The best hotels in Cotonou
Cotonou has 8,000+ places to stay and most of them will waste your time, your money, or both. We reviewed the standouts. these 10 made the cut.
Our Top Picks in Cotonou
Click any hotel to check availability and book at the best price.
Hôtel de la Plage
Avenue de la Marina, Cotonou
Free cancellation & Pay later
Azalaï Hôtel de la Plage
Centre Ville, Cotonou
Free cancellation & Pay later
Golden Tulip Le Diplomate
Haie Vive, Cotonou
Free cancellation & Pay later
Hôtel Résidence Bénin
Fidjrossè, Cotonou
Free cancellation & Pay later
Novotel Cotonou Orisha
Centre Ville, Cotonou
Free cancellation & Pay later
Bénin Royal Hôtel
Haie Vive, Cotonou
Free cancellation & Pay later
All Hotels Compared
Side-by-side comparison to help you pick the right hotel. Prices reflect shoulder season averages.
| # | Hotel | City & Area | Price/Night | Score | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hôtel du Lac | Quartier Zongo, Cotonou | $45–75/night | 6.8/10 | Budget Pick |
| 2 | Hôtel Bénin Marina | Akpakpa, Cotonou | $65–95/night | 7.2/10 | Hidden Gem |
| 3 | Hôtel Alédo | Cadjèhoun, Cotonou | $100–145/night | 7.6/10 | Best Value |
| 4 | Hôtel de la Plage | Avenue de la Marina, Cotonou | $110–160/night | 7.9/10 | Best Location |
| 5 | Azalaï Hôtel de la Plage | Centre Ville, Cotonou | $130–185/night | 8.1/10 | Most Popular |
| 6 | Golden Tulip Le Diplomate | Haie Vive, Cotonou | $150–210/night | 8.3/10 | Business Pick |
| 7 | Hôtel Bon Pasteur | Mènontin, Cotonou | $165–220/night | 7.8/10 | Family Friendly |
| 8 | Hôtel Résidence Bénin | Fidjrossè, Cotonou | $195–240/night | 8/10 | Romantic Stay |
| 9 | Novotel Cotonou Orisha | Centre Ville, Cotonou | $255–340/night | 8.7/10 | Top Rated |
| 10 | Bénin Royal Hôtel | Haie Vive, Cotonou | $270–380/night | 8.5/10 | Luxury Pick |
Why These Hotels Made Our List
Every hotel earned its spot. Here's exactly why we picked each one.
Hôtel du Lac
This is a no-frills option near Lac Nokoué that gets the basics right. Rooms are simple and clean, with functional air conditioning and mosquito nets. The waterfront proximity makes it interesting for those exploring the lake market at Ganvié. Staff are friendly but English is limited. Good enough for a short stay if you are watching your budget.
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Hôtel Bénin Marina
Sitting in the Akpakpa district on the eastern side of the city, this small hotel offers decent value for money. Rooms are basic but kept clean, and the on-site restaurant serves reliable Beninese dishes. The location puts you close to local markets and transport routes. It is not central to the main business district, so factor in taxi costs. A solid choice for budget travelers who want something more local.
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Hôtel Alédo
Located in the Cadjèhoun neighborhood close to the airport, Hôtel Alédo is a practical mid-range choice for business travelers with early flights. Rooms are well maintained and quieter than you would expect given the surrounding traffic. The pool area is a genuine plus in Cotonou's heat. Breakfast is included and covers enough to get you through a morning of meetings. Nothing fancy, but reliably good.
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Hôtel de la Plage
The name delivers on its promise, with the hotel sitting directly on the Atlantic coast along Avenue de la Marina. Rooms facing the ocean get impressive views but also road noise, so choose accordingly. The beachside bar is one of the better spots in the city for a sundowner. Food quality at the restaurant is inconsistent but the grilled fish is always worth ordering. Staff response time can be slow during peak hours.
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Azalaï Hôtel de la Plage
This West African chain hotel sits in the city center and is one of the most recognized addresses in Cotonou. The property is well managed, with consistent service and comfortable air-conditioned rooms. The pool and outdoor terrace are popular with both guests and local professionals at lunch. Location is convenient for the port, embassies, and main commercial streets. A dependable choice that rarely disappoints.
