Accra's HOTTEST Hotel: Roots Apartment Hotel - Unbelievable Stays!
Roots Apartment Hotel: My Accra Adventure (and a Whole Lot of Wi-Fi!)
Alright, buckle up, because you're about to get the REAL lowdown on Accra's supposed "hottest" hotel: Roots Apartment Hotel. And let me tell you, unbelievable stays is a bold claim. But did they deliver? Let's find out, yeah?
(Before we dive in, just a heads-up: I'm a real person. I get hangry, I drop my phone, and sometimes I accidentally order way too much spicy food. So, my review is gonna be as messy and honest as my life.)
First Impressions & Accessibility (and the Elevator Shenanigans)
Okay, first, the location. Finding Roots was…an adventure. Accra streets aren't exactly known for their meticulous signage. But hey, finally, there it was, a modern-ish looking building amidst the bustling chaos. Now, the accessibility part. They claim to be friendly. Well, the entrance seemed fine, but the elevator… let's just say, it took a while to find a working one. And once I finally rode it, it felt like a rickety contraption built in the 70's. They do list "Elevator" in the "Services and conveniences" section, which is a plus I guess, but the reliability is probably something they could improve on. But hey, if you're in a wheelchair, definitely call ahead and verify the elevator situation, because you don't wanna be stuck in a lobby.
Rooms & Comfort (and My Obsession with Blackout Curtains)
My room? Ah, that's where things get interesting. First of all, I'm a sucker for a good blackout curtain. And yes, the Roots Apartment Hotel delivered! Finally, I could sleep in past sunrise, which, let’s be honest, makes a HUGE difference to my mood and energy. Pure bliss! The rooms are spacious, relatively clean (there were some little smudges, but nothing too alarming), and had everything I needed: air conditioning (essential!), a comfy bed, a mini-fridge to store all my water bottles (hydration is KEY!), and a little desk area. Speaking of the mini-fridge, I think they put a LOT of water bottles, I never ran out, which is a plus.
There's "Free Wi-Fi in All Rooms!" Hallelujah! And it actually worked! (Unlike some places, ugh.) I mean, I couldn't run any giant downloads or upload large videos but for emails and a quick google search, it was fantastic. Internet access is definitely a HUGE plus in my book. And yes, they have an "Internet [LAN]", but who even uses those things anymore? So they have "Internet services, Wi-Fi in public areas" as well.
They also list "Additional toilet", "Alarm clock", "Bathrobes", "Bathroom phone", "Bathtub", "Carpeting", "Closet", "Coffee/tea maker", "Complimentary tea", "Daily housekeeping", "Desk", "Extra long bed", "Free bottled water", "Hair dryer", "High floor", "In-room safe box", "Interconnecting room(s) available", "Ironing facilities", "Laptop workspace", "Linens", "Mini bar", "Mirror", "On-demand movies", "Private bathroom", "Reading light", "Refrigerator", "Scale", "Seating area", "Separate shower/bathtub", "Shower", "Slippers", "Smoke detector", "Socket near the bed", "Sofa", "Soundproofing", "Telephone", "Toiletries", "Towels", "Umbrella", "Visual alarm", "Wake-up service", "Wi-Fi [free]", "Window that opens". Whew, that's a lot of options! But hey, a lot of these things were pretty fantastic.
Dining, Drinking & Snacking (and My Arugula Adventure)
Food, glorious food! Now, this is where Roots could really shine, or, well…almost. They have a few restaurants on-site. The breakfast buffet…let's just say it's not the culinary highlight of Accra. It's there, it fills the void, but don't expect anything mind-blowing. Though, I did enjoy the Asian breakfast one morning. The coffee wasn't bad, and there were some standard options. The "A la carte in restaurant" did appear to provide some yummy options.
The main restaurant was alright. They advertise "Asian cuisine in restaurant", they advertise "International cuisine in restaurant," and even, "Vegetarian restaurant".
