So, you’re thinking about booking your first shortlet in Lagos? Smart move.
Whether you’re traveling for business in Victoria Island, planning a weekend getaway in Lekki, or need temporary accommodation while house-hunting, shortlets offer flexibility that hotels just can’t match.
But if you’ve never booked one before, you probably have questions. What’s the booking process like? What should you look out for? And most importantly, how do you avoid stories that touch?
Let’s break it down.
What Exactly Is a Shortlet?
A shortlet apartment is a fully furnished property you can rent for short periods—anywhere from a night to several months.
Think of it as your own private space with all the comforts of home: a kitchen, living room, bedroom, and sometimes even a pool or gym. It’s like having your own apartment without the wahala of a long-term lease.
In Lagos, particularly in Lekki, Ajah, Victoria Island, and Ikoyi, shortlet rentals have become the go-to choice for travelers who want more space, privacy, and value for money than traditional hotels offer.
How to Book a Shortlet: Step by Step
Booking a shortlet in Lagos is straightforward when you use a reliable platform like City Spaces and Bookings. Here’s how:
1. Search and Browse
Browse verified listings in Lekki and surrounding areas—all carefully vetted for quality. Looking for a serviced apartment near Freedom Way? A cozy spot in the heart of Ikate? The platform makes it easy to find what fits.
2. Check the Details
Quality listings come with clear photos, detailed descriptions, and honest amenity lists. Check for wifi, DSTV, air conditioning, 24/7 electricity and/or generator/inverter backup.
Every listing also includes security measures, house rules, and specific amenities so you know exactly what to expect.
3. Review the Policies
Each listing clearly displays:
- Cancellation and refund policies
- Security deposit requirements
- Reservation modification terms
No surprises, no fine print headaches—everything is transparent from the start.
4. Communicate with Your Host
You can fully communicate with each host directly through the website. Ask questions about the neighborhood, confirm specific amenities, or discuss special requests. Direct communication means fast answers and confidence before booking.
5. Confirm and Book
Once you’ve chatted with your host and confirmed the details, lock in your dates. With City Spaces and Bookings, you deal directly with hosts—better prices, clearer communication, no middlemen.
What to Expect When You Arrive
When you check into your Lagos shortlet, here’s what should be waiting:
✅ A clean space with fresh linens
✅ Working amenities – everything advertised should function (AC, Wi-Fi, kitchen appliances, etc)
✅ Listed supplies – if it’s in the listing, it’ll be there
✅ Clear security information – measures are detailed on each listing page before you book
Why Lekki? Location Matters
If you’re booking a shortlet in Lagos, location is everything. Lekki has become the prime destination for shortlet rentals, and for good reason:
Safety and Security: Most Lekki shortlets are in gated estates with 24-hour security
Proximity to Everything: Close to beaches, shopping malls, restaurants, and business districts
Modern Infrastructure: Better roads, constant water supply, and estate-managed power
Island Vibes: Lagos Island lifestyle without the mainland chaos
City Spaces and Bookings currently features quality Lekki shortlets because we know this is where quality meets convenience. Plus, every listing includes a map showing the exact location, so you can see proximity to landmarks and plan accordingly.
First-Timer Questions Answered
“How much does a shortlet cost in Lekki?”
Prices vary by location and quality. Comfortable options start from ₦95,000 per night for a studio or one-bedroom, while luxury apartments can go up to ₦400,000+ per night.
On City Spaces and Bookings, you see real prices upfront—no surprises.
“Is it safe to book online?”
When you book through City Spaces and Bookings, absolutely. Every listing is verified, every host is vetted, and you get dedicated support throughout your stay.
“Can I book for just one night?”
Some Lekki properties have minimum stay requirements (usually 2-3 nights, especially on weekends), but City Spaces and Bookings has options for various durations. Check each listing’s policies.
“What if I need to cancel or modify?”
Every listing has clear cancellation and refund policies, plus information on how reservation modifications are handled. You’ll know exactly where you stand before you book.
“How do security deposits work?”
Security deposit requirements and handling procedures are clearly outlined, along with other listing policies, at the bottom of each listing page. No confusion, just transparent information.
Red Flags vs. Green Flags
🚩 Watch Out For:
- Unclear or hidden policies
- Requests to pay outside the platform
- Properties with fake or misleading photos
- Prices too good to be true (₦10,000 for a Lekki Phase 1 3-bedroom? Run.)
- Vague locations with no maps
- No way to contact the host before booking
✅ City Spaces and Bookings Protects You:
- All policies displayed upfront on every listing
- Secure, traceable transactions through the platform
- Verified properties with actual photos
- Maps and specific neighborhoods for every listing
- Full host communication before booking
- Transparent pricing
Tips for a Smooth Experience
Plan for Lagos traffic: If you’re attending an event on the Island, book a Lekki shortlet. Traffic is real.
Read the house rules: They’re clearly posted on every listing. Read them before booking.
Use the map: Check proximity to your points of interest. It’ll save you hours.
Communicate clearly: Let your host know your arrival time and any special requests.
Inspect on arrival: Do a quick walk-through. If something’s not as listed, report it immediately.
Respect the space: Follow house rules and treat it well—you’ll always be welcomed back.
Why Shortlets Beat Hotels
Here’s the thing—once you experience a Lekki shortlet, hotels start feeling like an expensive trap.
More space for less money – Get a whole apartment for the price of a cramped hotel room
Cook your own meals – Goodbye ₦5,000 breakfast buffets
Privacy and freedom – Live on your own schedule
Better value for groups – Families and groups save significantly
Live like a local – Actual residential neighborhoods, not tourist traps
Why Choose City Spaces and Bookings?
Look, there are many places to find shortlets in Lagos. Most shortlet platforms, however, just connect you to a listing and disappear. We built something different—a marketplace that doesn’t just connect you, it protects you. Here’s what makes us different:
Complete Transparency
Every listing includes detailed policies—cancellation terms, security deposit handling, house rules, and reservation modifications. You know exactly what you’re getting into.
Direct Host Communication
Fully communicate with each host through the website. Ask questions, get answers, build confidence. No phone tag, no unresponsive agents.
No Middlemen, No Wahala
Deal directly with hosts. No inflated prices, no games. Just straightforward communication and fair pricing.
Clear Location Information
Every listing includes a map. See exactly where the property is and proximity to beaches, malls, offices, or wherever you need to be.
Dedicated Support
First-timer or frequent traveler, we help you navigate your stay like a pro. Questions? Issues? Someone actually answers.
Ready to Book Your First Lagos Shortlet?
Booking your first shortlet doesn’t have to be stressful.
With City Spaces and Bookings, you get:
- Verified properties
- Direct communication with hosts
- Transparent pricing and policies
- Dedicated support every step of the way
Whether you need a weekend getaway spot, corporate accommodation for your Lagos business trip, or a comfortable base while you explore the city, our shortlets offer the perfect blend of comfort, security, and convenience.
Don’t leave your Lagos accommodation to chance.
👉 Visit City Spaces and Bookings today, browse verified shortlets, and book with confidence.
Start your search now and discover why smart travelers are choosing shortlets over hotels.
Welcome to the City Spaces and Bookings—where your perfect stay is just a click away.
