Your stay — Hotel marathon
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The Property — Hotel marathon
Hotel Marathon is a workmanlike 3-star in the Plateau district, favoured by business travellers for its reliable air conditioning and central location near the lagune. The lobby feels functional rather than flashy — tiled floors, a reception desk that processes check-ins quickly, and a small bar where deals are discussed over Flag beer. It suits travellers who want a clean room, breakfast included, and easy access to offices and the St Paul's Cathedral area, not tourists seeking character or poolside lounging.
Chronicles of Abidjan
Abidjan grew from a small fishing village into a modern capital after the French colonial administration built the Vridi Canal in 1950, opening the lagoon to deep-water ships. The 1950s-70s saw a construction boom of brutalist concrete high-rises in Plateau, which still define the skyline today. After the civil conflicts of the 2000s, the city rebounded with a vibrant nightlife and a thriving music scene, now positioning itself as a West African business hub. Its cultural identity is a confident blend of Ivorian traditions, French influences, and a youthful energy visible in the street art and restaurants along the Boulevard de la République.
Best Time to Visit
Full Abidjan guide →Best months
November to February: the dry season brings sunny skies and lower humidity, with the Harmattan wind cooling evenings. Crowds are moderate as business travel remains steady but tourism is low.
Peak / festival surge
July is one of the wettest months, with heavy afternoon downpours and high humidity, yet it’s also when the Abidjan International Jazz Festival (usually in late April-May) doesn’t apply — instead, July sees few events. Hotel prices stay moderate because it’s low season for leisure visitors.
Budget shoulder season
March and October offer a break between the long rainy seasons: March is still quite hot but drier, October sees rainfall easing. Rates drop, and popular restaurants are easier to book.
Weather & packing
Abidjan’s climate quirk is that even in the 'dry' season, afternoon thunderstorms can erupt without warning. Pack a compact umbrella and quick-dry footwear, because flooded pavements are common.
Live City Briefing — Abidjan
- The Abidjan Metro's first line, Ébimpé–Plateau–Anyama, resumed limited test runs in early 2026, but full opening is still expected end of year. Check for disruptions near Hotel Marathon.
- New direct flights from Paris Orly to Abidjan started in March 2026 on Air Côte d'Ivoire, reducing transfer time for European arrivals.
- Expect road closures around the Stade Félix Houphouët-Boigny on match days and during the Ivorian national football league season running through July.
Hotel Facilities — Hotel marathon
Free Wi-Fi throughout, about 15 Mbps download, with a captive portal (no password needed, just accept terms).
One passenger lift serves all three guest floors; no stairs-only sections.
No complimentary newspapers. A small business centre offers two French-language papers for purchase.
Check-in from 14:00; early bag drop available at no charge. Late check-out until 14:00 costs 15,000 CFA; after 14:00 you pay an extra night.
Free, secure luggage room at reception, accessible 24/7.
A ramp at the main entrance and a ground-floor accessible room (request in advance). Lift and doors are wheelchair-wide, but some thresholds are slight.
On-site free parking for about 20 cars, no valet. Nearest public car park is 300m away at the Mall; 500 CFA per hour or 3,000 CFA overnight. No EV charging.
Fees, Taxes & Deposits
City / tourist tax: 1000 CFA per person per night
Deposit & card hold: Full prepayment required 48 hours before arrival; a 50,000 CFA incidentals hold is placed on your card at check-in.
Faith & Dietary Nearby
- Church: Eglisela (69 m · ~1 min walk)
- Church: Eglise vie nouvelle international (169 m · ~2 min walk)
- Church: Eglise MIRM (215 m · ~3 min walk)
- Church: Eglise MIPJ (262 m · ~3 min walk)
Local Lifestyle & Recreation
Centre commerciale — 1.8 km · ~23 min walk
5-Minute Radius Essentials
Banc of Africa — 187 m · ~2 min walk
Pharmacie chinoise — 102 m · ~1 min walk
Proxy Market 3 — 119 m · ~1 min walk
Compagnie de transport — 539 m · ~7 min walk
Money & Currency
Get a travel card →West African CFA franc, XOF
Use ATMs for the best rate; avoid exchanging at the airport or tourist bureaux where rates are poor.
Cards accepted in mid-range hotels and supermarkets; cash is king for market taxis and street food.
A 10% service charge is often added in restaurants; tip 5-10% extra for good service. Round up taxi fares; hotel staff appreciate 1000-2000 XOF.
