Escape to Paradise: BON Hotel Smith City Awka - Your Awka Getaway Awaits!
Escape to Paradise: BON Hotel Smith City Awka - Your Awka Getaway Awaits!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups! Because I'm about to take you on a slightly chaotic, gloriously opinionated, and very honest tour of Escape to Paradise: BON Hotel Smith City Awka. Forget the polished brochures; we're diving into the real deal. And trust me, after this deep dive, you'll either be scrambling to book a room or quietly running for the hills. Let's find out!
First Impressions (Or, "Did I Survive the Drive?")
Right, so Awka. Traffic. Need I say more? But the minute I pulled up to BON Hotel Smith City, a collective sigh of relief escaped my lips. Finally, a decent-looking oasis in the middle of… well, Awka. The exterior isn't stunning, mind you, but it's clean, modern-ish, and crucially, welcoming. The car park [free of charge] was a godsend, especially after navigating the aforementioned traffic. And yes, they had a car park [on-site] too, which is always a good sign, you know, just in case the freebie fills up.
Accessibility: A Quick Reality Check
Before we get lost in the fluffy towels and delicious food (we will get to the food!), let's talk turkey. Accessibility. This is where things get a little… complicated. While the hotel claims to have facilities for disabled guests, I didn't see any specific details online to determine how accessible the whole place is, so you would probably want to call and confirm beforehand. I also didn't see information about wheelchair accessible features, so it's probably not the best place to be if you require full accessibility. Elevator? Yes! That's a good start for sure.
Checking In (Or, My First Encounter With Nigerian Efficiency)
The front desk [24-hour] is a lifesaver. Believe me, after a long journey, you want someone there to get you checked in ASAP. The check-in was relatively smooth, which is always a win. They have Contactless check-in/out, which, hey, in this current climate, I'll take it. A solid start.
The Room: My Personal Haven (Or, "Where's My Damn Coffee?")
My room? Pretty darn good, actually. Comfortable bed, a decent-sized desk (crucial for late-night email binges), and thankfully, air conditioning that actually works (a MUST in Nigeria). The air conditioning in public area did the job too. The interconnecting room(s) available could be great for families, or a bunch of friends. The bathroom was clean, with a shower that offered hot water!!! The bathtub looked inviting, but I chickened out.
There were a few minor gripes, though. The coffee/tea maker in the room had some issues and my complimentary tea was a little, well, basic. But hey, I'm not judging. Good slippers were offered, so I gave them a pass. Oh yeah, and the blackout curtains were clutch. Slept like a baby after a long day.
Important Room Features:
- Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! (Hallelujah!)
- Free bottled water (Always a plus).
- A safe box to stash your valuables.
- Hair dryer (thank the heavens!)
Internet: The Digital Lifeline (Or, "Am I Still Connected?")
Let's be honest, in the 21st century, Wi-Fi is as important as the air we breathe. The Internet access – wireless worked perfectly in my room, and I found it great the Wi-Fi [free] thing, everywhere! I didn't test the Internet [LAN] but it was available.
Food & Drink: My Personal Paradise (Or, "Where's the Next Meal?!)
This is where the hotel really shines. The restaurants: I’m not even joking, the food was incredible!
- The Buffet: The breakfast buffet in the restaurant was a feast! Fresh fruit, pastries – the whole shebang.
- The Bar: A great spot for pre-dinner drinks. The poolside bar looked tempting, but I never actually made it.
- Restaurants: The A la carte in restaurant menu was great, with plenty of international and local options. I loved the Asian cuisine in restaurant!
- The Snacks: The snack bar was perfect for a quick bite by the pool – just what I needed.
- Room Service: I availed of the 24-hour room service, and the food arrived surprisingly quickly! A life-saver after a ridiculously long day.
- The Important Extras: Bottles of water were readily available, and the coffee/tea in the restaurant was decent.
A Quick Note on the Food Safety Stuff:
I'm a bit of a germaphobe, so it's worth noting that the hotel seemed to take cleanliness seriously. They had Daily disinfection in common areas and sanitized kitchen and tableware items. Plus, there were hand sanitizer stations everywhere, and you could choose to have Rooms sanitized between stays.
Ways to Relax (Because You Need To)
Okay, so, after a long day of Awka adventures, you'll want to unwind. Well, BON Hotel Smith City has options, and they're pretty great.
- Swimming pool: The swimming pool [outdoor] was gorgeous, and the pool with view was serene. A perfect spot to chill and recharge.
