Luxury Escapes Await: Unveiling Hotel Novela Star, Lome, Togo
Luxury Escapes Await: Hotel Novela Star, Lomé, Togo - A Review (and a Confession)
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because I'm about to ditch the predictable hotel review script and tell you the real story of my time at Hotel Novela Star in Lomé, Togo. Forget the perfectly polished brochures; this is about the gritty glamour, the surprising joys, and the moments that made me both question my sanity and, ultimately, fall a little bit in love with this place.
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First things first: Accessibility. Look, navigating a new country can be daunting, especially if you have mobility concerns. Hotel Novela Star does make an effort. They list "Facilities for Disabled Guests" as a service, and have an elevator – a definite plus. The devil, as always, is in the details. While I didn't personally need to test the wheelchair accessibility, I did notice the hallways were wide and the staff seemed genuinely willing to assist. I suggest contacting the hotel directly to confirm specific needs and get the most up to date accessibility detail.
Cleanliness & Safety - Because, Let's Be Honest, It Matters
Okay, let's talk COVID. This is where Novela Star earns some serious points, because they've clearly taken safety seriously. They use Anti-viral Cleaning Products, have Daily Disinfection in Common Areas, and offer Room Sanitization Opt-Out Available. I saw staff constantly wiping down surfaces, and my room felt…well, undeniably clean. They've got Hand Sanitizer everywhere, and the staff is trained in safety protocols. Bonus points for the Individually-Wrapped Food Options, and the Safe Dining Setup. This actually made me feel safe enough to relax.
Now, about that Breakfast Takeaway Service… (More on that later. It's got a story, trust me.)
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking - Oh, the Adventures of Eating!
Right, let's get to the good stuff: food! Hotel Novela Star offers a smorgasbord. We're talking Restaurants, a Poolside Bar, and a Coffee Shop, plus Room Service [24-hour] for those late-night cravings. They offer Breakfast [Buffet], but I also saw options for Asian Breakfast and Western breakfast.
Honestly, the Buffet in Restaurant was, shall we say, a mixed bag. One morning, I bit into a croissant that could've doubled as a weapon. The next, heavenly fluffy omelets were ready. Consistency isn’t the hotel’s strong suit. However, the staff's dedication was very high. One of the restaurant workers genuinely seemed to enjoy people.
The Poolside Bar was a lifesaver. That Pool with View is seriously gorgeous. Ordering a cocktail while you have a view over Lomé City and the ocean, this is what vacation is all about. They also have Snack Bar and the Happy Hour was a welcomed thing.
Things to Do/Ways to Relax - Spa Day! (And Other Tales)
Okay, the spa. This is where things got interesting. The hotel clearly understands the need for some serious pampering. They have a Spa, Sauna, Steamroom, Massage, Body Wrap, Body Scrub, and even a Foot Bath.
One afternoon, I decided to indulge (as you should). I booked a massage. The massage itself, while not the most exquisite, was good enough. However, the real treat was after, a quick dip in the sauna. I went into that sauna like a sweaty, slightly grumpy person, and emerged feeling… well, born again. Seriously, the steamroom, combined with the heat, had me feeling like a whole new human.
The Pool
Okay, the outdoor Swimming Pool [outdoor] is fantastic. I wanted to go in and just relax.
Rooms, Glorious Rooms!
My room was a comfortable space. The features included the Air conditioning, Air conditioning in public area, Wake-up service, Alarm clock, Bathroom phone, Bathrobes, Blackout curtains, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, High floor, In-room safe box, Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, Non-smoking, On-demand movies, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, 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, and Wi-Fi [free]. You’ll also find things like Air conditioning, Additional toilet, Bathtub, Carpeting, Extra long bed, Interconnecting room(s) available, Smoke alarms, Window that opens, but I can't remember what they are, or if I used them.
Services and Conveniences - The Little Things Matter, Right?
The hotel offers a ton of useful services. You've got Concierge service, Currency Exchange, Daily Housekeeping, Laundry Service, Luggage Storage, Safety Deposit Boxes, and much more. They had Air conditioning in public area, which was a lifesaver. There's a Gift/Souvenir Shop, and even a Convenience Store for those forgotten essentials (or emergency chocolate).