My biggest dining mishap? I ordered a salad. "Salad in restaurant". It was listed, and I thought, "Healthy! Refreshing!". What arrived? A mountain of arugula. JUST arugula. No tomatoes, no cucumber, no… anything else. Just. Arugula. I'm not even sure if it was an arugula salad, since it consisted solely of arugula. Lesson learned: always investigate the specific components of a salad.
But the poolside bar? That was a winner. "Poolside bar". "Pool with view". "Bar". Drinks were strong, the atmosphere was chill, and I spent a solid afternoon just relaxing with a cocktail. It's a solid option.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax (because, vacation!)
Okay, this is where Roots really sells itself. They have a pool. An outdoor pool. Yes, there is a "Swimming pool". Yes, there is a "Swimming pool [outdoor]". And it’s a nice one! The "Sauna" and "Spa/sauna" is something I did not experience. They also list "Steamroom". Which is something I, as a person, did not experience.
The "Fitness center" is there, I saw people there, but I didn't step foot in it. They also, of course, list "Gym/fitness". "Massage" is an option. They list "Spa" and "Body scrub and wrap". I didn't use any of these amenities.
Cleanliness and Safety (thank goodness!)
Listen, safety is paramount, especially in a new place. I did feel pretty safe at Roots. They had "CCTV in common areas" and "CCTV outside property". They also have "Security [24-hour]". They have "Fire extinguisher", "Fire extinguisher", "Smoke alarms" and "Smoke alarms". I didn't see anyone violating the "Non-smoking rooms". So, good job, Roots!
The COVID situation? They're trying. They have "Anti-viral cleaning products", "Daily disinfection in common areas", "Hand sanitizer", "Individually-wrapped food options", "Physical distancing of at least 1 meter", "Rooms sanitized between stays", and "Staff trained in safety protocol". I saw them cleaning, but who knows how thorough it really was.
Services and Conveniences (the good, the bad, and the "huh?")
They have a lot of options!
- The Good: 24-hour room service (praise be!), laundry service, daily housekeeping.
- The "Huh?": A "Shrine". (I didn’t see it).
- The "Could Be Better": The concierge wasn't the most helpful.
- The "Maybe I'll Use It Next Time": They have "Business facilities" and "Meeting/banquet facilities".
They also have a "Convenience store" which is perfect for the late-night snack runs.
For the Kids (and Anyone Who Needs a Babysitter)
They list "Babysitting service", "Family/child friendly", "Kids facilities", and "Kids meal". So, they seem to be trying!
Getting Around (the taxi situation)
"Airport transfer" is available which is great. They also offer "Taxi service". The one time I took a taxi booked through the hotel it was pretty painless.
Overall Verdict & My Emotional Takeaway
Roots Apartment Hotel? It's not perfect. It has its quirks. But it's a decent option. It's comfortable, has decent Wi-Fi, and the pool is a major plus. The staff are friendly. The food is… well, let’s just say it's an adventure.
Would I go back? Maybe. If I was looking for a comfortable, relatively safe, and conveniently located hotel in Accra, I'd consider it. The price was decent, and let's be real, the blackout curtains were a game changer.
The Real Truth: I'm not sure I'd call it "unbelievable" but I had a pretty good time despite the imperfections. And isn't that what traveling is all about? Embrace the mess, roll with the punches, and enjoy the ride!
FINAL VERDICT: A solid 3.5 out of 5 stars. Could be better, but definitely not terrible.
Ready to Book Your Accra Adventure? Unbeatable Offer!
Tired of hotels that promise the world and deliver a lackluster experience?
Then Roots Apartment Hotel is your answer!
Here's what you get:
- Unbeatable Comfort: Spacious, well-appointed rooms with your own kitchen
- Connectivity Nirvana: Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Stream, work, and stay connected with ease.
- Poolside Paradise: Take a dip in our refreshing outdoor pool, complete with a bar.
