The Wheatbaker: Creating an Intricate Experience Through Art and Culture

The art of hospitality lies in making guests feel at ease and at home. If there's one thing people miss while traveling the world, it's the comfort and safety of home. While there are wonderful, beautiful hotels all over the world, very few are able to translate the feeling of home into their establishments. Hospitality is an art form in itself, involving designing and collaborating with others to make a person’s stay not just comfortable but an experience worth remembering. Over the last couple of years, luxury hotels have been paying close attention to interior design, filling their spaces with unique artistic creations.

The Wheatbaker is one such luxury boutique hotel that has changed the landscape of hospitality in Lagos, Nigeria. They focus on creating an experience worth returning for, while simultaneously filling their hotel with local and international art that not only soothes the eyes but also expands visitors' knowledge and understanding of local culture and traditions.

CIO Bulletin had the opportunity to interview Paul Kavanagh, the General Manager, and talk about The Wheatbaker Hotel.

Q. What is the story behind The Wheatbaker? What makes it Lagos’ most iconic hotel?

The Wheatbaker's story is all about the perfect match between a dreamer and a practical mind. It started with the idea of setting new industry standards in Lagos, creating a benchmark that would propel the city forward. The building's rich history and fascinating past played a vital role in this pursuit. Over time, the dreamer's vision and the practical thinker's strategies evolved. Interestingly, the practical side ended up outshining the dream, achieving even more than initially imagined. This success has led to a continuous effort to not only preserve the original vision but also enhance it further. What sets The Wheatbaker apart as Lagos' most iconic hotel is its unique history and the transformative impact it had on the city's progress. The building was more than just a hotel; it represented a bold aspiration to elevate standards and redefine what was possible. This commitment to excellence and innovation has cemented its place as an enduring symbol of Lagos' growth and ambition.

Q. Can you tell us a little about The Wheatbaker’s famed “Art of Hospitality” and why it makes the hotel a one-of-a-kind experience?

The Wheatbaker's renowned "Art of Hospitality" is what truly makes the hotel a one-of-a-kind experience. It goes beyond providing accommodation; it's about curating an exceptional and personalized stay for each guest. This unique approach to hospitality focuses on creating an atmosphere of genuine warmth and attentiveness. The staff at The Wheatbaker is dedicated to anticipating the needs and preferences of every guest, ensuring that their stay is not only comfortable but also memorable. From the moment you step through the doors, you're greeted with a sense of hospitality that feels like a genuine welcome from old friends. The attention to detail is what sets this approach apart. Whether it's remembering your favorite breakfast or offering recommendations tailored to your interests, The Wheatbaker's "Art of Hospitality" turns your stay into a seamless and delightful journey. It's about crafting an experience that resonates long after you've checked out. In a world where hospitality can often feel standardized, The Wheatbaker stands out by infusing each interaction with a personal touch. This commitment to making guests feel valued and understood is what transforms a regular stay into an extraordinary memory.

Q. What makes The Wheatbaker an “Art Boutique Hotel”?

The hotel often showcases a blend of mostly local and international art, connecting guests with a diverse range of creative expressions. This not only supports artists but also offers guests a broader cultural experience. With our own art collection built over a decade and periodic art exhibitions, we believe the description is fitting.

Q. What are the different types of rooms offered at The Wheatbaker?

The Wheatbaker offers a range of carefully designed and thoughtfully appointed rooms to cater to the different preferences and needs of its guests. These are the types of rooms you can find at The Wheatbaker:

• Luxury King Room: These rooms provide a comfortable and elegant space with all the essential amenities. They are designed to offer a relaxing stay and are perfect for travelers seeking a cozy and well-equipped room.
• Executive King Room: Deluxe rooms offer a step up in terms of space and luxury. These rooms often come with additional features and larger layouts, providing a more indulgent experience overlooking our pool.
• Executive King Suite: Ideal for guests who desire more space and privacy; executive suites include a separate living area and bedroom. These suites are perfect for both leisure and business travelers looking for a blend of comfort and functionality.

Q. Can you tell us some of the amenities and services offered at The Wheatbaker?

The Wheatbaker offers a range of different amenities that include a restaurant, a concierge desk, a doctor on call, free outdoor parking, valet and laundry service, extra luggage storage, 24-hour room service, and DStv. Each room has an electronic safe. The hotel offers a swimming pool, a world-class spa, a business center offering, a gymnasium, and wireless internet access available to all guests. Additionally, The Wheatbaker is 35 km from Murtala Muhammed International Airport, and airport shuttles are available upon request.

Q. Would you like us to highlight something important happening at your hotel that we may have missed asking about?

We are deep into the process of writing the next chapter of our story. And because we are The Wheatbaker, we are looking at the options in a very inventive and creative way. Of course, we can do the obvious and the easy, but we also want to do something challenging and unique. We want to once again raise the bar, exceed expectations, and push ourselves to deliver a product to the delight of our guests.

A Brief Biography of Paul Kavanagh

Paul Kavanagh is the General Manager of The Wheatbaker. He was born in Ireland, the land of the world’s friendliest people. He left home as a young man and began his work life in London, soon realizing there was a bigger world to discover. Kavanagh moved to Africa in 2009, first to Nigeria, then Ghana, South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Kenya. He opened two special hotels, saving the fifth star of a Jozi legend, and managed some other hotels around the world. He has worked on four continents in his career, which has spanned over forty years. He has received over 100 awards, including “African General Manager of the Decade.”

“Hospitality is much more than a simple welcome or an offer of food or drink. It is a guest-centric philosophy that has been part of many religions and cultures.”