BON Hotel Transtell Residence Asaba

The Wi-Fi and my mobile data were both weak during my stay. I didn’t get a chance to try the complimentary breakfast, so I can’t comment on it. The deluxe room was simple but tastefully arranged and a comfortable standard size. It had a damp smell when I entered, and the liquid soap and shampoo dispensers were empty. The bathroom was clean, and the shower pressure was excellent. The hotel is in a quiet, secure area, a calm place to unwind after a busy day in Asaba. There’s ample parking, and it’s close to Asaba International Airport. Despite the issues, I had a pleasant and comfortable stay. Better room freshness, stocked amenities, and more reliable Wi-Fi could make it a top choice for calm and convenience in Asaba.

The whole situation left me feeling intimidated and unsafe. I checked into Executive Suite Room 317 on 10th December. At check-in, I specifically asked whether smoking was allowed in the sitting room and was told yes, so I stayed on that understanding. On 12th December, around 11am, a short fair man whose office is on the same floor knocked and said there was a smoking charge on my room. I wasn’t smoking then. I explained that I had smoked earlier, after being given permission, and said I’d stop immediately if it was now an issue. He left. I went out for my program and returned after 10pm. A little after 11pm, while I was in my room with my guest, another man knocked. He introduced himself as Mr. Ezekiel and said my room had been charged for smoking. I’d extended my stay at reception less than 30 minutes earlier, and nobody mentioned a charge there. Having someone come to my door late at night over this felt strange and unprofessional. I tried to leave that night and find somewhere else, but couldn’t, so I asked to check out first thing in the morning. At checkout, the front desk lady said her manager had instructed her to charge ₦100,000, although the hotel policy states ₦50,000. When I asked to see the manager, she said Mr. Ezekiel was the manager. I was told any remaining balance would be refunded within 7 days, but I’m still waiting for it. This felt like a coordinated attempt by hotel staff to extort money from guests. I was given permission to smoke, then faced late-night knocks, conflicting charges, and an inflated penalty. It was stressful and unacceptable, and I’d strongly advise potential guests to be careful.

When I arrived at the motel for my three-day stay, they had no record of the room I’d booked in advance. They wouldn’t answer the phone to confirm the reservation with Expedia and asked me for more money to secure it. The place looked nothing like the pictures, and lots of people were hanging around. I felt unsafe and scammed.

The atmosphere is comfortable and pleasant, and the rooms are clean. There’s plenty of parking and the food is good. For a lower price than a standard 3-star hotel, this could easily pass for an upscale 3-star place. I highly recommend it.