Bakotu Hotel Reviews

We were warned about culture shock..how true.
On arrival at Banjul airport it appears as if you have to employ every local to handle your luggage..take it to the transfer coach..put it on the coach..take it off at other end...at a £1 per time per handler it got expensive...TIP1...Take some dalasi with you for these tips..give 20 max..(more about tips later)

The Bakotu gives the impression of being on it's last legs..there is a lack of apparent management.. BUT on the whole the staff were extremely helpful and friendly.You get used to electric going off and no hot water and realise that this is a very poor country.

When you realise that waiters earn approximately 40 pence per day you can see that overtipping can be a problem...some locals expect a lot and seem miffed if you dont give them 1 or 2 hundred dalasi tip.
The best smiles I got for tipping was when I bought coffee at the Bakotu cafe(outside the hotel) for 25 dalasi and gave them 40..we need to be responsible tourists and tip in relation to what is provided...otherwise ,without sounding pompous ,laziness creeps in.

TIP 2....If you want a beach holiday and not wander out of your hotel..go to the Kombo Beach/Senegambia or Kairaba..if not be prepared for the hassle,begging and conning..it can get quite grating and a number of guests at the Bakotu wouldn't venture out through fear.
Despite all the hassle it is good to get out...use tourist taxi but find a guy you like and connect with and get him to take you places.A trip to Banjul is worthwhile just for the buzz and a walk up to Baku along the beach is also worth doing.
Eating out is very reasonably priced and a trip into Senegambia strip by taxi will offer you many good restaurants..

TIP 3..If staying at Kotu Beach area eat at Ali Baba's Harmatan in the craft market area opposite Bakotu..speak to the owner Steve for local info and try his wife's speciality desert which is an icecream and gloriscumptious.

Finally remember this is a third world country and be prepared for anything.