Recently returned. Thoroughly enjoyed! Would definitely go again! Stayed on half board basis, food was varied and plentiful.....Just one tip - don't upgrade to all inclusive (Rip Off!).
We drank at Beanzy's Juice Bar, it's the first juice bar on the left after the hotel, Kalleh the bar boy arranged our trips and also arranged transfers to the airport V.helpful!

If you need any guidance on your trip I would definitely recommend him!!
Email: kallehbubacarr98@yahoo.com

We visited Jan 4th to 11th. Went with an open mind after reading reviews. On arrival all went smoothly at reception. We were dissapointed with our initial room but a word at reception soon had us moved to a lovely garden room. Nothing was too much trouble with setting up mosquito net and changing bed to a double. Room was immaculately clean and cleaners did a great job every day. A/C worked very efficiently. All the food was lovely and would recommend alfresco dining on a lunchtime. Omelette at breakfast was delicious but can sometimes be a wait, well worth it though. All staff were amazing and went out of their way to make your holiday special. Special mention to Yankuba who was amazing and Anta who worked at the bar near reception. Beach staff were great and had our sunbeds ready for us every morning. Pool was always clean although cold but this was quite nice to cool down in. Weather was fantastic. Only one jacuzzi working but was really relaxing after a dip in the pool. Our friends recommended the spa but we just did not have time. Will definitely be having a few massages on our next visit. We went AI and had no problems. It is clearly stated that it only operates between 11am & 11pm. You just make sure you are well stocked with what you need outside these times. Will definitely be returning next January but for 2 weeks instead of a week. Went outside hotel on a few occasions, bumpsters can be a problem but if you have someone with you they tend to back off. Market was an eye opener and don't think I will ever eat fish again. Took the ferry to Barra, another eye opener and from there to Kunta Kinteh Island, an experience we will never forget. If you go over to the island just confirm with Cutter operator the price before you get on. We did not find out until on the way back from the island that they are private cutters and not included in price. Went to a Mandinka school whilst on Barra and took pencils, pens, sweets etc. The joy the children had when receiving them was priceless. The Mandinka tribe we visited made us really welcome and prepared food for us. Overall it was fantastic. Would recommend to all, keep an open mind, respect the people and enjoy all Gambia has to offer. The smiling coast of Africa. IT'S NICE TO BE NICE.

Hotel is in Banjul iteslf - not the tourist strip of Senegambia. It is fantastic. A lot of people complaining on this site but I really don't see why. It is an African hotel but quality is European. Some dated features but so what, everything is clean and working well. Staff v.v.friendly and go out of their way to help you, they really are the best staff Ive had at a hotel. Rooms lovely with A/C at no extra charge, TV with some English channels, a free safe, completely normal bathroom with hairdryer etc. Little balcony with chairs for each room (I recommend the garden view - pool view costs more and is noisier and the garden is v. pretty with tropical birds flying around). We were half board and the food is great - don't worry plenty of Western options like pasta.
The beach is a private beach so people can't hassle you much on it. To get to the sea you have to leave the private beach and walk a few metres to the water. You can swim in it but not many people seemed to. The pool is great. Good sunloungers, lots of umbrellas. Always a nice strong breeze by the sea whih keeps you cool.
Banjul itself is a 15 min stroll down the road past the hospital and medical school and presidential palace. There are lots of men hanging around by the entrance to the hotel to accompany you into town for a small fee, and all respond very pleasantly to a quick chat then firm 'no are walking alone today'. It's completely safe. The Albert market is a sight! Little supermarket up the road where you can buy water / sweets. The tour reps will encourage you to use the men in orange shirts as official government guides to take you into town. This may be ok once to get a bit of history about the place but really isn't necessary. Haggle for everything.
Lots of people with sunburn and mosquito bites, COMPLAINING about their sunburn and bites. Clearly hopeless; you need to use high factor sun lotion, and bring a few cans of DEET 50% with you. It's west africa not costa del sol. Spray 2x a day and wear a light shirt in the evening to prevent bites. We bought mozzy nets but didnt really need them. Your room is sprayed with insect spray every night and the bushes are sprayed with strong chemicals every night too. Normally am a mosquito magnet but came away with only 1 bite. Do take malaria tablets.
Their are lots of trips offered by Thomas Cook. The most popular is the Roots trip to the slave island. They will charge £65 EACH! Ridiculous. There is a local company based in the hotel reception (ask for Kemo or Aiysha) who charge £32 each and it's the exact same boat and trip the thomas cook people use - the same day same departure time, exactly same trip and you are travelling with people who have paid double for it!
The Gambians are smiley friendly lovely people. They can be over-eager in their efforts to help you but always back away if you are firm. Try Fatima's juice bar to the left of the beach for a fruit feast for lunch. Try Bob for a local guide he is great and will take you anywhere.
Brilliant holiday. Don't be scared to go out of the hotel, we're two blonde women and were completely fine. It's not necessary to dress respectfully inside the hotel but the staff told us that they do respect YOU more for it. Having said that most women were walking around with skimpy bikinis and hot pants. Respectful clothes should be worn outside.
If I was to go to the gambia again would definately stay here but why return when there's a massive world to see!

This hotel is definitely not a four star Hotel but I enjoyed my stay , the rooms were cleaned everyday and sprayed with Mosquito spray everynight. The only down side is this hotel is isolated and there is nothing around it, no bars, restaurants cafes etc. There is only one nice cafe come restaurant at the end of the street about 7 mins walk away but you had to run "the gauntlet" from the hotel to Billy,s. Worth the visit though. The food and service is excellent and above all very cheap. The bumsters that pester you on the beach and the roads are a nighmare ,drive you crazy but its a shame they spoil it for other holiday makers. PLEASE DO NOT ENTERTAIN THEM OFF THE ROADSIDE, THEY TELL LIES AND HARRASS THE LIVINGDAY LIGHTS OUT OF YOU, PROMISING THE EARTH!!!. it is far better to use the hotel guides . There are lots of excursions but try not to go through Thomas Cook, they are a rip off and very expensive. The local guides will do them for half the price. There is a lot to learn about this wonderful country but please do not forget it is a third world country and can be a right eye opener, but the people are friendly, kind and always smiling. Im easily pleased with this hotel, its basic, clean and friendly and cant understand why people moan so much .Im a well travelled person but Gambia is so, so , different , so please be patient with their customs and slow way of life. The main thing I enjoyed was the fantasic sunshine and it doesnt get dark till just after 8pm and the evenings are very warm .