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Bakotu Hotel

Bakotu Hotel

2 Kotu Stream Road Kotu Beach, Kotu Gambia
Traveler (709)
view from balcony of N14
Room & Suite (87)
Dining (21)
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Avg. $69 /night, 12/4 - 12/5
$82
per night
$75
per night
$68
per night

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About

4.0
#4 of 8 hotels in Kotu
Location
4.4
Rooms
3.8
Value
4.3
Cleanliness
4.2
Service
4.1
Sleep Quality
4.1
Tripadvisor gives a Travelers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travelers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Bakotu is a small, laid-back friendly hotel offering guests a relaxing atmosphere uniquely surrounded by nature. Rooms with comfy beds are clustered around beautiful mature gardens. Your patio and our platform that overlooks tidal Kotu Stream are ideal for animal and birdwatching. Relax by pool, get a massage, enjoy a drink people-watching or a cocktail at the bar. There are two restaurants. Captain’s Table offers excellent cuisine. Free wifi in public areas, a mini-supermarket, laundry service and friendly staff are here to help you enjoy your stay. Great variety and entertainment are conveniently on your doorstep - the beautiful beach of Kotu beckons, nature walks galore, trips and guides, hustle and bustle. Ideal for those looking for variety and something a little bit different. A warm genuine Gambian welcome awaits you!
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Property amenities
Free public parking nearby
Free High Speed Internet (WiFi)
Pool
Free breakfast
Beach
Horseback riding
Facial treatments
24-hour security
Street parking
Wifi
Paid wifi
Outdoor pool
Bar / lounge
Restaurant
Breakfast available
Happy hour
Outdoor dining area
Poolside bar
Fishing
Foot massage
Full body massage
Hand massage
Head massage
Manicure
Massage
Neck massage
Pedicure
Waxing services
Concierge
Convenience store
Currency exchange
Sun loungers / beach chairs
Sun terrace
Sun umbrellas
24-hour front desk
Laundry service
Ironing service
Room features
Air conditioning
Housekeeping
Safe
Seating area
Wake-up service / alarm clock
Bath / shower
Room types
Non-smoking rooms
Good to know
HOTEL CLASS
Star ratings are intended to indicate the general level of features, amenities, and services to expect. This property is classified according to Giata.
3.0 of 5 stars
HOTEL STYLE
Charming
Quaint
Languages Spoken
English, French, Danish, Dutch and 3 more

Location

2 Kotu Stream Road Kotu Beach, Kotu Gambia
Getting there
Somewhat walkable
Places to stay are graded on a 0-100 scale. The higher the grade, the easier it is for travelers to find restaurants and things to do within walking distance.
Grade: 68 out of 100
68
Yundum Intl Airport
612Reviews59Q+A100Room tips
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Detailed Reviews
JohnandKathyP wrote a review Mar 2020
London, United Kingdom
3.0 of 5 bubbles
Our 5th visit to The Gambia but 1st time to Kotu, we chose a week over New Year at The Bakotu, booked as always via Gambia Experience.
We booked many months ahead, and as we like a drink outside the room pre and post dinner, took the precaution of e-mailing the hotel direct to book a fridge. We received a ‘your request has been passed to the correct department’ type reply.

On arrival, disappointed to find no fridge; went straight to reception who were off-ish and defensive, saying ‘all fridges booked out’. Yes, I said; one of them by us.
Finally got a fridge on the 3rd night; it was filthy, and sounded like a compressor running; no way could we sleep with this, so we refused it.
A much quieter fridge came on our 4th night; still filthy, but it was quiet, and more importantly, cooled the beer and wine perfectly.

Also on arrival found one hand towel and one bath towel for both of us; I found the room girl who gave two more, and I gave her 200D with the request to keep them at two of each for the week.
A shame then that on day 4, we not only had only one towel, but no toilet rolls either. Cue yet another trip to reception.

Our room however was fine at this price-point; we were however disappointed with the very limited outside space which made a drink outside the room impossible. Brochure pictures gave a sense of much more room.

Breakfast service (and I use the word service loosely) was the slowest we have had anywhere, and most of the servers were very stressed and unhappy.

