The Benin Marina used to be a Sheraton (before I started going to Benin). So, I never knew it when it looked like the Sheraton. Right now it's a 2.5 star hotel. The carpet smells, but the hotel is conveniently located across our office in Benin.

Proudly displayed in the foyer is the FOUR star rating from the Dept of Tourism of Benin. What a joke ! We arrived in Benin at the beginning of Feb 2010 and found that the aircons in the rooms are not working. Quaterly maintenance on the aircon system was the excuse. This work carried on for nearly a month and still no difference. It feels as if its cooler outside the room than inside.

They only have internet in the lobby and it was 100 degrees in the lobby. I was sweating like a pig doing my work. Service was not good either; I asked for the lighbulbs to be changed 4 times since my room was dark because bulbs were out and no one ever came! They said, yes sir, right away and then nothing!

Too expensive and I cut my stay short and checked into the Novatel next door. Save yourself the trouble and go directly to Novatel or Ibis. This hotel is not worth it!

I've stayed in this hotel twice in the last year for a total of 5 nights. I found the hotel to be a little dated in terms of decor, but clean and tidy.

Good points were the swimming pool and the restaurant. Also wifi in lobby and internet in the room if you borrow a cable from reception.

Check out can take a while and the cashiers who sort out the bill are not the most efficient, on both occasions I spent 15-20 minutes trying to sort things out despite there not being a queue.

Air France crews also use the hotel, which is a sign that the hotel is of a reasonable standard. The hotel has a good security and is set away from the main road in its own large grounds.

If possible, try to book or obtain a room with a pool view as you get a good view of the beach and sea.

I will use this Hotel again when I am in Cotonou.