Third visit to The Gambia and third hotel we have tried. A very nice hotel and we enjoyed our stay but the experience is spoiled by its over- use of plastic which is unusual in this day and age. Thousands of small plastic water bottles issued every day: get water dispensers for guests to refill bottle (if a problem as not all guests AI, put behind bar) Every cocktail gets 1 or 2 plastic straws and a plastic stirrer: use paper straws, wood stirrers. Tiny plastic shower and shampoo bottles: put dispensers on wall and refill, cheaper for hotel and a lot more environmentally friendly. We had a seaview ground floor room which was spacious, clean and comfy. Plenty of storage in bedroom, hostess tray, fridge, free safe etc, furnished terrace. The bathroom was badly designed: a corner shower which involved partly climbing over the toilet to access, absolutely no storage for wash bags and no hooks. Would not be difficult to retro fit these. The shower was always hot but the shower head was not secure and kept falling forward; reported but nothing done. The dining area had inside and outside areas, generally too hot for lunch outside as no shade but more tables moved out in the evening if you asked to be outside. A good selection of food at all meals but we did find things weren't always topped up when emptied. We also found all dishes to be quite spicy compared with the other 2 hotels we stayed at. Service was good and tables cleared efficiently. You can order coffee at the table after the meal which was nice. In the evening the entertainment was visible from the dining area. We didn't use the pool, preferring to go to the beach, but there didn't seem to be many sunbeds for size of hotel. The beach and sea are lovely. Plenty of sunbeds and shade and the lovely beach boys bring beds and towels (please remember to tip everytime). There is a beach bar for drinks and snacks. There are 3 delightful beach dogs who come and sit very politely when you arrive to see if you have any food. Please give them a fuss and feed them; they take the food very gently and wait their turn: no arguing or fighting. They also appreciate a tub of water if none has been left for them. The grounds of the hotel are landscaped and well kept with a variety of birds and an occasional monkey. The spa is excellent value, get your pedicure and toe nails varnished the day you arrive for 750 dalasi. The staff are all very friendly and work hard, they need tips so they can pay bills all year as the season is only 6 months so please tip daily and generously. They all go back to their villages after their shift so need cash daily. Thankyou to all staff for ensuring that we had a very enjoyable and relaxing week.
13 Reviews