Palm Grove Hotel, Gambia

Contact Details

Palm Grove Hotel is on Banjul beach about 3 kilometres from the capital's entrance (see map). It is apparently now being turned into a timeshare holiday resort.

Room Facilities & Services:

120 rooms with en-suite bathroom & shower

Twin and double beds

Mosquito nets

Optional air-conditioning

Private telephone with international direct dial

UK 3 pin socket

Room service

General Facilities & Services:

2 bars which includes 1 beach bar

2 restaurants

Swimming pool with children's separate area

Health spa

Internet cafe

Massage studio

Hair dresser & salon

Clinic

Shops

Sports include Petanque, volleyball & fishing

Safety deposit boxes

Conference hall

24 hour reception desk

Review:
The Palm Grove Hotel began receiving guests visiting The Gambia in 1968 with just 10 rooms beside the sea opposite 'Mile 2', Banjul. Then in July 1998 an Anglo-Malaysian owner-management undertook a complete overhaul and within 6 months had almost entirely transformed the old structures. During this time country's unpredictable coastline had given the beachfront 2 beaches and in between them what could be called a lagoon.

At the entrance are golden gates on the highway from the capital. On the drive in courtyard, offices, masseurs and a hairdresser's salon are opposite the 2 storey-building block containing the upper units and on the ground level a shop, extra guest lobby, day-time clinic and Wedgwood Suite (for 300 people receptions or 140 seated).

This structure gives on to the delightful path of flowering plants and trees, birds and butterflies that run parallel to the pink and buff 'Petah' and 'Gutut' accommodations which were constructed in 1982.

To protect holidaymakers against less direct sunlight and more sea breezes and shade, some hotels' room blocks are placed perpendicular to the beach, others parallel. You can choose from either type as the Palm Grove has both types. The 2-floored pink H-blocks beyond the pool went up in 1999. The standard rooms are fairly simple and are arranged in two storey buildings, reflecting an Afro-Caribbean style. Suites and sea facing suites are open plan with a lounge area and are arranged in single storey buildings.

The reception lounge is spacious and well ventilated. The Danish designer's aim of 'modern with an African touch' holds true.

Set in sundecks, the raised, rectangular pool and children's bathing section are unusually not the central feature. There is a path that goes directly to a small beach beside a tidal lagoon. The main centrepiece of Palm Grove resort is a 'magic forest' of carved tree-trunks and topiaried tamarisks lit at night by fairy-lights. The tastefully laid out exotic gardens, with hammocks and pagodas sprinkled throughout, provide a tranquil setting in which to relax.

Breakfast and dinner are served buffet style in the Breezers Restaurant, whilst day-time snacks are available at the Traders Grill Bar, located in the gardens. À la carte is available.

Note:
• To get around you mostly rely on Green Taxis as you will be staying way outside the town centre.

• Supplement payable per night for Half Board & sea facing suits.

• Details can also be found from the brochures of Thompson, Sunworld, First Choice, Cosmos, Air Tours.

• When organising your own flight and travel arrangements contact the hotel directly at the address below.