What We Think
If it’s a hotel-based holiday you prefer, Laico Atlantic Beach could be for you. With its enviable beach location, lively activity programme and friendly atmosphere, it is ideally suited for half board or all-inclusive holidays.
Set directly on a beautiful stretch of sandy beach - one of the biggest in The Gambia - this hotel is located away from the majority of tourist hotels but attracts many repeat customers. 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, with air-conditioning, minibar, safe, television, hairdryer and telephone. A limited number of sea/pool view rooms are available as an upgrade and are very popular; with the option of interconnecting rooms, its an ideal choice for families too. Full Wi-Fi internet connection is available in reception and the internet cafe.
Away from the beach, guests can choose to simply relax by the large pool where two Jacuzzis offer the perfect place to unwind after a day in the sun. During the winter there is a wide range of sports facilities and organised activities throughout the day including tennis, squash, table tennis, croquet, basketball, volleyball, pool and snooker. A varied entertainment programme is provided in the evening (winter only). 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.
There is plenty of choice for dining, with three restaurants serving a range of traditional buffet dishes, Italian and à la carte cuisine, or why not try the new all-inclusive option? This includes 3 buffet meals each day, plus unlimited local/unbranded spirits and beer, house wines and soft drinks between 11am and 11pm (excludes Premium brands, mini bar and room service), a selection of ice creams and some sporting facilites.
Evening entertainment is provided on a regular basis, so you’ll probably be happy to relax at the hotel, however a good choice of restaurants can be reached in just 20 minutes by taxi. There is also a massage centre, hairdresser (20% discount on these services for all-inclusive guests), gift shop, games room and disco. There is now a cash-free system in operation within the hotel.
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.
In August 2009 the hotel was 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.
