Amid Lagos’ relentless energy, the Federal Palace Hotel & Casino offers a serene escape — where elegance, warmth, and comfort blend seamlessly for a truly refreshing stay.
Lagos is a city of contrasts — high-energy, fast-paced, and relentlessly warm. But tucked away in the heart of Victoria Island is a sanctuary that offers a much-needed escape from the sweltering heat and the city’s non-stop movement: the Federal Palace Hotel & Casino. My night at this iconic establishment was nothing short of delightful, and if I had to sum it up in one phrase, it would be: elegant, relaxed, and warm.
The Federal Palace Hotel & Casino via Marie Claire Nigeria
I was in town for the Guardian Woman Festival, an extraordinary gathering of trailblazing women — leaders, visionaries, and changemakers — united in their pursuit of impact and empowerment. It was an atmosphere charged with brilliance, where ideas flowed as freely as the celebratory toasts, and every conversation felt like a spark of inspiration. To begin a day of meaningful dialogue and shared ambitions, I stepped into the Federal Palace, where I could sink into comfort, reflect on the moments that mattered, and bask in the quiet luxury of a well-earned retreat.
First impressions: A cool haven in Lagos
From the moment I stepped into the compound, I knew I was in for a treat. The clean, well-maintained grounds and the brutalist-yet-cosy architecture made for a stunning first impression. The check-in process was smooth, handled by warm and helpful staff, and as a welcome gesture, I was handed a coconut drink — a refreshing contrast to the Lagos heat.
Inside, the soft, golden lighting set the mood for relaxation. The atmosphere struck the perfect balance between elegance and warmth, making the hotel feel both luxurious and inviting.
A welcome drink at The Federal Palace Hotel & Casino by Denise Eseimokumoh
Architecture: Brutalist beauty, softened
One of the standout elements of the Federal Palace Hotel is its architecture — a softened take on brutalism, where strength and structure meet warmth and elegance. The marble floors reflect the soft glow of chandeliers, while the wide spaces and symmetrical staircases create a sense of balance and harmony.
The grand foyer at The Federal Palace Hotel & Casino by Denise Eseimokumoh
There’s something almost cinematic about it — every corner feels picturesque, every turn revealing a carefully curated moment. The furnishings are timeless, blending rich materials with a mid-century sensibility, and the warmth of the lighting, the dottings of lush green plants, and the cascading chandeliers in the lobby tie everything together in a way that feels both grand and inviting.
My Room: A Cosy, Thoughtful Retreat
The room was a dream — warmly lit, with a plethora of lamps casting a soft glow across the space. The orange curtains gave the room an intimate, golden hue, while the view of the city reminded me I was still in Lagos, albeit in a world of my own.
My room at The Federal Palace Hotel & Casino by Denise Eseimokumoh
One of my favourite details was how the appliances — refrigerator, safe, and others — were carefully hidden within the wooden furniture. Nothing stood out in a garish way; instead, everything blended seamlessly into the décor. And the bed? Soft. Ridiculously soft. The kind of soft that makes you forget about your worries and drift into the best sleep of your life.
The view from my room at The Federal Palace Hotel & Casino by Denise Eseimokumoh
Another highlight of my stay was the exquisite view from my room. Through the warm orange curtains, I was greeted by a stunning panorama of the city, a blend of twinkling lights, winding roads, and the distant hum of Lagos’ endless motion. From up high, the city looked almost serene — a breathtaking contrast to its usual vibrancy. It was the kind of view that made you pause, take a deep breath, and just soak in the beauty of the moment.
I kept thinking of how much I would love to recommend this hotel for a romantic getaway, and it made me giggle.
The dining area at the Federal Palace Hotel & Casino by Denise Eseimokumoh
Dining & entertainment: A full-body experience
The next morning, I swung by the hotel’s breakfast buffet, and let me tell you — it was nothing short of exquisite. In my plate, I had wheat bread, a garden salad, sautéed mushrooms, fresh salmon and bacon, a yoghurt bowl with walnuts, grapes, and raisins, scones, a roll, a croissant, and cup of plain black tea.
My breakfast at The Federal Palace Hotel & Casino by Denise Eseimokumoh
Every bite was satisfying, and I left the table feeling completely full. As I ate, a guitarist serenaded us with soft melodies, and the view of downtown Marina from where I sat was just the icing on the cake. The night before, I had ordered dinner from Jay’s Diner through Chowdeck, so my dining experience was a blend of indulgence and familiarity.
A view of downtown Marina from the dining area at The Federal Palace Hotel & Casino by Denise Eseimokumoh
While I didn’t try any cocktails, the service was impeccable, and the overall atmosphere made the meal feel leisurely, unhurried, and elegant.
A peek into the casino
Although I don’t gamble, I breezed through the casino, just to take in the energy. It was vibrant and colourful, buzzing with the thrill of possibility. I can see how someone who enjoys gaming would get swept up in the atmosphere, but for me, it was more of a passing glance before retreating to my soft, wonderful bed. I have no pictures of the casino because the hotel management restricted capturing media in the area.
Other amenities: A world of possibilities
I was there for work, so I didn’t get to explore all of the hotel’s amenities, but I know the Federal Palace boasts a water park, an outdoor pool with a waterslide, a fitness centre, a restaurant and bar, a playground and garden, and free in-room Wi-Fi
It’s the kind of place where you could spend an entire weekend without needing to step out.
Checkout and final moments
Leaving the Federal Palace Hotel & Casino was as effortless as arriving. The checkout process was seamless, handled with the same warmth and efficiency that had defined my entire stay. But before I departed, I took a quiet moment for myself — settling into the cosy ambience of my room one last time, catching up on some reading.
Catching up on some reading at The Federal Palace Hotel & Casino by Denise Eseimokumoh
I had just begun Dream Count by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, and her storytelling already enthralled me . There was something poetic about immersing myself in a tale woven by one of Nigeria’s literary icons while tucked away in one of Lagos’ most iconic hotels. It was the perfect way to wrap up a stay that had been equal parts restorative and inspiring.
The view from the door as I walked to my taxi at The Federal Palace Hotel & Casino by Denise Eseimokumoh
Final thoughts: Easily one of my Lagos favourites
There’s something about sleeping in a hotel that just hits differently — especially when the bed is as heavenly as the one I slept in at Federal Palace. My favourite moment of the night was, without a doubt, falling into a deep, uninterrupted sleep, feeling cocooned in absolute comfort. If not for a prior commitment, I might have extended my stay without a second thought.
Would I return? A thousand times, yes. This is, hands down, one of my favourite hotels in Lagos. Whether for a romantic getaway, a work retreat, or just a well-deserved escape, the Federal Palace Hotel & Casino is a world of its own — a sanctuary in the heart of Victoria Island, Lagos.