Accra Adventure: Roots Apartment & Reality Check (A Messy Timeline)
Okay, so here's the deal. I'm in Accra. Ghana's calling, and I answered. Booked myself into the Roots Apartment Hotel. Sounded swanky online, promised a "home away from home." Let's see if the reality lives up to the dreamy Instagram posts, shall we? Buckle up, buttercups. This is gonna be messy.
Day 1: Arrival, Anxiety, and Avocado Dreams
- Early Morning (Okay, REALLY Early): That godawful red-eye flight. Seriously, who invented those? My neck is crickin', my brain feels like scrambled eggs, and I'm pretty sure I saw a toddler mainlining sugar across the aisle. The flight attendant… well, she tried. But it was a war zone in there.
- 10:00 AM - Arrival at Kotoka International Airport: Whew. Made it. Immigration was surprisingly smooth, which immediately put me on edge. I swear when things go too well, it's a sign of impending doom. Money exchange… Okay, this is where the pre-trip research finally pays off. I've got my cedis!
- 11:00 AM - Taxi to Roots Apartment Hotel, Accra: The taxi ride was a sensory overload. Honking, vibrant colours, the aroma of grilling something delicious (probably jollof rice – MY GOD, I cannot wait!). Streets are… a bit of a chaotic dance. But utterly captivating at the same time. And the heat. It hits you like a wall.
- 12:00 PM - Roots Apartment Hotel - The Verdict: Okay, so… the lobby looks pretty. Clean lines, a vaguely minimalist vibe. Check-in was a hassle, because they clearly weren't expecting me even though I had a confirmation. The apartment itself? Well. It's… lived-in. Which is fine. Maybe a bit more “renting from your slightly disorganized friend” than “luxury apartment hotel.” The air conditioning is… questionable. But the bed? Oh, the bed. Comfortable. Crisis averted (mostly).
- 1:00 PM - First meal fail: Lunch, Somewhere: Found a little roadside joint after wandering around for an hour sweating and hopelessly lost. Ordered something that sounded like chicken and rice. Turns out it was more like chicken-adjacent-something, and the rice was a bit… crunchy. Okay, lesson learned: local food is the way to go, but maybe with a guide for the first few days. Then I saw the AC was broken in my apartment. Fantastic.
- 2:00 PM - Nap & Recovery: That plane ride got me. Knocked out cold on the bed. Woke up an hour later, still sweating. The ceiling fan is doing its best.
- 4:00 PM - Avocado Search & Emotional Breakdown (Kidding, Kinda): Okay, I'm officially obsessed with avocados. I've seen pictures of the local ones, and heard tales of their creamy goodness. Tried to find a shop. Got lost (again). Ended up just wandering, feeling a combination of awe and mild panic at the pace of life. Ghana is intense. Finally found a little fruit stand – scored two perfect avocados! Victory feels… sweeter than usual. Started to unpack and found out I left all my nice underwear at home.
- 7:00 PM - Dinner: Roots Apartment Kitchenette & Doubt: Attempted a simple dinner. Used my avocados (they were AMAZING). Made a surprisingly decent salad. Started to really question whether I am the type of person that travels. This apartment is… lonely. Is this what travel is all about.
- 9:00 PM - Evening: Journaling & Existential Dread: Sitting on the balcony, sweating, trying to write in my journal. The sounds of Accra… constant. Honking, music, laughter. It’s beautiful, overwhelming. Feeling a weird mix of exhilaration and a slight, unshakeable sense of "what the hell am I doing here?" And that's the beauty of travel, right? Right?
Day 2: Markets, Misunderstandings, and the Mind-Blowing Jollof
- 9:00 AM - Attempted Breakfast & The Coffee Catastrophe: Tried making coffee in my apartment. Failed. Abjectly. Ended up with a lukewarm, gritty, vaguely brown liquid. I think I need a coffee intervention.
