In the second qurater of 2009, the Nigerian hospitality sector welcomed a new entrant. Then, the sector was in need of fresh offerings, especially in Lagos where most guests were tired of the then cluster of hotels in Victoria Island.
Again, guests were also complaining of overpriced rooms across hotels in the Victoria Island axis. But the berthing of Southern Sun in Ikoyi, another highbrow area of Lagos, made a difference. From the introduction of exciting offerings, weekend rates, Sunday Brunch, fusion of international menu with native offerings to many other packages, the South African branded hotel was truly a game changer in the Lagos hotel business and the Nigerian hospitality sector at large.
Most hoteliers in Lagos then and even until now accuse Southern Sun Ikoyi Hotel of crashing room rates in Lagos. Of course, the crashing or rather right pricing and offering of value for money offerings further wooed more guests to the hotel.
This year, Southern Sun Ikoyi Hotel is marking 10 years since opening its doors to the discerning public and also changing the norm in the business in Lagos.
For 10 years, the hotel, which is previously known as the “Old Ikoyi Hotel” has changed and is still changing the dynamics of hospitality standards within Nigeria through its innovations, consistency in maintaining and delivery exceptional services through its enthusiastic staff imbibed with a penchant for maintaining high standards in all department. Southern Sun Ikoyi is truly revered as the leading lodging for business and relaxation offerings in Nigeria.
In celebrating 10 years of operating within the heart of Ikoyi in the busy Lagos Metropolis, Southern Sun Ikoyi hosted many events. One of them was a cocktail evening where it hosted friends, clients, guests and distinguished members within Lagos State to celebrate the decade milestone achievement.
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The dignitaries at the event included; Darkey Ephraim Africa, Consul General of the South African Consulate General, Lateef Abiru, chief whip, Lagos State House of Assembly, Olusegun Ogunsanya, managing director/CEO, Airtel Networks Limited, among many others. The event was a gathering of stalwarts from across the Lagos business community in celebrating an iconic brand and destination, which has evolved over the years into a unique destination buoyed with class, prestige and excellent culinary services.
As well, Southern Sun Ikoyi is truly revered as the leading lodging for business and relaxation offerings in Nigeria.
Famed for its unblemished excellence in hospitality and innovative services, Southern Sun Ikoyi prides itself as the industry standard for exceptional culinary and hospitality offerings having won numerous local and international accolades for distinction, more than many of its contemporaries. Over the years, these celebrated awards include; Trip Advisor Certificate of Excellence Hall of fame recognition 2018, Trip Advisor Certificate of Excellence in 2010 -2015, Top 100 Travel companies in West Africa 2016, Top 50 Restaurants in West Africa 2016, Traveler’s Choice Award 2011-2017, Trip Advisor Hall of Fame Award 2015, West African Tourism Hospitality Awards (WATHAWARDS 2012) ‘Best Fine Dining Restaurant 2012, International Hotel Awards (IHL) UK ‘Best Hotel Nigeria 2013/2014 African Region, International Hotel Awards (IHL) UK “Best Hotel in Africa 2012/2013 to mention a few.
Speaking at the commemoration cocktail, Mark Loxley, general manager, Southern Sun Ikoyi, expressed gratitude to the guests for gracing the occasion with their presence, as it showcases the unwavering commitment by these Key stakeholders who have consistently supported the journey of the Southern Sun Ikoyi brand over the past 10 years.
“We will also us this medium to appreciate the support of the management team members and stakeholders, whose fantastic support has allowed the hotel to be positioned as a prominent member within the hotel community in Lagos and has also allowed us a business to take pride and position as a true 4-star internationally branded hotel within the Nigerian Industry”, Loxley said.
Loxley also noted that the concerted efforts in the ongoing staff trainings and development has always been core within Southern Sun Ikoyi’s mandate in ensuring that the human capital within the hotel is maximized to the fullest extent, which has further allowed for a great and consistent service culture to be extended to all the Hotel’s guests.
He used the medium to shareupdates on the recent renovations embarked by the Hotel across its rooms in upgrading its fittings, rugs and other resources which were all sourced by local vendors in promoting local trade patronage and ensuring that guests have a memorable experience at the Hotel.
Also speaking at the occasion, Ernest Orji, director, Southern Sun Ikoyi, recalled the unique opportunity afforded him in playing a role in reviving the then decrepit Ikoyi Hotel and the transformation into the new Southern Sun Ikoyi, forged by the strategic partnership with the Tsogo Sun Hotels.
Orji used the medium to appreciate the highly esteemed customers of the hotel, who through their patronage have and positive reviews have ensured that Southern Sun Ikoyi has remained a choice destination and most especially, the fantastic staff and their work ethic, which has consistently kept Southern Sun Ikoyi as the best performing hotel in Lagos.
