Cotonou Holiday Apartment Review

Ever had this urge to go on a vacation only to turn it off because you feel you can’t afford the luxury?

Well, now you got us. Your humble tour guide.

You can actually travel on a budget. You’d be shocked to discover how much you can save. Information is key but not free.

While planning for a vacation, you would notice  the major cost centers on accommodation. Most people change their mind when they realize how much they will spend on accommodation per night.

If you want to travel on a budget, reduce accommodation expenses by:
👉🏿 Getting a host or Couch-surfing
👉🏿Booking an apartment instead of a hotel

I haven’t tried Couch-surfing yet though I plan to give it a shot soon but for now, I’ll share my experience on point 2 (Getting an apartment).

This is vital information that most people aren’t aware of and they end up spending too much on accommodation.

Holiday houses/apartments are the real deal now. Just make your research properly before booking.

Arrival

My apartment in Benin Republic 🇧🇯
I stumbled on “Jericho Residence” during my research before our trip. I was impressed with the pictures and the reviews were fantastic. I got the owner’s number from the internet and added him on WhatsApp. Thank God he is social media inclined and he writes English very well 😊😊

Mr. Wale (Daddy’s name sake) and I connected so easily because he has a good personality and luckily, he speaks Yoruba (my native language). He is from the Yoruba part of Benin. Right there and then, I knew God was with me. Things couldn’t be better.

We had a good chat, I disturbed him a lot. We started chatting 3weeks before my trip. He helped me with the plans and also gave me hint on places to visit and things to do in Benin Republic. I’ll recommend him anytime, any day.

We negotiated. Amazingly, the price he gave me was way cheaper than what I saw on the apartments booking website. As an Ijebu babe (an intense bargainer), I negotiated further and I got an extra discount.

All said and done, I booked a two-bedroom apartment (4 occupants) and paid just 45,000CFA  for 2 nights. That is about N28,000 ($77.5). My two friends and I went Dutch and split the bill. Each person paid N9,400 ($26) i.e N4,700 per night!!! Yes you heard me. N4,700 ($13) per night in Jericho (one of the most popular places in Cotonou).

Do you know the best part? The apartment was exquisite!! Well furnished. Free WiFi, beautiful living room, lovely kitchen, BBQ spot, Lovely terrace, very neat facilities, AC rooms and most importantly, a lovely host. The apartment is very close to so many tourist attractions. It’s a walking distance to popular Danktopa Market.

Terrace

I had a nice time with my friends. It was like we were in a reality TV show (something like BBnaija) 🤣🤣

The pictures below can't do enough justice to the wonderful time we experienced there.

The only challenge we had was the location, the cab driver found it difficult to locate the apartment on time. He had to keep calling Mr. Wale for directions.

Make sure you never go out without your phone. We had a terrible experience when we took a walk and got lost. Unfortunately, we left our phones at the apartment and to make it worse, we couldn't get anyone on the street that speaks English i.e we couldn't communicate. We had to call on Holy Spirit to guide us home. Sounds funny but true.

Travel Mates

It was an amazing experience. We will always choose an apartment over a hotel. Apart from being cost effective, the homely environment is everything.

Terrace

Thinking of a group vacation in Cotonou, Benin? Residence Jericho might just be the perfect option.

Feel free to call or chat up the owner: +229 95 57 52 59 (Residence Jericho Cotonou).

Did you find this information helpful?
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