I do fully appreciate that most reviewers love the place, and most love the staff; it is hard to be the lone complainer amidst such an ocean of faithful returning customers. . . maybe we were simply unlucky .
The location of the hotel is excellent, and the monkeys running across the tin roofs certainly an experience; all in all the potential to be a lovely character hotel with just a little more attention to detail.
This has however not put us off The Gambia, and we will be returning once again to Fajara in August; we will however not be returning to The Bakotu any time soon unless it is to visit the excellent Captain’s Table.
Read more
Date of stay: December 2019
3.0 of 5 bubblesCleanliness
2.0 of 5 bubblesService
3.0 of 5 bubblesSleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
leneogole wrote a review Feb 2020
Denmark
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Our second and not last stay in this very nice and quiet hotel which gives good value for money!! If one is pleased with not having too many children splashing into the nice little pool this is the place to stay.
The only negative experience we had was beeing cheated by the guy in the little currency exchange shopjust to the left of the hotel entrance. He said there was not sufficient wifi connection. I said we would use my wife's Visa card in stead, which made him stop trying with my card. He did not give me a receipt saying the machine had failed. Later we forund out that the amount, 11.000 Delasi, had been drawn from both accounts! The man in the hotel reception went along with us to the guy as they have a cooperation, but the problem was not solved. The same place another Danish guest received two sms from his bank right after each other after having withdrawn an amount just once. He confronted the guy with the problem and had his money for one draw returned. Our advice is to keep away and use the little currency exchange shop just opposite the hotel in stead. It is good to use Dollars, Euros or any money from your own country instead of a card. They accept for instance Danish kroners and give you a good rate without any other costs. This time we had 100 Delasi for 14 Danish Kroner.

A guide tip: Bai Manneh, Baimanneh@gmail.com, called Babou (google him), was twice a very good and reliable guy to arrange and also self take part in tours for us at a fair price. One feels very confident deeling with him and being in his company when moving around outside the tourist area as he takes care of all practical matters and not foreseen incidents. He understands and speaks quite some Danish and is a cheerful guy.
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Date of stay: February 2020
4.0 of 5 bubblesValue
4.0 of 5 bubblesLocation
4.0 of 5 bubblesService
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lisberi wrote a review Jan 2020
Ghent, Belgium
4.0 of 5 bubbles
I am writing this review together with my travel buddy:

We have enjoyed our stay in this hotel which happens to be one of the best hotels we have ever stayed. We even don't mind staying there all day while we are adventure hungers. Very clean and comfortable place to chill and stay. The staff are friendly and polite. There are one open bar and three restaurants available in this hotel so you don't have to go out and face bumsters while on the way to restaurants or bars. Served food are proper and often tasty, yet could be better to combine between the food quality and the price. For example, just one banana with honey cost 100 dalasi as the dessert which is way too expensive in Gambia. And, we as young people have wished the bar in the hotel to be open during nights. We also have wished to see the African dance show (with djembe) and try more Gambian food like Domodo in the hotel as the safe place.

Many greetings from us to Eddy, Lamin and our favorite staff Cecilia.

