Best Shortlet Apartments in Lagos: Areas, Prices & What to Expect

Finding the best shortlet apartments in Lagos is less about choosing the most expensive property and more about finding the right combination of location, space, amenities, price and convenience. Lagos is a large, busy city, and the best place to stay for a business trip may be very different from the best option for a weekend getaway, family visit or extended stay.

Shortlet prices also vary significantly across the city. A one-bedroom apartment in Lekki can sit in a completely different price bracket from a larger serviced apartment in Ikeja or a premium property in an upscale Island neighbourhood. Current listings on City Spaces & Bookings, for example, range from more accessible one-bedroom stays to larger apartments designed for groups and longer stays.

This guide looks at the best areas for shortlet apartments in Lagos, what different price ranges can get you, which amenities matter, and how to choose a property based on the kind of trip you are planning.

What Is a Shortlet Apartment?

A shortlet apartment is a furnished apartment rented for a short period rather than under a conventional long-term tenancy. Depending on the property, a stay may last one night, several days, a few weeks or longer.

The main difference between a shortlet and a traditional hotel room is the amount of residential space and independence available. Many shortlets include separate bedrooms and living areas, kitchens, laundry facilities and other features that make them suitable for longer stays.

That does not mean every shortlet offers the same experience. Some are simple one-bedroom apartments designed for one or two guests, while others are larger serviced apartments with multiple bedrooms, workspaces, swimming pools, gyms and entertainment facilities.

City Spaces & Bookings operates as a marketplace for shortlets and serviced apartments, allowing guests to search properties, compare amenities and review individual listings before making a booking.

The practical advantage is choice. Instead of treating “a shortlet in Lagos” as one category, travellers can choose according to location, budget, group size and purpose.

How Much Do Shortlet Apartments Cost in Lagos?

There is no universal price for a shortlet apartment in Lagos.

The nightly rate can change according to the neighbourhood, apartment size, furnishing, amenities, demand, season and length of stay. Two apartments in the same neighbourhood can also have very different prices because one may offer additional facilities such as a swimming pool, gym, dedicated workspace, backup power or multiple bedrooms.

For example, current City Spaces & Bookings listings include a one-bedroom The Suite Spot in Lekki from ₦90,000 per night, while Cozy Homes, another one-bedroom Lekki property, is listed from ₦160,000 per night. The difference is partly reflected in their facilities: Cozy Homes includes a swimming pool and secured-estate setting, while The Suite Spot includes facilities such as a pool, gym, restaurant, washing machine, BBQ grill and pool table.

Larger properties naturally sit at higher price points. A two-bedroom Dej Apartment in Lekki is currently listed at ₦160,000 and accommodates up to seven guests, while a two-bedroom Nimbus Nook apartment in GRA Ikeja is listed at ₦220,000 and accommodates up to six guests.

This illustrates an important point: price should be evaluated alongside what the apartment provides.

A ₦160,000 apartment for one person may be expensive. The same ₦160,000 property accommodating a group of six or seven can look very different when the cost is shared.

A practical way to compare shortlet prices

Instead of looking only at the nightly rate, consider:

Total accommodation cost ÷ number of guests ÷ number of nights

Then factor in transport and any additional charges.

For example, a larger apartment may cost more per night but provide several bedrooms, a kitchen, parking and shared living space. For a family or group, that may offer better overall value than booking multiple hotel rooms.

Prices on booking platforms can also change, so treat any published rate as a snapshot rather than a permanent price.

Best Shortlet Apartments in Lagos by Area

The “best” Lagos neighbourhood depends heavily on what you are doing in the city.

A traveller attending meetings around Ikeja has different priorities from someone spending a weekend around Lekki. Likewise, someone visiting Lagos for nightlife may care more about access to restaurants and entertainment than proximity to the airport.

Here are some of the most useful areas to consider.

Lekki: Best for Leisure, Couples and Weekend Stays

Lekki is one of the most active shortlet markets in Lagos. City Spaces & Bookings currently shows 48 properties in Lekki, making it one of the platform’s largest location clusters.

The area is popular with visitors looking for a combination of modern apartments, restaurants, nightlife, leisure activities and access to coastal attractions.

