Background Knowledge of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection is unfolding. Insights from patient features in different environments are therefore vital to understanding the disease and improving outcomes.Aim This study aimed to describe patient characteristics associated with symptomatic presentation and duration of hospitalisation in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients managed in Abuja.Setting The study was conducted in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory, Nigeria.Methods This was a retrospective study of 201 COVID-19 patients hospitalised in the Asokoro District Hospital COVID-19 Isolation and Treatment Centre between April 2020 and July 2020. Demographic and clinical data were obtained and outcomes assessed were symptom presentation and duration of hospitalisation.Results Patients’ median age was 39.3 years (interquartile range IQR: 26–52); 65.7% were male and 33.8% were health workers. Up to 49.2% of the patients were overweight or obese, 68.2% had mild COVID-19 at presentation and the most common symptoms were cough (38.3%) and fever (33.8%). Hypertension (22.9%) and diabetes mellitus (7.5%) were the most common comorbidities. The median duration of hospitalisation was 14.4 days (IQR: 9.5–19). Individuals with secondary and tertiary education had higher percentage symptoms presentation (8.5% and 34%, respectively), whilst a history of daily alcohol intake increased the length of hospital stay by 129.0%.Conclusion Higher educational levels were linked with symptom presentation in COVID-19 patients and that daily alcohol intake was significantly associated with longer hospital stay. These findings highlight the importance of public education on COVID-19 for symptom recognition, early presentation and improved outcomes.