Luxury Escapes Await: ELOGIA Hotel, Lomé, Togo

Luxury Escapes Await: ELOGIA Hotel, Lomé, Togo
Luxury Escapes Await: ELOGIA Hotel, Lomé, Togo - A Deep Dive into the Good, the Bad, and the Slightly Bizarre
Alright, buckle up, buttercups! We're diving deep into the ELOGIA Hotel in Lomé, Togo. This isn't your sanitized, perfectly polished hotel review. This is the real deal, complete with my own slightly chaotic, often hilarious, and definitely opinionated take. Luxury Escapes? Let's see if this place truly lives up to the name…and if it survives the relentless scrutiny of my inner critic.
Okay, let’s start with the basics, the stuff that's supposed to work, right?
Accessibility: Now, I'm not exactly a mobility expert, but I did take a good look around. The hotel mentions accessibility, but… well, let's just say it's not exactly screaming "wheelchair paradise." I saw elevators, which is a good start, but I’d need a more detailed report on ramps and room configurations from someone who actually needs them. (Verdict: Needs more work here. Seriously.)
Cleanliness and Safety: The COVID Tango
This is where things get interesting, and by interesting, I mean slightly anxiety-inducing.
- Cleanliness and Safety: They're trying. Anti-viral cleaning products? Check. Staff trained in safety protocol? Supposedly, yes. Daily disinfection in common areas? Another check. But my paranoia kicked in regardless. Was the hand sanitizer actually strong enough? Did they really swap out all the stationery? (Honestly, I felt like I was constantly side-eyeing every surface.)
- Room sanitization opt-out available: Okay, I actually appreciated this. Gave me a little agency.
- Individually-wrapped food options: This was a definite plus. Less risk of buffet-related panic attacks.
- Safe dining setup: Well, the tables seemed spaced out…kinda. Not quite the social-distancing Olympic gold medal winner, but they were trying. (My inner germaphobe was on high alert.)
- Rooms sanitized between stays: Good to hear, but I still wiped down everything I touched. (Call me crazy!)
- Hygiene certification: Didn't see it. Hmm…
- Breakfast takeaway service: That was a nice option, but I was too intrigued by the buffet…
My Breakfast Battle: A Buffet Blowout (And a Few Tears)
Now, I'm a buffet aficionado. I love a good spread. So, I was lured in by the promise of "Asian breakfast" and "Western breakfast," and a buffet in restaurant. The problem? The execution.
- The "Asian Breakfast": Let's just say it was…an ambitious interpretation of what I assume is an Asian breakfast. The noodles were…well, let's leave it at "texture-y." The pastries were clearly past their prime. Honestly, after that first bite I had to go back to my hotel room to cry.
- The "Western Breakfast": This was slightly better, but still a bit of a letdown. The bacon was crispy, but tasted like it was fried in old oil. The eggs? Bland. Just bland.
- Buffet Madness: Seriously, it was like the Wild West. People were elbowing each other, grabbing for the last croissant. I saw a woman use the tongs to put some food from the buffet in her bag.
- Coffee/tea in restaurant: Okay, the coffee was decent, but the tea selection was pathetic. (Verdict: The buffet was… a low point. A very, very low point.)
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: A Culinary Rollercoaster
Beyond the buffet, let's delve into the other food options, and boy, were there options.
- A la carte in restaurant, Asian cuisine in restaurant, Desserts in restaurant, International cuisine in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant, Western cuisine in restaurant: The sheer number of promises on the dining front was astounding. But did the reality match the hype? Sometimes yes, sometimes a resounding no.
- Restaurants, Poolside bar, Room service [24-hour], Snack bar: The fact that there were options (and that room service was available 24/7) was a definite plus. Especially when you're hiding in your room, sobbing over the state of the breakfast buffet, and praying for a pizza to arrive. I swear I called a pizza in desperation.
- Bar, Bottle of water, Coffee shop, Happy hour, Salad in restaurant, Soup in restaurant: I will say the poolside bar was a treat for some great cocktails. And after the buffet experience, I took the advice of another guest and stuck with the salads and soups.
- Alternative meal arrangement: (Didn’t use)
Things to Do, Ways to Relax: Spa Day Dreams and Fitness Center Failures
Alright, let's talk about the fun stuff: the spa and the supposed fitness experience.
