Let’s be real. Lagos is mad.
Traffic. Hustle. The heat. The horns.
And sometimes… you just need an escape.
Or a place to crash.
Or a soft spot for that weekend baecation.
Enter shortlets.
A new vibe.
A different kind of comfort.
But wait. What really are shortlets? And why does everybody and their plug seem to be jumping on it lately?
A Little Background
First, let’s break it down.
Shortlet = short term rental apartment.
Usually furnished.
Comes with WiFi, TV, Netflix. Sometimes DSTV. Always a kitchen.
The kind of place that makes you feel like you’re home—even if home is somewhere else.
They’re not hotels. They’re better.
No reception stress. No overpriced meals. No knocking housekeepers.
In Lagos? That kind of freedom is gold.
Why Lagos Loves Shortlets
Let me tell you a story.
So Tolu—my guy from Abuja—came into Lagos for just five days.
Business, mostly. But you know Lagos… you come for work, you stay for vibes.
Instead of booking a hotel on the Island, he got a shortlet around Lekki Phase 1.
₦200k per night. 2-bedroom apartment. Pool. 24/7 power. Kitchen with that cute air fryer.
Even had Alexa, no jokes.
Long story short—he extended his stay. Twice.
Why? He said it felt like owning a home in Lagos without actually owning one.
That’s the thing with shortlets.
They give you a soft landing.
Whether you’re in town for work, rest, or that secret getaway nobody needs to know about.
The Hot Zones
Now, Lagos is a beast of many corners.
But some areas? They’re hotbeds for shortlets.
Here’s a quick breakdown:
1. Victoria Island (VI)
Corporate by day. Classy by night.
If your trip is business-heavy or you just love being in the center of Lagos luxury, VI shortlets are your go-to.
Expect sleek apartments, ₦200k and above per night, top-tier security, and access to all the boujee restaurants.
2. Lekki Phase 1
You want balance? Lekki gives that.
You get peace, fun, and access to everything.
From the cinema to beach houses to clubs that won’t let you sleep.
Shortlets here range from ₦100k to ₦300k per night.
Think smart TVs, 24/7 power, swimming pools, and compound parties on Friday nights.
3. Ikoyi
Money lives here.
If your budget thick, and you want a taste of Lagos elite life, Ikoyi’s your zone.
Shortlets go from ₦250k and upward.
But the peace? Immaculate.
4. Yaba & Surulere
Mainland repping.
More budget-friendly options.
You won’t get a pool or rooftop view of the Atlantic. But you’ll get a clean place, WiFi, generator, and a good mattress.
For ₦50k to ₦120k per night, that’s not bad at all.
What to Look Out For
Now, not all shortlets are created equal. Some are vibes. Others? Scams in disguise.
So here’s what to check before booking:
- Reviews. If no one has reviewed it? Red flag.
- Power Supply. Ask if it’s truly 24/7 or “whenever NEPA allows.”
- Security. Gated compound? Cameras? Especially important for solo travelers.
- Cleanliness. Look for real photos. Bathroom shots don’t lie.
Also, ask if you’ll be sharing the space. Some hosts don’t say upfront. Don’t assume.
Who’s Booking Shortlets?
Everyone. Honestly.
- Remote workers who need a focused, no-distraction environment.
- Couples looking for time away from family or roommates.
- Travelers who want more than what hotels offer.
- Families that need space and a kitchen.
- And yeah… the “hide me till I’m ready” crowd. We see you.
But shortlets also help people relocating to Lagos.
It gives them a place to stay while house-hunting. No pressure, no rush.
A Few Favorites
There’s this place on 1677 Mayfair. People love it.
Clean, minimal, with that modern grey-and-white palette that screams “Instagram-ready.”
Comes with 24/7 power, Netflix, concierge service, even indoor plants.
Then there’s Shortlethomes in Lekki.
Super responsive hosts.
Apartments always smell nice (you’d be surprised how rare that is).
Prices range from ₦150k – ₦250k, depending on how close you are to the beach.
Pro tip: DMs are risky. Try verified websites instead.
What Lagos Teaches You
Booking a shortlet in Lagos is more than just finding a place to sleep.
It’s about curating your experience.
One week in Lekki, and you start knowing your shawarma plug.
Two weeks in VI, and you begin greeting the security at that bank with the big lion.
It makes Lagos feel smaller. Softer.
And if you’re smart, you’ll use it to your advantage.
Host small meetings.
Plan content shoots.
Host your birthday afterparty.
Or just hide and chill with no questions asked.
Closing Thoughts
Shortlets in Lagos? They’re here to stay.
They offer convenience, flexibility, and luxury—without the permanent commitment.
And in a city like Lagos, that kind of freedom is everything.
So next time you’re thinking of checking into a hotel…
Check yourself into a shortlet instead.
You just might fall in love with Lagos all over again.
