A weekend getaway in Lagos for couples works best in a shortlet. You get your own space, a kitchen and no hotel corridor outside the door.
Pick a quiet home with one special thing, such as a pool, a view or a big bath. Book two nights, and plan just one outing a day, so the weekend feels like a rest.
This guide helps you choose the right home, plan Friday to Sunday, add a few extras and work out the full cost before you book.
Choosing the right shortlet
Start with the area, because Lagos traffic decides how much of your weekend you spend in a car.
- Lekki and Lekki Phase 1 suit beach days, eating out and a pool. See shortlets in Lekki and Lekki Phase 1.
- Victoria Island and Ikoyi suit nights out, short trips and a room with a view. See Victoria Island and Ikoyi.
- Ikeja GRA and the mainland suit couples who live on the mainland and want to skip the bridges. See shortlets in Ikeja.
Then look at the home itself. A couples’ weekend needs different things from a family trip or a work stay:
| What matters | What to check or ask the host |
|---|---|
| Privacy | Is it a whole flat? Does anyone else share the entrance, the pool or the garden? |
| Quiet | Is it near a busy road, a club or an event hall? Where is the generator? |
| Power | Is there power all day, or set generator hours? Will the air conditioning run at night? |
| The special thing | A private pool, a balcony with a view, a bathtub. Check it is in the photos, not just the title. |
| Kitchen | Enough to make breakfast, with a fridge, a cooker and a kettle. |
| Wi-Fi and TV | Good enough to stream a film, if a night in is part of the plan. |
| Parking | Somewhere safe for your car, if you drive. |
A one-bedroom is usually enough for two. A bigger flat costs more and adds nothing to a quiet weekend. If you are still unsure, our guide to choosing the right shortlet size helps.
Read the house rules too. A couples’ weekend is not a party, but some homes limit visitors, music or late arrivals. Better to know now than at the gate.
Want a pool? See shortlets with a pool in Lagos, or browse weekend staycations in Lagos you can book online.
A two-night plan
The secret of a good weekend away is doing less. Plan one outing a day and leave the rest free.
Friday: arrive and slow down
- Leave early if you can. Friday evening traffic in Lagos can turn a short trip into a long one.
- Check in at the time on your booking, which is usually in the afternoon.
- Unpack, shower and put your phones away for an hour.
- Eat in, or walk to somewhere close. Save the big dinner for Saturday.
- End the day with a film, music on the balcony or a late swim, if the pool rules allow it.
Saturday: one outing, then rest
- Have a slow breakfast at home. It is one of the best parts of a shortlet.
- Go out late in the morning: a beach on the Lekki coast, a boat ride, an art gallery, a craft market or a spa.
- Come back for lunch and an afternoon by the pool, or a nap. The midday sun is strong.
- Dress up for dinner. Book a table in advance on a Saturday night.
- Take a ride home, rather than driving after a long evening.
Sunday: a gentle goodbye
- Sleep in, then make brunch or go out for one.
- Pack before you get too comfortable. Check-out is usually late morning.
- Ask the host about a late check-out a day or two before. Do not assume it.
- Leave the home tidy, take your chargers and head home before the evening rush.
On a long weekend, add a third night and a second outing. A birthday, an anniversary or Valentine’s weekend all work with the same plan. Just book earlier, because those dates go fast. Our guide to long-weekend getaways explains how holiday dates are announced.
Extras that make it special
Small things turn a nice flat into a memorable weekend. Agree any extras with the host before you book, in writing, with the price.
- Breakfast. Some hosts can arrange it, or leave basics in the fridge.
- A surprise set-up. Flowers, balloons or a cake on arrival. Ask first: some homes ban confetti, glitter and real candles.
- A driver. Useful if you plan a long dinner or want to skip the parking stress.
- A late check-out. Often the best extra of all on a Sunday.
- Your own touches. A playlist, battery candles, a board game and your favourite snacks.
On Cabans, some hosts sell “stay extras”, such as bottled water, breakfast or drinks. Once you are fully checked in, you find them under “Shop for your stay” on your stay page.
Add them to your basket and pay online, and your host brings them to you. Delivery to your stay is free, and card payments start at ₦1,000 (one thousand naira). See how to order extras and pay your bill.