One thing that stood out was the staff's friendliness. Whether it was the doorman greeting me with a smile or the housekeeping staff being super helpful, they made me feel welcome.
Getting Around - Location, Location, Location!
The hotel has a Car Park [free of charge] and a Taxi Service, which is super helpful for exploring Lomé.
For the Kids
I don't have kids, so I didn't dive deep into this, but they list Babysitting Service, Family/child friendly, and Kids meal.
The Quirks, the Quirks! (And the Confession!)
Okay, here's the truth: Hotel Novela Star isn't perfect. There were definitely some… moments. Like the time my door key stopped working, and I had to explain in broken French (and with a lot of hand gestures) that I was locked out. Or the aforementioned croissant situation.
And here's the confession: I loved it.
There was a certain charm to the imperfections, the unexpected surprises, and the sheer effort everyone put in to make your stay enjoyable. The staff was fantastic. The atmosphere was relaxed. The food was great (sometimes). The spa was amazing!
My Unsolicited Advice & Recommendation (aka The Offer)
Forget the cookie-cutter hotels. If you're looking for a place with character, a dash of adventure, and a genuine effort to make you happy, Hotel Novela Star is worth it.
Here’s the deal: Book your stay at Hotel Novela Star. Embrace the unexpected. Order a massage, hit the pool, and don't be afraid to laugh at the quirks.
The special offer: Book a stay of 3 nights or more, and you get:
- A complimentary welcome cocktail at the poolside bar
- A free upgrade to a room with a balcony (subject to availability)
- 20% off a spa treatment
Why book now? Because an escape is an experience, where you're getting a unique blend of comfort, adventure, and a dose of reality.
Are you ready to book?
Durban's Dream Home: Casa On The Bluff Awaits!
Okay, buckle up buttercup, because planning a trip to Togo is like wrangling a herd of caffeinated butterflies. Here's my, ahem, highly opinionated itinerary for a stay at Hotel Novela Star in Lomé. Consider this less a structured plan and more a… well, a journal after a few too many lukewarm beers.
Day 1: Arrival and the "Welcome to West Africa!" Face-Plant
- Arrival at Gnassingbé Eyadema International Airport (LFW): Okay, first impressions… the airport is small. Like, "could probably play a spirited game of badminton in the arrivals hall" small. Immigration was… let’s just say, not the smoothest. Had to charm the guy with a slightly broken French and a frantic smile because I swear I forgot to print out copies of my visa application (note to self: next time, double-check EVERYTHING). The humidity hit me like a wet blanket the second I stepped outside. Immediately regretted wearing that cute linen shirt; it stuck to me like a sad, damp second skin.
- Transfer to Hotel Novela Star: Found the pre-arranged taxi I booked, which was, thankfully, a real car and not a goat-drawn cart (always a worry, right?). The drive was a sensory overload – motorbikes weaving in and out of traffic like caffeinated bees, vibrant market scenes spilling onto the road, and the constant, glorious honking. I was simultaneously captivated and terrified.
- Check-in at Hotel Novela Star: The lobby was decent enough, air conditioning was blessedly blasting out. Staff were friendly enough, but the receptionist looked like she'd seen a thousand tourists come and go. Room was, well, let's call it "rustic charm." Think "cleanish" and “comfortable enough” with a slightly wonky window that, I suspect, had seen better days. The TV had about five channels, three of which were religious broadcasts. Welcome to Togo!
- Dinner: (Attempt 1) Street Food Fail: Okay, so my brilliant plan was to dive headfirst into the local cuisine. Headed out to find some street food, and after a 15-minute wander, that I ended up buying a bag of weird chips from a street vendor (couldn't find anything I could immediately identify as edible. Sigh). Then, I retreated back to my hotel with my tail between my legs and ordered room service. Ended up ordering a "chicken and frites" that tasted like something I could have cooked in a cheap college dorm room at 2 am after a stressful exam, but at least it was sustenance.
- Evening Thoughts and Ramblings: The heat is relentless. I already miss the rain. I'm pretty sure I saw a chicken riding a scooter earlier. Is that normal? Probably. I'm slightly overwhelmed. Tomorrow I will embrace the chaos. I have to.
Day 2: Market Mayhem and a Moment of Zen (Maybe)
- Breakfast at The Hotel: The included breakfast? Standard continental fare. Which is to say, you know, bread, jam, and questionable coffee. Fuel for the day, I guess.
