Novotel Cotonou Orisha 4 stars

One of the best hotels in Cotonou. There is a free shuttle from the airport. You have to wait for a while and it shows up. The hotel is just a few minutes drive from the airport, across from the US embassy. The hotel is situated behind gates next to the Ibis hotel. There is a spa and a gym by the gate. Maria at the front desk speaks English well and is very nice. Some staff’s English is limited and they are not as friendly. There is an ATM behind the front desk and the charge is 3,650 CFA a transaction. The hotel changes US dollars at 551 CFA, which is not a good rate. Room is comfortable with a king size bed. There is a small refrigerator in the room, but the one in my room did not keep stuff so cold. You get a daily small water bottle. The room gets cleaned daily. My shower did not drain well. Staff does not leave extra toilet paper but if you call they will bring you a roll quickly. Breakfast has a nice spread of hard-boiled eggs, rice, pasta, chicken, omelette station, crepe, bread, pastries, fruit, yogurt, etc. There is a coffee machine but at times it does not work and the coffee is not that good. Staff does not speak English well but guests are happy to help translate. If you are in a hurry staff will provide a to go container to take your food, though they do not have disposable forks or cups. Services at the spa are much more expensive than you can get outside of the hotel. I found a spa by the Erevan supermarket with good rates. A facial is about $55 and a massage around $75. Staff does not speak English, except for the receptionist. Make sure to ask for 10 percent discount for Novotel guests. The large Erevan supermarket is about a mile away. The store has imported French products, it is sort of like a Target, with some household goods. Prices are equivalent to US prices. I would stay here again when in Cotonou.

Excellent hotel in Cotonou and the hotel staff is very dedicated and welcoming. It’s a marvellous experience. Eurydice, Maria, Marcellin and the whole team will make the experience incredible. The facilities and rooms are nice and the location is good within Cotonou.

Staff on the terrace has low service orientation, zero motivation and is painfully slow. They see you sitting down and yet don't make it a priority to bring you a menu or anything, you will have to waive them over several times. If they finally do come over, it is without a smile and no enthusiasm. They will make sure that the client understands their lack of enthusiasm by moving at a snail's pace. Don't order coffee as it will be cold. Also, the guards at the gate will greet you and ask you several questions about how your day is going etc. only to finish by finally asking if you have a present for them (meaning money). Very irritating and has happened multiple times when I come by car. The Golden Tulip hotel is next door, with much better, more professional and modern service (and hot coffee!). Unfortunately I've given up on the Novotel Cotonou after my last visit.

The rate that I paid on the ACCOR ALL app appears to be more expensive than the weekly rate being advertised at the hotel main entrance to the public! Compact hotel with bar, one restaurant and a decent swimming pool. Nothing particularly interesting about this hotel.

Good 👍🏻