Transcorp Hilton Abuja

The Transcorp Hilton is the hotel most people picture when they think of Abuja. With 667 rooms and suites on Aguiyi Ironsi Street in Maitama, it is a large, full-service hotel that works as much as a meeting place as a place to sleep. Its location puts it close to government offices and businesses, and within easy reach of the restaurants of Maitama and Wuse 2.

The facilities are extensive. There is an outdoor pool, a spa, a fitness centre, tennis, a casino, a business centre and an executive lounge. Food and drink are a big part of the hotel's appeal, with seven outlets: Bukka serves a buffet of traditional Nigerian and continental dishes, Zuma Grill offers a lighter Mediterranean menu overlooking the fountain, and the thatched Fulani Pool Bar grills barbecue beside the pool. The Lobby Bar specialises in whiskies, cocktails and cigars with live music, Capital Bar is a sports bar with live music, the Piano Lounge has a pianist in the evenings, and the Pastry Shop sells cakes, breads and coffee.

For events, the hotel has a Congress Hall that seats around 1,200 people and some 20 meeting rooms, so large conferences are common. That means the lobby can be busy and the atmosphere is more of a city within a city than a quiet retreat. Families are catered for with a playground, cribs and a children's menu.

Check-in is from 15:00 and check-out by 12:00. Self-parking is free for registered guests, while valet parking and standard Wi-Fi carry a charge. The airport is about 42 kilometres away and there is no hotel shuttle, so arrange a transfer or use a taxi or ride-hailing car.

Group bookings of ten to 25 rooms can be made online, which helps wedding parties and delegations, and pets are not allowed. The casino and tennis court are unusual extras for a city-centre hotel and can fill a free evening without leaving the grounds.

Millennium Park is about two kilometres away, the city centre about five, and Aso Rock about six, so the hotel is a convenient base for sightseeing as well as business. Book well ahead when major conferences or state events are taking place in Abuja.