The bars of the Hôtel Ivoire, the 1960s landmark on Boulevard Hassan II in Cocody that remains Abidjan's most recognisable building. Lounges and poolside terraces look across the Ébrié lagoon to the Plateau skyline, and the complex also holds the Majestic Ivoire cinema and, next door, the Casino Barrière l'Éléphant d'Or. It is the dressed-up, unhurried end of an Abidjan evening.
The bars of the Hôtel Ivoire on Boulevard Hassan II in Cocody occupy Abidjan's most recognisable 1960s landmark, with lounges and poolside terraces facing the Ébrié lagoon and the Plateau skyline beyond. The crowd is well-heeled and mixed-age — hotel guests, business travellers, well-off Abidjanais and casino visitors from next door — and dress trends smart to dressed-up, especially in the evening lounges, rather than casual bar wear. The atmosphere is unhurried and dressed-up rather than loud, built for a slow evening drink or a pre-dinner cocktail rather than dancing. Music is recorded lounge and jazz-inflected background music at low volume, with no resident DJ or live band in the bars themselves, keeping the focus on the lagoon views and the complex's other attractions, which include the Majestic Ivoire cinema and the adjoining Casino Barrière l'Éléphant d'Or. The drinks programme covers a proper cocktail list, wine and champagne by the glass or bottle, and premium spirits, priced at the top end for the city given the hotel's five-star positioning. The lobby and poolside bars run daily from about 10:00 to midnight, with a steady rather than peaking rhythm through the evening. There is no cover charge to drink at the bars, and no reservation is required for a casual visit, though evenings tied to casino visits or events can fill the poolside terrace, making an early arrival worthwhile.
| Price | Beer 3,000-5,000 XOF / USD 5.26-8.77; cocktails 7,000-14,000 XOF / USD 12.28-24.56 |
|---|---|
| Cover | No cover |
| Hours | Lobby and poolside bars daily from about 10:00 to midnight |
| Address | Boulevard Hassan II, Danga, Cocody, Abidjan, Ivory Coast |
Good to know
- Signature
- Lagoon-view hotel lounges with a cinema and casino in the same complex
Location
Boulevard Hassan II, Danga, Cocody, Abidjan, Ivory Coast
5.3265, -4.0043 View on map
Highlights
- Lounges and poolside terraces inside Abidjan's landmark Hôtel Ivoire
- Direct access to the Majestic Ivoire cinema and Casino Barrière l'Éléphant d'Or
- Proper cocktail, wine and champagne list at five-star hotel prices
- Smart, dressed-up crowd rather than a casual bar scene
- Unhurried, conversation-focused atmosphere with lagoon views
Tips for visiting
- Evenings paired with a casino visit or cinema screening can fill the poolside terrace, so arrive early
- Smart or dressed-up attire fits the venue better than casual bar wear
- The bars run at a steady pace all evening rather than peaking late, unlike the Zone 4 clubs
- Prices sit at the top end for Abidjan given the five-star hotel setting
- No reservation is required for a casual drink at the lobby or poolside bar
Frequently asked questions
Is a reservation needed to drink at the bar?
No, casual visits do not require a reservation, though arriving early is worthwhile on evenings tied to casino or cinema events.
Is there a cover charge?
No, there is no cover charge to drink at the lobby or poolside bars.
What is the dress code?
Smart or dressed-up attire fits the venue's five-star setting better than casual bar wear.
What else is in the same complex?
The Majestic Ivoire cinema and the Casino Barrière l'Éléphant d'Or sit within the same complex as the hotel's bars.