Budget, all in
We do not quote prices here, because they change by area, date and home. Instead, here is everything that goes into the real cost of a weekend. Add each line up before you decide.
| Cost | What to know |
|---|---|
| The nights | Weekend and holiday nights can cost more than weekdays. Compare the total, not the price per night. |
| Cleaning fee | Charged once per stay, if the host has one. |
| Caution deposit | Refundable. You pay it with the booking and get it back after check-out if nothing is damaged. |
| Getting there | Rides or fuel, tolls and parking, both ways. |
| Food and drinks | Groceries for breakfast, one or two meals out, and drinks. |
| Outings | Entry fees, boat rides, a spa, and rides to and from each one. |
| Extras | Breakfast, decorations, a late check-out or a driver. |
Ways to spend less without spoiling the weekend:
- Avoid December and public holiday weekends, when demand is usually high.
- Try a Sunday-to-Tuesday break if you can take time off. Weekdays are often quieter.
- Make breakfast yourselves and eat out once.
- Stay close to where you want to go, so you spend less on rides.
For live prices this weekend, look at shortlets in Lekki or shortlets across Lagos, and compare two or three homes side by side.
On Cabans, the booking box shows the price for your exact dates. Its “Price Breakdown” lists the nights, any discount, the cleaning fee and the refundable caution deposit, then the “Total”.
You pay online through Paystack, and Paystack’s processing fee is added when you pay. You see it before you pay, and it is not refunded.
Booking tips
- Book early for special dates. Valentine’s Day, Easter, Sallah and December weekends fill up first. Planning a Sallah holiday getaway? Book around the expected dates.
- Read the cancellation rule. Know until when you can cancel for a full refund, in case plans change.
- Check the photos match. Look for the pool, the view and the bathroom in more than one photo.
- Never pay a stranger by transfer. Fake shortlet adverts do exist. Our guide to shortlet scam warning signs shows what to look out for.
- Confirm times. Check-in, check-out and whether someone meets you at the gate.
- Share your location. Tell a friend where you are staying for the weekend.
On Cabans, open a shortlet and look for the booking box. Pick your dates, then press “Reserve”. We hold your dates for 30 minutes (half an hour) while you pay.
The box says “Instant booking” if your stay is confirmed as soon as you pay, or “Host confirms” if the host says yes first. It also shows the free-cancellation deadline before you pay. If you cancel in time, your refund reaches you within 14 days at most, usually in about 5 days.
Before you go: a quick checklist
- Check-in time, check-out time and who meets you at the gate.
- The host’s phone number, saved on both your phones.
- The address and a landmark, shared with your driver.
- Swimwear, slippers, chargers, a power bank and insect repellent.
- Any extras agreed with the host, in writing.
- A table booked for Saturday night.
Plan your weekend
See weekend stays across Lagos, pick a quiet home with one special thing, and keep the plan simple. Have a home that couples would love? List your shortlet and reach guests looking for a weekend away.
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place in Lagos for a couples’ weekend getaway?
It depends on what you want. Lekki and Lekki Phase 1 suit beach days and eating out. Victoria Island and Ikoyi suit nights out and short trips. Ikeja GRA suits mainland couples who would rather not cross the bridges at the weekend.
Is a shortlet better than a hotel for a couple?
A shortlet gives you more privacy, more space and a kitchen, which suits a slow weekend. A hotel gives you a front desk, room service and daily cleaning. If you want to feel at home, pick a shortlet; if you want everything done for you, a hotel may suit you better.
How do we find a shortlet with a private pool in Lagos?
Look for “private pool” in the listing title, description and photos, then ask the host directly. Ask whether anyone else uses the pool, when it is cleaned and whether it has opening hours. “Pool” on its own often means a shared one.
How many nights should a weekend getaway be?
Two nights, Friday to Sunday, is the classic choice. It gives you one full day with nothing to rush. On a long weekend or public holiday, a third night makes it feel like a real holiday. Check the listing’s minimum stay first.
Can we decorate the shortlet for a surprise?
Ask the host before you book. Some are happy with flowers or balloons, while others ban confetti, glitter and candles. Leave the home as you found it, or you may lose part of your caution deposit.
What should we pack for a shortlet weekend?
Swimwear, slippers, a power bank, insect repellent, your chargers and any snacks or drinks you love. Bring a small speaker if the house rules allow music, and a torch in case the power goes.
Related guides
The Nigerian staycation guide · Best areas for a shortlet in Lagos · Shortlet vs hotel in Lagos · Shortlet scam warning signs · Which size shortlet do you need?
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