It is also a location where the difference between individual properties becomes particularly important. Two apartments may both be advertised as “Lekki shortlets” but offer completely different experiences.

For example, The Suite Spot is a one-bedroom serviced apartment listed from ₦90,000 per night. It accommodates up to two guests and includes Wi-Fi, air conditioning, a fully equipped kitchen, washing machine, gym, swimming pool, patio, BBQ grill, pool table, free parking and an on-site restaurant.

At a higher price point, Cozy Homes is a one-bedroom apartment in a secured estate, listed from ₦160,000 per night. It offers Wi-Fi, air conditioning, a Smart TV, swimming pool, fully equipped kitchen and free parking.

The comparison shows why travellers should look beyond the headline price.

Lekki may be a particularly good choice if you are planning:

• A weekend getaway
• A couples’ trip
• A leisure-focused visit
• A longer stay with access to a kitchen
• A trip where restaurants and entertainment are important
• A stay where modern residential facilities matter

However, “Lekki” covers a large area. Check the exact property location rather than assuming every Lekki shortlet is equally close to the places you want to visit.

Victoria Island: Best for Business and Central Island Access

Victoria Island is a major commercial district and can be particularly convenient for business travellers whose meetings and activities are concentrated around Lagos Island.

The key benefit is proximity.

If your schedule involves several meetings around Victoria Island, paying more for accommodation closer to those destinations may make more sense than choosing a cheaper property much farther away and spending additional time navigating Lagos traffic.

For business stays, focus on practical amenities rather than appearance alone. Reliable Wi-Fi, a comfortable workspace, parking, power arrangements and convenient access can be more valuable than decorative features.

The same principle applies to anyone staying in Lagos for an event. A slightly more expensive apartment that puts you near your main destination can sometimes reduce the hidden cost of transport.

Ikoyi: Best for Premium and Private Stays

Ikoyi is generally associated with the premium end of Lagos accommodation.

Travellers considering the area are often prioritising privacy, quality, location and a quieter residential setting rather than simply searching for the lowest possible nightly rate.

For premium stays, evaluate the actual property rather than assuming that the neighbourhood tells you everything you need to know.

Look at:

• Apartment size
• Interior quality
• Building security
• Power arrangements
• Internet
• Parking
• Housekeeping
• Recreation facilities
• Kitchen facilities
• Cancellation terms

The objective is to understand what you are paying for.

Ikeja: Best for Airport Access and Mainland Business

Ikeja is one of the most practical locations for travellers who need access to Lagos’s airport, mainland businesses or activities concentrated around the northern part of the city.

City Spaces & Bookings currently lists seven properties in Ikeja.

One example is Nimbus Nook Apartments in GRA Ikeja. The two-bedroom apartment accommodates up to six guests and includes a fully fitted kitchen, three private balconies, Wi-Fi, free parking, air conditioning and CCTV around essential areas. The listing also notes that the property offers discounts for certain longer stays.

Another option is David and Mag Shortlet, a larger Ikeja property featured by City Spaces & Bookings with four bedrooms, free parking, air conditioning and a fully equipped kitchen.

Ikeja can make particular sense for:

• Airport-related stays
• Business trips
• Families
• Groups
• Longer mainland stays
• Travellers who need a larger apartment

Yaba: A Practical Option for Mainland Stays

Yaba is another area worth considering, particularly for travellers whose activities are concentrated on the mainland.

City Spaces & Bookings currently shows three Yaba properties.

The area can make sense for travellers who want to prioritise access to mainland destinations and potentially avoid paying the premium associated with some Island neighbourhoods.

But again, the cheapest nightly rate is not automatically the best value.

If you expect to spend most of your time in Lekki or Victoria Island, calculate the likely transport costs and travel time before deciding that a mainland property is the better deal.

Shortlet Apartments in Lagos for Different Types of Travellers

The best property is often easier to identify when you start with the purpose of the trip.

For couples

Couples often do not need a large apartment, but they may value privacy and leisure facilities.

A one-bedroom property such as The Suite Spot in Lekki demonstrates this type of accommodation. It combines a one-bedroom layout with a pool, restaurant, gym, patio and entertainment facilities.

