What We Think
In recent years Sunset Beach Hotel had proved popular with guests and attracts a number of repeat clients, as well as regular groups, who love the well-tended gardens and the friendly atmosphere at this hotel.
Situated between the beach and the neighbouring, rather erratic Kotu stream, there's a laid back atmosphere here with only limited activities in the daytime, leaving lots of time to simply relax by the pool. The swimming pool and sun terraces offer an alternative to the beach, which tends to vary in size depending on the course of the Kotu stream so sunbeds are within the hotel grounds on the terrace, but you will be able to access a long sandy beach if you enjoy strolling along the sand.
Standard non-air conditioned rooms are arranged in either single or two storey buildings within the tropical gardens, and are well equipped for this grade of hotel with a television, fridge, telephone and a terrace or balcony; air-conditioning is not standard but can be pre-booked as an upgrade. Self-catering apartments are also available with a separate living area, basic cooking facilities and air-conditioning.
The Sunset Grill bar, with the beach on one side and the pool on the other, is open all day for snacks. Evening meals, an à la carte menu and varied buffet breakfasts are served at the main, beachside restaurant, which has a rooftop terrace perfectly placed to enjoy an early evening drink and watch the sun set.
Entertainment-wise, there are regular African cultural shows in the evening. The Fajara golf course is close by and a craft market, supermarket, beach bars, restaurants and other hotels are within easy walking distance in the Kotu area. The Gambia's liveliest resort, Kololi, is just a five minute taxi ride away and there is a taxi rank just outside the hotel.
The location of the hotel next to Kotu Stream makes it an ideal base for birdwatchers and the huge variety of birdlife in the area means that it is often visited by birding guides as well as Chris Packham when he guides tours in The Gambia. However, the hotel also offers a perfect getaway for couples and families, and is attracting more and more repeat customers who are satisfied with the good standard of accommodation and friendly service.