to deliver unparalleled luxury and comfort to the guests.
He also commended the Continental Hotel Group for its insisted on regular and quality training for the staff members through the hotel academy.
While the facility upgrade is still ongoing, Hala invites the public to come and experience some of the upgraded service and facility offerings, which he insisted are nothing short of unparalleled luxury, comfort and convenience in Abuja.
