5 Hotel Booking Scams to Avoid in Nigeria: How to Protect Your Wallet and Your Peace of Mind

When it comes to traveling in Nigeria—whether for business, leisure, or the ever-popular “let me just change environment small”—booking a hotel is usually at the top of your to-do list. But in the age of online reservations and sweet-looking websites, there’s also a dark underbelly: hotel booking scams.

If you’ve ever been promised a “luxury sea-view room” in Lagos only to arrive at a windowless cubicle that smells like old stockfish, you know the heartbreak is real. These scams are becoming more sophisticated, targeting both first-time visitors and seasoned travellers.

So, let’s unpack the 5 hotel booking scams to avoid in Nigeria, how they work, and what you can do to protect yourself. By the end of this, you’ll be ready to book your accommodation like a pro—no nasty surprises, no empty wallet.

1. The “Too Good to Be True” Online Deal

We all love a bargain. But in Nigeria, just like anywhere else, if the price is too sweet, you might just be buying yourself trouble.

How the scam works:

Scammers create fake hotel listings on popular booking sites or standalone websites. They use stolen photos of real hotels, slap on unbelievably low prices, and add flowery descriptions like “world-class luxury for less than the price of roadside food.”

You get lured in, pay upfront (sometimes even with “non-refundable” terms), and by the time you arrive… the hotel either doesn’t exist, or it has no record of your booking.

Why it’s common in Nigeria:

The tourism and hospitality industry here is fast-growing, which means new hotels pop up often. This creates a perfect cover for fake listings, because you can’t easily tell if the hotel is real or not without digging deeper.

How to protect yourself:

• Always cross-check the hotel’s name and address on Google Maps, TripAdvisor, or verified hotel directories.
• Read multiple reviews from different platforms—not just the booking site.
• Call the hotel directly to confirm they have your booking and the rate you saw online.

2. The Fake “Hotel Agent” or Middleman

This is the classic “my brother, I can get you a cheap room” pitch. Nigerians are entrepreneurial, but not every so-called “hotel agent” is legit.

How the scam works:
An individual claims to be an official hotel representative—sometimes even using forged ID cards or uniforms. They promise special discounts or “VIP rooms” if you book through them. You pay (often via transfer to a personal account), and then… silence. Either they vanish completely, or when you get to the hotel, your name isn’t on any booking list.

The red flags:

• They insist you pay into a personal account, not the hotel’s corporate account.
• They dodge your requests for receipts or confirmation emails.
• They pressure you with lines like “the offer expires in one hour” to make you act fast.

How to protect yourself:

• Only book through verified hotel websites or trusted platforms like Booking.com or Hotels.ng.
• Never pay into a personal account for a hotel booking.
• If you must use a local agent, verify their credentials with the hotel before sending any money.

3. The Room Downgrade Without Warning

This one is less about total fraud and more about a sneaky bait-and-switch.

How the scam works:
You book a deluxe room online—plush bed, big TV, beautiful city view. You arrive, and the front desk cheerfully hands you the key to… a cramped standard room with no view and a bathroom door that won’t close properly. When you complain, they shrug and say, “Sorry, your room is not available. This is what we have.” And no, they won’t refund the difference.

Why it’s tricky:
Hotels can overbook, especially during high-demand periods like December in Lagos or festival season in Calabar. Some unscrupulous hotels use this as an excuse to push guests into cheaper rooms while still charging the original rate.

How to protect yourself:

• Always take screenshots of your booking confirmation, including room type and amenities.
• If the hotel downgrades you without prior notice, request a refund or a free upgrade later.
• Book with hotels that have clear cancellation and refund policies.

4. The Ghost Hotel

This one takes “now you see it, now you don’t” to a whole new level.

How the scam works:
The scammers set up a professional-looking website for a hotel that simply does not exist. They use stock images from foreign resorts, throw in a Nigerian address, and create fake reviews to make it seem legit.

You pay, you pack your bags, you arrive at the supposed location… and it’s either an empty plot of land or a completely different business, like a mechanic’s workshop.

Why it’s common in Nigeria:
Domain names are cheap, and social media ads can target travelers easily. Unsuspecting visitors—especially from abroad—fall for these convincing setups.

How to protect yourself:

• Use Google Street View to verify that the hotel building actually exists at the stated address.
• Look for real, unfiltered photos from travelers on platforms like TripAdvisor.
• Call the local tourism office or a trusted local contact to confirm the hotel’s existence.

5. The “Mandatory Extra Fee” Surprise

Sometimes the scam doesn’t happen until after you’ve checked in.

How the scam works:
You book a hotel online at a clear price, but upon arrival, the front desk hits you with “compulsory” extra charges: VAT that’s way above normal, “service fees” you weren’t told about, or even bizarre ones like “water usage fee” or “towel laundering fee.” These charges are often inflated or completely made up.

Why it’s frustrating:
You’re already there, your luggage is unpacked, and arguing might feel pointless. Many travelers just pay to avoid stress.

How to protect yourself:

• Before booking, read the fine print for taxes and additional charges.
• Confirm in writing (email) what the total cost will be, including all fees.
• If they insist on adding hidden fees, ask for a breakdown and an official receipt. In many cases, they back down when they realise you’re not an easy target.

Other Related Hotel Booking Scams to Watch Out For

While the above five are the big players, there are other sneaky scams worth mentioning:

• Fake cancellation policies: You book with a “free cancellation” promise, only to be told later that cancellation costs the full amount.
• Card skimming at payment: A shady hotel might use a compromised POS machine to clone your card.

Impersonation scams: Criminals pretend to be from a reputable booking site, telling you there’s a problem with your booking and asking you to “reconfirm” with payment details.

How to Avoid Hotel Booking Scams in Nigeria

If all this sounds scary, relax—it’s not all doom and gloom. The majority of hotels in Nigeria are honest, hardworking businesses that want you to enjoy your stay. Here’s your anti-scam toolkit:

1. Do your homework – Cross-check hotels on multiple platforms, read recent reviews, and confirm directly with the hotel.
2. Use trusted booking platforms – Stick to well-known sites with buyer protection.
3. Pay smart – Use secure payment methods, and avoid cash or personal transfers where possible.
4. Keep records – Save confirmation emails, receipts, and any chat correspondence.
5. Ask locals for recommendations – Friends, colleagues, or even Nigerian travel forums can point you to trusted hotels.

Final Word

The Nigerian hotel scene is vibrant, diverse, and full of gems waiting to be discovered—but only if you avoid the potholes of hotel booking scams. With a little vigilance, you can enjoy everything from luxury suites in Victoria Island to charming boutique stays in Calabar, without losing your money or your peace of mind.

If you’re booking a room, remember: in Nigeria, as in life, if it looks too good to be true, it probably is. Stay sharp, book smart, and enjoy your stay.