Another option is Cozy Homes in Lekki, particularly for couples who place more emphasis on a secured estate, privacy and a quieter environment.

For families

Families should think about bedroom configuration before anything else.

A two- or three-bedroom apartment may provide more practical value than several separate rooms, especially when children need their own sleeping space and the family wants a shared living area.

Kitchen facilities and laundry access also become more valuable during longer family stays.

For groups

Groups should compare the cost per person, not simply the total nightly rate.

Dej Apartment in Lekki, for example, has two bedrooms, three bathrooms and a maximum capacity of seven guests. It also includes a kitchen, Wi-Fi, gym, parking, CCTV, smoke detectors, fire extinguishers and a hot tub.

A larger apartment can therefore make financial sense when the cost is shared among several people.

For business travellers

Business travellers should prioritise:

1. Location
2. Internet
3. Workspace
4. Power
5. Parking or transport access
6. Quiet hours
7. Check-in flexibility

A stylish apartment is useful, but reliable connectivity and a convenient location are usually more important when your day revolves around meetings and deadlines.

City Spaces & Bookings’ current inventory includes apartments designed with work-friendly features. The Nimbus Nook property in GRA Ikeja, for instance, specifically highlights high-speed Wi-Fi, while other properties include dedicated workspace among their facilities.

What Amenities Should You Look for in a Lagos Shortlet?

Amenities should be evaluated according to your stay rather than treated as a checklist.

Wi-Fi

For business travellers and remote workers, reliable internet can be essential.

Ask what type of connection is available and whether the property has a backup option if connectivity becomes unstable.

Power

Electricity arrangements deserve particular attention in Lagos.

Do not assume that every apartment provides the same level of power availability. Check the listing and clarify what happens during outages.

Air conditioning

Lagos’s climate makes air conditioning a meaningful consideration, particularly if you are staying for several days.

Check whether air conditioning is available in the bedrooms, living room or both.

Kitchen

A fully equipped kitchen can substantially reduce food costs and make a longer stay more convenient.

But if cooking is important, verify exactly what “fully equipped” means before booking.

Washing machine

Laundry facilities become increasingly valuable during longer stays.

A washing machine may not matter for a one-night trip but can be a major convenience during a two-week stay.

Parking

If you are driving or travelling with someone who is, confirm whether parking is available and whether it is on-site.

Swimming pool and leisure facilities

Pools, gyms, BBQ areas and entertainment facilities can add considerable value for leisure-focused stays.

The Suite Spot, for example, combines a swimming pool with a gym, pool table, patio and BBQ grill.

How to Choose the Right Shortlet Apartment in Lagos

Before booking, work through four questions.

1. Where will you spend most of your time?

This should determine the neighbourhood.

Do not choose an apartment simply because the photographs look good. Lagos traffic can make distance more significant than it appears on a map.

2. How many people are staying?

The number of guests affects the type of apartment you need.

A one-bedroom property can work for one or two people. Families and groups may get better value from two-, three- or four-bedroom apartments.

3. What facilities are genuinely essential?

Separate essential amenities from nice-to-have features.

If you work remotely, Wi-Fi and workspace might be essential. If you are travelling with children, bedroom configuration and kitchen facilities may matter more. If you are staying for several weeks, laundry becomes increasingly important.

4. What is the total cost?

Look beyond the advertised nightly price.

Check:

• Additional charges
• Cleaning fees
• Security deposits
• Cancellation terms
• Transport
• Length-of-stay discounts
• Number of guests

Some City Spaces & Bookings listings offer discounts for longer stays. For example, the Dej Apartment listing currently notes discounts for stays of up to seven and 30 days.

What to Check Before Booking a Shortlet in Lagos

A few minutes of due diligence can prevent an uncomfortable stay.

Read the complete listing

Do not rely only on the first few photographs.

Check the number of bedrooms and bathrooms, maximum occupancy, amenities, location, check-in time, check-out time and house rules.

Check cancellation policies

Cancellation conditions vary between properties.

For example, current City Spaces & Bookings listings can provide a full refund when cancellation occurs at least seven days before check-in, while cancellations closer to the stay may qualify for only a partial refund, depending on the property’s policy.

