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Balafon Beach Resort

3.5 star property
On private beach with outdoor pool, near Bijilo Forest Park

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Photo gallery for Balafon Beach Resort

Aerial view
Front of property - evening/night
Garden view
TV
Premium Room, Private Pool, Ocean View | Private pool

Reviews

7.4 out of 10
Good

Popular amenities

  • Pool
  • Bar
  • Spa
  • Room service
  • 24/7 front desk

Room options

Available filters for rooms
Showing 7 of 7 rooms

View all photos for Premium Room, Garden View

Premium Room, Garden View | 1 bedroom, premium bedding, in-room safe, individually decorated

Premium Room, Garden View

Highlights

Balcony or patio
Separate sitting area
Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Air conditioning
Refrigerator
TV
Ceiling fan
  • 30 sq m
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Premium Room, Private Pool, Ocean View

Premium Room, Private Pool, Ocean View | 1 bedroom, premium bedding, in-room safe, individually decorated

Premium Room, Private Pool, Ocean View

Highlights

Balcony or patio
Separate sitting area
Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Private plunge pool
Air conditioning
Refrigerator
TV
  • Ocean view
  • 30 sq m
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Standard Room, Garden View

Standard Room, Garden View | 1 bedroom, premium bedding, in-room safe, individually decorated

Standard Room, Garden View

Highlights

Balcony or patio
Separate sitting area
Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Air conditioning
Refrigerator
TV
Ceiling fan
  • 25 sq m
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Premium Room, Ocean View

Premium Room, Ocean View | 1 bedroom, premium bedding, in-room safe, individually decorated

Premium Room, Ocean View

Highlights

Balcony or patio
Separate sitting area
Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Air conditioning
Refrigerator
TV
Ceiling fan
  • Partial sea view
  • 30 sq m
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Standard House, 1 King Bed with Sofa bed

Garden view

Standard House, 1 King Bed with Sofa bed

Highlights

Balcony or patio
Separate dining area
Separate sitting area
Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Air conditioning
Refrigerator
TV
  • 40 sq m
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed and 1 Twin Sofa Bed

View all photos for Premium Room, Private Pool, Garden View

Premium Room, Private Pool, Garden View | 1 bedroom, premium bedding, in-room safe, individually decorated

Premium Room, Private Pool, Garden View

Highlights

Balcony or patio
Separate sitting area
Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Private plunge pool
Air conditioning
Refrigerator
TV
  • 30 sq m
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Standard House, 2 Bedrooms

Garden view

Standard House, 2 Bedrooms

Highlights

Balcony or patio
Separate dining area
Separate sitting area
Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Air conditioning
Refrigerator
TV
  • 60 sq m
  • Sleeps 5
  • 1 King Bed, 1 Queen Bed and 1 Twin Sofa Bed

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  • Pool
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8.0 out of 10, Very Good, 166 reviews
Tamala Beach Resort

About the neighborhood

Map
Kololi Beach, Serrekunda

What's nearby

  • Kololi Beach - 8 min walk - 0.4 miles
  • Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara International Conference Center - 19 min walk - 1.0 mile
  • Bijilo Beach - 2 min drive - 1.1 miles
  • Bijilo Forest Park - 3 min drive - 1.5 miles
  • Senegambia Craft Market - 7 min drive - 2.6 miles

Getting around

  • Banjul (BJL-Banjul Intl.) - 38 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Gusto - ‬14 min walk
  • ‪El Sol - ‬10 min walk
  • ‪kadie kadie restaurant - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪African Queen - ‬12 min walk
  • ‪The Vineyard, Gambia - ‬8 min walk

About this property

Balafon Beach Resort

Hotel near Bijilo Forest Park
Located close to Senegambia Craft Market, Balafon Beach Resort provides a swim-up bar, a beach bar, and a poolside bar. With a private beach, free beach cabanas, and beach massages, this hotel is the perfect place to soak up some sun. Indulge in a body scrub, a facial, and a manicure/pedicure at the onsite spa. Enjoy onsite activities like beach volleyball and beach yoga. In addition to a terrace and a garden, guests can connect to free in-room WiFi.
Other perks at this hotel include:
  • An outdoor pool with a lazy river, free cabanas, and sun loungers
  • Free self parking
  • A roundtrip airport shuttle (surcharge), concierge services, and a front-desk safe
  • Barbecue grills, luggage storage, and outdoor furniture
  • Guest reviews say great things about the helpful staff
Room features
All 88 individually furnished rooms have comforts such as premium bedding and air conditioning, in addition to amenities like free WiFi and separate sitting areas.
Other amenities include:
  • Bathrooms with showers and free toiletries
  • TVs with premium channels
  • Balconies or patios, wardrobes/closets, and separate sitting areas

Languages

English

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • 24-hour roundtrip airport shuttle on request for a surcharge
  • Free self parking on site

Food and drink

  • A bar/lounge
  • A beach bar
  • A poolside bar
  • A restaurant
  • A swim-up bar

Things to do

  • Beach volleyball
  • Beach yoga
  • Full-service spa
  • Lazy river
  • Outdoor pool

Conveniences

  • 24-hour front desk
  • ATM
  • Laundry facilities
  • Luggage storage
  • Safe at front desk

Guest services

  • Concierge services
  • Dry cleaning/laundry service
  • Housekeeping (daily)
  • Tour and ticket assistance

