It is obvious that the entry of Legend Hotel Lagos Airport Curio Collection by Hilton has changed the face of hospitality business in Ikeja and Lagos. In this interview, PETER IDOKO, general manager of the hotel, speaks to OBINNA EMELIKE.
No doubt, Legend Hotel Lagos Airport Curio Collection by Hilton has changed the hospitality landscape of Lagos since inception. How has it been since then? t has been an amazing journey from the day of the opening up till now. Legend Hotel Lagos Airport, Curio Collection by Hilton, is an oasis in the bustling city of Lagos. The hotel’s unrivalled location, which is a short drive, and indeed, within walking distance to the international airport terminal and only 5km from the domestic terminal, has been acclaimed perfect for corporate and leisure travelers alike. Being a Hilton brand and with the advantage of the awardwinning Hilton Honors program has helped in the acceptability and growth of our hotel. As envisaged, we have truly become the convenient hub for travelers in and through Lagos.
Are there specific achievements in your first year of operation?
It has been an upward trajectory. We have brought into Ikeja and specifically the Lagos Airport area an elevated level of hospitality. Many people now know our hotel brand and location. Our guest satisfaction ratings are quite high as can be seen on various review sites. On the human side of things, we have built a great team of hospitality professionals, many of whom have benefited from local and international training and development.
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How are the Nigerian guests responding to the Curio brand and foreigners as well?
Curio – A Collection by Hilton is a global set of upscale and luxury hotels, each handpicked for its distinctive character. We have welcomed a wide range of guests and with every individual visit, the response has been that of utmost satisfaction and fulfilling experience. We have been able to provide that unique service that remains memorable to both Nigerian and foreign guests. We are able to tap into Curio Collection by Hilton’s “Curious Gene” a programme that explores curiosity as travel.
Are guests beginning to take advantage of the world-class facilities and service offerings, especially the hassle- free immigration facilities to boost seamless travel experience while in the hotel?
Yes indeed! Our Flight Support Lounge within the hotel has become the ideal waiting area for travelers, as well as, in-house guests. It is a space to wait for flights while being provided the comfort, convenience and experience of the Legend outlets of hotel and flight support. Because of this, our unique “Day Use Plus Package”, is in great demand by travelers or people transiting who need a place to wait, relax and unwind.
At the inception, you had a target market, has it changed and is there a segment you will rather appeal to?
We haven’t changed our target market. We have only enlarged it. We have added a few meeting facilities, which means that we can welcome not just individual travelers but also meeting guests. We are happy to welcome all guests into our hotel. In line with your one year operation milestone, are there activities to celebrate it and is Hilton still celebrating its 100 years in operation? Celebrating 100 years in business cannot be done in a short time because it is a huge accomplishment that we a grateful to be a part of. With one successful year of operations under our belt, we are using this period to let the public know more about this oasis in Lagos and that we aim to be in the frontline of hospitality in Lagos.
So far, is Hilton Worldwide impressed with the Lagos Airport Curio Collection and are there other Curio Collections in the pipeline?
Our Vice President for Africa & Indian Ocean will be visiting us shortly. I will let him answer this then.
You have achieved despite challenges, what are these challenges and possible suggestions to tackle them?
We have had a fair share of the collective challenges that businesses in our location have, but we have been able to surmount them with the collective help of the ownership, leadership and team of Legend Hotel Lagos Airport, Curio Collection by Hilton.
