The Top Hotels in Cameroon

In coastal Douala, Cameroon’s economic capital and buzzing port city, ONOMO blends trendy urban industrial vibes – exposed brick, natural woods, minimalist lighting – with all the essential mod-cons. There are minibars, shady balconies overlooking the hotel gardens and, in some cases, kitchenettes, but the real draw? That has to be the top floor Tang’O cocktail bar, an open-air space with sofas and city views. Pull up a seat and sink a fruity number along with locally inflected tapas.

Whether you’ve come to hilly Yaounde, Cameroon’s political heart, for business or pleasure, the Hilton is an ace pick – from its rambling outdoor pool, lined with loungers, to executive lounge spaces, it’ll suit every kind of traveller. Rooms dressed in crisp whites have floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the city beyond; a covered rooftop dining space doubles as a sports bar with billiards. Check out the African masks decorating the 24-hour La Cascade lobby bar, a subtle nod to local culture.

The architecture is unforgettable: inspired by the designs of the Bamileke people, from the outside, Hotel Zingana is a fortress-esque vision of baked clay hues, triangular windows and ornate frescos. Inside, from the polished wood floors to the golden walls and statement lighting, it channels a glossy, contemporary vibe with splashes of quirky character – think basket-weave light fixtures and rattan-style bistro chairs. It’s a prime pick when you’re in northerly Bafoussam, a city ringed in scenic savannah hills.

Families coming to Douala will love the Star Land, because it’s got everything you need right on site – modern rooms sleeping three, a crowd-pleasing buffet restaurant, an outdoor swimming pool for tuckering out energetic little ones. If you need to sneak away for an adults-only moment, the Sky Bar, a terrace space overlooking the city, mixes up martinis long after kiddie bedtime hour. And if sightseeing is on the agenda? Popular visitor spot Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul is just about a mile away.

Have you come to Cameroon for a beach breach? This laid-back pad in the resort town of Kribi, rich in golden sands and wind-rustled palms, has a top-notch location right next to the surf. Simple, homely rooms join an outdoor pool and hot tub, plus a shady garden and balconies for sipping morning coffees in view of the waves. Some rooms are built right around a mature mango tree, giving an atmospheric treehouse vibe enhanced by dark wood walls and floors.

Chic French bistros, trendy coffee shops, cosy pizzerias – with so much top-notch eating on your doorstep at La Falaise, don’t be surprised if you don’t spend much time at the hotel. But this Douala pad has plenty to entice you to stay put, including comfy rooms with crisp white sheets, a ray-sparkled pool and detoxifying ‘ozone therapy’ sessions in a spa space. If you can’t be bothered to head out, an onsite restaurant dishes up everything from light salads to decadent plates of pasta.

This design hotel in Cameroon strikes a just-right balance between fresh, quirky style and comfort. Rooms have judicious splashes of colour – think throw pillows and statement walls flecked with peach, magenta or lime – and sleek mid-century-modern furniture; the bar and restaurant area is lined with floor-to-ceiling windows that let the light pour in. If you’ve come to Douala to work, you can do it here in style; there’s a clutch of large meeting rooms to hire, with one holding up to 300 people.

This atmospheric resort, set in lush countryside to the south of Bafoussam, will give you a taste of Cameroon’s rural life. You’re here to unwind – whether that’s over fishing for tilapia in the lake, hitting some balls on the tennis court, or getting your shoulders massaged to doughy smoothness in the rambling spa. The surrounding hills have plenty to explore, so be sure to break up that downtime with local tours, to rushing Ekom-Nkam waterfalls, say, or scenic Mount Manengouba.

The views from this stay in the remote northwest of Cameroon are second-to-none – overlooking rolling green hills and forest. But that’s not the only reason to come. An indulgent spa, plus a pool, hot tub and classic, comfy rooms, means it’s a great romantic pick for couples looking to escape the city. Busy types will find plenty to keep them entertained, too, with horse riding, golf and tennis all on-site.