Kotu, Hotel Palm Beach

Been to this Kotu hotel 6 years out of last 7. needs a bit of work very good value 4 money. people very nice remember this is Africa bird life fantastic.

This is my 6th time to the Gambia. I run a small charity. My first time at The Palm Beach. I heard many complaints - mainly from the many Dutch there. My room was probably one of the best in the hotel. It was comfortable, clean and tidy. We had no hot water for the first 24 hours and regular power cuts!

The pool is the cleanest I've seen, mainly because no one used it! Most went out onto the beach or to Kunte Kintes which was next door. Here beer was cheaper and the menu much better! The food at the hotel was OK but the Pool Side bar menu was poor - better to go out, because the evening entertainment was even worse. If these two things could be improved, the hotel would be fine.

Breakfasts were OK but the same every day - so very little variety - sausages, beans, eggs, mushrooms, bread, porridge, cheese, meats, a little fruit = EVERY DAY!

Staff were a bit surly and rude which is unusual for Africa. They often tried to keep change claiming they would bring your change later. Be firm and assertive.

We used the free hotel sunbeds every morning then walked along the beach to The Kombo Beach Hotel and sat in their pool complex in the afternoon - 30 Delasis per sunbed. This is a nicer hotel - with mostly English. We did this for variety and because we have friends who are tourist guides who work from outside the Kombo. If you have kids - do this as they will find many friends at The Kombo Beach.

If you have been to Africa before this is a good cheaper choice - if it is your first time go to The Kombo - avoid Banjul Hotels as there is not a lot going on there.

Keep an open mind and smile and enjoy the experience!

I understand this is Africa and so things will not be up to the standards we expect at home, I have travelled in a number of other African countries but to advertise this as a three star hotel is a joke. The weather was fantastic but it was frustrating having power cuts all the time and this hotel doesn't seem to have back up generators, so get used to warm drinks, no air-conditioning, cold showers and fumbling around your room in the dark!