Somatel Hotel

3.0 star property
Beaux Arts hotel with free parking connected to the convention center in Douala

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for Somatel Hotel

Exterior
Breakfast, lunch, dinner served; local cuisine
Interior
Property grounds
Standard Double Room | In-room safe, individually furnished, desk, blackout drapes

Reviews

6.0 out of 10

Popular amenities

  • Pool
  • Bar
  • Free airport shuttle
  • Breakfast available
  • Room service
  • Laundry

Explore the area

View in a map
Rue Akwa-Bali, Douala, 17546
  • Place, Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul
    ‪6 min walk‬
  • Place, Port of Douala
    ‪2 min drive‬
  • Place, Douala Grand Mall
    ‪5 min drive‬
  • Airport, Douala (DLA-Douala Intl.)
    ‪6 min drive‬

Room options

Standard Double Room

  • 344 sq ft
  • City view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

Junior Room

  • 474 sq ft
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

Room (Annex)

  • 129 sq ft
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Twin Bed

About the neighborhood

Douala

Located in Akwa II, Somatel Hotel is a leisurely stroll from sights such as Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul and Espace Doual'art. This 52-room, 3-star hotel has a restaurant along with conveniences like an outdoor pool and free in-room WiFi. Located centrally in Douala, it's connected to the convention center and also close to Eko Market and Douala Maritime Museum.

What's nearby

  • Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul - 6 min walk - 0.4 miles
  • Eko Market - 17 min walk - 0.9 miles
  • Port of Douala - 2 min drive - 0.9 miles
  • La Nouvelle Liberte - 3 min drive - 2.5 miles
  • Douala Grand Mall - 5 min drive - 2.9 miles

Getting around

  • Douala (DLA-Douala Intl.) - 26 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Le Bled Grill - ‬7 min walk
  • ‪Opiom Bali - ‬3 min walk
  • ‪Les perroquets - ‬4 min walk
  • ‪Le Boj - ‬16 min walk
  • ‪Mc Burger - ‬8 min walk

About this property

Somatel Hotel

Beaux Arts hotel with free parking connected to the convention center in Douala
Somatel Hotel features an outdoor pool, free WiFi in public areas, and meeting rooms. You can take advantage of free parking, along with a free airport shuttle (available 24 hours). A multilingual staff is on hand to assist with dry cleaning/laundry and securing valuables. Additional amenities include a conference center, coffee/tea in a common area, and a terrace.
Flat-screen TVs come with cable channels, and guests can stay connected with free WiFi and wired Internet. Other standard amenities include balconies, safes, and desks.
Recreational amenities at the hotel include an outdoor pool.

Similar properties

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi and wired internet
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi and wired internet

Parking and transportation

  • 24-hour free roundtrip airport shuttle on request
  • Area shuttle (surcharge)
  • Beach shuttle (surcharge)
  • Casino shuttle (surcharge)
  • Ferry terminal shuttle (surcharge)
  • Shopping center shuttle (surcharge)
  • Free secured self parking on site

Food and drink

  • Daily buffet breakfast available 6:00 AM to 10:30 AM for a fee: USD 14 per person
  • A bar/lounge
  • A coffee shop/cafe
  • A poolside bar
  • A restaurant
  • Coffee and tea in common areas
  • Snack bar/deli

Restaurants on site

  • La Voute

Things to do

  • Outdoor pool
  • Shopping
  • TV in common areas

Family friendly

  • Babysitting (surcharge)
  • Laundry facilities
  • Outdoor pool
  • Snack bar/deli
  • Soundproofed rooms

Conveniences

  • ATM
  • Laundry facilities
  • Safe at front desk

Guest services

  • Dry cleaning/laundry service
  • Housekeeping (daily)
  • Multilingual staff
  • Porter/bellhop
  • Turndown service
  • Wedding services

Business services

  • Conference center
  • Meeting rooms

Outdoors

  • Garden
  • Picnic area
  • Terrace

Accessibility

  • Elevator

More

  • 1 building
  • 2 floors
  • Beaux Arts architecture
  • Built in 2007
  • Designated smoking areas

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Blackout drapes

Bathroom

  • Free toiletries
  • Hair dryer (on request)
  • Private bathroom
  • Shower/bathtub combination
  • Towels provided

Entertainment

  • Flat-screen TV with cable channels

Food and drink

  • 24-hour room service

More

  • Air conditioning (climate-controlled)
  • Desk
  • Individual furnishings
  • Safe
  • Soundproofed rooms

Policies

Check-in

Minimum check-in age: 18

Check-out

Check-out before noon

Special check-in instructions

This property offers transfers from the ferry terminal and airport (surcharges may apply); to arrange pick-up, guests must contact the property 48 hours prior to arrival, using the contact information on the booking confirmation

Pets

  • This property doesn't allow pets or service animals

Children and extra beds

  • One child 10 years old or younger stays free when using existing bedding

Property payment types

Important information

Fees

You'll be asked to pay these charges at the property:

  • A tax is imposed by the city: USD 5.34 per accommodation, per night

These are all of the charges provided to us by the property.