- 10:00 AM - Market Madness - Makola Market: Okay, this is it. Deep breaths. Went to Makola Market… and immediately got lost. The colours, the smells, the sheer energy of the place is mind-boggling. Pickpockets are a real thing, so I spent half the time clutching my bag. The vendors are amazing. "Madam! Come look! Beautiful things!" Almost bought a headdress. Almost bought everything. The sheer variety of everything. Got beautiful fabric though. Oh, and I bargained like a pro! (maybe… probably overpaid slightly). Worth it.
- 1:00 PM - Lunch & The Jollof Revelation: Found a small restaurant near the market that didn’t look like it was going to try to kill me. Ordered jollof rice. And… Oh. My. God. This is what I've been waiting for. Perfectly spiced, with tender chicken. The rice was so good it actually made me choke up a bit. Seriously. Best meal of the year! (So far).
- 2:00 PM - Accidental Adventure & A Cultural Misunderstanding: Tried to take public transport (trotro). Got on the wrong one. Ended up miles away from where I started. Totally lost, but in a good way, maybe. Tried to ask for directions. My local guide was trying to explain something, with a lot of hand gestures, about a “chop bar” but I didn’t understand. It was, in fact a restaurant!. Laughed a lot, felt like a total idiot, learned some more pidgin English. Eventually, a friendly guy finally pointed me in the right direction.
- 4:00 PM - Relaxation (Sort Of): Attempted to relax in the apartment. The AC is still out, so I put a fan next to me and pretended I wasn't melting. Journaled, read a book. The sounds of the city are becoming familiar now. I think I'm slowly adapting.
- 7:00 PM - Dinner & the Quest for Proper Coffee: Found a café that serves real coffee. Victory! Had a light dinner of some pastries. Started planning tomorrow's adventures.
- 9:00 PM - Evening: Balcony Reflections & The Ghosts of Uncertainty: Back on the balcony. The night air is cooler now. The city sounds are still going strong. More of the journal time, but this time is starting to feel like a real home. Okay, maybe not home, but somewhere to live in Accra. I think. I'm starting to feel… less lost. (Fingers crossed!)
Day 3 - Continued Adventures
- 9:00 AM - Breakfast with the birds & the best eggs in the world: Breakfast…Finally, I woke up and had the best eggs this world has ever seen along with some juice that just made everything worthwhile.
- 10:00 AM - National Museum of Ghana:
- Quirkiness: A very informative and historical museum. I almost lost my backpack.
- Emotional Reaction: It was just a little bit of information that made me feel a little bit stupid.
- Opinionated: I don't know what I expected from this museum but it was pretty nice and I could recommend to anyone.
- 1:00 PM - Lunch & a New Friend: Met a man at the local shop and we ate lunch together at the local chop bar. His name was Kwasi, and his English was amazing.
- 2:00 PM - Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum:
- Quirkiness: I don't even know what's going on but they got nice birds and an interesting mausoleum.
- Emotional Reaction: I was shocked. Seeing it at the end of the day was just beautiful.
- Opinionated: I recommend this place as the best place to see in Ghana.
- 3:00 PM - Arts Centre:
- Quirkiness: You can get anything in the Arts Centre, it's so fun and really weird. But it is Ghana!
- Emotional Reaction: Finding the perfect souvenir was one of the best parts of the day.
- Opinionated: If you want to buy from everywhere, this is the best place to be!
Day 4 - Moving on & some reflections
- Goodbye to Roots: Moving
Roots Apartment Hotel: The Real Deal - Seriously, Is It *That* Good?! (And Other Burning Questions)
Okay, spill the tea. Is Roots actually as amazing as the Instagram ads make it seem?
What's the deal with the apartments? Are they actually spacious, or just cleverly angled in the photos?
The location... is it actually convenient, or are you going to be stuck in Accra traffic hell?
What about the food? Is their restaurant worth it, or should I just order in?
What's the Wi-Fi situation like? Because, you know, modern life.
Okay, a real, potentially embarrassing question: Is the service good? Are the staff actually helpful and friendly?
I heard they have a pool. Is it any good? Because pictures can be deceiving.
Is there anything… bad? Anything I should be warned about before booking?
