Star Exclusive Hotels Jalingo — My Honest Review & Experience
- Simon Zaku
- Oct 18
- 6 min read
Part of the Taraba State Hotel Review Series by IbiFoundry
Reviewed by Simon Taki Zaku
Every city has that one hotel that people mention when you ask, “Where’s the best place to stay here?” In Jalingo, that conversation often leads to Star Exclusive Hotels.
I remember the first time I lodged here vividly — it was during one of my IbiFoundry trips to the capital.
I’d heard a mix of opinions: some said it was one of the top-tier hotels in Taraba, others felt it was slightly overrated.
I decided to find out for myself.
That trip became the start of this very Taraba State Hotel Review Series, where I visit, stay, and share both my personal experience and public feedback about hotels across the state — from the polished ones to the ones still finding their feet.
Where Is Star Exclusive Hotels Located?
Star Exclusive Hotels is located in Jalingo, Taraba State, not too far from the heart of the city.
It’s accessible through the main roads connecting to the Government House axis, which makes it convenient for travelers, business visitors, and tourists.
If you’re coming from the motor park or the airport, it’s roughly a 10–15 minute drive depending on traffic.
The neighborhood itself feels secure — moderately busy during the day and calm at night.
There’s a good balance between accessibility and privacy, which is something I really appreciated compared to some hotels built right beside noisy roads.
My Experience Staying at Star Exclusive Hotels
When I arrived that evening, the first thing that caught my attention was the lighting around the compound — soft, warm, and welcoming.
The signboard glowed bright enough to catch the eye but not so much that it looked like a club.
At the reception, the check-in process was fast.
The staff on duty that day smiled genuinely (and in this part of the country, that little gesture makes all the difference).
They didn’t make me wait unnecessarily or act confused about the booking — something I’ve sadly experienced in a few other hotels in the same city.
I was offered a glass of water, which might sound ordinary, but that simple act of hospitality set a calm tone for the stay.
My room was on the second floor — clean corridors, a working lift, and that mild scent of fresh air mixed with polish that signals proper housekeeping.
That night, I remember sitting by the window, laptop open, finishing a blog draft while the hum of quiet generators played softly in the background.
The power supply was steady, Wi-Fi decent, and air conditioning responsive — things you rarely find working together in perfect harmony in most Nigerian hotels outside Abuja or Lagos.
Room Comfort & Cleanliness
Now this is where Star Exclusive Hotels shines.
The room I stayed in had crisp white sheets, neatly arranged pillows, and a simple but elegant layout.
The TV worked perfectly, curtains thick enough to block early morning light, and the bathroom — clean and modern.
I always pay attention to the bathroom. That’s where most hotels fail the test.
But here, everything looked well-maintained: clean tiles, a proper showerhead, warm water, and no odd smells.
If I had to rate the comfort and cleanliness, I’d say 8.5/10.
It’s not the most luxurious room I’ve seen, but for Jalingo standards, it’s right up there among the best.
Customer Service & Staff Behavior
Hospitality is what makes or breaks a hotel. In that sense, Star Exclusive Hotels sets a decent standard.
The staff I interacted with were polite, calm, and attentive without being intrusive.
I remember one particular staff member who noticed I hadn’t eaten all evening and politely offered to send the restaurant menu upstairs.
It wasn’t robotic service — it felt genuinely human.
The management clearly invests in training, and it shows.
The only small hiccup was a short delay in room service delivery the next morning, but it wasn’t significant enough to change the overall impression.
Amenities, Facilities & Food
The hotel features a restaurant, bar, small conference space, and an outdoor relaxation area.
The pool area is modest but neat.
I didn’t dive in, but I saw a few guests enjoying the calm ambience.
The restaurant food surprised me — especially the breakfast.
The yam and egg combo was fresh, and the coffee was not instant (a rare blessing).
Dinner options were decent, though I think the menu could use a little more creativity.
Wi-Fi connectivity was stable enough for emails and light browsing.