- Things to do, ways to relax: Spa/sauna, Steamroom, Sauna, Pool with view, Spa, Body scrub, Body wrap, Foot bath, Massage, Swimming pool, Swimming pool [outdoor]: The promise of relaxation was strong. I was desperate for a massage by the pool.
- The Spa: I had a massage, and it was… pretty good. The masseuse was skilled, and the setting was lovely. But the whole experience felt a little…staged. Like I was on a movie set, waiting for the director to yell "cut."
- Fitness center, Gym/fitness: This was a total disaster. The equipment looked ancient and probably hadn’t been used in years. One of the treadmills was covered in dust, and the air conditioning was non-existent. I took one look and ran! (Verdict: The spa experience saved the day, but the gym was a total waste of space.)
Services and Conveniences: The Perks and the Quirks
The ELOGIA offered all the usual hotel services.
- Services and conveniences: Doorman, Dry cleaning, Elevator, Facilities for disabled guests, Facilities for disabled guests, Food delivery, Gift/souvenir shop, Indoor venue for special events, Invoice provided, Ironing service, Laundry service, Luggage storage, Meeting/banquet facilities, Meetings, Meeting stationery, On-site event hosting, Outdoor venue for special events, Projector/LED display, Safety deposit boxes, Seminars, Shrine, Smoking area, Terrace, Wi-Fi for special events, Xerox/fax in business center: They tried.
- Air conditioning in public area: A must, especially in Togo! It was mostly working.
- Currency exchange: Convenient, but the rates weren't the best.
- Daily housekeeping: They did a good job – my room was always clean.
- Cash withdrawal, Concierge, Contactless check-in/out, Convenience store, Daily housekeeping, Doctor/nurse on call, Security [24-hour], and Room decorations: All helpful, but nothing that really stood out.
For the Kids: Babysitting and Family Friendliness
- For the kids: Babysitting service, Kids facilities, Kids meal: I didn't travel with kids, but the presence of these options is a good sign for families. Though I wouldn't be surprised if the 'kids meal' consisted of the same questionable breakfast ingredients. (Verdict: Potentially a good option for families, but I can't vouch for the quality.)
Rooms, Rooms, Glorious Rooms (Mostly)
Okay, let's talk about the main event: the rooms themselves.
- Available in all rooms: Additional toilet, Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathroom phone, Bathtub, Blackout curtains, Carpeting, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra-long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, High floor, In-room safe box, Interconnecting room(s) available, Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, Non-smoking, On-demand movies, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Safety/security feature, Satellite/cable channels, Scale, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Visual alarm, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], Window that opens: My room was generally well-appointed. Well, let's say… mostly in working order.
- Air conditioning: Essential, and thankfully working.
- Blackout curtains: Saved me from the harsh Lomé sun.
- Free Wi-Fi: A lifesaver, despite some intermittent connectivity issues.
- Extra long bed: Was surprisingly comfortable.
- Daily housekeeping: My room was always spotless.
- Mini bar: Well-stocked with overpriced snacks.
Getting Around: Transportation Woes?
- Getting around: Airport transfer, Bicycle parking, Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site], Car power charging station, Taxi service, Valet

Okay, buckle up, buttercup. This ain't your grandma's pristine travel itinerary. This is the ELOGIA HOTEL, Lomé, Togo, experience… unfiltered. Prepare for some chaos, some joy, and a whole lotta "what was I thinking?"
ELOGIA HOTEL: My Togo Tango (A Hot Mess Express)
Day 1: Arrival & A Baptism by Fire (or, rather, Heat)
- 6:00 AM (ish) - Depart from [Insert Hellhole Airport Here]: Let's be honest, airports are universally soul-crushing. My flight was delayed, naturally. Already feeling the 'glamour' of international travel. Managed to snag a window seat, but let's just say the person next to me really enjoyed their complimentary peanuts.
- 1:00 PM (Local Time) - Arrival at Lomé–Tokoin International Airport (LFW): Stepped off the plane and WHAM! Hit with a wall of humidity so thick you could spread it on toast. Immigration was… an experience. My visa? “In order.” My brain? “Processing… Error.” Found a guy in a faded polo shirt promising a taxi to the Elagia. Said he knew the "secret shortcut"… uh huh.
- 2:00 PM - Taxi "Adventure": The "shortcut" involved dodging goats, navigating crater-filled roads, and nearly sideswiping a motorcycle carrying a family of five. Thankfully, I’m alive to tell the tale. The driver kept blasting some pulsating Togolese music. I couldn’t understand a word but I’m pretty sure he was having the time of his life. Me? I was clutching my luggage and questioning all my life choices.
