Ave Maria Hotel Accra: Your Luxurious Ghanaian Escape Awaits!
Ave Maria Hotel Accra: My Ghanaian Getaway - And Wow, What a Ride! (A Messy, Honest Review)
Okay, so let's be real. Planning a trip to Accra, Ghana? Exciting! But also, slightly overwhelming. I mean, where do you even start looking for a decent hotel? After hours of scrolling (and a few desperate sighs), I landed on the Ave Maria Hotel. The tagline, "Your Luxurious Ghanaian Escape Awaits!" – well, it certainly sounded promising. And I'm here to tell you, after a week of sunshine, shea butter, and a whole lot of jollof, it mostly delivered. But let's get into the nitty-gritty, shall we? Because let's be honest, a truly honest review is a messy review.
First Impressions & Accessibility: Smooth Sailing… Mostly.
Right off the bat, the Ave Maria Hotel is impressive. The lobby is all polished marble and gleaming chandeliers. Seriously, you feel like you’ve wandered onto a movie set. And the check-in? Contactless! (Bonus points for that, especially these days). They’ve got a 24-hour front desk, which is a lifesaver, and the staff are genuinely friendly – always a good start.
Accessibility: Now, I wasn’t specifically looking for wheelchair accessibility, but I was impressed with how well-thought-out things seemed. There's an elevator, which is a must. The hotel boasts facilities for disabled guests, and while I didn't personally experience them, the presence of these features is a huge plus. The exterior corridors were wide and easy to navigate.
Internet & Tech - It's a Mixed Bag:
Internet access is available, and that's always a win. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Hallelujah! (Though, let's be honest, sometimes that "free" Wi-Fi can be a bit… temperamental. It was generally reliable, but there were a couple of times when I was pulling my hair out trying to upload photos. They do offer Internet [LAN] if you need a more stable connection – good to know! Plus, Wi-Fi for special events is a plus, but I didn't need that.
The Rooms: My Own Little Oasis (with some quirks).
Okay, the rooms. Now, this is where the Ave Maria Hotel really shines. I booked a non-smoking room (obviously!). It was spacious, clean, and had all the bells and whistles you could want.
- Air conditioning: Absolutely essential in Accra. It worked like a charm, keeping me cool and collected.
- Blackout curtains: Saved my sanity during those post-lunch naps.
- Coffee/tea maker: Morning coffee in bed? Yes, please!
- Complimentary tea: A lovely touch.
- Free bottled water: Hydration is key!
- Hair dryer: Saved me from a bad hair day (or several!).
- In-room safe box: Peace of mind for my valuables.
- Laptop workspace: Perfect for those emails I pretended to be working on.
- Mini bar: Temptation at its finest.
- Refrigerator: Always handy for keeping drinks cold.
- Satellite/cable channels: Endless entertainment options.
- Shower: Good water pressure, a win!
- Slippers: A comfy touch.
- Towels: Fluffy and plentiful.
- Wake-up service: Never missed a sunrise.
- Wi-Fi [free]: Mostly reliable.
However, there were a few… minor hiccups:
- The mirror in the bathroom was a little too far from the sink for optimal makeup application (first world problems, I know!).
- The soundproofing wasn't perfect. I could occasionally hear some… lively conversations from the hallway.
- And the alarm clock? Let's just say I learned to rely on my phone.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: A Culinary Adventure!
Okay, let's talk food. This is a BIG deal for me. I'm a foodie, and I was thrilled by the variety.
- Restaurants: There are several on-site restaurants, offering everything from Asian cuisine to International cuisine and, of course, Western cuisine.
- Breakfast [buffet]: A true feast! They had everything from a classic Western breakfast to an Asian breakfast. The buffet in restaurant was amazing and the Coffee/tea in restaurant was a must
- A la carte in restaurant: For a more intimate dining experience.
- Room service [24-hour]: So convenient! I may or may not have ordered fries at 3 AM. No judgment!
