GRA Benin City: Unveiling the Soul of Benin City's Premium Neighbourhood and Helping You Find A Suitable Hotel to Stay
Benin City, at its core, is shaped by two broad neighbourhoods: the G.R.A—the city’s premium enclave—and everywhere else.
The G.R.A, short for Government Reservation Area, has its roots in colonial history. It was originally carved out as a “reserved area” for colonial administrators, expatriates, and civil servants. What began as an exclusive district of the colonial masters has, over time, become the heritage footprint they left in the sands of Benin City’s time—a footprint still cherished today.
Driven by curiosity to understand this mystique, I embarked on a personal trek tour through the G.R.A. Here’s what I discovered. And because no exploration is complete without a good place to rest, I also searched out some of the finest hotels for your stay.
A Symphony of Well-Planned Streets
The first thing that strikes you about the G.R.A is the roads. Unlike most parts of Benin City, almost every street here is paved—99.99% of them. Not dusty earth roads, but solid, motorable roads, neatly interconnected like a well-thought-out grid. And they’re maintained, too. In some areas, you’ll literally see government street sweepers at work.
The orderliness flows naturally into the way the streets are laid out. The G.R.A doesn’t feel haphazard; it feels like a planned symphony. Every turn, every connection, speaks of design and forethought.
An Oasis of Serenity and Space
Life in the G.R.A. seems to breathe more easily. The neighbourhood is remarkably quiet and serene. Properties are nestled on large plots of land, framed by spacious yards and lush gardens, creating a low-density layout that feels open and free.
Even the architecture tells a story. Whether modern or dated, the houses here speak of taste and quality. Interestingly, you won't find many of the towering, prison-like fences common in most other areas. Instead, the fences are often low, offering a glimpse into the beautifully kept compounds. They seem to serve more as aesthetic borders than as security barriers, making a quiet statement of safety and openness.
A Higher Standard of Living: Decency, Neatness, and Lifestyle
The culture of neatness is visible everywhere. You won’t easily find litter on the roads. You won’t stumble on gutters clogged with dirty water and refuse as you would in other parts of the city. Life here appears more organized, more civilised.
The same decency extends to schools and businesses. Interestingly, if the same person owns a private school in two locations—one inside the G.R.A and the other outside—the G.R.A branch almost always enjoys better classrooms, superior facilities, and higher standards of staff.
Businesses here also tend to operate at a higher standard. Hotels, for example, are mostly in the luxury, premium-budget, or smart-budget categories.
The People and the Pulse
The G.R.A is home to the city’s politicians, top government officials, wealthy businesspeople, expatriates, and social elites. High-level visitors who rarely wander into other neighbourhoods are often spotted here.
Transportation within the G.R.A reflects this premium character. The dominant means is the cab. You’ll hardly see keke-keke (tricycles) or tuke-tuke weaving through the streets. Occasionally, the E.C.T.S. bus— a.k.a the City Parliament on Wheels—plies the central road (Airport Road) that runs through the G.R.A, connecting its many branches and inner streets.
Institutions and Landmarks
The G.R.A is also the seat of power and activity. About 90 percent of government institutions, both state and federal, are located here. Political and social establishments cluster thickly within its boundaries.
Key landmarks include the Benin City Airport (Oba Akenzua II Airport), and the Benin Zoo/Natural Park.
Why the G.R.A Stands Out
Yes, there is good life in other neighbourhoods of Benin City, and perhaps even better life in a few scattered corners. But the G.R.A is in a league of its own. It is quiet, serene, safe, structured, and premium.
It is the shadow of colonial design, reshaped by modern realities into a cherished neighbourhood that still holds its prestige.
The G.R.A is not just another district—it is the premium face of Benin City.
For more insights, read our full blog post: Unravelling the Mystery of the G.R.A.
GRA Benin City Hotels and Apartments: Golf Course Road, Boundary Road, Ikpokpan Road, Ihama Road, Giwa-Amu Road, Akhionbare Street, Benoni Road, Oko-Central, Oko-Ogba, Irhirhi/Okhruoromi/Aruogba Road, Airport Road
Need further help, please feel free. Call the Initiator and Anchor. Speak with Ken Idigu here. It's completely FREE!
GOLF COURSE ROAD
Hani Hotels & Suites (Luxury Hotel) - Plot 32, Golf Course Road, Off Airport Road, G.R.A., Benin City - +2349133266666, +2349138344444 || Room Rates: N40,000, N60,000, N80,000, N90,000 & N150,000 for Suite. Major LandMark: Golf Course
The Sage Hotel (Premium-Budget) - 16, Edo-Osagie Street, Off Golf Course Road, Off Airport Road, G.R.A., Benin City. Also accessible as 7, Boundary Road. Tel.: +2347056810867, +2348050624493. || Room Rates: N35,000, N40,000, N50,000, N80,000. Major LandMark: Golf Course.
