De Grand Hotel and Rooftop

The staff were really friendly and helpful, and the bar and pool area had a lively feel. I had a great stay at De Grand Hotel, though it can get a bit noisy. Bring earplugs if you’re planning an early night.

I’d planned to stay all four nights, but left after the first. The smell of ibo(weed) is gag-inducing. The rooftop was uncomfortable to use because so many shady-looking guys were smoking there, and they also had loud fights at night.

Clean and homely, with courteous service and a well-kept feel. Highly recommend it.

It’s a fairly new hotel in a very quiet part of Calabar. The rooftop is relaxing, with a great view across the municipal area, and the calm greenery up there feels scenic and meditative. The rooms and bathrooms are spacious and thoughtfully laid out, though there are small annoyances. A carpet stops the bathroom door from opening properly, and gaps under the balcony doors let mosquitoes in a few times. The space still feels welcoming. The staff are friendly and always smiling, which makes guests feel comfortable when they arrive. Room service could use more training. When I ordered chips and eggs, the server brought them with ketchup sprinkled over the food. Ketchup should come on the side in a little container, since not everyone wants it on their chips. There are clear no-smoking signs in the rooms, with a fine listed, but I could still smell what seemed like hemp in the corridors. It may be coming from the group of young men often staying there, and management should address it. For the price and location, it’s a good hotel.