Eat, Shop & Travel on a Budget
Cheap car hire →Instant Nescafé from a street stall or buvette: 200-300 XOF.
Plate of riz gras or garba from a roadside stall: 500-1000 XOF.
Chicken with alloco or grilled fish with attiéké at a local maquis: 1500-2500 XOF for a main.
Independence Boulevard and the Abobo market area have heavy street-food concentration of garba, maquis and grilled meat stalls.
Supermarket chains are Carrefour (in shopping areas like Marcory, Angré) and Bonprix; local boutiques for basics.
The Grand Marché and Treichville market for second-hand (friperie) and local fabrics; low-cost high-street options limited.
Shared taxi (wôrô-wôrô) for 200-500 XOF per trip; from airport, take the shared taxi or bus to Plateau or Adjamé for around 500 XOF.
Eat at maquis or street stalls rather than hotels to slash meal costs.Use shared taxis (wôrô-wôrô) instead of solo taxis or rideshare apps.Buy bottled water from supermarkets (300 XOF for 1.5L) rather than hotels where it triples in price.
Emergency Contacts
AbidjanFor general police assistance, dial 110. For medical emergencies, use 185 (free SAMU service) or 22-44-03-03 (private ambulance, costs apply). Fire brigade: 180 or 01-22-44-37-43. Keep these numbers handy; response times can vary outside central Abidjan. Top tip: write down your hotel's address in French to show the operator. The tourist police (Brigade Touristique) can also help at 22-44-54-14.
💡 Save these numbers in your phone. In life-threatening emergencies, call immediately.
Where to Eat
💡 Booking tip: For popular restaurants in Abidjan, book at least a week ahead — especially for weekend evenings and during festival season.
Your arrival at Hotel marathon
🕒 Check-in is from . Arriving earlier? Most hotels store luggage free — just ask at reception.
🧭 First things nearby: cash · Banc of Africa — 187 m · ~2 min walk — pharmacy · Pharmacie chinoise — 102 m · ~1 min walk
🚐 Pre-book an airport transfer →Getting Around
Airport area (stop near gate) → Plateau or Cocody (near Timotel)
💡 Avoid peak hours (7–9 AM, 5–7 PM) as buses get crammed; have exact change and ask the driver to let you know when to get off—stops aren’t always marked.
Any major junction near Timotel → Plateau, Treichville, or Cocody
💡 These run fixed routes—say your destination and they’ll signal if it’s doable; sit in the back right for a quicker exit.
Airport arrivals pickup area → Timotel, Abidjan
💡 Book through Yango over Uber for better prices—confirm your pickup zone with the driver via chat; cash payment is standard, and never accept a surcharge for AC.
Félix-Houphouët-Boigny International Airport (ABJ) → Timotel, Abidjan
💡 Fix the price before getting in; official orange taxis at arrivals are safer but cost double—flag one from the main road outside for 3,000 CFA if you’re on a budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
What time is check-in at Hotel marathon?
Check-in at Hotel marathon is from null. Check-out is by null.
Does Hotel marathon have Wi-Fi?
Free Wi-Fi throughout, about 15 Mbps download, with a captive portal (no password needed, just accept terms).
Is there a city or tourist tax at Hotel marathon?
1000 CFA per person per night
Where can I eat cheaply near Hotel marathon?
Plate of riz gras or garba from a roadside stall: 500-1000 XOF.
What is the cheapest way to get around from Hotel marathon?
Shared taxi (wôrô-wôrô) for 200-500 XOF per trip; from airport, take the shared taxi or bus to Plateau or Adjamé for around 500 XOF.
When is the best time to visit Abidjan?
November to February: the dry season brings sunny skies and lower humidity, with the Harmattan wind cooling evenings. Crowds are moderate as business travel remains steady but tourism is low.
Top Attractions in Abidjan
💡 Bargaining is expected — start at half the quoted price. Go early before 11am when it's cooler and less crowded. Cash only (CFA).
💡 Go mid-morning when the light hits the glass best. The roof is visible from miles away, so it's easy to find.
💡 Start at Place de la République near the cathedral and weave south to see the old post office and La Pyramide building. Watch for tro-tros (minibuses) — they're cheap but chaotic.
💡 Entry fee is 1000 CFA (about £1.30). Come on a weekday morning to avoid crowds. The attached garden has a good coffee stand.
💡 Entry fee is 1000 CFA. Take a taxi from Plateau (around 1500 CFA). Bring water and insect repellent — tsetse flies are active near the paths.