Power supply was also impressive; they clearly use a mix of grid and generator backup seamlessly.
For facilities, I’d comfortably give it an 8/10.
Everything essential works, and that’s half the battle in Nigeria’s hospitality scene.
Safety, Accessibility & Surrounding Environment
Safety is often overlooked in reviews, but in Taraba, it matters.
Star Exclusive Hotels scores high here.
The compound has a solid fence, trained security guards, CCTV at the gate, and a 24-hour power system that keeps everything visible even at night.
The road leading to the hotel is motorable, with easy access to taxis and ride services.
For travelers visiting Jalingo for official or family trips, this hotel gives both security and accessibility in one package.
Pricing: Is Star Exclusive Hotels Worth It?
Let’s talk numbers.
The prices at Star Exclusive Hotels fall within the mid-to-upper range for Jalingo — not as expensive as Abuja’s top hotels but definitely above budget inns.
Based on the comfort, cleanliness, and service, I’d say it’s worth it.
You’re paying for peace of mind and professional service, which is still hard to find consistently in many Taraba hotels.
If you’re traveling for business, the rate makes sense.
For casual travelers, it’s a stretch but still reasonable if you value comfort.
What Guests Are Saying Online
A quick look at public reviews shows mostly positive experiences.
Guests praise the cleanliness, polite staff, and quiet environment.
Some noted that the restaurant can be slow during peak hours — something I also noticed slightly during my stay.
But overall, the consensus is clear:
Star Exclusive Hotels is one of the better-run establishments in Jalingo.
Pros & Cons on Star Exclusive Grand Hotels
Pros:
Clean, comfortable rooms
Professional and polite staff
Steady power and reliable Wi-Fi
Central but peaceful location
Good breakfast and facilities
Cons:
Food menu could be broader
Occasional delays in room service
Slightly pricey for casual travelers
Final Words — Would I Stay Here Again?
Absolutely, yes.
Star Exclusive Hotels gives off that quiet confidence of a place that knows what it’s doing.
It’s not over-the-top, but it’s steady, professional, and clean.
If you’re visiting Jalingo for business, conferences, or even leisure, you’ll find this hotel a refreshing balance between comfort and simplicity.
It’s the kind of place that doesn’t try too hard — it just works.
Call to Action — Planning Your Stay in Taraba
If you’re planning to visit Jalingo or any part of Taraba State, IbiFoundry can help you book Star Exclusive Hotels or recommend the perfect hotel that fits your exact needs and budget.
We’ve built a community of travelers, creatives, and professionals who share honest experiences — and you’re welcome to join.
Reach out through the IbiFoundry Travel WhatsApp Community to connect with others visiting Taraba.
Business Pitch — A Message to Star Exclusive Hotels Management
Dear Star Exclusive Hotels Management,
As part of our ongoing IbiFoundry Taraba Hospitality Project, we’d love to collaborate with you as your official digital marketing and content partner.
We specialize in:
Social media management
Professional photography & video tours
Website design & SEO optimization
Targeted ad campaigns for bookings
Our goal is to help Taraba hotels like yours reach more travelers, boost visibility, and improve brand image online.
We’d be glad to visit again and discuss how we can make Star Exclusive Hotels shine even brighter.
For partnership inquiries, contact IbiFoundry at www.ibifoundry.com.ng.
FAQs About Star Exclusive Hotels Jalingo
Q1: Does Star Exclusive Hotels have a restaurant?
A: Yes, the in-house restaurant serves local and continental dishes with breakfast and dinner options.
Q2: Is Wi-Fi available and reliable?
A: Wi-Fi is available in all rooms and fairly stable for browsing, work, and light streaming.
Q3: Is there a swimming pool?
A: Yes, there’s a small but clean outdoor pool for guests.
Q4: How far is it from Jalingo Airport?
A: Roughly a 10–15 minute drive, depending on traffic.
Q5: Can I host an event or meeting there?
A: Yes, there’s a conference hall for small meetings and gatherings.
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