Axari Hotel & Suites — Hotel in Cross River State

This was my first choice hotel in Calabar 10 or 11 years ago when I used to come each Christmas.

Not anymore after this trip.

Standards have fallen over time.

Facilities have not been maintained or upgraded.

The staff are not as friendly, welcoming or helpful as they used to be.

The front desk staff acted as if they couldn't be bothered if we stayed or not. Didn't provide relevant information about services that were only available on request e.g. car wash.

I arrived here after a 4-hour trip on bad roads; car was in a state, needed washing. I came out in the morning to find it had not been washed. When I asked why, the front desk staff said they no longer wash cars on the premises; that if I needed a car wash, I had to drive to the next compound (their rear entrance) and ask the security staff to wash it. They seemed surprised when I was upset at not having been informed about this when I checked in the previous night.

The bathroom towels were old, room fittings were frayed (at least the one I stayed in). TV was mounted on the table, in front of the mirror (I wonder who thought that one up). Bathroom floor drainage was not working properly, so the floor stayed wet for a long time if water got on it.

On the positive side, I got the room at a rate lower than what was initially advertised. It's still a quiet place. Nice pool area. Kids will like it. Didn't try the cuisine.

I'm not likely to stay here...

PS: I had to edit my initial review 4 years after I wrote it because the quality of services at this hotel had depreciated drastically. Poor maintenance culture and management’s nonchalant attitude towards improvement are the major problems here.

In view of this, I take back my earlier recommendation and strongly advise anyone who wishes to stay here to do a physical inspection before booking. Hopefully they take steps to renovate and fix the problems.

Shoutout to Phillips and Tom, very professional and dedicated staff members of this hotel, going above and beyond to make guests comfortable. Unfortunately, the problems are beyond their control.

Previous review: Axari is like home away from home. Staff with great attitude. Warm and courteous. Always helpful. The kitchen serves mouthwatering Nigerian/Calabar dishes. The green area in the hotel is just breathtaking. They have of the biggest conference halls in the city. They are about 15mins drive from the airport. And there is free wifi!💃...

Looking at the hotel from the outside gives the impression of a not too good hotel but once inside, the ambience, decor and aesthetics are pleasing to the body and soul(hotel should do something about the outside painting). The staff are pleasant especially when engaged and they are willing to help. The facilities comprise a nice swimming pool and pool bar with outside sitting, a gym (that has seen better days) a restaurant with continental menu. The food is well prepared. There is 24hrs power supply and Wi-Fi is available and fast though cuts off intermittently. Parking space is available in 2 areas. There is a conference/events/church centre behind the expansive hotel. The rooms are spacious enough though some of the wooden bits of furniture seems to be falling apart. The bathroom is good, hot and cold water available. Branded toileteries. There is complimentary tea/coffee and the rooms have electric kettles. All In all a good hotel that I will definitely...