Always read the specific policy attached to the property you are booking.

Confirm important amenities

If Wi-Fi, parking, power, a swimming pool or a kitchen is essential to you, verify that it is specifically listed.

Do not assume an amenity is available simply because similar apartments in the same neighbourhood offer it.

Review house rules

House rules may cover visitors, parties, noise, smoking, pets, check-in times and other restrictions.

For example, The Suite Spot lists quiet hours from 10 p.m. to 8 a.m.

Understanding these rules before arrival is much easier than discovering them after check-in.

Consider safety information

City Spaces & Bookings provides dedicated information covering safety and other aspects of the booking process. Guests should also review the individual property’s security-related facilities and rules before booking.

Shortlet Apartment or Hotel: Which Is Better?

It depends on the trip.

A hotel can be convenient when you want standardised service, reception facilities and daily housekeeping.

A shortlet apartment can be more useful when you want:

• More living space
• Multiple bedrooms
• A kitchen
• Greater privacy
• Laundry facilities
• A home-like environment
• Accommodation for a group

For a solo business traveller staying for one night, a hotel may be perfectly practical.

For a family staying for a week, a shortlet apartment can offer more usable space and facilities.

For a group attending an event, one larger apartment can also be easier to manage than several separate hotel rooms.

There is no universally better option. The right choice depends on how you intend to use the accommodation.

Why Location Matters More Than a Cheap Nightly Rate

One of the easiest mistakes to make when booking accommodation in Lagos is to compare only nightly prices.

Suppose Apartment A costs ₦80,000 per night but is far from your meetings, while Apartment B costs ₦120,000 and is close to where you need to be.

The second property may be more economical once you account for daily transportation, travel time and convenience.

This is why neighbourhood should come before price when planning a Lagos stay.

Choose the area based on your itinerary, then compare properties within that area.

City Spaces & Bookings makes this approach easier by organising its inventory around destinations including Lekki, Ikeja and Yaba.

Where to Find Shortlet Apartments in Lagos

The practical approach is to compare individual properties rather than relying on a single recommendation.

City Spaces & Bookings currently has a growing Lagos inventory across neighbourhoods including Lekki, Ikeja and Yaba, with properties available at different price points and with different facilities.

Some current examples include:

• The Suite Spot — a one-bedroom Lekki apartment with a pool, gym, restaurant, kitchen, laundry facilities and other leisure amenities.
• Cozy Homes — a one-bedroom Lekki apartment in a secured estate with Wi-Fi, pool, kitchen and free parking.
• Dej Apartment — a two-bedroom Lekki property accommodating up to seven guests, with three bathrooms, kitchen, Wi-Fi, gym and other facilities.
• Nimbus Nook Apartments, GRA Ikeja — a two-bedroom apartment with high-speed Wi-Fi, fully fitted kitchen, parking and other facilities.
• Luxury Homes in Lekki — a larger Lekki apartment with facilities including Wi-Fi, workspace, swimming pool, gym, kitchen and entertainment features.
• Henry Royals Apartment — another two-bedroom Lagos option listed on the platform.

These should be treated as examples rather than a definitive ranking. Availability and pricing change, and a property that is ideal for one traveller may be unsuitable for another.

Final Thoughts

The best shortlet apartments in Lagos are ultimately the ones that fit the way you are travelling.

Lekki is a strong choice for leisure, couples and visitors who want access to restaurants, entertainment and modern residential accommodation. Victoria Island can make more sense for business travellers who need to remain close to commercial activity. Ikoyi is suited to guests prioritising premium accommodation and privacy. Ikeja is practical for airport access, mainland business and larger group stays, while Yaba can be worth considering when mainland access and value are higher priorities.

Price matters, but it should not be the only deciding factor. Compare the apartment’s location, number of guests, facilities, power and internet arrangements, cancellation policy, house rules and total cost.

Most importantly, choose your area based on your itinerary, then choose the property based on your needs. That approach is far more likely to produce a comfortable Lagos stay than simply searching for the cheapest shortlet available.

For travellers ready to compare current options, explore shortlet apartments in Lagos on City Spaces & Bookings and filter properties according to your destination, dates and requirements.