Novotel Abidjan Plateau: Your Luxury Escape in Côte d'Ivoire Awaits!
Novotel Abidjan Plateau: My Love-Hate Affair with Luxury in the Ivory Coast (and Why You Might Actually LOVE It)
Okay, so, the title promised a "luxury escape in Côte d'Ivoire." And, well, the Novotel Abidjan Plateau definitely delivers on some aspects of that promise. Let's just say my experience wasn't all butterflies and sunshine. More like… butterflies, rogue air conditioning, and the constant hum of the city. But hey, that’s real life, right? And here's the thing: despite a few hiccups, I'd probably go back. Here's the breakdown, warts and all, peppered with some brutally honest opinions and probably too much detail. Buckle up, it's gonna be a ride.
First Impressions & Getting There: Wheels Up to Plateau!
- Accessibility: Okay, this is important. I need to know, is this place going to be a nightmare to navigate with my… well, whatever my mobility situation is that day! The good news? The elevator is a lifesaver. I saw a ton of ramps and easy access points too. Facilities for disabled guests are definitely a priority, thankfully.
- Getting Around: Airport transfer? Yes! Airport transfer is a MUST. After a long flight and a trek through Abidjan's glorious, chaotic traffic, you need that ride. Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site] - all good for drivers. I'm more of a taxi/Uber person, so the taxi service was super handy. Plus, valet parking if you're feeling fancy (and if you're staying here, you might well be!)
- Check-in/out: Contactless check-in/out and a quick Check-in/out [express] made things easy. Bonus points for a friendly face at Front desk [24-hour] – those late-night arrivals are a bear! Honestly, the initial feeling was welcoming, despite my internal grumblings about the hotel chain feel.
Room Sweet Room? A Tale of Blackout Curtains and Questionable Air Conditioning
- Available in all rooms: Pretty much everything is here: Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathroom phone (who uses those?), Bathtub, Blackout curtains (SAVIOR, I tell you!), Carpeting (okay, not my favorite, but clean!), Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea (yes!), Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed, 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, Safety/security feature, Satellite/cable channels, Scale (seriously, are you judging me?!), Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Visual alarm, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], Window that opens. Phew. That's a list!
- My Experience: Okay, let’s be frank; The air conditioning… it was a challenge. Sometimes ice-cold, sometimes a gentle breeze. The blackout curtains? Magnificent! Slept like a log (when the AC cooperated). The bed? Amazing. One of those "sinks-you-in-but-supports-you" kind of beds. The Wi-Fi [free] was a lifesaver. I wasn’t a fan of the carpet but overall the rooms were nicely appointed, clean, and well-maintained.
- Extra Touches: Loved the free bottled water (hydration is key in Abidjan!). And I always appreciate a decent coffee/tea maker in the room.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Buffets, Bars, and the Search for the Perfect Espresso
- Restaurants: The restaurants are plentiful, and a big part of the appeal. A la carte in restaurant is a must.
- Dining: The breakfast Breakfast [buffet] and Breakfast service was extensive. A decent buffet in restaurant had everything you’d expect. I was definitely loading up on pastries. And there was an Asian breakfast, which was a pleasant surprise, though not totally authentic.
- Quick Bites & Drinks: They’ve got a Bar, Poolside bar and a Coffee shop.
- My Experience: I spent a lot of time in the Coffee shop – a life-saver for caffeine addicts like myself! The International cuisine was generally well executed, though I didn’t exactly find a dish that blew my mind. The poolside bar was fun for an afternoon cocktail.
Ways to Relax: Spa Days, Pools with Views, and the Quest for Tranquility
- The Good Stuff: Body scrub, Body wrap, Fitness center, Foot bath, Gym/fitness, Massage, Pool with view, Sauna, Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom, and Swimming pool [outdoor]. Seriously!
- My Experience: The spa was tempting, but I only managed the swimming pool (with a pretty decent view of the city, I might add!). It was a welcome oasis after a day of hustling around the city. The gym/fitness looked decent enough – I didn't use it (too busy eating pastries).
- Quirky Observation: I kept staring at the pool, wondering if I was going to have a moment of Zen. I achieved a mild sense of… relaxation?
Cleanliness and Safety: Sanitizing Protocols and Peace of Mind
- All the boxes checked: The anti-viral cleaning products, cashless payment service, daily disinfection in common areas, hand sanitizer, hygiene certification, individually-wrapped food options, physical distancing of at least 1 meter, professional-grade sanitizing services, rooms sanitized between stays, safe dining setup, sanitized kitchen and tableware items, staff trained in safety protocol. They've thought of it all.
