Coming to Lagos soon, Where to Stay in Lagos Nigeria: Hotels versus Shortlet Apartments. When staying in Lagos, the best options are hotels, shortlet apartments, and rental apartments.
The recommended accommodation and apartment type will vary depending on the length of your stay, the location, and whether or not you will be living with a roommate. In this article, we will introduce the features of each depending on the length of your stay.
Where to Stay in Lagos Nigeria: Hotels versus Shortlet Apartments
Short stays of less than one month: Hotel/business hotel or Airbnb

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Hotel Stay Features
Comfort and convenience
Hotels offer many services, such as daily cleaning, changing of sheets and towels, room service, and in-house restaurants, making your stay comfortable. Another advantage is that amenities such as towels, shampoo, body soap, and toothbrushes are also provided. Many hotels are located near major tourist destinations or in areas with good transportation access, making them ideal for both business and leisure travelers.
Diverse options
There is a wide range of hotel options to suit all tastes and budgets, from luxurious five-star hotels to budget-friendly business hotels.
Airbnb
Experience the local culture
Shortlets allow you to stay in properties in residential areas, from traditional Nigerian houses to modern apartments, giving you an experience that immerses you in life in Nigeria.
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Suitable for families and groups
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Airbnb accommodations are especially convenient for families and groups, as they often offer kitchen facilities and large living areas.
Resident registration cannot be obtained at hotels (excluding some long-term stay hotels) or Airbnb.
Mid-term stay: one month or more but less than one year: Shortlet apartment or serviced apartment
The appeal of shortlet apartments and serviced apartments is that they do not require brokerage fees that are typically required for long-term rentals, and there is no income check. In addition, furniture, home appliances, and internet are usually included in the rent, so you can start living there immediately after arriving.
The initial and moving-out costs are minimal, there is no need for detailed contracts that are required in regular rental contracts, furniture and appliances are provided, and a guarantor is often not required. Shortlet rent may be more expensive than long-term rental apartments.
There are shortlet apartments and serviced apartments with concierge services in big cities such as Lagos , Abuja, and PortHarcourt, but there are almost no apartments with concierge services in regional cities. It will be difficult to find a place to stay other than a hotel from abroad before coming to Nigeria. Also, most shortlet apartments and serviced apartments in Nigeria are for single and family people. There is a high supply of rooms with two or more separate bedrooms, so they are easy to find.
In most cases, you may be required to fill out a “Know Your Client” (KYC) form, as a resident in a shortlet apartment or service apartment.
Shortlet apartment
Good value for money
Shortlet apartments are a cost-effective option for stays lasting several months. In most cases, minimum rental periods are available for reservations of one month or more. Shortlet apartments often come equipped with furniture, cooking utensils, and other necessities, making them convenient for medium-term stays. Additionally, utilities such as electricity, air conditioning, and internet usage are often included in the rent.
A lively atmosphere
In a short-term let apartment, you can prepare your own meals and interact with the local residents. This can be a much different experience than staying in a hotel.
Shortlet apartment in central Lagos
Furnished serviced apartments available for short-term rental, non-English-speaking, foreigners welcome
Serviced Apartments
Concierge Service
Apartments that provide services are the best of both worlds: They are private and roomy like an apartment but have the amenities of a hotel.
They often offer housekeeping (for no additional fee), front desk service, and sometimes amenities such as a gym or swimming pool. And like shortlet apartments, utilities such as electricity, air conditioning, and internet are often included in the rent.
Perfect for business travelers
Ideal for business travelers staying for several months, they offer the spaciousness of an apartment with the services of a hotel.
Stays of a year or more are called long-term rentals. They usually cost more than short-term rentals.
Long-term rental properties can be furnished or unfurnished, and in some cases may even come with appliances installed.
If you are only considering the rent, a long-term rental is more economical than a short-term rental if you are staying for more than a year.
Another advantage of a long-term rental is that you can bring in furniture from overseas or buy new ones, so you can choose your own interior and get what you want.
You may be able to keep your utility bills down, as you only pay for what you use, and long-term rental properties often have larger floor plans than short-term properties.
Furnished long-term rental property
Ready to move in
Furnished apartments come fully equipped with all the necessary furniture and appliances, so you only need to bring your personal belongings with you.
They are ideal for expatriates and long-term residents who want to avoid the hassle of buying furniture.
Flexible contracts
These apartments often offer flexible rental agreements to suit the needs of international residents who don’t have fixed long-term plans.
Unfurnished long-term rental property
Customization
Unfurnished apartments offer the opportunity to customize your living space to your own tastes, making them ideal for those planning an extended stay in Nigeria and wanting to create a personal living environment.
Lower shortlet costs
Although the initial setup costs may be higher due to the need to purchase furniture and appliances, the long-term rent for an unfurnished apartment is generally lower than that of a furnished one. Some properties may even have appliances already installed. Also, in the case of long-term rentals, the rental contract often stipulates that if you cancel within one year of the start of the contract, you will have to pay one month’s rent as a penalty for short-term cancellation.
For this reason, long-term rentals are recommended for those who plan to stay for more than one year.
Utility expenses, etc.
In typical long-term rental properties, utility bills such as electricity, gas, and water are not included in the rent, so you only pay for what you use, which is very reasonable.
Conclusion:
Choosing where to stay in Nigeria should depend on the length of your stay and the type of lifestyle you want to live. Hotels and Shortlet apartments are great for short-term stays. For medium-term stays, shortlet apartments and serviced apartments offer cost and convenience. For longer stays, furnished or unfurnished rental properties offer a comfortable living space. Carefully considering these options will ensure a comfortable and enjoyable stay in Nigeria.