- Spa: Unfortunately, I didn't get a chance to enjoy the Spa, Sauna and/or Steamroom, but the thought of a massage sounded amazing – total relaxation.
- Fitness Center: They also have a gym/fitness.
Things to Do (Beyond Lounging by the Pool)
Awka and the surrounding area aren't exactly bursting with attractions, but it's a surprisingly good spot to do a little sightseeing.
- Meeting/banquet facilities and meetings, the hotel is well-equipped for seminars.
- On-site event hosting
- Outdoor venue for special events
- Xerox/fax in business center
- Business facilities
These all make the hotel a great candidate for work or leisure.
Cleanliness and Safety (Because We Need to Talk About It)
Okay, let's be real. When you're traveling, you want to feel safe. BON Hotel gets a thumbs up in this area. They appeared to take Cleanliness and safety seriously.
- Staff trained in safety protocol.
- Anti-viral cleaning products.
- Rooms sanitized between stays.
- Hand sanitizer everywhere.
- First aid kit available.
- Doctor/nurse on call.
- Security [24-hour], CCTV in and outside property, smoke alarms, and fire extinguishers.
Services and Conveniences (The Little Things That Matter)
- Air conditioning in public area (YES!)
- Concierge (Helpful!)
- Currency exchange (Useful!)
- Daily housekeeping (Thank you, kind cleaners!)
- Laundry service (Again, a lifesaver!)
- Luggage storage (Always appreciated!)
- Car park [free of charge] (More parking wins!)
- Taxi service (Easy transport!)
- Dry cleaning (For fancy dresses!)
For the Kids (Bring the Little Ones?)
- Babysitting service available.
- Kids facilities available.
- Family/child friendly!
Getting Around (Because You'll Need To)
- Airport transfer.
- Car park [free of charge].
- Car park [on-site].
- Taxi service.
My Overall Verdict (The Honest Truth)
BON Hotel Smith City Awka? Surprisingly good. It's a solid choice for a comfortable stay, especially if accessibility isn't a major concern, and some minor imperfections are not an issue. The food is great, the rooms are comfortable, and the staff are friendly. Will I be back? Most definitely. And you should consider it, too!
Now, let's get you hooked!
Escape to Paradise: BON Hotel Smith City Awka - Your Awka Getaway Awaits!
Tired of the usual hustle? Craving an escape? Then you've got to experience BON Hotel Smith City Awka!
Here's Why You NEED to Book NOW:
- Unwind in Comfort: Sink into a plush bed, enjoy free high-speed Wi-Fi, and let our impeccable service take care of the rest. Picture yourself relaxing by the pool, or maybe indulging in an affordable and decadent meal!
- Foodie Heaven: Seriously, the food here is AMAZING. From hearty breakfasts to international delights, our restaurants will tantalize your taste
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because we're about to unpack my Awka adventure – the BON Hotel Smith City edition. Honestly, just the name alone makes me feel like I'm about to be interviewed by a sassy robot. This itinerary? Let’s just say it's less "rigidly planned" and more "suggestion box with a dash of chaos."
Day 1: Awakening in Awka (or, the Mystery of the Missing Towel)
- Morning (7:00 AM -ish): Wake up. Or, more accurately, try to. The "Do Not Disturb" sign is still up from the previous occupant… I'm starting to question the life choices of the person who thought that was a good idea. Okay, gotta get the day started. Actually, I'll just lie here for a few minutes.
- 7:30 AM: Okay, now up. Shower. Oh, sweet Jesus, where’s the towel? I'm rummaging through the bathroom like a hungry badger. Eventually, I find… a hand towel. A hand towel! I’m a six-foot-tall human being, people! This isn't going to cover… well, anything! Soaking wet, I'm forced to do that awkward air-dry-in-front-of-the-AC shuffle. Glamorous, I am not.
- 8:30 AM: Breakfast at the BON Hotel restaurant - It's a buffet! I love a buffet. I pile my plate high with everything that looks vaguely edible. The jollof rice is… well, let's just say it's a taste. The omelet guy is an artist, though. He's making these things faster than I can eat them. A solid breakfast.
- 9:30 AM: Meeting. I think. Honestly, I’m already fuzzy on the details. My brain is still running on hand-towel-dry mode. I vaguely recall someone talking about projects and targets. I nod, I smile, I pretend to understand. I think I made a note to follow up on something. Good job, me.
- Afternoon (1:00 PM): Lunch. Back at the BON restaurant. Okay, second try. This time I get the jollof rice! It's better, I think. Or maybe I'm just really hungry. I make small talk with some colleagues. I’m starting to feel more human.
