From Zanzibar to Nairobi - four new hotel openings

In recent months, there have been a number of hotel openings in Africa

The Crowne Plaza Nairobi Airport has 144 rooms and a rooftop swimming pool. Courtesy IHG

The tourist market in Africa is driving demand for hotels right across the continent. In recent months, there have been a number of openings – we have put together four of the best of the new properties, from Zanzibar to Nairobi and beyond.

Nigeria’s Lagos welcomes a new Raddison property

Radisson Blu has recently opened its third hotel in Nigeria, and its second in Lagos, the country’s biggest city. Located a few kilometres from Murtala Muhammed International Airport, the Radisson Blu Hotel Lagos Ikeja has 155 rooms ranging from contemporary standard and business class categories. Guests have a choice of two dining options, a specialty steakhouse and an all-day dining restaurant. There’s a 24-hour gym, an outdoor pool and eight meeting rooms within the property. Rates start from $226 per room per night (Dh829), including taxes. For more details, go to www.radissonblu.com.

Luxury resort opens in Zanzibar

Zuri Zanzibar has just opened its beachfront resort in Tanzania, and is fast making its way onto the bucket list for many travellers. The Design Hotels property is 55 kilometres from Zanzibar International Airport, in Kendwa village on the northern coast of Unguja, and has 300 metres of private beach. The 55 bungalows, suites and villas are surrounded by tropical gardens and have uninterrupted views of the coastline. The resort boasts three restaurants, a 32-metre infinity pool, a watersport and dive centre, and a yoga studio and spa. Stays start from US$560 per night (Dh2,056) including taxes. For more information, go to www.zurizanzibar.com.

Crowne Plaza expands its presence into Nairobi

If you’re heading to Kenya, Intercontinental Hotels Group has just opened the Crowne Plaza Nairobi Airport. Located at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, the 144-room hotel is a few minutes from the terminals and offers free pick-up and drop-off services to guests. It is also central to various locations within the city, including the Wilson Airport. The new Crowne property has a fully-equipped business centre, three large meeting rooms and a gym and rooftop pool, which offers a 180-degree view of the grasslands surrounding the Mombasa-Nairobi highway. Rates start from Dh648 per night, including taxes. For more, go to www.ihg.com/crowneplaza/hotels.

Marriott debuts in West Africa

Ghana's Accra Marriott Hotel is the first Marriott International hotel to open in West Africa. The hotel is located opposite the Kotoka International Airport, which makes it true to its moniker as the 'Gateway to West Africa'. The 208-room hotel is situated about seven kilometres from Accra's city centre and has three food and beverage outlets, a pool, fitness centre and business facilities. Rates start from Dh1,182 per night, including taxes. For more information, go to www.marriott.com.