Liisa & Mari from Finland
Read more
Date of stay: January 2020
5.0 of 5 bubblesRooms
3.0 of 5 bubblesLocation
5.0 of 5 bubblesService
Room Tip: Rooms far from the pool are quieter and avoided from the sun warmth
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Barbara wrote a review Nov 2021
5.0 of 5 bubbles
The Hotel is just opening up after an enforced COVID lockdown and all the staff could not have been more welcoming. The location (very close to the beach) and the surrounding area are great for anyone wanting a bit of Africa with a comfortable place to stay. The gardens are lovely with a lot of different bird life and a family of monkeys. You can find quiet places to relax or sit by the wonderful pool which has an all day bar serving drinks.
Transport around was easy as there is a taxi controller outside who can get you a taxi which will take you to any tourist places or out for dinner. And they wait for you!
Can’t think of anything negative to say really. It’s a very laid back family run hotel and I’d ever stay anywhere else in The Gambia.
Read more
Date of stay: November 2021
5.0 of 5 bubblesLocation
5.0 of 5 bubblesCleanliness
5.0 of 5 bubblesService
Room Tip: The quieter rooms are the furthest away from reception. But, to be honest, it was quiet...
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Stuart LG wrote a review Nov 2021
2.0 of 5 bubbles
Just back from a 2 week stay at Bakotu Hotel and must say I found it very disappointing. On arrival at 10 in the evening after a 6 hour flight, we went to the bar to get a drink only to be told "I'm closed, I finish at 10". We managed to get a reluctant bottle of water. Breakfast consisted of a choice of eggs with beans, with bread, and melon. No other food was available during the entire day which meant going elsewhere. No entertainment on site, not even a tv, and internet was very hit and miss. The owner never bothered to speak to most of the guests until departure day, when she popped her head in the coach door to ask if we all enjoyed our stay.
On a plus side, the grounds are well laid out, although water pots could be cleaned and filled with fresh water to attract more birds, rooms were ok and cleaned daily, no aircon though, just a noisy fan, Fatou was lovely at breakfast, always a smile. I expected a lot more from this place. Would I book here again? Not without major improvements.
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Date of stay: November 2021Trip type: Traveled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
DaveinNorthWales wrote a review Feb 2024
Wales, United Kingdom
5.0 of 5 bubbles
I have lost count of the number of times I have stayed at the Bakotu but I obviously like it as I keep coming back.
I read about the negatives....fans, safety deposit boxes, a/c units being extra but I personally have never needed them. I appreciate that if you are unaware that pool towels are not provided that might be an irritation too but all these things might come at an extra cost for everyone staying whether you need them or not if they were included in the future.
I read discontent about the breakfast offerings too but personally I think they are much improved and are a substantial start to the day with fruit juice, tea and coffee, cereals, a main of eggs plus a side, plenty of fresh crusty bread, jam and fresh fruit. I can do with out meat !
Wifi is much improved and is available both at reception and around the pool. Some rooms can pick it up too, ours did if you are sat outside.
The hotel has made improvements in several areas but crucially it maintains it's small , more intimate feel that bigger hotels have lost.
Situated in Kotu village right opposite the market, plenty of eating choices and the area still remains unspoilt.
Will I return? No doubt about that!!
Read more
Date of stay: February 2024
5.0 of 5 bubblesValue
5.0 of 5 bubblesLocation
5.0 of 5 bubblesService
Trip type: Traveled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Chailly boy wrote a review Feb 2023
3.0 of 5 bubbles
First the Gambian style. Every 20m they will ask you for something, buying, giving....but Always smiling. It's also very safe. No criminality.
Then the place. Kotu beach is a nice place with some small good restaurants. Less expensive than on the strip. Also a good beach made from sand. Then the hotel. 80 rooms in bungalows in a nice park. Most of the time you hear only the birds. Only when power breakdown you will hear generators. Rooms are nice and clean. Dont forger to leave your key if you want cleaning. Don't forget the tip. Shower is ok. Bad point, no sunbathing towels at all. Give a tip to the cleaning and ask for more small towels. Breakfast is not flexible and no buffet. Every day cereals, then eggs and bread with one type of jam and peanut butter. Bad coffre - Nescafé. Ok for 3 days....After that, ask for cheese if you dare.....they just will not listen to you and turn back ( the tall girl is rude. Others are friendly). No discipline, no cleaning of thé tables, foam matrasses at the pool are dirty ans always wet. Leave a glass there and you will find it tomorrow on the same place. A fan and a small safe at the reception will cost you 140€ for 14 days. Far too expensive for this country. So, we have still a good holiday -2 days to go- are not dissapointed but this hotel definitively needs a better manager.
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Date of stay: February 2023Trip type: Traveled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Clareines wrote a review Jan 2023
Hastings
1.0 of 5 bubbles
Where do I start!! Beautiful weather and beaches is the only thing it has going for it!!!
The rooms are so basic, the internet hardly works and when it does it’s only in the hotel reception and the breakfast is a complete disgrace, absolutely no choice and portions sizes for a 5 year old. This hotel has no atmosphere no entertainment, swimming pool is extremely small and cold, no towels provided and you have to ask for them to clean your room. But the worst is the aging from the locals money money money is all they care about. It’s continual and they wait for you outside the hotel from dawn to dusk
I won’t be returning EVER!
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Date of stay: January 2023Trip type: Traveled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Littlewonder1 wrote a review Feb 2024
Derbyshire, United Kingdom
1.0 of 5 bubbles
Apologies for the length of this review. We've been to The Gambia before so had a general idea of what to expect, but this hotel really is described incorrectly by the tour operators.
Wi-fi..this is NOT available 90% of the time, even in reception.
A fridge is available in the room at an extra cost.
A fan (or sometimes air con) is available depending on the room you're in at an extra cost.
