Novotel Abidjan

Old rooms but could try harder

Good location for business. Food good.

I read the reviews before choosing hotels and the main thing seemed to be that the rooms were old. I figured that was ok, and I had been warned. Still it’s a shame that the hotel does not try harder to make the rooms welcoming. For starters the room smelled damp, given that this is a humid place I figured “fair enough” The bed looked as though someone had recently slept in it and hastily made it. The bedcover seemed old and not so fresh. When I looked under the sheets they looked clean. But clean as though they had been washed by your roommate and not properly ironed. The pillows look like the old pillows you have at home but which, for whatever reason, you don’t get rid of. Still I slept well, the bed was comfortable. Looking around the next day there are small things that the hotel could do to make it feel more welcoming, maybe a welcome note on the bed, a fresh fruit. Also they could change the brochure with the “Room directory” that is set on the table which doesn’t need to be old and used. The towels in the bathroom are worn out, and look like there’s an “N” inscribed on them with a marker (on closer inspection it looks like the “N” was sown). And why is my used towel hanging on the shower curtain rod, why can’t it be on the towel rack?... The bathtub is awkward, with the faucet coming on the side, and the shower hose bending around it, getting in the way. There are two shower head holders. Why not put the faucet behind the bathtub and put the shower head in a more convenient place and on a pole so that I can adjust the height of the shower head? Regarding overall hotel amenities, they are basic, I did not try the gym or the pool, but the reception area and bar are ok if small. The food is good, good variety at the buffet at each meal. I ordered a la carte and it was also quite good. Finally, the internet connection is painfully slow, during my 4 day stay I was barely able to get anything done. To the hotel staff: it’s great that you are renovating on the 6th and 7th floor, but in the meantime, and for the rest of the rooms, please try a little harder…