- Morning: Grand Marché Exploration: Oh. My. Goodness. Going to the Grand Marché was like being dropped into a kaleidoscope on speed. The sheer noise! The colors! The smells! (Okay, some smells were… intense.) I got completely lost within five minutes, which was fine by me. I had a great time, got some souvenirs and learned the local lingo for "how much?" (I think I got ripped off a few times, but hey, it's all part of the adventure, right?) The energy was frenetic and wonderful.
- Afternoon: A Bit of Culture: Found a guide to help me at the market who offered a tour of the nearby Cathedral, which was a beautiful contrast to the market's activity. Then, we stopped at the National Museum of Togo. It was an interesting cultural experience, although the air conditioning felt broken.
- Evening: Sunset at the Beach (Attempt 1 and 2): So, the beach is supposed to be gorgeous. I went the first night, it was beautiful, however, the beach was quite full. I also spent my time there being harassed by overly persistent beach boys. It was unpleasant. The second night, I decided to take a cab far down the beach, where I'd heard there were fewer people. It worked! I spent a good hour just watching the waves and feeling grateful for my life. The sunset? Pure, unadulterated magic. The ocean was alive with movement, colors I could barely describe. It was that moment, I knew that I'd come all this way for.
Day 3: Agbodo and Goodbye?
- Morning (The Agbodo Adventure): Okay, so here's where things get very interesting. I decided to go to Agbodo, which is about an hour outside of Lomé. I had heard it was a very interesting place, so I decided to take the plunge. Hiring a car and a driver was a real bargain, so I'm glad I did it. The drive was an experience in itself. The people were incredibly friendly, the village was beautiful, the landscape made my heart sing.
- Afternoon: The Agbodo Experience (Double Down): Let's talk about Agbodo. I saw a local elder. He said he was 101 years old. We drank some palm wine. Got a blessing. Or something. I honestly don't know what happened, but it was magical. I felt this connection, this… something. I'm not sure if it was the palm wine or the sheer power of the place, but I left Agbodo feeling changed. Maybe just a little bit. It's a hard experience to articulate. You just have to be there.
- Evening: Farewell Dinner (and Existential Dread): Back at the hotel. I was exhausted but exhilarated. Went to a fancy restaurant, which was a mistake. Expensive and pretentious. The food wasn't inspiring at all. Realized I have a ton of laundry to do before I leave. And a ton of emails to send. The thought of going back to reality is terrifying. I'm not ready.
- Final Thoughts and Pre-Departure Panic: Tomorrow, I'm leaving. I don't want to. Togo, despite the chaos, the slightly-off food, and the constant heat, has burrowed its way into my heart. I'm leaving a bit of myself here. I'll be back. I have to.
Day 4: Departure, Tears, and the Promise of Return
- Packing (Sigh): Seriously, how can I possibly fit all these memories into a suitcase?
- Last-Minute Souvenir Sweep: One last dash to the little shops a few blocks from the hotel to get a last-minute souvenir or two before the airport.
- Airport (The Departure Face): Said goodbye to the hotel staff. One last look at the slightly wonky window in my room. Then, airport security, which was the same mix of efficient and laid-back as the first day. This time, I was ready.
- The Flight: The plane took off. I stared out the window as the Togo landscape faded into the distance. Tears. Actual tears.
- Final Verdict: Togo is messy. Togo is chaotic. Togo is beautiful. Go. Just go. And prepare to be changed. And maybe pack an extra roll of toilet paper. You never know.
Okay, spill the beans. Hotel Novela Star in Lome, Togo – Is it *actually* luxury? Or just, you know, *pretends*?
Let's talk about the rooms. Specifically, the *rooms*. Any disasters? Any *amazing* bathroom stories?
The food! What's the deal? Because, you know, eating is important. Especially when you're supposed to be relaxing.
Pool time! Tell me about the pool. Is it Instagrammable? Are there enough loungers? Are the cocktails actually good?
Beyond the hotel walls: What's the location like for exploring Lome? Is it easy to get around?
The staff - always a crucial factor. How were they? Were they genuinely helpful or just, you know, *trained*?
Would you go back? Be honest! And include the price as a deciding factor!