- Poolside bar: Perfect for a refreshing cocktail in the sun.
- Snack bar: Great for a quick bite.
- Desserts in restaurant: Heaven!
- Happy hour: Always a good time.
- Soup in restaurant: Perfect for a light meal.
- Vegetarian restaurant: A great options for non-meat eaters!
A word of warning: The salad in restaurant was good, but not the best.
Ways to Relax & Things to Do: Get Your Zen On (or Not!).
The Ave Maria Hotel offers a plethora of ways to unwind, or at least, attempt to.
- Swimming pool [outdoor]: Stunning! The Pool with view was a definite highlight.
- Gym/fitness: I attempted to use the fitness center. Keyword: attempted. Let's just say my workout lasted about 15 minutes.
- Spa: They have a spa! Which means… Massage! I booked a massage and it was absolutely heavenly. I'm talking "melt-into-the-table" levels of relaxation. Truly a highlight of the trip.
- Sauna, Spa/sauna, Steamroom: I didn't have time for these, but it's great they have them!
- Foot bath: A nice touch to relax.
Services and Conveniences: Making Life Easier.
The Ave Maria Hotel really excels in this area. They think of everything!
- Air conditioning in public area: A must-have in Accra.
- Cash withdrawal: Super convenient.
- Concierge: Always helpful with recommendations and bookings.
- Currency exchange: Easy and hassle-free.
- Daily housekeeping: My room was always spotless.
- Doorman: Always welcoming.
- Dry cleaning & Ironing service: Perfect for keeping those clothes fresh.
- Elevator: Essential.
- Facilities for disabled guests: A huge plus.
- Food delivery: Very convenient!
- Gift/souvenir shop: Great for picking up last-minute presents.
- Luggage storage: No problem leaving my bags.
- Safety deposit boxes: Peace of mind.
- Smoking area: For those who need it.
- Terrace: A lovely spot to relax.
- Airport transfer: Easy and convenient.
- Car park [free of charge]: Always a bonus!
- Taxi service: Readily available.
- Valet parking: A touch of luxury.
Cleanliness and Safety: Peace of Mind.
In a post-pandemic world, safety is paramount. The Ave Maria Hotel takes this seriously.
- Anti-viral cleaning products: Good to know!
- Cashless payment service: Easy and safe.
- Daily disinfection in common areas: Reassuring.
- Hand sanitizer: Readily available.
- Hygiene certification: Shows they care.
- Individually-wrapped food options: A nice touch.
- Physical distancing of at least 1 meter: Observed.
- Professional-grade sanitizing services: Excellent.
- Rooms sanitized between stays: Essential.
- Safe dining setup: Felt safe and secure.
- Staff trained in safety protocol: Always helpful.
- CCTV in common areas, CCTV outside property: Security is important.
- Fire extinguisher, Smoke alarms, Smoke detector: Important for safety.
- Safety/security feature: A nice touch.
- Security [24-hour]: Always helpful.
For the Kids: Family Friendly (Maybe not the primary focus).
While not a family-focused hotel, they do offer some kid-friendly amenities.
- Babysitting service: A great option.
- Family/child friendly: They are welcoming to families.
- Kids meal: A nice touch.
Getting Around:
- Airport transfer: Seamless.
- Car park [free of charge]: Convenient.
- Taxi service: Easily available.
The Verdict?
Look, the Ave Maria Hotel isn't perfect. No hotel is. But it's a fantastic choice for a luxurious Accra experience.
Queenstown Luxury Escape: Free Parking, Gas Fire, BBQ & AC!
Alright, buckle up, buttercup, because this Ave Maria Hotel Accra itinerary? It's gonna be less "smooth sailing" and more "slightly seasick, but hey, at least the sun's shining." Here we go…
Day 1: Accra Arrival - Expect the Unexpected (and the Sweat)
- 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM (ish): Land at Kotoka International Airport. Oh, the joy! Pray the luggage carousel gods are with you. Last time? My suitcase took a scenic tour of the baggage handling system before finally being coughed up looking like it'd wrestled a rhino. This time, I'm bringing a prayer and a small, very aggressive chihuahua (just kidding… mostly).
