Few buildings in Niamey are as recognisable as Hotel Gaweye. Rising above the Kennedy roundabout, between the Niger River and the National Museum, the hotel has hosted business travellers, official delegations, conference participants and families for decades. This guide brings together what the hotel itself has published about its rooms and services, adds practical context about Niamey, and points out what you should check before you book.
Prices, opening hours and services change over time, so treat every figure below as indicative. And because the security situation in Niger is serious, start with the advisory note below before you make any plans.
Travel advisory (October 2026): the US State Department rates Niger Level 4 – Do Not Travel, and the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office advises against all travel to Niger, including Niamey. Several other governments give similar advice. Check your own government's latest guidance, and your travel insurance, before planning any trip.
Where is Hotel Gaweye?
The hotel's address is Rond-point Kennedy, BP 11008, Niamey, Niger. In practice that puts it on the river bank close to the Kennedy Bridge, directly opposite the Musée National Boubou Hama and a few minutes by car from the city centre, ministries and the main business district. For taxi drivers, "Hôtel Gaweye" or "Rond-point Kennedy" is usually all the address you need.
Diori Hamani International Airport lies on the south-eastern side of the city, roughly ten kilometres from the centre. The hotel advertises an airport shuttle with a greeting hostess, and taxis and rental cars wait in front of the building. Our Niger visa and entry requirements guide explains what you need before landing.
Rooms and suites
Hotel Gaweye has 200 air-conditioned rooms and suites. All categories include a private bathroom, satellite television and a minibar, and Wi-Fi is available throughout the building.
| Category | What the hotel highlights | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Standard room | River view or museum view, work desk, minibar | Short business trips, solo travellers |
| Junior Suite | Separate private lounge, bathroom, minibar | Longer stays, receiving visitors |
| Presidential Suite | Private lounge for meetings in a discreet setting | Official visits and delegations |
| Prestige Suite | River-view suite with private lounge | Guests who want the best view of the Niger |
The rate card the hotel published listed standard rooms at 61,000 CFA francs per night, with the suites priced higher and breakfast charged separately. Those figures are historical; always ask for a written quote that confirms the current price, what is included and the cancellation terms.
River view or museum view?
Standard rooms come in two orientations at the same published price. The river side gives you the wide sweep of the Niger, the pirogues and the evening sunsets that Niamey is known for. The museum side looks over the green grounds of the National Museum and is often a little quieter. If the view matters to you, mention it when you book.
Restaurants and bars
Dining is one of the hotel's strengths, and you can comfortably eat every meal on site:
- La Potinière – the main air-conditioned restaurant, seating up to 150 guests. It serves a breakfast buffet, a daily lunch buffet, à la carte dishes and a larger "super buffet" on Sundays.
- Bar Rive Gauche – a quiet bar decorated by local craftsmen, popular for tea, cocktails and informal business meetings.
- Barbecue & Pizzeria – grilled brochettes and pizzas on the poolside terrace in the evening.
- La Paillote – the pool bar for cold drinks in the shade of thatched parasols.
If you want to explore local dishes such as dambou, kilishi or fura, read our Nigerien food guide.
Meetings, conferences and events
Hotel Gaweye has two multipurpose conference rooms that hold between 50 and 200 people depending on the layout. The hotel lists a video projector, a large screen, wireless broadband and coffee-break service. Its catering and banquet service handles business lunches, receptions and gala dinners, and participants can stay in the same building, which simplifies logistics and security.
Two upgrades announced by the hotel in 2013 matter for events: a fibre-optic internet connection and a powerful backup generator, together with a reinforced cooling plant for the air conditioning. Power cuts are a reality in Niamey, especially in the hot season, so backup power is worth confirming for any important meeting. Our guide to planning a conference in Niamey covers the rest.
Leisure and services
- Outdoor pool and two tennis courts, with sun loungers and the La Paillote bar.
- A ground-floor shopping gallery with a bank counter for currency exchange and withdrawals, a stationery shop, a hairdresser and Nigerien handicraft boutiques.
- A Lydia Ludic gaming area for adults.
- Free Wi-Fi in rooms, lobby, restaurants, bars and meeting rooms, plus international satellite TV channels.
Security measures
In a news post on video surveillance, the hotel described a 16-camera CCTV system with permanent monitoring, a walk-through detector at the lobby entrance, a double perimeter fence and equipped security staff. Access control of this kind is one of the first things security advisers look for in Niamey. It does not remove risk, but it is a meaningful baseline. Read our Niamey travel safety guide for the wider picture.
Practical tips before you book
- Check official travel advice first. Many insurers will not cover travel against government advice.
- Get a written confirmation. Embassies often ask for proof of accommodation with a visa application, so keep the hotel's confirmation.
- Use official channels. Book through the hotel's official channels or a well-known booking platform, and be wary of unusual payment requests.
- Arrange your airport transfer in advance. Send your flight number and arrival time and confirm who will meet you.
- Bring cash. The CFA franc (XOF) is pegged to the euro at 655.957 XOF per euro; cards are not widely accepted outside large hotels. See our money and etiquette guide.
A typical day at the hotel
To picture a stay, imagine a two-day business trip in the cool season. You land in the evening and are met by the hotel shuttle, which drives you through the city to the Kennedy roundabout in roughly twenty minutes, depending on traffic and checkpoints. After check-in, dinner on the poolside terrace is the easiest option: brochettes or a pizza in the warm night air, a short walk from your room.
The next morning starts with the breakfast buffet at La Potinière before the heat builds. If your meeting is in the hotel, the conference room is a lift ride away; if it is in town, the ministries and the business district are only minutes away by car. Lunch can be the daily buffet, and the late afternoon is the best time for a swim or a game of tennis. In the evening, the Bar Rive Gauche is a quiet place to review notes or meet a contact. On the second morning, cross the road to the National Museum before the temperature rises, then return for check-out and the shuttle to the airport.
Who is Hotel Gaweye best suited to?
- Business travellers and delegations who value a central address, meeting rooms and on-site dining.
- Conference organisers who want accommodation, catering and meeting space in one secured site.
- Visitors on essential trips who prefer to limit movements around the city.
Frequently asked questions
How many rooms does Hotel Gaweye have?
The hotel states that it has 200 air-conditioned rooms and suites, including standard rooms and several suite categories.
Is breakfast included?
In the hotel's published rate card, the breakfast buffet was priced separately from the room. Confirm the board basis when you book.
Can I walk to the National Museum?
Yes. The museum is directly opposite the hotel. Read our guide to the Musée National Boubou Hama before you go.
Does Hotel Gaweye have a swimming pool?
Yes. The hotel has an outdoor pool with thatched parasols, sun loungers and the La Paillote bar, plus two outdoor tennis courts.
Conclusion
Hotel Gaweye combines a central riverside location with a full set of on-site services: restaurants, meeting rooms, a pool, shops and an airport shuttle. For travellers who must go to Niamey, having everything under one roof is a real advantage. Verify current prices and services directly, follow official travel advice, and use the rest of our Niamey guides to prepare your stay.
Planning a stay in Niamey? Discover Hotel Gaweye's rooms, restaurants and meeting rooms by the Niger River.
Hôtel GaweyeRooms & suites