Balafon Beach Hotel

Best thing: Location Worst thing: Facilities Balafon hotel sits right on the shore of a beautiful beach, it has a good selection of pools and seating areas and is a great spot to get away from it all. Outside of that thin veil however, the hotel has little to offer. The beach and facilities are readily available to the public walking by, the food at breakfast and a la carte has limited options poorly executed. There is NO internet unless you go to the hotel next door, there is no privacy with staff constantly walking by looking I to your room and hotel staff are really hit and miss in their skills, training and attitude. This is a hotel that could be much better significantly misses the mark in the most basic of areas.

Balafon beach resort is a lovely hotel and great for a relaxing holiday. The rooms are very good, spacious and tasteful. We stayed in one of the beach view rooms and could not have been happier. The hotel area is very well looked after and the pool is great. The beach is amazing and it’s such a great idea to have a no kids hotel. The breakfast at the hotel is fine, could do with a bit of variation from day to day. Location is great if you like being a little bit away from the busy tourist street. There are a few restaurants near the hotel. If you want a bit more noise you’re within walking distance to the tourist street in Senegambia. Finally I must say that the staff at this hotel was great. Very friendly and always helpful. I can truly recommend this hotel, especially for those looking for some peace and quite.

First time here. Long 6 hour flight on a plane that’s too small with no film or entertainment Thomas Cook sort it out. The Balafon will not disappoint. The staff from the Gardner to the security guard are so friendly, happy and will do anything for you ( just remember to tip them- they work so hard) breakfast was perfectly ok, eggs or pancakes cooked to order and the coffee was nice, stray cats and dogs about I do wish people would not feed them in the dining areas! Right on the beach with beds and parasols - the security guard keeps the constant hassle from beach sellers away but the beach is private and they don’t approach you, although the kids do for sweets and money. Just a polite no thank you sends them on their way. Horse rides, fruit seller, massages, sun glasses and dresses. The sellers all pass by even the music guys. The sea can be very rough so look out for the associated safety flags. But great fun in the surf/waves. I found it quite cool on an evening. Plenty of food places around and supermarkets. And an ATM outside the hotel. The rooms are comfortable. Tv, coffee, tea, dried milk, FREE safe, hairdryer, sofa spacious. And with comfy mattress and pillows and the required mosquito net over. The power and water went off a fair bit whilst we where there. Only ate once during the day at the hotel quite expensive for what you get. We saw so much did so much and visited the local kids school deep in the countryside. These guys have nothing. So take pens, paper, tennis balls and sweets. Prepare to be harassed by taxi drivers and ‘sellers’ but they are friendly and will accept a no just be polite. Or use their services if you wish. Gambia certainly is the smiling coast of Western Africa and I will miss it dreadfully as I come back to the western world of materialism... be happy and kind guys your only here once!