As I nursed a drink on the 27th floor of Hôtel 2 Février, I gazed out of the window, soaking in the view of the administrative district of Lomé. From this vantage point, I could see the Independence Monument, the Congress Palace, and the National Museum of Togo. The three sites are surrounded by a cluster of buildings housing different public institutions.
Earlier on that memorable day, I had immersed myself in Togo's rich history with a visit to the national museum. While dissecting its exhibits, I gained a deeper appreciation for the country's rich heritage. After a tour of the museum, I bought souvenirs at the venue of the Marché International de l’Artisanat du Togo (MIATO). The biggest handcrafts trade fair in Togo was taking place on the premises of the aforementioned palace.
For about an hour, I hopped from one MIATO stand to another, admiring the artistry of local craftsmen. Colorful textiles, intricately curved sculptures, and beaded jewelry caught my eye at every turn. Eventually, I crossed the street and proceeded to Hôtel 2 Février, before popping into an elevator en route to Oyo Bar.
Perched at the highest point in Lomé, Oyo Bar boasts the finest mixologists in the city. This lavish joint truly lives up to its "Cocktail Lounge" moniker.
2 Février (February 2) is the only 5-star hotel in Togo. It is frequented by top government officials, diplomats, and tycoons. There is always an important person attending a meeting, wining, or dining. Speaking of important people, the hotel is named February 2 because the former president and the father of the current one, Gnassingbé Eyadéma, survived a plane crash on February 2, 1974. A monument is erected at the site of the crash near Sarakawa.
Oyo Bar is splendid. If you don’t feel like taking a flight to the 27th floor, you can grab a drink at Akwaba Bar or Le Nil Bar. Akwaba is a poolside bar, while the latter is set up in the lobby. There are also two restaurants, namely Songhai and Namiélé in the same hotel.