Sofitel Cotonou Marina Hotel & Spa

We arrived to find only one room available, even though our reservation was for five. The hotel couldn't fix the problem, so we had to find another place ourselves. I wouldn't recommend staying here if you need a room to be available when you arrive.

The room's cigarette smell was the main reason for the two stars. The staff at Ibis Cotonou were very friendly and helpful, and breakfast was decent. Outside, the paint is peeling off the building, which makes it look shabby.

For more than 100 USD a night, I expected more comfort and service. The rooms are extremely basic, with no kettle, slippers, or bathrobe. Housekeeping was hit or miss: toiletries weren't refilled properly, towels weren't always replaced, and once the bathmat was taken without a new one being left. The 12 USD breakfast was disappointing too. There wasn't much choice, eggs and cheese could go unreplenished for a long time, and the coffee was so watered down it was almost undrinkable. There are some real conveniences: Ibis Cotonou is close to the airport, a shopping mall, restaurants, and sights like the Amazon statue. Sharing a secure compound with Novotel felt reassuring, and the free hourly airport shuttle was useful. The room was an acceptable size for one person, and the small fridge came in handy in Cotonou's heat. Still, the limited amenities, inconsistent housekeeping, and weak breakfast make it poor value for the price.

A good option for business travelers, and I'd still recommend it. The rooms are neat and clean, though they could use renovation. I would have liked more breakfast choices.