HOTEL CASE STUDY

INTERNATIONAL AND LOCAL

HOTL CASE STUDY-INTERNATIONAL, LOCAL

COLLEAGUE OF ENGINERING AND TECHNOLOGY

SCHOOL OF ARCH AND COTM

DEPARTEMENT OF ARCHITECTURE

INTEGRETED DESIGN IV MARCH-2012/2020

INTERNATIONAL CASESTUDY

NICON HILTON (TRANSCORP) HOTEL, ABUJA

Client: The hotel was a joint venture, whose principal partners are the National Insurance
Corporation of Nigeria (NICON), the Hilton International and some other corporate bodies
but has being acquired by Transcorp PIc.

Architect: A Gaillard, D. Hamou, and H.J. Stampfli with J. Metzger and P. Aklin Management
Firm: The Hilton International

Site: The site is located in the central area of the Federal Capital Territory precisely the
Wuse district. It is estimated to be less than one kilometer from the ministry and embassy
sites. The site is slightly sloppy and it is threatened by erosion menace.

Completion: The project's implementation started in 1982 and was accomplished in 1986,
but was formally opened in April, 1987.

Structure and Description

The structure composition is a combination of concrete and steel frames with the horizontal
and vertical members of reinforced concrete made with props. The hotel is a 10 story (Y-
Plan) ultra-modem structure. It is of international standard with guest suites richly and
lavishly furnished.

The landscape of the hotel environment creates this feeling of being at home with nature.
The beautiful landscape gives a warm reception to guests and takes them from the entrance
gate through the congress hall to the porte-cochere behind.

Facilities Available
The available spaces and facilities in Abuja Transcorp Hotel are as follows: 797 Rooms

Night Club
Volley Ball
Basket Ball
Mint Golf
Figure. NICON HILTON ABUJA- Properly Landscaped Dual Carriage Entrance
SECTION
AERIAL VIEW OF THE TRANSCORP HELTON HOTEL
Merits
The Architectural statement of the hotel is direct; the form has been handled to give
the building its own special character and appeal.
The combination of steel frames with concrete gives the building a strong and
impressive character
The hotel site is properly landscaped with guest relaxation and recreational facilities
and extensive parking spaces properly zoned.
The interior is lavishly furnished to the highest taste and is indeed welcoming and
classy.
The hotel scale justifies the choice of form in keeping with the 12 story height limit
of Abuja.
Disabled guests were considered by providing prominent ramps and specially
designed rooms for them.
The guest rooms are tastefully furnished.
The hotel has three restaurants; hence the guest may choose to dine in relaxed
informality (Bukka restaurants), continental especially (oriental restaurant) or
elegant luxury

Demerits
The site of the hotel is too brisk and inhumane for the casual guest and does
not allow for people on vacation and tourists to enjoy their stay.
The hotel rooms have no balcony, thus making it impossible for the guest to
have a semi- physical contact with the immediate landscape and
environment.
There is no direct link between the administration and the service areas.
There is no direct link between the service areas and the public areas without
going through the kitchen.
The fire escapes in the guest room wings are not adequate.
Guest rooms have long double loaded corridors which are not cross
ventilated.
The hotel depends so much on mechanical system of lighting and ventilation
(it is too synthetic), therefore its green building rating is not commendable.

Conclusion
The Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja can truly compete effectively with other top- echelon
hotels of the world as an international class hotel.

The combination of the steel frame with concrete gives an impressive facade.
Architecturally, it speaks of Strength and Stability.
LOCAL CASE STUDY - HILTON ADDIS ABEBA HOTEL

Introduction
Hilton Addis Ababa is located in a hub of international diplomacy, just 15 minutes from Bole
International Airport. The hotel is also close to United Nations Economic Commission for
Africa, the African Union and many of the city's most popular attractions. Enjoy the geo-
thermal outdoor swimming pool, a squash court, and an 18-hole mini-golf course. Parking is
available for more than 650 cars.

With six distinctive restaurants and bars, Hilton Addis Ababa offers an enticing range of
cuisines and settings, including the popular poolside Sunday brunch with live music and
rustic wood-fired specialties from Il Forno.

Historical Background
The Hilton Addis Ababa stands 12 stories high and was opened in 1969 by Emperor Haile
Selassie. Together with the Garden Wing Extension completed in 1987, the complex offers a
total of 402 rooms. The architectural design is based on the Lalibela Churches Cross which
comes from one of the most popular tourist attractions in Ethiopia that is considered the
8th wonder of the world. With also an interior decor of typical motifa of Ethiopian arts. The
Hotel is sited on 15 acers of land and has 356 air- conditioned and fully furnished
guestrooms with direct telephone line, satellite TV and Mini bar.