- 3:00 PM - Check-in at ELOGIA HOTEL: The hotel lobby was… well, it was there. Actually quite nice, relatively. The air conditioning was a godsend. The receptionist, bless her heart, spoke impeccable English. She looked at my haggard appearance and probably thought, “Another one.” Got my room key and headed upstairs, praying the elevator actually worked. (Spoiler alert: it did! Mostly.)
- 3:30 PM - Room Inspection & Initial Panic: Room. Basic but clean. View? Limited, but I wasn't expecting the Eiffel Tower. Bed? Looked comfy. Then I realized… No mosquito net. Oh, sweet, merciful, African gods. Panic set in. I hate mosquitoes! But, I was too tired to do anything.
- 4:00 PM - First Togo Beer & Hotel Exploration: A local beer (Flag, I think?) on the balcony. The heat was oppressive, but the beer was cold. Absolute bliss. Wandered around the hotel, checking out the pool (looked inviting), the restaurant (smelled promising), and the general vibe (relaxing… eventually).
- 7:00 PM - Dinner at the Hotel Restaurant: Ordered the grilled fish. It came with rice, beans and some sort of spicy sauce. Delicious! Absolutely demolished it. Felt surprisingly good considering the travel day. Watched the other guests. Felt an immediate connection to all of them--traveling companions, or the next ones to fall in love with the country and culture.
- 8:30 PM - Bedtime… or the Mosquito Massacre: Back to the room. Mosquitoes, mosquitoes everywhere. Started an epic battle. I managed to kill at least 10. Eventually, exhaustion won. I passed out, hoping the little bloodsuckers didn't win the war.
Day 2: Markets, Mangoes & Mild Meltdown
- 8:00 AM - Breakfast Buffet: The buffet was… interesting. A selection of pastries, fruits (those mangoes! Divine!), and some local dishes that I bravely tried (and mostly enjoyed.) Coffee? Strong enough to raise the dead. Perfect.
- 9:00 AM - Visit Grand Marché: Oh my gosh. This market. Sensory overload! Colors, smells, sounds, all fighting for dominance. Bargaining for souvenirs was a contact sport. I'm pretty sure I got ripped off, but the experience was worth it. Saw some amazing textiles. Bought a colorful print for my cousin because she always says she loves the bold colors of Africa. I hope she likes it.
- 11:00 AM - Failed Attempt at Relaxation by the Pool: Got all excited. Grabbed my book. Got to the pool. The chaos was unrelenting. Kids splashing. Loud music. People shouting. Gave up. Went back to my room. This is the reality of traveling, right? A bit of "let's go, let's go!", a little of "no, I just can't!" and a whole lot of indecisiveness.
- 12:00 PM - Mango Mania: The best mangoes I've ever tasted! Bought a whole bag of them from a street vendor. Ate them with pure, unadulterated joy. Juice dripping down my chin. Pure happiness.
- 1:00 PM - Lunch at a Local "Chop Shop": My guide recommended a small, local restaurant. They served fufu with goat stew. The fufu looked like a thick, tasteless ball of dough, but it was delicious. And the goat stew…? Wow. I just kept eating even though I was pretty sure I was starting to sweat even more than before.
- 2:30 PM - Afternoon Nap (Needed!): The heat. The market. The fufu. The sheer exhaustion of existing. Slept like a log. Woke up feeling… marginally better.
- 4:00 PM - Photo Walk: Attempted to embrace the beauty of Lome. Tried to be a tourist. Wandered around the area surrounding the hotel, camera in hand. Took some photos. Got completely lost. Briefly panicked. Found my way back.
- 6:00 PM - Emotional Meltdown (Slight): Sat on my balcony. It would be so easy to be happy. But I felt… overwhelmed. Homesick. Questioning my life choices. Was this a good idea? Why did I leave my perfectly comfortable couch? The heat was getting to me. The culture clash was intense. Tears welled up. Then I remembered the mangoes. And everything was okay.
- 7:30 PM - Dinner & Planning: Ate dinner at the hotel. The grilled chicken was okay. Talked with the staff about tomorrow. Decided to plan a day trip to the beach to get a breath of fresh air, and see the Togo cultural experience outside the capital.
- 9:00 PM - More Mosquito Mayhem & Sleep: Sprayed the room. Prayed for a mosquito-free night. Passed out from exhaustion.