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Golden Tulip Le Diplomate
Le Diplomate is the go-to hotel for corporate travelers in Cotonou, sitting in the upscale Haie Vive district close to embassies and international offices. Rooms are spacious with good work desks and reliable Wi-Fi. The conference facilities are among the best in the city. Service is polished and the breakfast buffet is genuinely impressive for this part of West Africa. Rates are fair given what you get.
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Hôtel Bon Pasteur
Run by a religious congregation, Hôtel Bon Pasteur in the Mènontin area offers a calm and well-organized environment that stands out from the busier city hotels. Rooms are large and spotless, and the garden grounds give families room to breathe. The restaurant is one of the more reliable in the mid-range category, with good local and continental options. The quiet atmosphere is either a draw or a downside depending on your expectations. Very good value for the comfort level offered.
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Hôtel Résidence Bénin
Hôtel Résidence Bénin is a quiet property in the Fidjrossè beach area, popular with couples and longer-stay guests. The bungalow-style rooms are set around a pool and feel more private than most city hotels. The beach is walkable and the area is less chaotic than the commercial center. Service is attentive and the kitchen produces consistently good food. It is worth paying for a room with a pool-facing terrace.
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Novotel Cotonou Orisha
The Novotel Orisha is the most polished international hotel in Cotonou, sitting in the city center with direct access to the main business and diplomatic corridor. Rooms are large, modern, and consistently well maintained across the property. The rooftop pool area and bar offer panoramic views of the city and coastline. Business facilities meet international standards, and the staff speak French and English fluently. It is the most reliable luxury option in the city by a clear margin.
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Bénin Royal Hôtel
Bénin Royal Hôtel is the local luxury benchmark, situated in the prestigious Haie Vive neighborhood among embassies and executive residences. The interior design leans into rich local materials and textures, giving it more character than a generic chain property. Rooms are very spacious with high-quality linens and excellent air conditioning. The restaurant is among the finest in the city, with a strong wine list and skilled kitchen. Service is formal and attentive throughout your stay.
Check AvailabilityWhere to Stay in Cotonou
The neighborhood you pick matters more than the hotel.
First time in Cotonou? Read this before you book.
Cotonou is not a typical West African capital. It's not even officially the capital. Porto-Novo holds that title. but Cotonou is where everything actually happens. The economic engine, the airport, the nightlife, the embassies: all here. Pick the wrong neighborhood and you'll spend your whole trip in a zem dodging traffic on the Cadjèhoun roundabout.
Haie Vive is the neighborhood most experienced travelers default to. It's quieter than Centre Ville, the streets are actually named and signed, and you're a short ride from Boulevard de la Marina. For business, Centre Ville puts you close to government offices on Avenue Jean-Paul II and the port zone. First-timers doing a mix of tourism and leisure: go Haie Vive. You won't regret it.
Getting around Cotonou: what nobody tells you.
Zems are the city's bloodstream. These moto-taxis are everywhere, cost 200-500 CFA for most rides, and are genuinely the fastest way to move between Haie Vive and Akpakpa during rush hour. The official taxi app Gozem also works well in Cotonou and gives you a fixed price upfront. use it at night or with luggage.
There's no metro and bus routes are informal. From Cadjèhoun Airport, a fixed-price taxi kiosk outside arrivals charges 3,000-5,000 CFA to most hotel zones. Don't get in an unmarked car. The airport is literally inside the city, so your ride to Hôtel Alédo in Cadjèhoun might be 8 minutes. To Fidjrossè, count on 20 minutes.
Cotonou's beach situation: honest take.
The beach along Avenue de la Marina is accessible but busy. Bars and restaurants line it. La Cabane and Chez Clarisse are worth knowing. but the water isn't always clean near the port end. Fidjrossè Beach, west of the city center, is better. Wider, calmer, and if you're staying at Hôtel Résidence Bénin, you're already there.
Don't book a 'beachfront' hotel near the Port of Cotonou without checking Google Street View first. We've seen this mistake dozens of times. That stretch of coastline is industrial. Genuine beach access means Fidjrossè or the strip west of the Azalaï Hôtel de la Plage on Avenue de la Marina.
