A good choice for a hotel-based or beach holiday, the Laico Atlantic Beach attracts many repeat guests
The Laico Atlantic Beach hotel sits directly on a beautiful stretch of sandy beach near the capital Banjul,
It has recently (August 2009) been taken over by the management company Laico Hotels and Resorts. This is a Tunisia-based company who own or manage a diverse range of hotels throughout Africa.
During the winter there is a wide range of sports facilities and organised activities throughout the day including tennis, squash, croquet, basketball, volleyball, pool and snooker. A varied entertainment programme is provided in the evening. Within the hotel there are eateries to suit all tastes with a choice of three restaurants plus a hairdresser, gift shop, games room and disco. There is now a cash-free system in operation within the hotel.
A particular feature of the hotel is the charming bird garden which is home to many different species both resident and migratory and is popular with all guests, not just birdwatchers. The beach outside the hotel is one of the biggest in The Gambia which is well maintained by the hotel. During the Summer of 2008 the pool area was renovated - the swimming pool has been retiled and a central fountain and connecting children's pool added. Two new jacuzzis are welcome additions and it now offers an attractive new bar and italian restaurant.
The reception area and public rooms are spacious and comfortable including an inside lounge area built around a huge tree which grows high above the roof. The rooms are serviced by two lifts and offer a very good standard of accommodation with air-conditioning, minibar, television, hairdryer and telephone. A limited number of sea/pool view rooms are available as an upgrade and are very popular. There are also interconnecting rooms making the hotel an ideal choice for families, and full Wi-Fi internet connection is in some guest rooms and public areas.
The Laico Atlantic Beach is located away from the majority of tourist hotels and is well set up for a hotel-based, beach holiday. Situated about ten minutes' walk from the centre of Banjul which has little to offer by way of nightlife, this hotel really caters for guests wishing to stay in during the evening with a full winter entertainment programme. The location does provide an ideal base for those wishing to explore the capital, shop at Albert Market, or for the adventurous, take the local Barra ferry to the North Bank. Tourist guides and taxis can be hired from the hotel's reception.