Day 3: Beach Bliss & Unexpected Adventures
- 7:00 AM - Breakfast & Beach Prep: Back to the buffet. Fueling up for a day at the beach! Got my sunscreen, hat, and a healthy dose of optimism.
- 9:00 AM - The Journey to Lome Beach: A taxi ride. Negotiated a price that I think was reasonable. The drive was a bumpy, dusty affair, but the anticipation kept me going.
- 10:00 AM - Arrival at Lome Beach: Hello, ocean! The sand was slightly different from what I had expected. The waves are stronger and the color of the ocean varies. It’s beautiful nonetheless.
- 10:30 AM - Beach Relaxation (Attempt #2): Sunbathing, reading, listening to the waves. Pure bliss. Until…
- 12:00 PM - The Goat Incident: Out of nowhere, a rogue goat decided my beach towel was lunch. I screamed! The goat looked shocked. I chased the goat. The beach erupted in laughter. It was the most absurd thing to ever happen.
- 1:00 PM - Beachside Lunch: Ate fresh seafood by the beach. The flavors were incredible. Completely forgot about the goat. Started to fall in love with Togo!
- 2:30 PM - Swimming & Surfing: The waves were perfect for surfing. Tried it for an hour. Managed to fall off the surfboard numerous times.
- 4:00 PM - Beachside Exploration: Explored the local villages. The people were friendly. The smiles were infectious. The sights and sounds were utterly mesmerizing.
- 6:00 PM - Return to the Hotel: Exhausted but happy.
- 7:00 PM - Dinner: Dinner at the hotel
- 8:00 PM - More mosquito battles and sleep!
Day 4: Departure (and a Promise to Return, Maybe)
- 8:00 AM - Final Breakfast: One last pass at the buffet. Say goodbye to the mangoes. Said goodbye to the hotel staff.
- 9:00 AM - Check out: Said goodbye to the hotel, and hopefully, to the mosquitoes!
- 10:00 AM - Airport Transfer: The "secret shortcut" guy was nowhere to be seen. Had to get a different taxi. The ride was less adventurous, thankfully.
- 12:00 PM - Flight Departure: Back to reality! Saying goodbye to Togo.
- Post-Trip Thoughts: Togo was… an experience. Messy. Chaotic. Challenging. Beautiful. Wonderful

Luxury Escapes Await: ELOGIA Hotel, Lomé, Togo - The Raw Truth (and Maybe a Tequila Sunrise or Two)
Okay, so, ELOGIA? Is it *actually* "luxury"? Because my last "luxury" hotel in [Insert Random Shady City] had a cockroach the size of a small chihuahua.
Alright, look, let's be honest. "Luxury" is a slippery word. And ELOGIA, in Lomé, Togo? It definitely *leans* luxury. Think more "polished gem" than "glittering diamond." Is it cockroach-in-your-pillowcase free? From what I saw... yes. Thank GOD. The rooms were genuinely lovely, the beds were cloud-like, and the AC blasted like a Siberian blizzard (which, let's be real, IS luxury in Togo). The marble in the bathrooms? Solid. The toiletries? Actually smelled nice, not like industrial cleaner. But... (and there's always a but, isn't there?) the devil is in the details. More on that later. Let's just say, I've experienced "luxury" with chandeliers dripping from the ceiling, and this is more... understated elegance. But elegant nonetheless.
The pool. TELL ME ABOUT THE POOL! I live for a good pool. Will I find Instagram-worthy azure waters of pure bliss?
The pool... Ah, the pool. Okay, so the photos? They’re good. Very, very good. In reality? It's smaller. Like, significantly smaller. Think “generous plunge pool” rather than “Olympic-sized aquatic paradise.” The water itself? Clean. Beautifully so. Perfect temperature for a post-airport, pre-cocktail dip. And the lounge chairs? Comfy. Really, really comfy. I spent a solid afternoon there, nursing a lukewarm (*gasp!*) cocktail and pretending I wasn't sweating through my linen shirt. (Which, by the way, *do NOT* wear linen in Lomé. Trust me.) But… and here's where the "human imperfection" kicks in… there were these tiny, tiny, almost microscopic… gnats? Mosquitoes? Whatever they were, they *loved* me. I swear, I looked like I'd been through a paintball war by the end of the afternoon. So, bring bug spray. Seriously. And maybe a net. You've been warned.
The Food. Is it safe? Is it good? I get so nervous about eating new things!
