Ocean Bay Hotel & Resort

Our second visit to the Ocean Bay for the first part of our multi-destination holiday. We were here for our first week. I had requested a room upstairs overlooking the pool and that is what we got. We had a couple of issues with the room, but the management responded quickly and replaced the soft sagging mattresses with much harder ones and fixed the shower door very promptly. The air con worked efficiently which was very pleasant as the temperatures were up in the high 30s, early 40’s. The staff were helpful, especially our maid, the reception staff and pool staff. The pool is a huge asset for the hotel-nice and big so that you can have a decent swim. We went b&b because there are plenty of great restaurants to choose from. Calypsos was good and the Indian across the way. We enjoyed our meal at The Three Little Birds near the botanical gardens. The entertainment was good too. We thought the entertainment was much better this year. We were impressed with the info on Coronavirus and the fact they hand hand gel around the hotel. Breakfast was good. Suggest you put the boiled eggs out with the rest of the food, as it is irritating having to queue up with people who are waiting to order omelettes etc. It was difficult having to try and push your way to the front to ask for something which was ready.

Six hours from the Uk and you arrive in a very unique holiday location. The locals are friendly but many are not wealthy. Yet their smile shines as does the sun..41 degrees, very hot. The hotel provides everything you could wish for. The only slight criticism is that the rooms are a little dated. However, very clean and all gadgets work especially the air conditioning. The pool and beach are excellent. The food is very good. Outside the hotel Restaurants are good and a little cheaper than Uk. There is a local beer which is good. The wine is not the best!! Excursions Do not be afraid to use the external tour guides that are located outside the hotel. However, We used the Gambian experience guide to travel into Senegal for a safari. The guide looked after everyone and was so professional. We recommend this trip The leader of the local guides is Mr Bass...he is excellent, trustworthy and will do his best for you. He took us to a monkey park, to see crocodiles and a market. We travelled with him by taxi and the price agreed was kept to. An unforgettable day. Thank you. The bumsters around the hotel can annoy you at first but once they know you have been here for a while they leave you alone. Overall, a great holiday and we would like many others return.

So, fifth visit. Definite signs of investment - extra gym equipment, crockery not chipped etc. Ocean bay is a great hotel with outstanding staff, one of the best beaches, good food and above all peace and quiet. Good things this year? Action has been taken against the bumsters outside the hotel and on the beach. They have been more of less eliminated. Not perfect but way better. And, I don't know how they did it, but they seemed to have got rid of mosquitoes as well. Entertainment - excellent. Good groups both cultural and musical. A good variation as well. Room - Very good. A litle disappointed at not getting our preferred room but we realise that this is not always possible. Staff - as always unfailingly polite, helpful and efficient. I am not going to name names because that would be unfair. They don't seem to have a duff member at all. Beach and environs - gorgeous as always. A lot less rubbish away from the main hotel as well. Food - usual good standard with the addition of a pasta bar which was welcome. Ocean Bay is what it is. A good hotel set in peaceful grounds and thoroughly relaxing.