CATCH A GLIMPSE OF HOTELS AT GOLF COURSE ROAD
BOUNDARY ROAD
The Sage Hotel (Premium-Budget) - 7, Boundary Road, Off Airport Road, G.R.A., Benin City. Tel.: +2347056810867, +2348050624493.|| Room Rates: N35,000, N40,000, N50,000, N80,000 || Close to the Golf Course
Livan Hotels (Premium-Budget) - 16, Boundary Road, Off Airport Road, G.R.A., Benin City. Tel.: +2347039805822 || Room Rates: N35,000, N40,000, N45,000, N55,000, N75,000 (Suite). Major LandMark: Benin City Airport || Professional service
The Hamptons Travel Inn (Premium-Budget) - 27, Boundary Road, Off Airport Road, G.R.A., Benin City. Tel.: || Room Rates: N30,000, N35,000, N45,000 || Cute and cool
Limoh Hotel & Suite (Premium-Budget) - Ibude Lane (Close to Adesuwa Road), Off Boundary Road, G.R.A., Benin City. Tel.: +2349130103370 || Room Rates: N25,000, N30,000 || Spacious rooms, friendly staff, great value.
ADJ Royal Hotel & Suites (Luxury ) - 41, Boundary Road, Off Airport Road, G.R.A., Benin City. Tel.: +2349115626129 (Direct call & Whatsapp) \\ Room Rates: N50,000, N80,000, N100,000,N120,000 N160,000 || Professional service, friendly staff, helpful, you feel at home.
Westview Hotel (Luxury) - 79, Boundary Road (By Ikpokpan Junction), Off Airport Road, G.R.A., Benin City. Tel.: +2348073601234 || Room Rates: N35,000, N45,000, N100,000 || Top-notch security, Highly friendly front desk and most helpful.
Perino Hotel (Smart-Budget) - 23, Boundary Road, Off Airport Road, GRA, Benin City || Room Rates: Deluxe - N20,500; Super Deluxe - N23,500; Queen Court - N25,500; Kings Court - N30,500; Presidential Palace - N35,500 || Tel.: +2349123270201, +2348079773450.
BIBI Motel Benin City (Basic-Budget) - 88, Boundary Road (Before JBS Estate Gate), Off Airport Road, Benin City || Tel.: +2347056471938 || Room Rates: N15,000; N17,000; N19,000; N20,000; N25,000; N30,000
IKPOKPAN ROAD
ISNO Hotel (Premium-Budget) - 17, Ikpokpan Road, Off Boundary Road, Also Off Sapele Road by M.M. Way Junction, G.R.A., Benin City. Tel.: +2348144303687 || Room Rates: N20,500, N25,500, N39,500, N40,500 || Courteous front desk service, willingness to help guest, spacious compound, neat rooms, stable power supply.
Euphoric Apartments (Luxury apartment service) - 18, Delta Crescent (Opposite ICPC), Off Ikpokpan Road, Off Boundary Road, G.R.A., Benin City. Tel.: +2347066010588 || Rates: 3-bedroom standalone apartment N170,000; 2-Bedroom Standalone duplex N150,000; 2-Bedroom Flat (Down) N120,000. Other facilities: Garden, Table Tennis, Snooker,Gym, 24/7 Power Supply, 24/7 Armed Security. Accessible also from Sapele Road, Opposite Burger Kind/MarketSquare
View Point Hotel (Luxury) - 1, Aiguobasimwin Crescent (Opposite Delta Crescent Road), Off Ikpokpan Road. Tel.: +2349024449999, +2349090000442. || Rates: N50,000, N72,000, N80,000. Deluxe - N90,000. Twin Deluxe - N90,000. Super Deluxe - N100,000. Suites - N125,000, N150,000. 2-Bedroom Suite - N200,000, Prsidential Suite - N325,000. || Professionalism is top-notch. Security is tight. 24/7 power supply is guaranteed. Front desk service is superb. It's a big hotel.
Eterno Hotels (Luxury) - 103B, Aiguobasimwin Crescent, Off Ikpokpan Road, Off Boundary Road, G.R.A., Benin City. Tel.: +2348098982533 (Whatsapp), +2349154642586 (Direct Voice Call) || Room Rates: N67,000, N82,000, Executive Suite - N117,190, Premier Suite - N134,375, Presidential Suite - N251,875
IHAMA ROAD
Ovic Hotel Benin City (Premium-Budget) - 65, Ihama Road, Off Airport Road, GRA, Benin City || Room Rates -N42,000; N48,000; N55,000; N68,000 || Suite Rates - N75,000 (1-Bedroom Suite); N110,000 (2-Bedroom Suite). Prices are inclusive of FREE complimentary breakfast for one from 7:00a.m to 9:30pm. FREE WIFI. Prices include VAT. Serene environment. Highly professional service. Friendly and helpful staff.