- My Experience: I felt safe. Everything was clean and well-maintained. I appreciated the extra precautions.
- Safety Features: CCTV in common areas, CCTV outside property, Fire extinguisher, Front desk [24-hour], Non-smoking rooms, Safe/security feature, Security [24-hour], Smoke alarms. You get the idea.
Services and Conveniences: Beyond the Room - It's All About the Extras
- Extra Help: Cash withdrawal, Concierge, Currency exchange, Dry cleaning, Laundry service, Luggage storage, Doorman, and Elevator.
- Connectivity: Internet access – wireless, Wi-Fi in public areas
- More: Air conditioning in public area, Business facilities, Convenience store, Daily housekeeping, Facilities for disabled guests, Food delivery, Gift/souvenir shop, Ironing service, Safety deposit boxes, Smoking area, Terrace, and Xerox/fax in business center.
- My Experience: The concierge was super helpful with recommendations and arranging transport. The laundry service was a godsend after a few days of exploring. The convenience store was perfect for grabbing those forgotten essentials.
For the Kids: Families Welcome!
- Family-Friendly: Babysitting service, Family/child friendly, Kids facilities, Kids meal
- My Experience: Didn't have any kids, but the facilities seem pretty geared towards families. Sounds promising.
The Verdict: Is Novotel Abidjan Plateau Worth It?
It’s not perfect. The AC was inconsistent. But overall, the Novotel Abidjan Plateau offers a solid, comfortable, and convenient base for exploring Abidjan. It’s clean, it’s safe, and it has enough creature comforts to make you feel pampered after a long day.
Here’s the deal: If you’re looking for a hassle-free, reliable, and reasonably luxurious stay in Abidjan, book it. You'll find everything you need, plus a few pleasant surprises.
But wait, there's more!
LIMITED-TIME OFFER! Book Your Escape to Novotel Abidjan Plateau NOW and Receive:
- FREE Upgrade to a Superior Room: Enjoy even more space and comfort! (Subject to Availability)
- Complimentary Breakfast for Two: Start your day the delicious way!
- 20% Discount on Spa Treatments: Indulge in some well-deserved pampering!
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into my Abidjan adventure, Novotel Plateau style. Buckle up for the rollercoaster, because my plans are usually about as organized as my sock drawer – which is to say, a glorious disaster.
Day 1: Arrival, Exhaustion, and an Unexpected Avocado Love Affair
- 8:00 AM (ish) - Departure from wherever the hell "home" is. Let's be honest, the pre-trip scramble is always a disaster. Did I pack enough sunscreen? Did I remember to tell the cat-sitter the evil glare on my cat's eyes is NOT a sign of approval? You never know, cat people are scary - and I'm one now. Airports are a special kind of hell, especially when you're running on fumes. And security? Don't even get me started. I look like I'm smuggling something. I AM NOT a smuggler!
- 2:00 PM (Abidjan Time) - Landing and the Novotel Plateau Embrace. Whew, finally! The heat hits you like a wall. I'm told Abidjan is "vibrant." My first emotion is: "Wow, I'm wet." But then, the Novotel. Solid. AC is LIFE. The check-in was… well, let's say my French isn't exactly fluent. I'm pretty sure I accidentally insulted the receptionist by calling her "a very nice… door." Smooth move, brain.
- 3:00 PM - Room Reconnaissance & Existential Dread. Okay, room. Clean. Bed looks comfy. Is that… a mini-fridge stocked with real beverages? Praise the travel gods! Quick unpack - no time to waste. Then, of course, the jet lag hits. That low, throbbing hum of utter weariness. I slump on the bed, questioning all my life choices, feeling the emptiness of the universe.
- 4:00 PM - The Avocado Revelation. Needed immediate sustenance. Ordered room service - and it involved the most perfect, creamy avocado I have ever encountered. I swear, that single avocado slice brought tears to my eyes. Forget fancy dinners – I'm staying in, living off avocado and hotel wifi. This is my new religion.
- 7:00 PM - Dinner, Defeat, and Early Night. Gave it a shot. ventured out to the hotel restaurant. The food looked AMAZING. But the jet lag won. I ate half a plate of something delicious, started drooling, and staggered back to the room. Lights out by 9 PM! Pathetic, but necessary.
Day 2: Exploring the Plateau (and My Limited French Skills)
- 7:00 AM - Wake-Up? More like WAKE-UP! by the glorious, screaming, ear-splitting alarm. Hotels need to invest in a quiet wake-up option!
- 8:00 AM - Breakfast Fiasco. The buffet. A glorious, terrifying buffet. I'm overwhelmed. But I managed to snag some delicious (I think) pastries, some unidentifiable juice, and a strong cup of coffee - the coffee, being the most important.
