The Wheatbaker

The Wheatbaker is a luxury boutique hotel on Onitolo Road in Ikoyi, one of the quieter, leafier residential districts of Lagos. It has been operating for more than a decade and has built its reputation on personal service and on art: the hotel describes itself as art-supporting, and paintings, photographs and sculptures by Nigerian artists are displayed in the public areas, with recent pieces by artists including Olayinka Temilade, Ijele Udodi and Bola Obatuyi.

Its size is a large part of its appeal for travellers who find the city's big convention hotels too busy. Facilities include a swimming pool, a gym and The Wheatbaker Spa.

The GrillRoom is the hotel's restaurant and lounge, serving food and drinks with a lounge area. Kofi, the hotel's signature coffee shop, is a useful spot for breakfast meetings or a quiet coffee.

The Wheatbaker suits business travellers, couples and solo visitors who value privacy and a calmer base, and art lovers who want to see contemporary Nigerian work without leaving the hotel. Families will find the facilities more limited than at the large resort-style hotels. Book directly for the best chance of the room type you want, especially during busy conference weeks, and ask about airport transfers when you reserve, as the journey from the airport can be slow.

Like most hotels in Lagos, room rates can change considerably between quiet weeks and busy conference periods, so it pays to compare dates if your plans are flexible. Check whether breakfast and taxes are included in the rate you are quoted. If you are not staying, the coffee shop and the GrillRoom are good reasons to visit, and they give you a chance to see some of the art on display. Because Ikoyi is largely residential, evenings are quieter than in Victoria Island or Lekki, which many guests see as a benefit after a busy day.

Onitolo Road is a short drive from Awolowo Road, the main shopping and restaurant street of Ikoyi, and from the Lekki-Ikoyi Link Bridge for evenings in Lekki. Victoria Island's business district is close too, traffic permitting. Freedom Park, Tafawa Balewa Square and the museums of Onikan on Lagos Island are within easy reach for sightseeing, and Bogobiri House's live music nights are nearby on Thursdays.