More Traveller Reviews of Kombo Beach Hotel
A Good Winter Holiday
from Petal50
Returning guests and just got back in yesterday from a 7 day holiday at the Kombo Beach Hotel. Had a relaxing time. Staff were excellent who were always there to exchange a conversation. Nothing was too much trouble. Rooms were comfortable and clean but still look dated. The hotel is in an excellent location , it is quiet and in a great position for sunbathing. Great to be able to have a good walk on the beach. However, bumpsters are plentyful but like it as been said before, be polite and firm and you get no trouble. You do have to remember though the Gambian people do what they can to scratch a living. The live entertainment is excellent. Our previous visit to the Kombo Beach hotel then, always offered good entertainment and it still offers that good standard. If you fancy a change we found that you could always get a taxi to take us out to where other night life was happening e.g. Senegambia strip. Be warned they do over price the taxi fares outside of the hotel. If you walk down the road across the bridge (300 metres) you can pick up a taxi on route for less than half the price e.g tourist taxi's charge to the Senegambia 300 dalaisi one way (we paid just 75dalaisi). The breakfast was good and a variety too. They seemed to struggle with keeping the cooked breakfast hot. We booked bed and breakfast so cannot comment on the evening meals, we always ate out at some great restaurants. Ali-baba's down on the main road by the police station was excellent, you must try the Fillet of Lady Fish, at a reasonable price too. We found it entertaining to watch the main guy who motivates the waiters, he certainly has his finger on the pulse. Service and food is extremely good. Another place we ate out at was Franciso's Hotel and Restaurant, Fajara. It is in such a relaxing setting they offer European and African food. Louise, Tony and Kassi gave us such a warm welcome. Will certainly be going back again for a winter break next year.
best holiday ever!
from traylord
My husband and myself stayed in the kombo for one week in january. We have stayed in many 5 star hotels but have never received the exceptional service as the kombo! We stayed in room 150 which was a superior room. shower was fine no bath very comfy kingsize bed basic but very clean! We stayed half board which was good for us the food is fantastic, but there are plenty of places to eat if you grab a taxi and head to senagambia strip. If you need a good reliable taxi ask for wilson he took us on a few trips and really looked after us and is always on time, we became good friends and still text even thou we are home. So if you do meet my friend wilson say hello from tracey and damon! We have fallen in love with gambia it is the only place we have been too that we really miss it really is the smiling coast! You must get out of the hotel and see the gambian way of life dont worry about all the bumsters on the beach they are harmless just say you have been before and you have gambian friends! anna maria works on the beach selling fruit she is a fantastic lady if you meet her say hello from tracey. When we left we also left shoes and clothes people are so poor it just amazed me how happy people can be we nothing. you must go to the crocodile pool you will not believe the drive just go and you will understand, we left our 3 children at home with my mum but we shall be taking them as soon as we can just so they can see how fortunate they are. It really was an experiance that we shall never forget
Great friendly hotel
from dutchy1982
We stayed at the Kombo Beach Hotel in Jan 2007 for one week, which wasn't enough. From the start the friendliness of the people was apparent. We went with Gambia Experience and in our minds it is the only company to travel to Gambia with. Anyway back to the hotel .... the people do expect tips(small amounts) for carrying your bags and when paying for drinks etc. The hotel is in an ideal location right on the beach, expect the locals to want to meet you and sell you wares and fruit, but if you don't want to get involved just a firm no will sort it out. Security guys on the beach stop the locals from approching you on sunbeds and that. The breakfast is really good and sets you up for the day. There is all sorts from pancakes, omlettes, cereals, fruit to sausages and bacon. You dont need to stay half board, meals around the area and a short taxi ride away are plentiful and good value. The taxi takes you to a restaurant and the fee includes a waiting time of 2 hrs so you can go back when you want. The standard rooms are clean and basic (no tv) but are ideal for a base, the shower was excellent. If you can afford a suite then you will get your own patio area with sunbeds and that. Look for a guy called 'Lamin' he will sort all your poolside needs, he was such a lovely person. This hotel was good value and i would definately go again. If you get the chance go on the catamaran cruise then its definately worth it what a lovely relaxing day on a beautiful boat.
The Best Holiday Ever
from bob07
My friend Julie and I have been to the Kombo Beach in 2005 and 2006. We have been fortunate enough to have had fantastic holidays. We are looking forward to going back again in March. It was no trouble for anything that you wanted. The boys looking after the sunbeds on the beach would have two ready and waiting every morning for us. they would spend time sitting talking to us about their culture, telling us funny stories of when they were growing up and their families. The people are so friendly and the thing that is quite common in them all is that they are very proud of their heritage and they have great respect for the british people I look forward to updating my experience of the Gambia soon
Kombo Beach
from Mickeygem
Great location, right on the beach & close to supermarkets & a craft market. Pretty garden, great pool area & plenty of loungers, Rooms basic & in need of some modernisation but spotlessly clean. Food simple but well prepared. New Year's Eve buffet was fabulous. Weekly entertainment cycle which is disappointing if you're there for more than 1 week.- though there are bars & other hotels within a few paces of the hotel gates. Very friendly, helpful & willing staff in all areas of the hotel.
