Hotels in Benin

The standout choice when booking a hotel in Benin is Cotonou, located right on the coast and close to the capital of Porto-Novo. L'imprévu is worth considering to stay, right by transport and the coast, and highly reviewed. There are also hotels in Porto-Novo, though only a few. Cotonou may not be the capital, but it certainly holds most of what Benin has to offer, and you will find cheap hotels in Benin in Cotonou. Getting around Benin really leaves you two choices, by bus or by car. There are coaches that connect the south coast’s cities, and a few that also travel north to the National Parks. The rest of the transport comes down to bush taxis, or you can certainly hire your own car but it is recommended that you hire your own driver as the roads can be quite tricky in Benin, and driving and navigating on your own can be quite daunting.

Some notable sights lie in the capital of Porto-Novo, including museums detailing important parts of Benin’s history and royalty, and both colonial and pre-colonial architecture. Many tourists are drawn to Cotonou as Benin’s busiest hub, with the Dantokpa market, a huge collection of beachside dining and bars, and an arts hub, with a notable mention to the Zinsou Foundation. Noahgarden is a good choice for accommodation in the heart of Cotonou, with a sleek modern design and ease of access to Cotonou itself. Those that venture to West Africa to have an experience in its nature will head north to Pendjari National Park, where you can take safaris to see elephants, lions, hippos and more.

The south coast of Benin, particularly Cotonou, is where you will find most of Benin’s nightlife. There are a few nightclubs in Cotonou, and plenty of options to find a seat by the beach to enjoy local cuisine. Residence Mosaly is a hotel to consider to centre yourself amongst the nightlife of Cotonou. Many of the offerings for your meal choice in Benin will consist of seafood, though you will see staples of fried plantain, fried corn dumplings and fritters, and it’s also worth finding yovo doko or beignet, the local doughnuts. The capital of Porto-Novo certainly also offers plenty of dining options and street food, though most looking for a late evening will find that Cotonou is the spot for them.

For lovers of art, culture and history you will most likely have Porto-Novo and Cotonou on your itinerary already. Benin’s capital of Porto-Novo contains history itself in its architecture, but Musée de Silva is a must-visit for an in-depth view of the history of Benin, as well as the Porto Novo Museum of Ethnography. Those interested in learning more of Somba culture may want to add Natitingou to the list, north of the coast and nearby to the National Park and Atakora Mountains, this commune offers the Musée Régional de Natitingou. Grand Popo's Villa Karo is an arts and culture centre that often hosts exhibitions and events, and is a fabulous spot for any travelling artist to really get involved with the locals and explore Grand Popo voodoo culture. Ramaya Auberge Espagnole is well located in Grand Popo and offers a restaurant, bar, garden, and easy access to the beach.

If you are looking to save money on your hotel room in Benin, consider visiting the country in November as it is the least expensive month at just £15 per night. Avoid booking a hotel room in June if you are looking for a deal; it is the most expensive month.

While the country has many desirable locations to visit, the most popular city in Benin to travel to is Cotonou.

As of November 2024, there are 1,275 operators available to choose from for hotels in Benin.

Prices for hotels in Benin were last updated today.