- 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM: Immigration. Brace yourselves for the queue. It's a gamble. Sometimes it's a breeze, sometimes you're convinced they're personally interrogating you about your life choices. Try to look vaguely innocent. Works… sometimes.
- 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM: Finding a taxi. Negotiation is key. Don't be shy about haggling. They'll tell you it's a "special rate" for tourists. It rarely is. I once got hustled so hard I almost had to sell my socks. (Note to self: Pack extra socks.)
- 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM: Arrive at Ave Maria Hotel. Hopefully. Google Maps can be your friend, but sometimes it sends you down a goat path. The exterior of the hotel? Let's just say "charming" is a generous descriptor. The lobby? Well, it has a certain… character. The air conditioning is a questionable blessing.
- 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM: Check-in. Pray for a room with working AC. And hot water. And a bed that doesn't sound like it's about to collapse. (My first room here last time was a disaster; I could hear the cockroaches gossiping. I’ll never forget the sound. I swear they were judging my suitcase situation.)
- 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM: Lunch at the hotel restaurant. The menu is… eclectic. You might get something amazing, you might get something you’ll politely pick at. Embrace the mystery.
- 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM: Rest. Or attempt to. The heat is relentless. The jet lag is a beast. You'll probably be fighting off a nap. Or, if you're like me, you'll be staring at the ceiling fan, willing it to spin faster, while your brain slowly melts.
- 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM: Accra Adventure! I'm thinking a quick walk around the neighborhood. Explore, people-watch, and try not to get lost. The street food vendors are calling my name. I'm particularly fond of the waakye (rice and beans) – but be careful, it can be spicy!
- 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM: Dinner. Back at the hotel? Or venture out? Again, the food is a gamble. I'm leaning towards a local spot. Gotta be brave.
- 8:00 PM - Bedtime: Collapse. Possibly cry a little. (From the heat, the jet lag, the sheer overwhelming-ness of it all.) Reflect on the day. Remember to put the mosquito net up. And pray the power stays on.
Day 2: Culture Shock and Coconut Dreams
- 7:00 AM - 8:00 AM: Wake up (if you slept). Breakfast at the hotel. Cautiously approach the buffet.
- 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM: Accra City Tour! Visit the Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum and Memorial Park. It's important. It's historic. It's also hot. So, bring water. And maybe a small fan. I always seem to forget the fan.
- 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM: Lunch. Somewhere local. This time, I'm trying to find a place that serves fufu and light soup. It's an experience. (And a potential stain on your shirt. Trust me.)
- 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM: Explore the Makola Market. Sensory overload in its finest form. Brace yourself for the noise, the smells, the sheer vibrancy of it all. Haggle! But be respectful. And try not to get trampled. I once lost my phone in the crowd. (It reappeared. Miraculously. I suspect some clever vendor.)
- 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM: Relax. Coconut water time. Find a vendor, crack open a coconut, and pretend you're on a tropical island. (Even if you're sweating like you've run a marathon in a sauna.) This is what I live for. Pure bliss.
- 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM: Dinner and unwind. Reflect on the day, the sights, the sounds, the smells. (Yes, the smells.) Maybe write in your journal. Or just stare at the ceiling fan, again.
- 7:00 PM - Bedtime: Early night. You'll need it. Tomorrow is a mystery.
Day 3: The Beach, the Booze (Maybe), and the Bewildered
- 7:00 AM - 8:00 AM: Wake up (again, if you slept). Breakfast. More cautiously approach the buffet.
