How to Find Luxury Hotels in Niamey, Niger

Niamey is the capital of Niger, and even though it is a capital city, tourism is fairly new. It is partially located in the Sahara Desert and year-round it is predictably hot. Luxury accommodations are not prevalent in this city although accommodations are clean and reasonably priced. Read on to learn how to find luxury accommodations in Niamey, Niger.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Computer with Internet access
• Passport

Find Luxury Accommodations

1. Stay at the Grand Hotel du Niger, which overlooks the Niger River. The hotel is not rated, but offers luxury amenities such as a swimming pool, spacious lobby, garden, restaurant and terrace. Rates are inexpensive. Book by calling 011 ([phone] or visiting the hotel Web site. See the Resources section below for a link.
2. Relax in a luxury bungalow in the middle of a desert garden. Some of Naimey's most charming accommodations are found in smaller establishments.
3. Overlook the Niger River as you say your wedding vows. The Hotel du Grand Niger offers facilities for special events and conferences.
4. Contact your luxury hotel to book a guided tour of the city. You can travel by car through the city or take a boat on the river to see the wildlife in their natural habitat.
5. Sip a drink on the terrace or enjoy a dip in the pool at accommodations located outside the hustle and bustle of downtown Naimey.

Arrive in Niamey

6. Book a flight on one of the multiple airlines flying from countries in Europe to Niger. You will arrive at the Naimey Airport, which is about 10 minutes from the city.
7. Travel by bus on the fairly safe and reliable SNTV coaches.

Get to Know Niamey

8. Dress conservatively. Women are advised to cover head, legs and arms. Most of these suitable wraps can be purchased upon arrival.
9. Purchase souvenirs at Niamey's Grand Marche, the largest market in Naimey. Enjoy the food and impress your friends and family with traditional clothing and jewelry.
10. Visit popular tourist destinations in Naimey such as the Franco-Nigerian Cultural Centre and the Hippodrome. Place a bet on the weekly horse and camel races.

Tips & Warnings

• No official central booking Web site or phone is available for Niamey, Niger.
• For access to Internet-only rates, book your rooms through your hotel Web site.
• Travel with a passport and a Niger visa. Plan ahead to obtain a visa as Niger embassies can be difficult to locate.
• Get your shots in order: Yellow Fever is required and Cholera is recommended.
• All phone numbers include the United States international prefix "011." When calling internationally outside the United States, substitute that "011" with "00."
• All country codes are within parentheses and begin with a "+" sign.
• Taxi services and other bus services are not recommended and are in poor condition. Also, the operators of these vehicles can sometimes be poor drivers.
• Carjackings are common within the city. Keep your doors locked and windows rolled up when stopped.
• Be alert to your surroundings at all times. Crime is frequent in Niamey.

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