Budget vs. luxury in Cotonou: where the value actually is.
The $45-75/night tier exists and is fine for backpackers, but budget hotels in Quartier Zongo come with trade-offs: unreliable water pressure, generators that kick on at midnight, and rooms that look different from the photos. Hôtel du Lac is the exception in this bracket. it earns its Budget Pick badge honestly.
The real value jump happens at the $150-220/night mark. Golden Tulip Le Diplomate and Hôtel Bon Pasteur deliver a quality step-up that genuinely justifies the price. Luxury above $250/night at Novotel Orisha or Bénin Royal Hôtel in Haie Vive is unapologetically premium, and those hotels deliver consistently. Don't apologize for spending it if your budget allows.
Day trips from Cotonou: what's actually worth it.
Ouidah is the obvious first choice and it earns it. The Route des Esclaves and the Porte du Non-Retour are genuinely moving, and the Musée d'Histoire de Ouidah on Rue du Brésil is excellent. It's 40 km west on the Route Inter-État. 45 minutes in a taxi, around 6,000-8,000 CFA each way.
Ganvié, the lake village on Lac Nokoué, is 30 minutes north by road then pirogue. It's touristy now, but still striking. Abomey and its royal palaces need a full day minimum. 145 km north, budget $50-70 for a driver. Most hotels in Centre Ville can sort this for you the night before.
When to book and what affects Cotonou hotel prices.
Two things spike prices hard: the Fête du Vaudou in January (centered in Ouidah but Cotonou fills up) and the FITHEB international theatre festival in April, which brings visitors from across West Africa. During these windows, expect rates 25-40% above normal, especially in Centre Ville and Haie Vive.
The wet seasons. May through July and September through October. are genuinely low. Prices dip, crowds thin, and you can negotiate at mid-range hotels. The trade-off is heat and humidity, hovering around 28-32°C with high moisture. Pack light, book refundable, and you'll find solid mid-range rooms for $80-120/night that go for $140+ in peak season.
Cotonou's best neighborhoods
Centre Ville and Haie Vive are where you want to be. Centre Ville keeps you close to the action on Boulevard Saint-Michel, while Haie Vive is quieter, greener, and where Cotonou's best restaurants actually are.
Haie Vive & Zone des Ambassades 2 vetted hotels Cotonou's most polished quarter. Where diplomats sleep and business deals close.
Cotonou's most polished quarter. Where diplomats sleep and business deals close.
Haie Vive is the neighborhood that actually has sidewalks. Streets are named, restaurants are good, and the vibe is calm without being sleepy. The Zone des Ambassades is technically adjacent and bleeds into it. French Embassy, American Embassy, and a cluster of proper restaurants on Boulevard de la Marina within 10 minutes on foot.
Golden Tulip Le Diplomate and Bénin Royal Hôtel both sit here, and they're two of the three best hotels in our entire list. The Golden Tulip is the business pick. The Bénin Royal is the luxury landmark. You're paying for the address, the facilities, and the consistent service. and you're getting it.
It's not the cheapest zone. Rooms start at $150/night and top out above $380. But you're 8 minutes by car from Cadjèhoun Airport and 5 minutes from the best supermarket in Cotonou, Erevan Supermarché on Route des Ambassades. For business travelers or anyone who wants Cotonou at its most functional, this is the call.
Centre Ville & Avenue de la Marina 3 vetted hotels Cotonou's commercial core. Loud, busy, and centrally located for a reason.
Cotonou's commercial core. Loud, busy, and centrally located for a reason.
Centre Ville is where the city's energy concentrates. Boulevard Saint-Michel, Place de l'Étoile Rouge, the main commercial banks. it's all here. Avenue de la Marina runs along the Atlantic coast and connects the port to the leisure strip. The Novotel Cotonou Orisha and Azalaï Hôtel de la Plage both anchor this zone and are genuinely top-tier.
Hôtel de la Plage also sits on the Marina strip and punches well above its price. At $110-160/night it's the best-located mid-range option in Cotonou. You can walk to the beach in 3 minutes and be at Place de l'Étoile Rouge in 10. That's rare.