Right, this is where it gets… interesting. The food at ELOGIA? Generally safe. I didn’t end up hugging the porcelain god, which, let’s be honest, is a win. Is it amazing? Well, that depends on your definition of amazing. The breakfast buffet was a solid contender – omelets made to order, fresh fruit (the mangoes were to die for!), decent coffee. Lunch and dinner were… hit or miss. The Togolese dishes were *mostly* fantastic – try the fufu, seriously, it’s an experience! The international fare? Uh... let's just say the chef might have been having an off day the night I ordered the pasta. It tasted suspiciously like airplane food, but without the fancy presentation. Okay, I'm being harsh. SOME of the dishes were truly delicious. Just… be adventurous! Branch out! And maybe pack some emergency crackers.
What about the service? Are the staff friendly? Do they speak English? I need to know I can communicate!
Okay, this is where ELOGIA really shines. The staff? Beyond friendly. They were genuinely lovely, warm, and helpful. Their English, though? Varied considerably. Some spoke it fluently, some… less so. But they *tried*. They really, really tried. And that, in my book, goes a long way. There were a few communication mishaps, of course. Like the time I ordered a "Tequila Sunrise" and ended up with… something orange and vaguely alcoholic that I still can't identify. (It wasn't a tequila sunrise. Pretty sure it wasn't even tequila). But they were always smiling, always eager to please. And honestly? It added to the charm. It’s part of the Togo experience! Don’t expect Michelin-star efficiency. Expect genuine kindness. And maybe a couple of slightly bewildering cocktails. Which, in a weird way, I actually loved.
Location, Location, Location! Is it easy to get around? Safe? And is it near anything interesting?
The location. That's a tough one. ELOGIA is in a decent part of town, relatively speaking. Close to the airport (bonus!), but also… kind of… *off the beaten path.* You’re not going to wander out and stumble into a bustling market. You'll need a taxi. Speaking of which, bargaining is key. Don't pay the first price – they *expect* to haggle. Safety-wise? Lomé is generally considered safe, but as with *any* city, keep your wits about you. Don't flash your cash. Don't walk alone at night. And definitely listen to local advice. As for "interesting" things nearby? Well, the beach is within reach (though not within walking distance, at least not for me, and my legs). The Grand Marché is an adventure (prepare to haggle!). There are museums. But honestly? For me, the real "interest" came from the hotel itself. It's an oasis! Seriously, escape from the chaos. You’ll need it. And the hotel staff will guide you on the city, just ask!
Okay, let's dive deeper into an *experience*. Tell me about ONE, specific moment when something went hilariously, wonderfully, or terribly wrong. Spill the tea!
Alright, buckle up, buttercups. This is the story of the Tequila Sunrise that Wasn't. It's a pivotal moment in my ELOGIA experience. So, it's my second night. I’d had a long day of… well, let's just say "adventures". After a day of bargaining so hard at the Grand Marché, I needed a drink. Specifically, a Tequila Sunrise. Something bright, fruity, and capable of washing away the memory of that questionable, and unfortunately, very insistent, salesman. I sat at the bar, feeling like royalty in the cool air conditioning. I order it. The bartender, a sweet guy named (I think) Jacques, nods enthusiastically. And then... the wait. It felt like an eternity. Finally, he presents me with a concoction that looked… well, it looked like a slightly watered-down, orange-colored alien experiment. It resembled *nothing* like a Tequila Sunrise. Zero layers. Zero sunset-y gradient. Just… orange stuff. I take a sip. My face contorts involuntarily. It tasted of... something I couldn’t quite place. Slightly sour. Slightly... medicinal? I’m pretty sure there was no tequila involved. Not even a whisper of it. I smile weakly at Jacques and ask, politely "Is this… a Tequila Sunrise?" He beams back, “Oui! Tres Bon!” I take another, smaller sip. It's still there… that mystery flavor. It was… an experience. An *unforgettable* experience. (I’m still not sure what it was. Maybe it was the secret ingredient to their popularity on this hotel?) Seriously, the "Tequila Sunrise" story defines my entire ELOGIA experience for me. It wasn’t even THAT bad, but it just... cemented that this wasn't a "perfect" luxury experience, and really, that’s what makes it so perfect! It taught me to embrace the unexpected, the imperfect, the slightly-off-kilUnbelievable Kolhapur Stay: Treebo Shree Sai Suites Awaits!


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