- 9:00 AM - The Plateau Ramble. I decided to be a tourist. The Plateau is a sensory explosion. The smells! The sights! The sounds! I bravely attempted to ask for directions. Let's just say my gestures were more eloquent than my French. I think I accidentally tried to "flirt" with a street vendor while trying to buy a bottle of water. He looked amused, and I scurried away.
- 11:00 AM - St. Paul's Cathedral - A Moment of Serenity? Whoa. Architecture that can stop you in your tracks. The sheer scale is breathtaking. I wandered to the back, alone with my thoughts. This actually was an oddly peaceful experience.
- 1:00 PM - Lunch on Earth. Discovered a little street-side spot. Ordered something, pointed, and hoped for the best. Turned out to be some sort of spicy grilled chicken and rice. Delicious, though, I was in a minor state of sweaty panic.
- 2:00 PM - Exploration, Shopping and a Quick nap on the bench. Okay, I need something. A simple thing. I bought a couple of souvenirs, haggled (badly) for a little trinket, and found a bench that called to me. Ten minutes of napping, right there on the street, and a sudden burst of renewed energy!
- 6:00 PM - Dinner, and a Moment of Failure. I attempted a fancy dinner. Big mistake. The food was great, but I was WAY out of my comfort zone. I spent half the time trying not to spill my drink and the other half eavesdropping on a heated argument at the table next to me.
- 9:00 PM - In bed, and in a much better mood at the thought of the avocado. I spent most of today remembering the avocado from day one - oh yeah.
Day 3: The Beach, the Traffic, and a Lesson in Patience
- 8:00 AM - Breakfast Shuffle. Buffet again! Still, the coffee keeps me going.
- 9:00 AM - Transportation Chaos. The traffic in Abidjan is legendary. I bravely attempted a taxi ride to the beach. I should have brought a book, a snack, and maybe a small cot. It took forever. But hey, it's an experience, right?
- 11:00 AM - Beach Bliss (Sort Of). The beach was beautiful and crowded. The ocean was warm. The waves were perfect. Then I got sand in my shoes, and the sun was too hot, and a kid kicked a ball near my head.
- 1:00 PM - Lunch on the Beach. Got myself some fish, rice and a beer. The sun, the sand, the salty air… it all made life feel amazing!
- 2:00 PM - Beach Nap. Yeah, I passed out under a palm tree. Don't judge.
- 4:00 PM - The Ride Back. Another torturous taxi ride. I swear, in the end of the day, it's all about the journey, I am so over this journey.
- 6:00 PM - Dinner. Food was just a blur. Exhaustion.
- 9:00 PM - Pack for the next day - leaving Abidjan! I want to be the Avocado's friend forever.
Day 4: Departure and lingering thoughts
- 7:00 AM - Wake up and remember the avocado.
- 8:00 AM - Breakfast.
- 9:00 AM - Check out.
- 10:00 AM - Departure, the inevitable delay.
- During the flight (and on the plane ride home): Reflecting on it all, I'm getting very mixed feelings: The amazing colors. The people. The beautiful architecture. But also, the heat. The traffic. The constant language barrier.
- Back home: The avocado. Forever.
So, yeah. That was the trip. A ridiculous, wonderful mess. Would I go back? Absolutely. Next time, though, I'm bringing a book, a phrasebook, and a year's supply of avocados. And maybe a cat-sitter that actually approves of my cat.
Kaufman's BEST Kept Secret: Bestway Inn Awaits!
So, what *is* this "thing" we're talking about, anyway? Like, seriously?
Okay, okay, deep breaths. Look, I'm trying to be helpful, but this is a broad topic. "Thing" could mean *anything*. Are we talking about that weird stain on my ceiling? Are we dissecting the existential dread of laundry day? Are we pondering the meaning of life through the lens of…a particularly grumpy houseplant? Because my answer will drastically change. Let's just say it's *something* that's been on my mind. Most days. Honestly, it depends on the coffee intake. Today, it’s more about the feeling. Because, you know, feelings. And let's just say this "thing" has a way of making you *feel*.
Are you *sure* you've got the right mindset for this? You sound a little… scattered.
Look, the fact that I’m questioning my sanity *before* the actual deep dive should probably be a clue. Scattered? Honey, I'm a walking, talking episode of ADHD. I started writing this intending to talk about the joys of… well, something joyful. Now, I’m pretty sure I’m in existential crisis mode. So, yeah, I'm probably not the best person to give straight answers. But I *am* the best person to give you a raw, unfiltered, possibly slightly unhinged perspective. Deal with it.