Trip for New Year 2006 to The Gambia
from alisonbass
Returned last week to bristol Airport form spending New Year at the Kombo Beach. We thought it was a great hotel Good food, plenty of sunbeds, weather lovely - no hunidity just really hot 33C .We had a suite with adjoining double for the kids with air con which worked all the time ( apart from the 7pm power cut occaisionally!) We had tv hairdryer, kettle, fridge and safe all in good working order.We had room 160 and 158 which was in the first of 4 blocks with beautiful seaview.The hotel arranged a great New YearEve Gala Dinner which they took 24 hrs to get ready .It was worth the wait.with beautifully arranged and decorated buffet food, local fokelore performers, the the band which were also good ending with a firework display. Dancing went on until 4am!!The only thing which spoiled it was that the kids went down with Banjul Belly on3!st daytime, and saw in the New Year in their rooms!! Still I suppose it couldn't be helped and we all had a great holiday.
what a great holiday
from juneantom
we have been to the kombo beach hotel 10 times now, and going back on 20th feb 2007 for 2 weeks,,it is a geat place to go,,,food is the best ive ever had in any hotel, eat as much or as little as you want,,the beach is very good, lovely soft sand,,100 yds along the baech is the paradise snack bar,,which is very friendly and wellcoming,,,the only bad thing about the kombo beach hotel is all guest at the hotel have to pay for a sunbed,,,thomson holidays says they are free,, but they are NOT FREE,,,,,,OTHER THEN THAT ITS GREAT
relaxed and friendly
from fluriddance
Girlie trip - mother and daughter for a week in the sun. Ideal destination for winter break, altho 6hrs the flight didn't seem much longer than to Canaries. Arrival and departure from Banjul airport was a nightmare, but once found the Gambia Exp rep everything OK. Evryone wants to carry your case - and money for it too! The Hotel is lovely, realaxed environment. Well worth paying supplement for superior room and fridge/tv. You also get free sun mattrsses and towels both by pool and beach. Wonderful breakfasts, especially egg and pancake stations. Table d'hotel buffet always excellent selection and varied. Good fast food type offers in Gekkos beach bar. All staff very friendly and want to know your name, then remember it. Good security ensures only staff (on or off duty) within hotel so dont worry! The beach vendors are a hassle. but within a day you get used to it. Will return! NB You can poay to use the first class lounge at airport on departure, which is well worth it, as main departure lounge is heaving!! Stressful and crowded. Not much duty free at airport but for smokers ciggies are only £8 for 200. For perfume etc not huge choice.
Great if you dont get the Banjul Belly!!
from Wanna76
Stayed at the Kombo Beach this Nov for a week. The weather was fantastic ranging at about 36 degrees. Hotel was more like 2/3 star british hotel than a 4 star as stated. If you get a room on the ground floor in the 3rd block, as we did i would recommed that you change it as the bathroom stinks and we heard a few more people complaining about the same thing! It is definately worth the extra few pounds to up grade your room to the superior as this room has a fridge (cost to rent), TV and lovely comfortable lounger chairs in the balcony - a definate for watching the sun go down! Unfortunately we suffered from the dreaded turkey trots and sickness out there which started on our 2nd day and continued the whole of the week and once we got back. It totally spolied what could have been a lovely hoilday.... One the days that we were ok we hired body boards to go in the sea - great fun especially as the waves can be quiet high - hold onto that bikini! I also went on a horse ride down the beach which was a good way to see the beach and have a good canter through the waves and cost about £5 for an hour. The hotel also has a great entertainments team which organised things to do throughout the day e.g water aerobics, crochet, water polo, volley ball, football on the beach etc... evening entertainment was standard but ok. Breakfast was good with a good selection of fruit, cereals, fried breakfast and freshly squeezed fruit juices. The snacks in the bar are also good and the evening meal was ok but a little pricey. Tried the Al Carte resturant one night and that was well worth the extra pennies. The people are very friendly and constantley badger you for a "chat". Beware if some offer you a necklace on the beach for free (nothing is free!)because they will hound you for the rest of the hol looking for you on the beach until you pay a donation. Would have really enjoyed the holiday if we weren't ill but when we spoke to other people i would say about 60% had got the Banjul Belly!! Would definately go again but book the superior room next time as it was beautiful.
Wonderful place
from chaplondon
what a great place for a winter break, weather stunning, beaches good, people lovely, cheap etc etc. Hotel is perfect if you are looking for a base to enjoy the beach and the sites. One tip Make sure you get out of the hotel and explore, its safe, cheaper and wonderful!
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2 readers found this review helpful
My partner and I stayed here in April a few wks before area due to clothes up for their rainy season. Was pleasantly supprised regarding the area and The Gambia generally their is lots of signs of regeneration going on. The hotel was alot smaller than i thought it was... more