Addis Ababa in Amharic means "New Flower" and the city was established in 1886 by
Emperor Manlike II on the 8,000 ft. high Ethiopian Plateau, thus reaping the advantages of
an excellent temperate climate in spite of being only 8 North of the Equator.
The hotel is ideally situated for exploring Addis Ababa, the capital and geographical centre
of Ethiopia. The airport, point of entry for almost all tourists, is only seven kilometres away.

The National Palace, across from the Hilton Addis Ababa, was built in 1955. Opposite the
Palace stands the Economic Commission for Africa, the focal point of which is the new state
of the art conference centre which has been added recently. The economic Commission for
Africa was constructed to advance the forces of progress and unity within Africa and to
symbolize Ethiopia's role in modern African affairs. Coptic churches of interest within very
close proximity are Stefanos church, a modern Coptic church, the Trinity.

The Historic Route

For those with more time to spare, the 2-4 days "Historic Route" air tour from Addis Ababa,
is the most rewarding and certainly the most far-ranging as the historic pageantry of 3000
years unfolds in cities previously inaccessible before air travel.

Hotel Features
Since its opening, the Hilton Addis Ababa has become a vital centrepiece for both the local
and expatriate community as well as the many business and vacation travellers visiting the
capital. Among the sport and relaxation options offered are the thermally heated cross
shaped swimming pool, four tennis courts including one with flood lighting for evening play,
men's and women's saunas where one may also experience a relaxing massage, a squash
court, mini golf and a putting green with driving net and bunker.

Hilton Addis Ababa offers its guests numerous options in dining and entertainment
pleasure. Fine venues include, the Kafka House, modelled after an American style coffee
shop with Ethiopian decor. The Harare Grill features Ethiopian culinary and cultural heritage
performed with traditional folkloric music and dances. The pizzeria serves truly Italian pizzas
from its classical wood fired brick oven. The Jacaranda offers a wide selection of
International cuisine with live music. The Sheba Lounge provides a cozy atmosphere for
drinks with live piano entertainment while the Lobby Bar offers the perfect meeting place
for all. The Gazebo Restaurant located next to the pool provides outdoor dining daily for
lunch as well as a weekly Sunday Brunch with live music. Whether for a cocktail reception, a
banquet, a weeding or a business luncheon meeting, the Hilton Addis Ababa can provide the
perfect setting for groups large and small. The Rose Garden next to the Ballroom is ideal for
special exhibitions, Barbecue parties and large weddings.

Addis Ababa is the home of the Organization of African Unity and the Economic Commission
for Africa. UN agencies have their regional headquarters in the capital city. It is also one of
the world's largest diplomatic communities with over 100 missions. Ethiopia, realm of the
romantic Queen of Sheba, has always been a magnet for hordes of invaders and explorers
alike but now draws travellers from the remainder of the world eager to discover its
legendary fascination.
Architectural Design and form
Blending traditional Ethiopian touches with contemporary style, Hilton Addis Ababa was
designed to mirror the famous Lalibella Cross, and the motif is recurrent throughout the
hotel. All 372 hotel rooms offer pool or mountain views, original artwork, comfortable
sleeping areas and ample work space. Choose a suite or Executive Floor room for more
space and access to the Executive Lounge. For extended stays, book a studio, one- or two-
bedroom apartment with its own kitchen.

Host a board meeting for 25 delegates in one of three meeting rooms, or for a larger event,
the ballroom accommodates more than 800 Guests. Event support Team Members provide
bespoke planning, coordination and catering services. After a day of work or sightseeing,
retreat to the Health Club for a soothing sauna or steam, or book a relaxing massage.

A business centre for prompt communication and courier service; and a modern and
efficient Laundry and Valet services are part of the facilities of the hotel.

HOTEL FACILITIES AND AMENITIES

Amenities at Hilton Addis Ababa are: -

Multi-Lingual Staff, - Local Area Transportation

Laundry/Valet Service, - News Stand, and
Airline Desk, - Safety Deposit Box
Baggage Storage - Room Service
Barber Shop -Tour Desk
Beauty Salon
Car Rental Desk,
Concierge Desk,
Elevators
Florist
Foreign Currency Exchange
Gift Shop.

Kaffa House
an American-style coffee shop open daily for breakfast, lunch, snacks and dinner. The Kaffa
House also hosts various theme evenings such as the World of Feathers and vegetarian and
seafood nights.

Jacaranda Restaurant
One of Addis Ababa's leading restaurants, the Jacaranda Restaurant will enchant you with its
exquisite dishes and extravagant and professional service. An evening spent at the Jacaranda
will be unforgettable.
Pizzeria
Enjoy a truly romantic Italian atmosphere every evening in one out of five ancient cuisines
of the world. Freshly baked Pizzas from our original Italian Pizza oven as well as Antipasti
and all kinds of Pasta will make you feel you are in a small trattoria in the centre of Italy.