- 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM: Trip to Labadi Beach! Pack your sunscreen. Your hat. Your sunglasses. Your sense of humor. The beach is beautiful, but the vendors are persistent. Just smile, say "no, thank you" (firmly, but politely), and enjoy the ocean. The waves are intense, and there's usually a party going on.
- 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM: Lunch at a beachside restaurant. The food is often simple, but the view is amazing. (Assuming you can find a table without getting sand in your food.)
- 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM: Beach time! Swim. Sunbathe. People-watch. Meditate. Or, just…be. This is what it's all about, right?
- 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM: Head back to the hotel. Shower off the sand and the salt. Change into clean clothes.
- 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM: Dinner. Perhaps try a new restaurant. Or revisit a favorite. Or just order room service and hide in your air-conditioned room. (No judgement.)
- 8:00 PM - Late: Drinks? Maybe. The hotel bar might be… an experience. Or, you could venture out. But be careful. Accra at night can be… lively. And sometimes, a little unpredictable. (I once ended up in a karaoke bar. Let's just say my singing voice is better suited to the shower.) Bedtime. Pray for a quiet night.
Day 4: Day Trip? Shopping? Or Just Survive?
- 7:00 AM - 8:00 AM: Wake up. Breakfast.
- 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM: Options. Day trip? Maybe to the Kakum National Park (with a canopy walk). Or, explore more of Accra? Or…just stay at the hotel, and recover. This is where you decide. Be honest with yourself.
- 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM: Lunch.
- 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM: More options. Shopping? (Kantamanto Market is an experience… a chaotic experience.) Relaxing? Re-read a book.
- 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM: Pre-dinner drinks.
- 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM: Farewell dinner. (Or, if you’re anything like me, you’ll be saying “good riddance” to the hotel buffet.)
- 8:00 PM - Bedtime: Packing. Saying goodbyes. Reflecting on the journey. Or, just staring at the ceiling fan, wondering how the heck you survived.
Day 5: Departure - Until Next Time, Accra!
- 7:00 AM - 8:00 AM: Wake up. Breakfast. Try not to overeat.
- 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM: Check out. Pray the bill is correct. And that you didn't leave anything vital behind.
- 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM: Taxi to the airport. Try not to get stuck in traffic.
- 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM: Airport rituals. Check-in. Security. Waiting. Trying to remember where
Ave Maria Hotel Accra: Your Luxurious Ghanaian Escape? (Maybe...) FAQs – The Unvarnished Truth
Okay, so is Ave Maria *actually* luxurious? Like, am I going to be sipping champagne on a balcony overlooking a shimmering pool?
Alright, let's be real. "Luxurious" is subjective, isn't it? The marketing photos? Gorgeous. The reality? Well… it's Ghana. It's Ave Maria. My experience? Okay, here's the tea. The lobby *is* pretty swanky, with these huge chandeliers that make you feel like you've wandered into a wedding reception. But the balcony... let's just say the view from *my* balcony was less "shimmering pool" and more "neighbor's laundry hanging out to dry." And the champagne? I had to *ask* for it. They didn’t just magically appear. So, luxurious? Ehhh, it's got its moments. It's definitely comfortable, though. Just don't expect a fairy tale. Think… charming, with a healthy dose of local flavor.
What about the rooms? Are they clean? Because nothing freaks me out more than… you know… *things*.
Cleanliness is a big one, right? Okay, so the rooms at Ave Maria… they’re generally pretty good. I mean, I didn't find any… *things*… lurking in the corners. The sheets were crisp and white. The bathroom? Functional. It's not like a sterile, hospital-grade clean, mind you. It's more like… a lived-in clean. Like, someone *actually* uses the room. I remember one time, I dropped a bit of my breakfast toast on the floor and it was still there, three hours later. So, maybe, like, a *little* more attention to detail would be appreciated. But overall? Yeah, the rooms are decent. Definitely bring your own Lysol wipes if you're a germaphobe, though. I always do. It's just… peace of mind, you know?