Optional extras

These fees and deposits will be charged at check-in, check-out, or the time of service.

  • Fee for buffet breakfast: approximately USD 14 per person

This list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits might not include tax and are subject to change.

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
This property accepts credit cards
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children; if you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room
Please note that cultural norms and guest policies may differ by country and by property; the policies listed are provided by the property
  • Check-out: noon
  • Minimum check-in age: 18
For convenient arrivals and departures, you can take advantage of the free airport shuttle (available 24 hours). Driving? This property offers free parking.

We should mention

Details about charges, deposits, or other important information:

  • This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession.
  • This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children. If you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room.
  • Charges for extra guests may apply and vary depending on the property's policy.
  • A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges, as well as a government-issued photo ID, may be required at check-in.
  • Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in and can't be guaranteed. Certain requests may come with additional charges.
  • This property accepts credit cards.
  • Onsite safety features include a fire extinguisher.

Additional information about polices, regulations, and more:

  • Couples must provide proof of marriage to share a room.
  • Registered guests are the only ones allowed in guestrooms.
  • No cribs or infant beds are available.
  • No rollaway or extra beds are available.

Property is also known as

Somatel
Somatel Douala
Somatel Hotel
Somatel Hotel Douala
Somatel Hotel Hotel
Somatel Hotel Douala
Somatel Hotel Hotel Douala

Frequently asked questions

Is a free cancellation option available at Somatel Hotel?

Somatel Hotel provides free cancellation on certain room rates. If you'd like to learn more, take a look at the cancellation policy on our site.

How much does it cost to stay at Somatel Hotel?

As of Oct 4, 2025, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Somatel Hotel on Oct 13, 2025 start from $53.07, excluding taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

What's there to do within easy reach of Somatel Hotel?

This hotel is situated in Akwa II within a short 6-minute walk of Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul and also 10 minutes on foot from Espace Doual'art. You'll also find Eko Market and Douala Maritime Museum less than a mile away.

Will I be able to park at Somatel Hotel?

Yes, secured self parking is offered for free at the hotel.

Is there a spa available at Somatel Hotel?

Spa services at the hotel include beach massages.

Does Somatel Hotel include a casino on the premises?

No, Somatel Hotel doesn't have a casino.

Will I find an indoor pool at Somatel Hotel?

No, this hotel doesn't have an indoor pool; however, there is an outdoor pool.

Is Somatel Hotel a good place to stay for couples?

There are plenty of amenities for couples at this hotel, including an outdoor pool, a poolside bar, and a restaurant.

Are there hot tubs at Somatel Hotel?

No, there isn't a spa tub at this hotel.

Does Somatel Hotel feature a restaurant that includes a breakfast menu?

Yes, Somatel Hotel serves buffet breakfast for a surcharge each morning at La Voute.

Will Somatel Hotel allow pets to stay for free?

No, pets and service animals aren't allowed at Somatel Hotel.

Does Somatel Hotel have connecting rooms?

No, there aren't connecting guestrooms at this hotel.

What is the closest airport to Somatel Hotel?

The closest major airport to Somatel Hotel is Douala (DLA-Douala Intl.), which is 4.2 mi away (26 minutes by car).

Are there rooms with balconies that I can book at Somatel Hotel?

Yes, every guestroom at Somatel Hotel comes with a balcony with some featuring pool or city views.

Does Somatel Hotel host weddings?

If you plan to exchange vows during your trip, consider the wedding services available at Somatel Hotel.

Somatel Hotel Reviews

Reviews

6.0
Rating 10 - Excellent. 3 out of 54 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 14 out of 54 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 22 out of 54 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 5 out of 54 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 10 out of 54 reviews

6.4/10

Cleanliness

6.6/10

Staff & service

7.4/10

Amenities

6.0/10

Property conditions & facilities

5.4/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

2/10 Terrible

michael, Bloomington

Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2021

8/10 Good

Valentin

Stayed 1 night in Jun 2021

2/10 Terrible

RaoulPao, Cincinnati oh

Disliked: Cleanliness
My trip who's called i going to let you know when is the next trip
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2020

4/10 Poor

Verified traveler

Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2019

2/10 Terrible

James, US

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Budget Hotel

Employees was not able to access to my online reservation.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2018

10/10 Excellent

Duclos, NY

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Nice hotel with good food and security

The Staff are very friendly with customers The food are served on time
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2017

6/10 Okay

Camille

Disliked: Room comfort
Was good in general Restaurant prices way over the top . Swimming pool area constantly noisy with kids Mattresses on beds need updating.... too old . Still recovering from pain due to sleeping on these hard mattresses

4/10 Poor

Verified traveler

Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
Very old, with mold on the walls. The food at the hotel is really overpriced, and there isn't a place around to eat (within walking distance).

2/10 Terrible

Christie, New Orleans

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Terrible! Dirty! Too expensive!