Gazebo Bar & Restaurant

Surrounded by a fantastic and colourful garden, you can enjoy your choice of Snacks, BBQ
and Daily specials accompanied by exotic drinks or simply a pint of draft beer. Should you
feel cold or hot in any case, we recommend a dive in our natural-thermal heated swimming
pool which is so close that you can smell the minerals contained in it.

ROOMS

Rooms & Suites

Hilton Addis Ababa offers spacious accommodations with mountain or pool views. choose
from guest rooms, suites with separate living and dining areas and access to the executive
lounge, or fully furnished apartments with own garden, separate entrance and parking to
make that long-term relocation more like a coming home experience.
Guest Rooms
Welcome to our spacious 33 sq. m./355 sq. ft. rooms offering mountain, garden or city
views from private balconies. These bright and airy guest rooms, decorated with original
artwork, are furnished with convenient desks. Enjoy mineral water and hot beverage
facilities as well as access to over 4200 titles of complimentary digital newspaper and
magazines in your own language.

Suites
Let your home away from home be a luxurious suite with a spacious living room, separate
dining area, pantry and a second bathroom. The balcony offers a view of the Lalibella
themed geothermal pool or the mountains. Finish work at the convenient desk and enjoy a
newspaper, mineral water, flowers and fruit.

Apartments
Choose from studio, one- and two-bedroom apartments featuring private balconies and
floor-to-ceiling windows. Each homelike apartment features a separate living room and well
equipped kitchen as well as an HDTV. Each apartment has a private entrance,
complimentary parking bay and access to extensive recreational facilities.

Executive Rooms
Work is easy in this spacious 30 sq. m./323 sq. ft. room offering Executive Lounge access
with complimentary continental breakfast and refreshments. The bright and airy room is
decorated with original artwork. Enjoy the mountain or city view from the balcony or get
down to work at the desk. The Executive Duplex Room has a second bathroom.

Guest Rooms
Welcome to our spacious 33 sq. m./355 sq. ft. rooms offering mountain, garden or city
views from private balconies. These bright and airy guest rooms, decorated with original
artwork, are furnished with convenient desks. Enjoy mineral water and hot beverage
facilities as well as access to over 4200 titles of complimentary digital newspaper and
magazines in your own language.

KING GUEST ROOM - Mountain, garden or city view, balcony, floor-to-ceiling

windows, TV Relax in this bright room with a king-size bed and large floor-to-ceiling
windows. Enjoy the view and the additional space of the balcony. Catch up with work at the
desk and stay connected using Wi-Fi (fee applies). Sip a cool drink from the minibar and
watch a movie on the TV from the comfort of the bed. Refresh in the bathroom with
amenities. Special touches include mineral water and hot beverage facilities. Room sleeps 2
adults and 1 child on rollaway or cot.
KING GUEST ROOM WITH POOL VIEW
Geothermal pool, mountain or city view, balcony, floor-to-ceiling windows, TV, minibar
Choose a relaxing stay in this bright guest room with large floor-to-ceiling windows. The
balcony overlooks the Lalibela themed geothermal pool, the garden or the city. Work at the
desk using Wi-Fi (fee applies) or watch a movie on the 40-inch TV from the comfort of the
king-sized bed. Sip a cool drink from the minibar or refresh in the bathroom with amenities.
Special touches include mineral water and hot beverage facilities. Sleeps 2 adults and 1 child
on a rollaway or cot.

TWIN GUEST ROOM

Mountain or city view, balcony, floor-to-ceiling windows, TV, minibar this bright room with
twin beds features floor-to-ceiling windows and a balcony offering a mountain or city view.
Catch up with work at the desk with an adjustable lamp and stay connected using Wi-Fi (fee
applies). Watch a movie on the TV from the comfort of twin beds or relax with a cool drink
from the minibar. Refresh in the bathtub. Special touches include mineral water and hot
beverage facilities. Room sleeps 2 adults and 1 child on rollaway or cot.
Geothermal pool or garden view, balcony, HDTV, minibar, desk Enjoy a view of the pool or
garden from the balcony of this twin room with floor-to-ceiling windows. Catch up with
work at the desk and stay connected with Wi-Fi (fee applies). Watch a movie on the TV from
the comfort of the twin beds. Sip a cool drink from the minibar or relax and refresh in the
bathtub. Special touches include mineral water and hot beverage facilities. Sleeps 2 adults
and 1 child on a rollaway or cot.
LOBBY BAR TENNIS PLAYGROUND
KAFFA HOUSE POOL
SHEBA LOUNGE GYM
PASTRY SHOP MINI GOLF, BASKET COURT, CHILDREN PLAY GROUND