Royal Marble Hotel Benin City (Smart-Budget) - 38, Ihama Road, Off Airport Road, GRA, Benin City || Room Rates: Standard Room - N28,000; Royal Standard - N35,000; Royal Business Suite - N55,000; Super Executive - N75,000; Presidential Suite - N115,000. Prices are exclusive of complementary breakfast || Tel.: +2347041050322
Randekhi Royal Hotel Benin City (Premium-Budget) - 6, Uhenuyi Street, Off Ihama Road, Off Airport Road, GRA, Benin City || Room Rates: N23,000, N35,000, N39,000, N50,000, N60,000, N70,000 || Tel.:+2348091729914
Uyi Grand Hotel & Suites (Premium-Budget) - 35, Aideyan Street, Off Ihama Road, Off Airport Road, GRA, Benin City || Room Rates: Executive Single - N37,625; Royal Double - N43,000; Royal Supreme - N48,375; Executive Royal Double - N59,125; Executive Royal Supreme - N62,875; Deluxe Suites - N69,875; Diplomatic Suites - N75,250 || Tel.:+2348034863454
Mega Touch of Klass Hotel (Smart-Budget) - 11, Uhenuyi Street (Opposite Legislative Quarters), Off Ihama Road, Off Airport Road, GRA, Benin City || Room Rates: Standard Room - N25,000; Executive Single - N30,000; Executive Double - N32,000; Executive Royal - N35,000; Deluxe Suite - N40,000; Royal Suite - N45,000; Mega Presidential - N60,000 || Tel.: +2348146449648
Vichi Gates Hotel & Suites (Smart-Budget) - 68, Ihama Road, Off Airport Road, GRA, Benin City || Room Rates: Single Partridge - N28,000; Executive Robin - N29,000; Executive Falcon - N33,000; Business Exdcutive Suite - N35,000; Royal Peacock(A bedroom and living room) - N60,000; Presidential Eagle(2-bedrooms and a living area) - N90,000 || Tel.:+2347025916156
De-Brit Hotel (Premium-Budget) - 74, Ihama Road, Off Airport Road, GRA, Benin City || Room Rates: N53,000; Super Standard Room (One large tastefully furnished room) - N55,000; 1-bedroom suite -N65,000; Presidential Suite (2 sumptuously furnished rooms) - N152,750. All prices come with a complimentary breakfast. Standard service. Warm, courteous and helpful staff. || Tel.:+2349038800080
DartFord Hotels and Suites (Premium-Budget) - 10, Freedom Way, Off Ihama Road (Also Off Boundary Road), Both Off Airport Road, GRA, Benin City || Room Rates: Standard Room - N40,000; Executive Standard Room - N68,000; Classic Superior - N76,000; Deluxe - N96,000; 1-Bedroom Suite (Tastefully furnished one bedroom and a living area) - N200,000 || Tel.:+2348149096870
Prestige Hotel & Suites (Premium-Budget) - 1, Ihama Road, Off Airport Road, GRA, Benin City || Room Rates: N35,000, N45,000, N45,000, N55,000, N65,000. Presidential Suite (Two rooms and a living area) - N100,000 || Tel.: +2348151974044
GIWA-AMU ROAD
Kawruky Hotel and Suites (Luxury) - Izevbokun Avenue, By Idusogie Street, Off Giwa-Amu Road, GRA, Benin City || Room Rates: Standard Room - N40,000; Exquisite - N60,000; Classic - N65,000; Super Classic - N75,000; Royal - N90,000; Business Suite - N100,000; Classic Business Suite - N120,000; Presidential Suite - N200,000 || Tel.:+2348071762354
LA-Great Carribean Hotel & Suites (Premium-Budget) - 54, Akhionbare Avenue, After Jemide Avenue, Off Giwa-Amu Road, Off Airport Road, GRA, Benin City || Room Rates: Standard Room - N40,000; Deluxe - N50,000; Double Deluxe - N70,000; Premium Deluxe - N80,000; Studio - N90,000; Mini Suite - N100,000; Exclusive Suite - N120,000 || Tel.: +2347073594777
Pearl Hilton Int'l Hotel (Premium-Budget) - 2, Odagigie Avenue, Off Jemide Avenue, Off Giwa-Amu Road, Off Airport Road, Benin City || Room Rates: Standard Room - N40,000; Deluxe - N45,000; Executive Deluxe - N50,000; Twin Deluxe - N60,000; Studio Room - N70,000; Royal Suite - N75,000; Presidential Suite - N90,000 || Tel.:+2348119539101
AKHIONBARE STREET