The noise is real though. Traffic on Avenue de la Marina doesn't stop until well past midnight, and the port brings heavy trucks through Centre Ville from early morning. Ask for a room facing away from the main road. All three hotels here have quieter courtyard or upper-floor options.
Cadjèhoun & Fidjrossè 2 vetted hotels Close to the airport and the best beach. Under-the-radar for a city this size.
Close to the airport and the best beach. Under-the-radar for a city this size.
Cadjèhoun is where the airport is, which makes it practical. But Hôtel Alédo here is more than just a convenient layover stop. it's a genuinely good mid-range hotel with a pool and real service, priced at $100-145/night. You're 5 minutes from the airport, 15 minutes from Haie Vive, and not paying the Centre Ville premium.
Fidjrossè is the beach neighborhood, full stop. Hôtel Résidence Bénin at $195-240/night is our Romantic Stay badge winner and it earns it. You're on Fidjrossè Beach itself, with the cleaner stretch of Atlantic coastline that Cotonou rarely advertises. Sunset from this end of the city is legitimately good.
The trade-off is distance. Getting to Dantokpa Market or the Fondation Zinsou on Rue Missébo from Fidjrossè takes 20-25 minutes by zem. It's manageable, not ideal. If you're here to relax and explore nearby, it works. If you have packed days in town, consider Centre Ville instead.
Akpakpa, Mènontin & Quartier Zongo 3 vetted hotels The affordable side of Cotonou. Rough around the edges, but your wallet will thank you.
The affordable side of Cotonou. Rough around the edges, but your wallet will thank you.
Akpakpa sits east of the Pont de Cotonou, across the lagoon. It's more residential, less polished, and noticeably cheaper. Hôtel Bénin Marina here is our Hidden Gem pick at $65-95/night. solid value in a neighborhood that most tourists skip entirely. The bridge gives you Centre Ville access in 10-15 minutes.
Mènontin is inland and north, closer to Dantokpa Market. Hôtel Bon Pasteur here is the family pick. $165-220/night, good space, and a calm street despite being 8 minutes from the market chaos on Rue du Révérend Père Colineau. It's a proper neighborhood hotel with genuine local character.
Quartier Zongo is the budget floor. Hôtel du Lac at $45-75/night is as cheap as our list goes, and it's honest about what it offers. Don't expect business-hotel finishes. Do expect a clean room, functioning AC, and a location near the lagoon that's actually pleasant in the early morning. It's not glamorous. But it works.
Best Areas by Vibe
Tell us how you travel and we'll point you to the right part of Cotonou.
Romantic
Fidjrossè Beach is the move. Hôtel Résidence Bénin puts you right on the sand with Atlantic sunsets and none of the port noise that ruins the Marina strip.
Culture
Base yourself in Centre Ville near Place de l'Étoile Rouge. You're 10 minutes from the Fondation Zinsou on Rue Missébo and the same from Dantokpa Market, one of West Africa's largest.
Family
Mènontin is the practical pick for families. Hôtel Bon Pasteur has the space and the calm you need, and supermarkets on Route de l'Aéroport are 5 minutes away.
Budget
Quartier Zongo keeps costs low without stranding you. Hôtel du Lac starts at $45/night and a zem to Centre Ville runs 200-300 CFA.
Beach
Fidjrossè is the only neighborhood where the beach is genuinely usable. Skip Avenue de la Marina for swimming. it's better for drinks than water.
Foodie
Haie Vive is where Cotonou actually eats well. Restaurants on Boulevard de la Marina and the streets off Route des Ambassades cover everything from grilled capitaine to Lebanese mezze.
Location Quality
Is the neighborhood walkable? Are restaurants, shops, and attractions within 10 minutes on foot? How does it feel after dark? We evaluate safety, public transport access, and whether the area has genuine local character or just tourist traps. A hotel in the wrong neighborhood ruins a trip. That's why location carries the most weight.
Value for Money
We compare what you pay against what you get. A €150 hotel with a great location, clean rooms, and helpful staff can outscore a €500 hotel with fancy amenities in a bad area. We factor in seasonal pricing, cancellation policies, and hidden costs like tourist tax and breakfast surcharges. The goal is finding the best ratio, not the lowest price.