A safe is available to hire in reception at an extra cost.
Breakfast is not worth going for. There is a choice of juice/tea/coffee (which is foul). You might be offered egg or even another egg cooked a different way and a basket of bread, but the poor offering and sullen staff make breakfast an experience definitely worth missing.
Ìt's a very small pool..there are only about 3 umbrellas for shade, so if you're not up at the crack of dawn you won't get one of these. No peace and quiet area at the pool either due to kids screeching most of the day.
The rooms are really dismal and dated. There is a very small curtained alcove for hanging clothes and a few drawers. Outside the room is a very small patio area with small iron chairs (too uncomfortable to sit on).
I really think this hotel has got so hung up on it's bird watching clientele that they think they just don't have to bother with any decent level of standard or service!
The reception area has only one toilet. You can imagine the use of this while dozens of people (who've had to leave rooms at midday) are waiting for hours before pick up for the airport! Put another loo in there for God's sake!!
The hotel is only 150 metres or so from Kotu Bridge so plenty of bird guides available.
There are the usual guys who want to be your friend, walk you to where you know you're going etc..a bit too persistent in my opinion, and not taking it kindly when politely being told no thank you.'
The area around the hotel is ok for a few restaurants.
So, would we return to this hotel, obviously not. Would we return to Kotu, possibly as the area is generally OK. As for returning to The Gambia, that's a definite yes.
Read more
Date of stay: February 2024
1.0 of 5 bubblesValue
3.0 of 5 bubblesLocation
1.0 of 5 bubblesService
Trip type: Traveled as a couple
Room Tip: Choose a different hotel
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
lorrainem531 wrote a review Dec 2023
Essex, United Kingdom
5.0 of 5 bubbles
We originally booked to stay at Kombo beach hotel for 2 weeks but had to change due to the over running of the refurbishment’s. We choose Bakotu and are so glad we did. We had the most amazing time at this wonderful hotel. Our bungalow type room had air conditioning which we had to pay extra for but for us it was worth it , it was comfortable kept spotless by housekeeping and more than adequate for our stay. The showers are amazing and with constant hot water. The grounds are stunning full of beautiful plants and trees and a real oasis from the dusty exterior. The pool is a lovely area to cool down and relax and with plenty of sun beds, chairs and tables . The monkeys were a joy to watch as were the birds that constantly fly around the hotel. All the staff were lovely but a shout out to Fatou who looked after us during our stay, thank you. My husband John is a keen bird watcher and went out numerous times with Lamin Sidibeh very experienced guide from the Bird Watchers Association based at the bridge and had a great time . I was more than happy to stay poolside and enjoy the warm friendliness of the hotel. We ate in numerous restaurants all within walking distance of the hotel and enjoyed all of them the food and hospitality were excellent. Yes you do get approached when you go out of the hotel but we never come across anyone that wasn’t friendly. We have never visited the same hotel twice but we will make an exception we can’t wait to go back. Thank you Bakotu hotel for a wonderful holiday.
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Date of stay: November 2023Trip type: Traveled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
mark172 asked a question Nov 2024
Sutton in Ashfield, United Kingdom13 contributions5 helpful votes
Hi can you get a taxi at airport to take us to this hotel? Also what sort of price are we looking at for this.
mark172 asked a question Oct 2024
Sutton in Ashfield, United Kingdom13 contributions5 helpful votes
Hi We are going there in December does anyone close to the hotel do safari trips and what sort of price are they
barry g asked a question Oct 2023
Morecambe, United Kingdom8 contributions3 helpful votes
Would you recommend B&B or half board and are other restaurants accessible nearby safely to walk to
Answer from monkir
Chesterfield, United Kingdom1,144 contribution105 helpful votes
We go B&B. There are some good restaurants in walking distance including 3 right across the road. Others about ten mins away. And plenty of taxis if you want to go further. We’ve never felt unsafe but take a torch for those down the road.
Bev M asked a question Sep 2023
4 contributions4 helpful votes
Hi what do people give as a tip in general / not just in restaurants?
Answer from monkir
Chesterfield, United Kingdom1,144 contribution105 helpful votes
We gave pretty much the same as over here though some places had service included. Prices were not a lot different to UK really
Karen W asked a question Mar 2023
Brum7 contributions3 helpful votes
Is there an Iron available in your room ?
Answer from monkir
Chesterfield, United Kingdom1,144 contribution105 helpful votes
No There's no iron provided
Destination675830 wrote a tip Nov 2024
2 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
"If your room gets missed or you need fresh towels just ask the cleaners and they will sort."
Read full review
familyp_8 wrote a tip Nov 2024
Wakefield, United Kingdom569 contributions171 helpful votes
3.0 of 5 bubbles
"Hire safe . You can hire fan fridge and pool towel . Email directly for specific room request . You can keep your room on day you leave . I"
Read full review
Oliver F wrote a tip Nov 2024
London, England, United Kingdom6 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
"Wake up early for the birds!"
Read full review
Nefertari&Ramses wrote a tip Feb 2024
Colchester237 contributions85 helpful votes
3.0 of 5 bubbles
"Bring a kettle,towel & masks,the dust & smog is bad.Wear closed toe shoes & don’t eat or drink in the hotel,go to a local shop for drinks."
Read full review
Karen M wrote a tip Feb 2024
Romford, United Kingdom53 contributions128 helpful votes
5.0 of 5 bubbles
"Take a towel for the beach or buy one from the beach boys. Change money locally for better rate (FX place on site at hotel open always. "
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Not the right property for you?
There are more places to choose from in the Kotu area.
PRICE RANGE
$75 - $82 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
ALSO KNOWN AS
bakotu hotel kotu
LOCATION
GambiaBanjul DivisionKotu
NUMBER OF ROOMS
80
Prices are the average nightly price provided by our partners and may not include all taxes and fees. Taxes and fees that are shown are estimates only. Please see our partners for more details.
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BAKOTU HOTEL - Updated 2024