- Afternoon (3:00 PM): Walk around Awka. Okay, this is amazing. I'm a city slicker, and I love the bustle of Awka. It's chaos, sure, but it's a beautiful chaos. The market! The colors, the smells, the sheer energy! I could get lost in there for hours. I buy a weird-looking fruit from a lady who insists it will "change my life." I eat it. I'm not changed, but it's tasty.
- Evening (6:00 PM): Back to the hotel. I decide to hit the pool, but it's filled with way too many kids for my liking. I retreat indoors. I'm in need of internet to be able to relax at the hotel properly. The Wi-Fi is as reliable as a politician's promise. I give up.
- 7:00 PM: Dinner. I opt for something simple at the hotel. Chicken and chips. Comfort food is needed after the Wi-Fi trauma.
- 8:00 PM: Attempt to unwind. Try to watch TV. The channels are limited, and the signal's questionable. I give up and go to bed. I pray for a full-sized towel in the morning.
Day 2: Discoveries and Disasters (Mostly Disasters, Honestly)
- Morning (7:00 AM): Wake up. Towel situation still unresolved. Sigh.
- 8:00 AM: Breakfast, round two. Omelet guy rules. Jollof rice is growing on me.
- 9:00 AM: More meetings. I'm starting to get a grasp on things, I think. I'm definitely nodding with more conviction.
- Afternoon (1:00 PM): Lunch. Jollof rice again… feeling like a true Awka local now.
- Afternoon (2:00 PM): Decide to venture out again. I want to delve into the local culture. I find a small art gallery. Some beautiful sculptures in this gallery. The colours and the craftsmanship are astounding. I chat up the owner (an absolute character, by the way… a real font of stories). The owner also pointed out a little place that does really good local food.
- Afternoon (6:00 PM): The food! Oh, the food. I found the place! The best food I’ve had in ages. I'm talking spicy, flavorful, unforgettable. I'm practically weeping with happiness.
- Evening (8:00 PM): Back to the hotel, utterly stuffed. The satisfaction is overwhelming. Decide to take a walk around the hotel. The BON hotel had so much potential, it just feels a little dated. There are cracks in the walls. But again, the service is great, so I can't complain too much.
Day 3: Departure (and a Prayer for a Normal-Sized Towel)
- Morning (7:00 AM): You know the drill. The towel is still… well, you get it.
- 8:00 AM: Last breakfast. One last omelet. A fond farewell to the jollof.
- 9:00 AM: Packing. This is my least favorite part of any trip. I try to cram all my stuff into the suitcase. Realize I probably should've done laundry. Whatever.
- 10:00 AM: Check out. They actually offer me a full-sized towel! (Maybe they saw me on the security footage…)
- 10:30 AM: Travel. Time to leave Awka. It was a whirlwind – the good, the bad, the hand towels. But a good one. I got to experience a city I loved, met some amazing people, and ate some seriously amazing food.
- 11:00 AM: Travel. Time to depart. Onto the next adventure. I'm already planning my return. Hopefully, next time, with a full-sized towel already in place.
BON Hotel Smith City Awka: The Verdict
It's a mixed bag, let's be real. The hotel itself is…well, it’s got character. The Wi-Fi is a cruel joke. But the staff are fantastic, and that breakfast omelet is worth its weight in gold. Awka itself? Absolutely amazing! The chaos, the culture, the food… I give it a solid 8/10, hand towel situation notwithstanding. Would I go back? Absolutely. Just maybe with my own towel this time. And a translator app. And possibly a small supply of snacks. And… okay, I'm over-thinking this.
KL Mont Kiara Family Condo: 8-9 Pax, Chinese Host! 🎉
Escape to Paradise: BON Hotel Smith City Awka - Your Awka Getaway Awaits! ...Or Does It? (Let's Find Out!)
Look, I'm not gonna lie, I was *slightly* skeptical. "Paradise" in Awka? My brain immediately conjured images of dust devils and questionable plumbing. But curiosity got the better of me (and a serious craving for a weekend away), so here's the lowdown, folks, straight from the trenches, raw and unfiltered.
Okay, spill the tea. Is this place *really* paradise? Or just a slightly fancier roadside motel?
Alright, alright, settle down. "Paradise" might be a bit much. Let's call it…an *oasis* within Awka. Bon Hotel? They're trying, bless their hearts. The lobby? Pretty swanky, I'll give them that. Huge chandelier, plush couches – definitely a step up from the average roadside motel. But paradise? Well, the devil's in the details, isn’t it? More on *that* later. Let's just say it’s a solid "above average" with potential for greatness. My expectations were low, and I was *pleasantly* surprised… mostly.