Guest Experience
We analyze thousands of verified guest reviews across multiple platforms, looking for patterns rather than individual complaints. Consistent praise for cleanliness, staff, and room quality counts. We also assess the intangibles: does the hotel have character? Would you recommend it to a friend? A soul-less chain hotel with perfect facilities still loses to a well-run boutique with personality.
When to Visit Cotonou
When to visit Cotonou and what to pay.
Peak Season (Nov-Jan)
This is the dry season and the most comfortable Cotonou gets. The Fête du Vaudou in January draws pilgrims and tourists to Ouidah, 40 km west, and Cotonou fills up fast. Book Haie Vive hotels 6-8 weeks ahead in December. Prices run 25-35% above the annual average.
Shoulder Season (Feb-Apr)
February and March hit a sweet spot: dry enough to enjoy the beach at Fidjrossè, warm but not oppressive, and hotel rates still reasonable at $95-200/night. The FITHEB theatre festival in April adds a culture spike. check dates before booking mid-April. Otherwise this is the best window for most travelers.
Wet Season (May-Jul)
Cotonou's first rainy season runs May through July. Humidity climbs hard, the streets around Dantokpa Market flood on heavy rain days, and the beach at Fidjrossè is rough. But rooms drop to $65-140/night across most categories. If you're here for business or the Fondation Zinsou and don't care about the beach, this is genuinely good value.
Short Dry & Second Rains (Aug-Oct)
August brings a brief dry spell. two to three weeks of clearer skies before September's second rainy season kicks in. Locals call it the 'little dry season' and it's underused by visitors. Hotel rates in Akpakpa and Mènontin sit at $75-120/night. October is wet and slow: the lowest prices of the year, but you'll want solid hotel drainage.
Booking Tips for Cotonou
Insider tips for booking hotels in Cotonou.
Book Haie Vive early in December.
Golden Tulip and Bénin Royal Hôtel both fill up from December 15 onwards. Cotonou gets an influx of diaspora visitors for Christmas and the weeks leading to the Fête du Vaudou in January. Book 6-8 weeks out for this window. Rates jump 30-40% and availability goes fast. we've seen the Golden Tulip fully booked 3 weeks straight in late December.
Negotiate taxi rates before you get in.
Taxis in Cotonou don't use meters. From Cadjèhoun Airport to Haie Vive, the fair rate is 3,000-5,000 CFA. To Centre Ville, 4,000-6,000 CFA. If someone outside the arrivals hall approaches you with an offer above that, walk to the official kiosk inside. Gozem app works in Cotonou and shows you the price before you book. use it at night.
Ask your hotel about inverter power, not just generator.
Load-shedding is real in Cotonou. Almost all hotels have generators, but generators cycle on with noise and sometimes a 30-second blackout gap. The better hotels. Novotel Orisha, Bénin Royal, and Golden Tulip. run inverter systems that switch silently. Mid-range and budget hotels vary. It's worth asking directly before you book if light sleep is a concern.
Stay on Boulevard de la Marina side of Centre Ville.
Centre Ville hotels on the ocean side of Boulevard de la Marina have sea breezes that matter a lot in April through July. The inland side, toward Rue des Cheminots and the rail corridor, is hotter and noisier. Hôtel de la Plage and the Azalaï both sit on the right side of this divide. If you're at the Novotel, request upper floors for the cross-breeze.
Budget for CFA cash even if your hotel takes cards.
Restaurant bills, zem fares, market purchases, and smaller hotels all run on CFA. ATMs on Boulevard Saint-Michel and at the Erevan Supermarché in Haie Vive are reliable. Plan to carry 20,000-50,000 CFA (roughly $33-82) in daily walking-around cash. Card acceptance outside four-star hotels is genuinely inconsistent.
Don't stay near Dantokpa Market if noise matters to you.
Dantokpa Market on the north bank of the lagoon is one of the largest markets in West Africa. and it operates 24 hours. Hotels within 500 meters of it on Rue du Révérend Père Colineau pick up serious noise from 4am onwards. Hôtel Bon Pasteur in Mènontin is far enough to avoid this. It's 8 minutes from the market by zem, which is plenty close for visiting and far enough for sleeping.