Wesley Hotel (Premium-Budget) - 58, Akhionbare Street, Off Giwa-Amu Road, Off Airport Road, Benin City || Room Rates: Classic Room - N40,000; Clasic Double Room - N45,000; Wesley Executive Room - N55,000; Wesley Royal Executive - N65,000; Wesley Suite - N100,000; Wesley Single Room and Palour Apartment - N120,000; Wesley Double Room and Palour Apartment - N150,000; Wesley Coference Room - N200,000; Wesley Hall - N700,000 || Tel.: +2348052796669
The Residence Hotel & Suites (Premium-Budegt) - 32, Akhionbare Street, Off Giwa-Amu Road, Off Airport Road, Benin City || Room Rates: N55,000, N65,000, N75,000, N140,000, N200,000 || Tel.:+2348149191488
BENONI ROAD
Prenox Hotel & Suites (Smart-Budget) - 24, Benoni Road, Off Airport Road, GRA, Benin City || Room Rates: N23,000, N25,000, N30,000, N35,000, N40,000, N45,000 || Tel.:+2349051884292
Samsy Hotel (Smart-Budget) - 4, Benoni Road(Opposite Torch Bearers Academy), Off Airport Road, GRA, Benin City || Room Rates: N20,000, N25,000, N35,000, N40,000 & N45,000. The N45,000 room comes with a complementary breakfast || Tel.:+2348060481380
OKO-CENTRAL
Lakabana Edge Hotel & Suites (Smart-Budget) - 21A, Daniel Inneh Street, Off Gapiona Road, Benin City || Room Rates: Standard Room - N30,000; Deluxe - N50,000 || Tel.:+2349034942252
OKO-OGBA
De-Marvic Apartment - 6, Powerline Road, Off Oko-Ogba Market Road (Opposite Ogba Zoo), Off Airport Road, Benin City || Rates: 2-Bedroom Apartment - N95,000; Single Room - N35,000 (De-Marvic Apartemnt has only one room available. The rest are apartments.) Free Internet WiFi, 24 Hours Service, Maximum security. This facility has a vantaged postion. It gives you a beautiful view of nature. And the environment is ambient || Tel.:+2347071983048
IRHIRHI/OKHUOROMI/ARUOGBA ROAD
GreyField Hotel (Luxury) - 20, Irhirhi Road, Off Airport Road, GRA, Benin City || Room Rates: Standard Room - N73,125; Deluxe - N90,000; Executive Suite - N123,750; 2-Bedroom Apartment - N260,000; Conference Hall - N250,000 || Tel.:+2348099991303
Osprey Apartment - 1, Igie Ehioghren Avenue, Aruogba, Upper Irhirhi, Off Airport Road. Major Landmark: Buvel Filling Station || Rates: 2-Bedroom Apartment - N80,000; 3-Bedroom Apartment - N100,000 || Tel.:+2348166855657
Istavanni Hotel (Smart-Budget) - 18, Aibuedefe Street, Off Okhuoromi Road (Upper Irhirhi), Off Airport Road, Benin City. Major LandMark: Jevo Construction Comapany. || Room Rates: N35,000, N45,000 || Tel.:+2348076976534
De-Brick Luxury Apartments - 8, Seyi Street, Off Okhuoromi Road (Upper Irhirhi), Off Airport Road, Benin City || Rates: Room - N80,000; 2-Bedroom Apartment - N150,000 || Tel.:+2349057493773
Chicos Apartment - Plot 3, John Uwazere Crescent, Off Egbirhi, After Okhuoromi Upper Irhirhi, Off Airport Road, Benin City || Rate: 2-Bedroom Apartment - N100,000; 4-Bedroom Duplex - N350,000. Tight Security. Serene Environment. Friendly and helpful staff || Tel.:+2348057964540
AIRPORT ROAD
GENESIS HOTEL - 5, Ainuamwonsa Street, Off Airport Road, Benin City || Room Rates: N50,000, N60,000, N70,000 || Tel.:+2347055024264 || Smart Rooms
Lucas Hotel & Suite(Budget-Hotel) - 93, Airport Road, GRA, Benin City || Room Rates: N25,000, N27,000, N45,000 || Tel.:+2348106292602
Allure Continental Hotel (Budget-Hotel) - 127, Airport Road, Opposite The Airport Admin Block || Room Rates: N18,000, N28,000, N30,000, N60,000 || Tel.:+2348071572016
Constantial Hotel (Smart-Budget) - 113, Airport Road, GRA, Benin City || Room Rates: N37,000, N43,000 || Tel.:+2348182244560 The rooms are large and very spacious. And they've got a large parking space. It's around the Airport.
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