Okay, fine. But... can you give me an example of *what* this "thing" might be? A real-life thing?
Alright, fine, here's a messy, totally authentic anecdote for you. Let's talk about… *The Great Sock Apocalypse of '23*. It started innocently enough. Laundry day. Standard procedure, right? Wash, dry, fold, put away. Except, when I went to fold the clean socks, I realized… I was missing a sock. Not just *one*. Several. Like, a whole *collection* of socks had vanished into thin air. Gone. Poof! Like the world's most stylish disappearing act.
I swear, I searched *everywhere*. Behind the dryer, under the bed, even inside the cat's food bowl (don’t judge!). Nothing. Just a gaping, sock-shaped void in my life. The injustice! The *unsolicited sock-lessness*! It was the worst. I started to question my life choices, my sanity, the very fabric of reality itself. I swear the dryer was laughing at me. Maybe I should have checked for a black hole first?
What do you *do* about the missing socks? This is driving me crazy!
Honestly? I'm still dealing with it. The loss is… significant. First, there was denial. Then, bargaining. "Please, laundry gods, give me back just *one* argyle sock..." Then, a sort of resigned acceptance. Now, I just… *embrace the mismatched*. I have socks of every color, pattern, and thickness, each one a testament to the Great Sock Apocalypse. Some days, I feel like a ragtag band of rebels, fighting against the tyranny of perfectly matched pairs. Other days, I curl up in a ball and weep silently. It's a rollercoaster, people. A rollercoaster.
So, is this a metaphor for... something, big?
Okay, yeah, *maybe*. The missing socks, obviously, represent loss. The loss of control, the passage of time, the crushing weight of adult responsibilities…Or, maybe it’s just about the sheer, unadulterated *annoyance* of losing socks. Let's not overthink this, okay? Look, life is messy. It’s full of missing socks, confusing metaphors, and moments when you just want to scream into the void. That’s fine. Embrace the chaos. It's more interesting, anyway.
What about categories? What are our other topics?
Oh, good lord… categories? Okay, this is going to be rough. Let's see… we have:
* **Existential Sock-Related Dread:** The biggie. The core. The reason we’re all here.
* **The Mysteriousness of Laundry:** Where do the socks *go*? Seriously!
* **The Crushing Weight of Adulting:** Taxes, bills, and the sheer volume of socks required to function in society.
* **The Glorious Imperfection of Life:** See above.
* **Random tangents:** Because, duh.
I told you, it’s a mess.
* **Existential Sock-Related Dread:** The biggie. The core. The reason we’re all here.
* **The Mysteriousness of Laundry:** Where do the socks *go*? Seriously!
* **The Crushing Weight of Adulting:** Taxes, bills, and the sheer volume of socks required to function in society.
* **The Glorious Imperfection of Life:** See above.
* **Random tangents:** Because, duh.
I told you, it’s a mess.
So, what about feelings regarding the "thing?" Are you...sad? Angry?
All of the above. Mostly, I think I'm just… bewildered. And a little bit grumpy. And maybe, *maybe*, a tiny bit amused. But definitely, definitely grumpy. Losing socks is a personal affront; an act of aggression from the universe. But then, you find a mismatched pair that *somehow* works, and you have to respect the universe's audacity. And also, maybe I am now a tiny bit attached to the mismatched socks. Sue me.
What have you *learned* from this whole experience?
Oh, good question! I learned that...
1. I need to invest in a sock-tracking device.
2. Acceptance is key. Of the missing socks, of the chaos, of the fact that sometimes, life just sucks.
3. Mismatched socks can be surprisingly stylish. Embrace your inner rebel.
4. The dryer is *always* watching. Always.
5. That maybe, just maybe, the "thing" is not the sock. Maybe it's the *feeling* the lack of socks, or any of a multitude of situations, gives me. (This is where my inner therapist steps out).
Mostly, I learned that life is weird, wonderful, and full of missing socks. And that's okay. Seriously. It is. Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm going to go find a sock. Or three. Who knows what I'll find?
1. I need to invest in a sock-tracking device.
2. Acceptance is key. Of the missing socks, of the chaos, of the fact that sometimes, life just sucks.
3. Mismatched socks can be surprisingly stylish. Embrace your inner rebel.
4. The dryer is *always* watching. Always.
5. That maybe, just maybe, the "thing" is not the sock. Maybe it's the *feeling* the lack of socks, or any of a multitude of situations, gives me. (This is where my inner therapist steps out).
Mostly, I learned that life is weird, wonderful, and full of missing socks. And that's okay. Seriously. It is. Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm going to go find a sock. Or three. Who knows what I'll find?
