Lagos Marriott Hotel Ikeja, fresh off its win as Best Luxury City Hotel in Nigeria, continues to stand out among industry leaders recognized by Luxury Lifestyle Awards. In this exclusive conversation led by Alexander Chetchikov, president of the World Luxury Chamber of Commerce, the discussion explores the hotel’s approach to luxury, operational strategy, and the broader industry insights driving its success. Speaking with Lagos Marriott Hotel Ikeja General Manager, Ramanathan Lakshmanan, this interview reveals the standards, vision, and direction shaping one of Nigeria’s most influential hospitality destinations.
Alexander Chetchikov: Lakshmanan, to begin, how has winning Best Luxury City Hotel in Nigeria influenced your team’s approach to delivering elevated guest experiences?
Ramanathan Lakshmanan: Winning this award reaffirmed our belief that true luxury lives in consistency. It inspired the team to be even more intentional about the small details that make guests feel genuinely seen, valued, and at home.
AC: From an operational perspective, how do you define luxury in a way that resonates with both international and Nigerian travelers?
LR: For us, luxury is personal. It is understanding cultural nuances, respecting global standards, and delivering experiences that feel effortless, warm, and authentic to every guest who walks through our doors.
AC: Luxury is evolving globally, what elements do you believe modern guests value most at Lagos Marriott Hotel Ikeja?
LR: Modern guests value meaningful experiences, seamless service, and emotional connection. They want comfort, but they also want to feel understood and cared for in a way that feels natural, not scripted.
AC: How do your dining concepts, from Wakame to Azure Terrace, contribute to the hotel’s luxury positioning?
LR: Our dining concepts are extensions of our storytelling. Wakame, Azure Terrace, and our other outlets offer distinct experiences that celebrate flavour, atmosphere, and moments of connection, all delivered with refined service.
AC: Shifting to industry insight, what major operational trends do you believe will shape hospitality in West Africa over the next few years?
LR: The future of hospitality in West Africa will be shaped by adaptability, talent development, sustainability, and technology, while staying deeply rooted in local culture and guest expectations.
AC: Digital innovation is a strength of the property; how do you see technology reshaping hotel operations moving forward?
LR: Technology allows us to enhance efficiency without losing the human touch. When used thoughtfully, it helps us anticipate needs, personalize experiences, and empower our teams to focus on what truly matters, our guests.
AC: With increasing demand for business events and conferences, how is Lagos Marriott Hotel Ikeja adapting its facilities and services to industry needs?
LR: We continue to invest in flexible spaces, advanced infrastructure, and dedicated service teams to support the growing demand for business, meetings, and conferences, ensuring every event is seamless and impactful.
AC: Lastly, what unique qualities do you believe guests appreciate most about Lagos Marriott Hotel Ikeja?
LR: What guests appreciate most is our ability to deliver world-class hospitality while remaining deeply personal. From thoughtful service to carefully designed spaces, every detail is meant to make them feel truly at home.
Luxury Lifestyle Awards extends its sincere thanks to Ramanathan Lakshmanan for sharing his insights and expertise. His leadership continues to contribute to the hotel’s rising influence on Nigeria’s hospitality landscape.
To learn more about Lagos Marriott Hotel Ikeja, visit
https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/loslg-lagos-marriott-hotel-ikeja/overview/.