Hotels in Cotonou — FAQ
Everything you need to know before booking hotels in Cotonou.
What's the best neighborhood to stay in Cotonou?
Haie Vive is the sweet spot for most visitors. You're 10 minutes on foot from the best restaurants on Boulevard de la Marina and close to the Golden Tulip and Bénin Royal Hôtel. Centre Ville works if you need the Novotel or Azalaï and want everything within a $3-5 zem ride.
How much does a decent hotel in Cotonou cost per night?
Budget options like Hôtel du Lac in Quartier Zongo start at $45/night. Mid-range places in Cadjèhoun or Akpakpa run $100-160/night. Luxury in Haie Vive or Centre Ville hits $270-380/night at places like Bénin Royal Hôtel.
Is it safe to walk around Cotonou at night?
Haie Vive and Centre Ville are fine at night, especially around Boulevard de la Marina and the Zone des Ambassades. Avoid walking alone near Dantokpa Market after dark. it's not dangerous so much as chaotic and easy to get turned around. A zem (moto-taxi) from anywhere in town costs 200-500 CFA and takes 10 minutes.
What's the best time of year to visit Cotonou?
November through February is the best window. Temperatures sit around 27-30°C, humidity drops, and the Harmattan wind keeps things bearable. Hotel prices are 20-30% higher in December though, especially around Fête du Vaudou season in January.
Do Cotonou hotels include breakfast?
Most mid-range and luxury hotels include breakfast, but it's worth checking. At places like Golden Tulip Le Diplomate in Haie Vive, the breakfast spread is genuinely good. Budget hotels in Quartier Zongo rarely include it. factor in 2,000-3,500 CFA for breakfast at a nearby café.
How far is Cotonou's Cadjehoun Airport from the main hotel zones?
Cadjèhoun Airport sits right inside the city. Haie Vive hotels are 8-12 minutes by car. Centre Ville hotels are about 15 minutes. A taxi from arrivals to Haie Vive costs roughly 3,000-5,000 CFA. negotiate before you get in.
Are there good beach hotels in Cotonou?
Fidjrossè Beach is your best bet for actual beach access, and Hôtel Résidence Bénin is right there. The beach at Avenue de la Marina is more built-up and noisier, but Hôtel de la Plage puts you steps from it. Skip anything that claims beachfront near the Port zone. that beach is not accessible.
What currency is used in Cotonou and can hotels charge in USD?
The local currency is the West African CFA franc (XOF). Larger hotels like Novotel Cotonou Orisha and Bénin Royal Hôtel quote rates in USD and accept cards. Smaller hotels in Quartier Zongo or Akpakpa strongly prefer cash in CFA. ATMs on Boulevard Saint-Michel dispense CFA without problems.
Is Cotonou good for a family trip?
Yes, with the right hotel. Hôtel Bon Pasteur in Mènontin is the standout family pick. it has space, reliable Wi-Fi, and is 5 minutes from supermarkets on Route de l'Aéroport. Avoid the busier hotels on Avenue de la Marina if you have young kids; the noise from evening traffic on that strip goes late.
Can I get from Cotonou to Ouidah or Abomey as a day trip?
Ouidah is about 40 km west and takes 40-50 minutes by taxi (around 5,000-8,000 CFA one-way). Abomey is roughly 145 km north and needs a full day. Most Centre Ville hotels can arrange a driver. budget $40-60 for the full day to Abomey.
Which Cotonou hotels are best for business travelers?
Golden Tulip Le Diplomate in Haie Vive is built for it. It's 5 minutes from the Zone des Ambassades and the conference facilities are real, not a converted banquet hall. Novotel Cotonou Orisha in Centre Ville is the other serious option, especially if your meetings are near the port or government offices on Avenue Jean-Paul II.
What should I avoid when booking a hotel in Cotonou?
Don't book anything advertised as 'near the central market' without checking the exact address. The area around Dantokpa Market on the north side of the lagoon is noisy 24 hours a day. Also skip hotels that list 'generator backup' as a highlight but don't mention inverters. load-shedding in Cotonou is real, and you want a hotel that won't wake you with generator noise at 3am.