Frequently Asked Questions about Bakotu Hotel
Which popular attractions are close to Bakotu Hotel?
Nearby attractions include Kotu Beach (0.1 miles), Liv Bar (0.09 miles), and Gambia Bird Watchers Association (0.2 miles).
What are some of the property amenities at Bakotu Hotel?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include free wifi, free breakfast, and a pool.
What food & drink options are available at Bakotu Hotel?
Guests can enjoy free breakfast, an on-site restaurant, and a lounge during their stay.
Is parking available at Bakotu Hotel?
Yes, free public parking nearby and street parking are available to guests.
What are some restaurants close to Bakotu Hotel?
Conveniently located restaurants include Kunta Kinteh Beach Complex, Tandoor, and John Raymond's Bar & Restaurant.
Are there opportunities to exercise at Bakotu Hotel?
Yes, guests have access to a pool during their stay.
Is Bakotu Hotel located near the city center?
Yes, it is 0.4 miles away from the center of Kotu.
Which languages are spoken by the staff at Bakotu Hotel?
The staff speaks multiple languages, including English, French, German, Dutch, Swedish, Danish, and Norwegian.
Are there any historical sites close to Bakotu Hotel?
Many travelers enjoy visiting National Museum (8.6 miles).
Is Bakotu Hotel accessible?
Yes, it offers wheelchair access. For specific inquiries, we recommend calling ahead to confirm.
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