This hotel was terrible for the price. The room was not very clean and it was very small. There was hardly any place for me to put my bags. There was lots of mold/mildew in the bathroom on the walls. There was no proper air circulation in the room. I wasn't expecting anything of 5-star quality, but I was very disappointed. Won't recommend and won't stay here again.

2/10 Terrible

Adisa, Cleveland

Disliked: Staff & service, room comfort

No concept of professionalism or customer service

The staff was unbelievably rude. They were also indifferent and slow to resolve the plumbing problems in my room. Customer service is not even a concept at the hotel. I was also told that breakfast was included but was given a bill upon checkout. I told the receptionist NOT to use the chip reader on my ATM card because it won't accept it and it will deactivate my card. He ignored me and I emphatically told him a second time. He did it anyway. The card was not accepted and my bank, who advised me not to use the chip reader abroad, deactivated my card. I will never stay at this hotel again. It was a terrible experience. The WiFi was also weak

6/10 Okay

Yannick, Boston

Liked: Cleanliness

Not bad

Not bad hotel

8/10 Good

Brian, Ottawa

Liked: Staff & service, room comfort

Friendly and helpfull staff. Overall expensive.

Hotel and room are clean. Bed, bathroom, and air-conditioning are ok. They lost my paid-and-confirmed booking but me and the staff stayed polite and it got resolved. Very nice of them to go to pharmacy for me when I cought a cold. They offered to call taxi but they called an expensive private driver, which I admit is a lot more safe than yellow cab. Buffet food was very good. Relatively a good price for an all-you-can-eat buffet. But when eating a simple meal would have been ok, it is expensive (you still pay buffet if you only take 1 plate).

6/10 Okay

Brian, Ottawa

Liked: Cleanliness, room comfort

Clean, safe, and quiet.

Compared to my previous experience with them, this time it went well. The room and bathroom were clean and in working condition. It sure ain't like a western hotel but at least I felt safe. No problem with outside noises.

6/10 Okay

AMR, Virginia USA

Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities

One star hotel

The room wasn't dirty but had a smell of humidity the staff was ok I would say this is a one star hotel if you want something really clean look for something else however I'm not sure if this city has anything cleaner

6/10 Okay

Aleksander

Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities

6/10 Okay

Carlos, Washington D.C.

Disliked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Air-condition problems

It is well located, safe, but rooms are very small and I had air condition problems. They "fixed" but it was a fan...not willing to fix it again or change the room. Internet super slow!

6/10 Okay

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Convenient location in the centre of Douala, very pleasant staff

4/10 Poor

Tammy Price, Cape Town, South Afrca

Disliked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Not a good holiday destination

Myself and a colleague stayed at this hotel for 3 nights as we had to do business within the Cameroon. I had printed out the confirmation of our stay at the hotel and thank goodness I did. It took the unfriendly receptionist about half an hour to find our reservation. There was no deep soaking bath and no view of the garden as indicated on the hotel reservation. It is not that bad if you are visiting for business purposes but would definitely not go here on holiday!

2/10 Terrible

Verified traveler

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Terrible et Catastrophic

Extremely small room underground, very humid with lots of mosquitoes!! strong choking musty smell. Only a small window. Impossible to sleep without mosquito net. Risk of malaria. Staff at reception impolite and have a suspicious attitude toward guests.

6/10 Okay

Christopher Agbaje, Lagos,Nigeria

Liked: Cleanliness, room comfort

My stay at Somatel Hotel douala

Even though I was on a short trip(2 nights),The hotel location was convenient, neat room, heated water, functioning wifi, helpful staff, good buffet breakfast.Free shuttle to and fro airport is a plus. I would recommend this hotel.

8/10 Good

Abbey, Nigeria

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service

Doula trip

Very pleasant stay and the breakfast is cool.

6/10 Okay

Chet, Florida, USA

Disliked: Staff & service, room comfort

First and last time

I was promised a room with WiFi, a safe and a bath. The room actually delivered had none of these. And to get to the resto, you have to climb one stairs and then go down another, and the inverse when you leave. An incredible design! On the other hand, the breakfast buffet was better than average. Overall, though, next time in Douala, I'll go back to my favorite Swiss Hotel.

6/10 Okay

jackson76wj, South Africa

Liked: Cleanliness, room comfort

Reasonably prices hotel, perfect for short stay.

I only spent one night here, but the level of comfort is actually very commendable for this price range.

6/10 Okay

Callie Tydeman

The room was not as advertised and I had difficulty with communication as I do not speak French.

6/10 Okay

Curtis, Jeddah

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities

Decent hotel in Douala

You won't find great luxury in Cameroon, but this hotel is pretty decent. The resturant was actually pretty decent (I've had some horrible meals in Cameroon). Rooms clean, found one small bug one night, most hotels in Cameroon, I essentially went hunting every night - so that was really good. Housekeeping staff couldn't wait to clean the rooms, fast and efficient. The pool was nice. Nice little bar. Drawbacks - some resturant staff need a lesson in customer service - odd layout of hotel - room was small