The Ibadan hospitality market has welcomed a new entrant to boost its offering to guests.
2331 Lounge, Hotel and Restaurant, the new entrant, opened in the Mokola-Bodija axis of Ibadan, offering a blend of premium accommodation, fine dining and a casual social lounge all under one roof.
Speaking at the inauguration, Hotel Director Lola Olayinka said 2331 was inspired by the vision of creating an end-to-end lifestyle destination where guests can relax and unwind in a sophisticated environment.
According to him, the name 2331 reflects the personal stories of the two directors behind the project as 23 denotes January 23, while 31 denotes the 31st, both dates holding special memories for the directors.
Management outlined its primary target market and operational strategy, highlighting investments in staff training, digital systems and sustainability to deliver a quality guest experience.
He also said the hospitality brand caters to a wide range of guests, including business travelers, leisure visitors, families and tourists seeking comfort and quality food.
“Our primary targets include business travelers, leisure guests, families and tourists,” Olayinka said. “2331 is positioned as a home away from home for guests who seek comfort and privacy.”
According to the management, 2331 Hotel, Lounge and Restaurant is set to build strong brand awareness and expand its footprint within the city, while focusing on establishing itself as a trusted name for service excellence, comfort and quality food in Ibadan.
“Our short-term goals are focused on brand awareness and service excellence,” Olayinka said. “We are consistent with our branding efforts and are leveraging social media platforms to further boost awareness and visibility.”
He added that although the hotel is newly launched, plans are in place to grow the brand over time, with expansion being a key part of its long-term vision.
“In the long term, we are focused on expansion and brand development,” he said.
“Following this location, we are looking to further expand the brand, possibly with additional branches, subject to maintaining quality and consistency.”
According to Olayinka, expansion plans are currently focused on Ibadan, with the aim of strengthening the brand locally before considering a wider regional or national presence.
Looking ahead, he expressed optimism about the future of the brand, predicting that within five years, 2331 will be widely recognized in Nigeria's hospitality industry.
“In five years, we see 2331 as a recognized hospitality brand known for comfort, dining excellence and vibrant social experiences,” he said.
Reflecting on the launch, Olayinka described the experience as deeply fulfilling, noting that the inauguration represented the realization of a vision built on dedication and hard work.
“It's very rewarding to have the doors open and see customers coming in. It represents the realization of our vision,” he said.
He also gave advice to young entrepreneurs wanting to venture into the hospitality business, stressing the importance of patience, people and quality service.
“They should focus on quality and people and they should be patient,” Olayinka advised. “Hospitality really means caring about service. Quality and people are very important.”
Extending invitations to potential guests, he encouraged members of the public to experience what the hotel had to offer.
“At 2331, comfort meets taste,” she said. “We invite guests to come, stay, dine with us, relax and experience the best of hospitality.”