What's the *vibe* like? Is it more "business trip" or "romantic getaway"?
Okay, the vibe… it's a bit… complicated. I saw a lot of business types glued to their laptops in the lobby, but there were also couples sneaking glances and holding hands. I'd say it leans towards "business traveler" during the week, but weekends? Definitely a chance for a little romance, *especially* if you're good at ignoring the conference calls happening in the background. Seriously, I overheard a guy discussing quarterly projections while trying to eat a salad. Multitasking level: pro. My suggestion: go for a Sunday. Less corporate drone, more chilled-out vibes. Just avoid the restaurant during peak cocktail hour, or you’ll be dodging briefcases and power suits.
Let's talk rooms. Are we talking cramped prison cell or luxurious suite?
Alright, the rooms. This is where things get… interesting. I opted for a "Deluxe" room (splurged a little – treat yo'self, right?). The good? Spacious! Plenty of room to spread out, which is crucial if, like me, you tend to accumulate random piles of stuff. The bed? Comfy! I slept like a log. The not-so-good? Well, let's just say the soundproofing could be improved. I heard a surprisingly detailed conversation about someone's "unruly beard" late one night. And the air conditioning? A bit of a temperamental diva. It loved to blast the arctic breeze at 3 AM. Bring earplugs and a sweater, just in case. Seriously. They’re your friends.
The Food. Is it any good? Because let's be honest, hotel food can be a gamble.
Oh, the food. This is where I teetered between "Wow, unexpectedly good!" and "Well, that was… an experience." The breakfast buffet? Standard fare, but the omelet station was a lifesaver. I'm a sucker for a made-to-order omelet. Lunch and dinner? Hit or miss. The jollof rice? Actually pretty decent! The pasta? Let’s just say it wasn't exactly *al dente*. One night, I bravely ordered the pepper soup (because when in Awka, right?). It was... fiery. Tears streamed down my face, in a good way, though. My advice? Stick to the local dishes, embrace the spice, and maybe order a bottle of water… or two.
The Pool! Did you brave it? Was it filled with questionable substances?
The pool! Yes! Okay, deep breath. I'm a pool person. I need my daily dip. And honestly, the pool area was pretty darn nice. Clean, well-maintained (as far as I could tell), and a decent size. I saw zero floaty things that shouldn't be there. The water temperature? Perfect. Bonus points for the poolside bar! Now, the *service* at the poolside bar... that's a story for another day. Let's just say patience is a virtue, and the cocktails were worth the wait. Sunbathing? Bliss. Just remember your sunscreen. The Awka sun is… strong. Seriously. Apply liberally. (I learned the hard way, with a very angry sunburn, the first day.)
So, about that "service"... Any horror stories? (Or actually, good stories would be great too!)
Okay, the service. This is the *one* area where Bon Hotel has some serious work to do. Look, everyone was *trying*. I got that vibe. But sometimes, the execution was… lacking. Orders got mixed up. Requests were forgotten. But! And this is important! The staff were generally friendly and well-meaning. I'd rather deal with a slightly disorganized but cheerful person than a surly one any day. One highlight: I needed something – now, if I recall, it was an extra pillow – and it took what felt like an eternity, but when it arrived, the guy who brought it *apologized profusely*. And he was genuinely apologetic! That *felt* nice. That makes a difference. Okay, okay, maybe the pillow took about an hour, but he was polite, and I got my pillow! That goes a long way in my book. And I did get a free drink at the bar to make up for the wait. Score!
Location, location, location! Is it actually in a convenient spot?
Okay, location. Smith City is... well, it's Awka. You're not exactly stumbling distance from Times Square. But, from what I understand (I'm not a local), it's relatively central. Easy enough for taxis to get around. The hotel itself is on a main road, so getting in and out's a breeze. You'll probably need to use cabs or private cars to get around. I did hear some murmurs about traffic but I missed that. The main point is that you’re not stranded in the boonies. And that, my friends, is a win.
Anything else I should know? Hidden gems? Horrible warnings?
Okay, the final verdict! This is where I give you the real deal. Hidden gem? The pool! Honestly, it elevates the whole experience. Horrible warning? The soundproofing. Pack those earplugs, people! Overall? Bon Hotel Smith City Awka is a mixed bag. It has its quirks. It has its flaws. But it also has potential! It's a decent option for a weekend getaway or a business trip. Just go in with realistic expectations, a sense of humor, and a healthy dose ofInstant Hotel Search
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