Kololi, Senegambia Beach Hotel

The Senegambia Beach Hotel is more two star than four. Maybe we were unlucky as the hotel had just changed owners in December 2007 and the majority of staff are to be paid off in May 2008 for refurbishment (this meant the staff had an I don't care attitude). Going outside the Hotel at night was a nightmare, the local (BUMSTERS) as they were called, followed you everywhere. The fumes from the taxis are very unpleasant. At the Airport on arrival they grab your cases to take to your coach for a tip that's OK, but then the driver wanted a tip each to put your cases on the coach. On arrival at the hotel the driver wants more money to take them off. Then you have to tip the boys for taking your cases to the room( worth it its a fair walk ). My first trip to the Gambia and most certainly my LAST.

Good points are the people who work at the Kololi, Senegambia Beach Hotel, great fun, lots of activities. Even good for kids. Lots of nightlife bars and restaurants. Nice beach

Filthy. Lacking in maintenance. Cigarette burns on upholstery, dirty bathroom and bedroom light furnishings. Refused to stay there it was so horrible. (And that was a "suite"...so goodness knows what a standard room is like)

Overall we had a lovely time, totally chilled out and friendly people. Food at the Ali Baba and The African Queen was spot on and cheap.

You need to visit the monkey sanctuary, which is only 5 minutes walk down the beach, also the museum and crocodile pool is a must.

Wish we had gone for two weeks not one but will go again.

We have been travelling to the Gambia for 5 years, and in the last year you can see the changes dramatically. There are now more flights and tour operators flying in to the Gambia, bringing more tourists and more jobs and more prospects for the Gambian people, who are, by the way the most friendly, wonderful people we have ever met. We have a business there, and a Gambian business partner which has been running for 4 years this year.

We always stay at the Sennegambia Beach Hotel. The staff are always welcoming. They call it the smiling coast, and this is because the people never stop smiling. They have little or nothing and still they smile! It is heart warming and humbling, and I defy anybody not to come away from a holiday here with a lot of new friends, a new outlook on life and as a better person for being there! If only once in your lifetime you should go to the Gambia. If anything go for a relaxing holiday to be truly pampered. The attention you receive whilst on holiday here is second-to-none, and everybody wants to please! I once saw a lady sitting in the shade under a thatched parasol, and the gardener was reading a book to her whilst watering the flowers.

I would recommend this holiday to everybody! Go and see for yourself!

Just returned,loved Senegambia Beach Hotel even more 2nd time around. You could not fault the hotel, location, beach or the wonderful staff who work very hard for so little pay. Will be returning next year!

Hotel Senegambia Beach, Kololi was a basic really good hotel, clean. Staff amazing,the best in Gambia. We were there 04.11.05 to 18.11.05 came back and booked for Xmas 2006. Food good although you have to be early for breakfast, soon goes. Staff are so friendly and helpful. We are still in touch with many of our friends. I don't wish to sing the Gambia praises too much because it may change (for the good of our friends there, it would be beneficial) but selfishly we don't want the magic of the people and the country to change for us

Within 2 hrs of arriving at Senegambia Beach Hotel I was wanting to get back home, I had another 14 days and already I hated it, after 3 days I had ajusted to the massive difference in life/culture between English & Gambian and began to relax. After a week I fell in love with country and the fantastic Gambian people who I found to be the poorest people I had ever come across but the most proudest and definitely the happiest. If you take the time on your holiday to spend it with the locals the you will have a great time, the beaches are very nice and clean as is every where in the hotel, I can not speak more highly than to say I booked to go back next year the day I returned.

Kololi Senegambia Beach Hotel - Given that it was advertised as a 4* I was not overly impressed and it is very much a 3* with a bad attitude. Reception and tour operator staff are not very helpful in low season. Some of the rooms not very well kept and had to change from original room allocated. Was not very impressed with grounds not maintained to standard and the gym facilities are awful! Also entertainment very iregular in low season.

However very close to all main facilities in Gambia with good nightlife at doorstep. Cleaning service very regular and adequete. Has very nice resturants and bar. Beach and pool area very nice with friendly staff.

The Senegambia Beach Hotel is basic accommodation and in most rooms the air conditioning is extra (a lot extra).

Reception staff are unhelpful - we needed extra pillows and never got them in our 3 week stay.

Excellent location and grounds.

Many bars/restaurants to visit on the street right outside of the Hotel.