Fajara, Ngala Lodge

We stayed in the Manor Suite at Ngala Lodge, but when we go back (and we will) we like the idea of staying in one of the upper suites in the original Colonial Building.

With so many repeat guests, it is interesting this hotel gets such a varied rating.

There is talk that the hotel is going to set up photographic workshops in The Gambia - can't wait for that!

See good points for more details.

The suites are individual and you do have to remember that you are in West Africa and some are not quite to the standard that you might expect in Europe. That said the Atlantic Suites and the Manor Suites are fantastic and very contempory in design and as good as you would expect in Europe.

Staff are so friendly and helpful, nothing is too much trouble and after visiting this hotel for the last six years it is just like going home and I can not wait until March when I am there again. This is a fantastic hotel well suited for people who like to relax, eat excellent food and generally unwind.

If you are looking for a family hotel with loads of children and noise, you will hate this place.

Having stayed at the Coconut Residence several times we thought we would have a change. What a disappointment. The only good thing about this hotel is the view. Most definitely not going back.

We called a manager at the Ngala Lodge in the Gambia who seemed very uninterested on the phone, and was not trying to get clients at all. The senior manageress promised to give us an XL suite for four nights, but after the third night she said that other customers were arriving to this room and we had to leave. So, she totally ruined our vacation!!

We had a lovely time at N'gala lodge, the staff were very friendly and always helpful. We were able to get about quite easily as there are a lot of taxis passing the gate.

I had a wonderful week at Ngala Lodge in the Gambia. It is a small friendly hotel with big spacious suites, and wonderful food and service. I had a great view of the ocean. The sea was warm, and so was the pool. A very quiet relaxing holiday. I would strongly recommend it.

Fajara, Ngala Lodge - Booked room with a view - it didn't have. Paid £276 to move to the Manor where problems really begin.

a.First two nights guard turned our electricity off by mistake.

b.third and fourth night woken by next doors generator going off in the night it is positioned within a few feet of bedrooms. The beds shake and rooms filled with diesel fumes.

c.jacuzzi filled with cold water i mean freezing - unable to use.

d.of two hot tubs only one worked and that also filled with cold water!!

e.A/C wouldnt work one night, on top off the nights without electricity.

f.Private beach very dirty never cleaned of rubbish.

g.Paid for private transfer - had to share.

h.Locks broken on original bedroom doors.

i.single wardrobe for two people.

j.everything met with this is The Gambia.

k.I have stayed in a 2* hotel in the Gambis and loved it we were expecting so much more from The Ngala Lodge with some input of cash and a decent manager it could be great.

l.Gambia experience refunded the £276 for the Manor upgrade and gave us a cheque for £180 for the many problems we suffered. Not enough I feel for a ruined holiday.