Cotonou's Hotel California, with mildly erotic art decorating the corridors, a cosy restaurant with a colonial feel, and sweetly scented rooms. There are city views from the roof and an excellent karaoke bar and nightclub, Cristal Palace. Full Lonely Planet Review ›

If you're looking for a beach hotel and won't be going into the city very often, try the ageing four-star Aledjo, 3km east of the centre. There are 55 lavish rooms in 11 bungalows; tennis courts, a small pool and bowls. The restaurant serves good but expensive food. Full Lonely Planet Review ›

This tenement-like place of peeling paint and laundry hanging on five floors of balconies is for hardcore budget travellers only. Request a room on the top level as they are more spacious and airy, not to mention having great views. Full Lonely Planet Review ›

Don't be fooled by the grim exterior. This 33-room hotel is one of the most comfortable and professional hotels in the city centre, though the rooms are a little pokey. Full Lonely Planet Review ›

Just south of the now-defunct Ciné Vog, this is one of the friendlier and cleaner of the central budget hotels, but it is often booked out. Full Lonely Planet Review ›

The antiquated Hôtel de la Plage, opposite the Nigerien embassy, is a colonial throwback, with breezy rooms, swimming pool and laundry service. In addition to the restaurant, there is a bar and a fast-food joint overlooking the beach. Full Lonely Planet Review ›

Excellent midrange choice in an unrivalled location at the east end of Pont Ancien. Rooms are sunny, spacious and exceptionally clean, with TVs and telephones. Ask for a sea view. The Lebanese restaurant has views across the lagoon to the port. Robberies have occurred on the brid… Full Lonely Planet Review ›

The carpeted rooms and, overlooking the popular pool, spacious bungalows, restaurant and bar make this Cotonou's best midrange hotel. It's in a bad area of town though. Full Lonely Planet Review ›

With sparse rooms and dark landings, these cheap central digs off Blvd Steinmetz have the feel of a 1950s boarding house - right down to the cockroaches unfortunately. Breakfast is extra. Full Lonely Planet Review ›

While not as impressive as the grandiose driveway implies, this Accor hotel delivers comfortable rooms and good service. Serves Sunday brunch by the pool and other meals are available. Full Lonely Planet Review ›

Both cleaner and cheaper than the nearby Pension de l'Amitié, this friendly pension has 14 spartan rooms with fan. The main drawback is it's right on the main road. Full Lonely Planet Review ›