As part of our itinerary of the Ghana Fam Trip which preceded the 2018 Accra Weizo, I spent three nights at the Accra City Hotel in Accra Ghana. I and 12 other travel writers and bloggers from Nigeria arrived Accra in the evening of June 21 and headed straight to the Accra City Hotel from where we attended the Accra Weizo. This was my very first time ever at the Accra City Hotel and I must say I wasn't disappointed. Check-in We arrived at the Accra City Hotel at about 8pm local time, to a happy and welcoming front desk staff. Check-in was swift and effortless as the hotel already had our details even before we arrived. All we needed to do was to fill the check in form with a few more details. And in less than 10 minutes, all 13 of us had been checked in and off we went to our various rooms. Driven by Technology To ensure the security and safety of guests and their property, Accra City Hotel has put some measures in place. One of such measures is the extensive use of technology. Right from the main gate to the rooms through the reception, the Accra City Hotel is driven by modern technology with most of the services automated. Both the elevators and the rooms are accessed only by the use of key cards. This was the first sign that we were in for some great time at the hotel. The Room Accra City Hotel offers a range of rooms including Standard rooms in one of which I stayed. As I walked into my room, the first impression I got was that of style and comfort.

The room was spacious with Queen-sized bed, leather sofa, comfortable work area, 26" LCD TV with cable services, free Wi-Fi, hair dryer, safe, tea/coffee, iron & ironing board as well as a complimentary mini bar. The room had en suite bath and shower (with luxury products) which I found particularly clean and modern.

Perhaps, what I found most interesting was the provision of a customized mobile phone in each room for free and unlimited calls to local and international destinations including Europe and Nigeria. Although pleasantly surprised, I thought the free phone-call service was a sharp deviation from what is obtainable in other hotels of the same class.

After taking a visual tour of my room, I quickly set up my laptop on the work area and checked out the Wi-Fi. The internet speed wasn't supersonic, but it was still great and very reliable. However, for some technical reason, it proved impossible for me to connect to the Wi-Fi on my mobile phone; I had to go down to the reception to get it fixed. While at the reception, I discovered that a few other guests had come with the same problem. Given that most people (including hotel guests) now prefer to visit the internet on the go, this is something the hotel management should probably look into. Gastronomy From breakfast to lunch, dinner or a tasty little snack, Accra City Hotel provides guests with balanced choices and à la carte service. Staying at the Accra City Hotel comes with complementary breakfast buffet which is served in the Fihankra Restaurant. Located on the ground floor of the hotel, Fihankra Restaurant is the perfect venue for all kinds of local and intercontinental dishes prepared and served in classic, stylish ambience.

At the Fihankra restaurant, I enjoyed sumptuous meals in a friendly and socially rewarding atmosphere. I tried a few dishes for breakfast including the mushroom sauté which I found particularly very nice. I had it a couple of times. I really had an overwhelming gastronomic experience. The hotel features other wining and dining outlets including the Garden Brasserie Restaurant, La Terrase Restaurant and the Sangaw Bar, though I didn't have time to check them out. Location The Accra City Hotel is excellently located on the popular Barnes Road in the heart of Accra's business and entertainment district, just about 15 minutes drive from the Kotoka International Airport, Accra.

The hotel can also be accessed through the well-known Independence Avenue which stretches from the intersection between Liberation Road and Ring Road East. The restaurants and shops on Oxford Street in Osu, Accra are a short drive away, just as is the Accra Arts Centre and the proverbial Makola Market which is in fact, within easy walking distance. Facilities There is free Wi-Fi available throughout the Hotel. The Hotel has a fitness centre featuring the latest fitness equipment dedicated to exercise regime including cardio training. Guests can also enjoy a game of tennis at the hotel’s Grand Tennis court made with resin flex soft flooring material or relax in the outdoor swimming pool. All of these services are complementary. For business travellers, Accra City Hotel offers a wide range of MICE facilities including 6 fully-equipped meeting and conference rooms as well as exhibition space. Accra City Hotel is where the deal begins. General Impression In more ways than one, the Accra City Hotel didn't just meet my expectations, it surpassed them. Modern facilities, friendly and efficient staff, convenient location and great cuisine all conspired to make a very good impression on me. I highly recommend the Accra City Hotel as an excellent choice for both leisure and business travellers visiting Accra. In Accra City Hotel, guests enjoy quality semi-luxury services provided by friendly staff, as well as modern amenities, cosy and comfortable rooms with personalized services, intercontinental and local gourmet cuisine in addition to pocket-friendly rates. Yes, you enjoy all of the above and even more without drilling a hole in your pocket.

Accra is full of highly rated hotels and restaurants but the Accra City Hotel easily stands out as one of the best. Driven by modern technology, Accra City Hotel offers 4-star services wrapped in affordability. I'll definitely stay there again and again.