Senegambia Beach Hotel, Gambia

Review: The Senegambia Hotel's service is said to be excellent. No surprise when you consider they have been accepting tourists since it was built in 1982. It was originally known as the Gamnor or Gambia Norway Hotel and the main complex was designed by Truls Waage. The accommodation stands on 20 acres of shaded, landscaped land with its lawns sloping down towards the beach at Kololi. The main building, which has 49 rooms, is greyish-green and salmon pink interior, extensive beams and crosspieces which are a pleasant feature. The current reception, split-level lounge bar and lobby were designed by J. B. Barian in 1998. The right-side the Senegambia's largest block is made up of the restaurants with the Flamingo á la carte adjoining the large table d'hôte that extends on to the terraces of both the front water course and the outside entertainment area. From here footpaths slope down through well manicured, shapely lawn and are accompanied by small man-made waterways. Midway down there are large sundecks and the main pool. Down still further you will get to one of The Gambia's best kept secrets: The Bantaba Inn. It is a popular thatched roof pub facing the Atlantic behind green guard rails and individually shaded seating areas. Outside the principal building there are 16 garden blocks on 2 floors of 16 rooms each.