Sunbeach Hotel

We have been to the Sunbeach every year since 2004, either as a couple, or with children or family members. We keep going back because the hotel provides all that is needed for a wonderful, relaxing holiday.
The hotel is very clean and the staff and facilities top rate. The food is excellent although the price for dinner is expensive compared with outside restaurants so we go B+B and eat out at night. The staff are all friendly, efficient and well trained. The rooms are spacious and the pool area very clean. There is no rush for sun beds and it is quiet and relaxing around the main pool where you can be the only person using the pool at any given time. There is also waiter service. You can sign all bills to your room but we pay as we go so we can leave tips (5-10 dalasi which is 10-20p) because The Gambia is a poor country and wages are very low. The staff will remember you each year you visit. Every day there is happy hour at 17.30-18.30 and we use this to try out the cocktail of the day for half price, although the drinks are not expensive anyway.Each year we return we see others that are regular visitors to the hotel, which just goes to show that others view it as highly as we do. I have been to many places which I have enjoyed, but the Sunbeach is my only regular return base. My brother and his wife came with us on this holiday, and loved it so much they are returning with us in 2008.
It is true that you get a bit of hassle from porters at the airport but use them and just give them a pound for their trouble or say no and they will move on. you also get a bit of hassle when you leave the hotel. I suggest you use the official tour guides (OTG's) who sit outside the hotel. They are there to keep the bumsters away and will take you wherever you want to go, they can arrange any trip you wish for less than the tour operators and taxi fares are all pre-set prices. They don't get paid any money by the hotel but are there to keep tourists happy so please tip them if you use them. Anyway, the hassle is not so bad and a firm no will get rid of them.
Trips-I suggest the monkey park, the crocodile pool, Paradise beach, the 'Roots' trip and Banjul market is a real eye-opener. Don't be afraid to haggle over the price. You should aim to pay a third to half of the original asking price. If you do you will get a good bargain and the seller will be happy too. Wood carvings are good gifts but do vary in quality so shop around and the cloth colourful bags on every stall are strong and great for work.
Food is excellent wherever you go. We like the Chinese restaurant, Chapman's, the Hungarian and go to MR Bass if you want a good atmosphere and African entertainment. All in all an excellent choice for your holiday base in The Gambia

The Hotel is spotless and well managed. Food is fab, very high standard, lots of variety. Plenty of fish dishes which were really nice and I'm not a fan of fish.
A few restaurants outside the hotel, food not up to much. On the positive side didn't have any sickness problems so it all must have been cooked enough!
Entertainment excellent a mix of African and one night a fantastic band with Reggae and European pop from 60's up to date. The African style acts were particularly good. I would say it was the best hotel entertainment I have seen.
Outside the hotel you need to be firm as you get pestered all the time by locals who want to show you around for money. It could be a bit intimidating if you were say a group of females or elderly. The local are nice people and we felt safe walking out at night.
Plenty of sun beds. Nice beach but beware of the rocks in the sea!
There are daily aerobic sessions, jogs, water and beach volley ball and they entertainment team are a nice group of people.
Beware at the airport there are "porters" trying to grab your luggage for money. They are greedy and expect £1 and as soon as they get it they abandon you. There is no need for a porter as the airport is tiny and they coaches are nearby. On the return journey they were asking for paper money for the pound coins they had. They must be making a mint in local terms. It is good to help the locals but this was not the way to go about it.
Would definitely go to Gambia again a perfect climate and nice people. Perhaps may try another resort next time.