Is the WiFi reliable? Because I *need* to work. And, uh, check my Instagram.
Oh, the WiFi. Bless its little digital heart. Look, let's just say it's… temperamental. One minute you're streaming Netflix, the next you're staring at a spinning wheel of doom. I’ve had days where I felt like I was trying to communicate with aliens. Trying to download a simple email? Forget about it. Video calls? Prepare for pixelated faces and awkward silences. On the plus side, it *did* force me to actually *look* at the world around me. Which, in Ghana, is a pretty good thing. But if you absolutely, positively *must* have reliable internet, consider getting a local SIM card with data. Trust me, your sanity will thank you. And you'll actually be able to see your Instagram stories. It's a trade-off. Priorities, people!
What's the food like? I'm a foodie, and I'm kind of obsessed with trying new things.
The food… okay, this is where Ave Maria gets a little… uneven. The breakfast buffet? It's got your standard continental fare – eggs, toast, fruit. The fruit is usually pretty good, especially the mangoes. They're like sunshine in your mouth. The cooked-to-order omelets? Hit or miss. One day, I got a masterpiece. The next? A rubbery, vaguely eggy… thing. The restaurant food… that's where it gets interesting. They try. They really do. They have a mix of Ghanaian and international dishes. I had a jollof rice that was *amazing* one night. The next? A little… dry. The service can be a little slow, but that's Ghana, you know? Patience is a virtue. And the local dishes? Absolutely try them! Just be prepared to maybe… experiment a little. And bring some antacids, just in case. (Don't tell them I said that!)
Is the staff friendly? Because I hate grumpy hotel staff.
The staff? Ah, the staff. They're… Ghana. What I mean is, they're generally lovely, warm, and incredibly helpful. They'll bend over backwards to help you. They're also… on "Ghana time." Which means things might take a little longer than you're used to. But the smiles are genuine. The willingness to assist is there. I remember one time, I locked myself out of my room at 3 AM (don't ask). The security guard, bleary-eyed but incredibly patient, got me back in. He even offered me a cup of tea. That's the kind of stuff you remember. So, yes, the staff is friendly. Just be prepared to adjust your expectations a little. And be patient. And tip generously! They deserve it.
What's the location like? Is it easy to get around?
Location, location, location! Ave Maria's in a decent spot. Not *super* central, but not a million miles away from things either. Getting around? Well, Accra is a city of traffic. Traffic is a constant, a character in the story. You've got taxis, Uber, Bolt (like Uber), and the "tro-tros" (the local mini-buses – an adventure in themselves!). Taxis are generally easy to find, but *always* negotiate the price beforehand. Uber and Bolt are convenient, but sometimes the wait times can be a bit… extensive. I once waited an hour for an Uber in the rain. It was an experience. The tro-tros? Cheap, crowded, and a truly authentic Ghanaian experience. Just be prepared to get very, very close to your fellow passengers. So, easy to get around? Kinda. Just plan ahead, be patient, and embrace the chaos. And maybe pack a good book for those inevitable traffic jams.
Okay, so, if I had to choose a *single* experience at Ave Maria that really stuck with you, what would it be?
Hmm… a single experience? Okay. This is a tough one. But… I'd have to say the time I got locked in the elevator. Seriously. The elevator. I was heading down to the restaurant for breakfast (and, let's be honest, to check my Instagram). The doors closed. The elevator lurched… and then… *nothing*. Panic set in. I started hammering on the doors, yelling. Then, a moment of calm. I pressed the emergency button. Nothing. Radio silence. I started imagining myself becoming a permanent resident of the Ave Maria elevator. This is how I die, I thought. Stuck in a lift in Ghana. Then, finally, after what felt like an eternity (probably 15 minutes, tops), I heard a faint voice. Someone had heard my cries of distress. They got me out. I emerged, shaken but alive, to a chorus of apologies and concerned faces. The breakfast? I skipped it. I was tooLuxury Stay Blog