Outdoors

  • Barbecue grill
  • Beach loungers
  • Beach towels
  • Beach umbrellas
  • Free beach cabanas
  • Free pool cabanas
  • Garden
  • On a private beach
  • Outdoor furniture
  • Picnic area
  • Pool loungers
  • Pool umbrellas
  • Terrace

Full-service spa

  • Body scrubs
  • Body wraps
  • Couples treatment rooms
  • Facials
  • Manicures/pedicures

Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • Assistive listening devices
  • No elevator

More

  • 2 floors
  • Built in 2016
  • Designated smoking areas
  • Mosquito nets
  • Traditional architecture

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Premium bedding

Bathroom

  • Free toiletries
  • Shared bathroom (in-room sink)
  • Shower
  • Towels provided

Entertainment

  • TV with premium satellite channels

Food and drink

  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Electric kettle
  • Limited room service
  • Refrigerator

More

  • Air conditioning
  • Ceiling fan
  • Individual decor
  • Individual furnishings
  • Iron/ironing board
  • Safe
  • Separate sitting area

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 3:30 PM; Check-in end time: midnight
Contactless check-in available
Minimum check-in age: 18

Check-out

Check-out before noon
Contactless check-out available

Special check-in instructions

This property offers transfers from the airport (surcharges may apply); guests must contact the property with arrival details before travel, using the contact information on the booking confirmation
Front desk staff will greet guests on arrival at the property
This property doesn't offer after-hours check-in

Access methods

Staffed front desk

Pets

Pets not allowed

Children and extra beds

Children 13 and younger are not allowed at this property; All guests older than 13 are welcome
Rollaway/extra beds are not available
Cribs (infant beds) are not available

Property payment types

Important information

Optional extras

  • Airport shuttle fee: GMD 2800 per vehicle (one-way, maximum occupancy 3)

The above list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits may not include tax and are subject to change.

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
This property accepts credit cards, debit cards, and cash
Safety features at this property include a carbon monoxide detector, a fire extinguisher, and a first aid kit
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children; if you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room

We should mention

This property does not have elevators
Children 13 years old and younger are not permitted at this property

Property is also known as

Balafon Hotel Serrekunda
Balafon Serrekunda
Balafon Hotel
Balafon Beach Resort Hotel
Balafon Beach Resort Serrekunda
Balafon Beach Resort Hotel Serrekunda

Frequently asked questions

Does Balafon Beach Resort have a pool?

Yes, this property has an outdoor pool.

Is Balafon Beach Resort pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much is parking at Balafon Beach Resort?

Self parking is free at this property.

What time is check-in at Balafon Beach Resort?

Check-in start time: 3:30 PM; Check-in end time: midnight. After-hours check-in is not available.

What time is check-out at Balafon Beach Resort?

Check-out is at noon.

Does Balafon Beach Resort provide a shuttle to the airport?

Yes, there's an airport shuttle that runs on request. A fee of GMD 2800 per vehicle applies.

Where is Balafon Beach Resort located?

Nestled on the beach, this Serrekunda hotel is within 3 mi (5 km) of Bijilo Forest Park and Senegambia Craft Market. River Gambia National Park and Gambia National Museum are also within 12 mi (20 km).

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Balafon Beach Resort Reviews

Reviews

7.4

Good

Rating 10 - Excellent. 30 out of 92 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 26 out of 92 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 21 out of 92 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 8 out of 92 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 7 out of 92 reviews

7.6/10

Cleanliness

7.8/10

Staff & service

7.6/10

Amenities

6.8/10

Property conditions & facilities

7.2/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Jason

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Wonderful experience.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kamau

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Flawless

Great time, from check-in, to kitchen staff, to cleaners, to entertainment, great value and lovely staff. Really enjoyed our time. Recommend the premier room pool view!! Closeness to beach is so ideal too, great for relaxation or a stroll to enjoy the sunset. Nice walk 15 min walk to Tropics Mall and shout out Vibrations cafe for a healthy vegan option outside of the great food provided at Balafon. Would definitely come again.
Stayed 4 nights in Feb 2025

8/10 Good

Tysheena

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Quiet, inviting, immediately accessible to the beach. Extremely friendly staff.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

pau

Liked: Staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Beachside hotel, lovely location with excellent service
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Nothing but good to say

I have nothing but good to say about this hotel! The facilities are beautiful, rooms spacious and comfortable and direct beach access with lot of sunbeds available. Staff are attentive and caring. We had an issue with our room (not the hotel’s fault) and they really went out their way to find a solution and ensure we had a pleasant stay. Which we did. Couldn’t be more grateful, will be back!
Stayed 7 nights in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Lucas

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Lovely place

The internet service was not good, but the staff, food, service and facilities were great
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2024

8/10 Good

Essa

Liked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities

Lovely stay

Really nice staff and really nice rooms The food as Ok and the pools are really clean We had a really nice stay at Balafon hotel Thanks to the nice people who work there
Stayed 12 nights in Mar 2024

8/10 Good

Fatimah

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Lovely resort with amazing staff. Fatu and the rest of the restaurant staff were fantastic, really great customer service. The swim up pool was great. Love the tucked away feel of the place. A nice stay
Stayed 10 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Mahamadu

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Was great
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

tykeen

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I liked that it was exclusive to the beach and the warmth of the environment and staff.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2023

4/10 Poor

Robert

Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
We had one of the pool rooms for a month and the key card would never open the door on a number of times and we were all ways having to get someone to come and open the safe and when they did it would take up to 40 minutes to come be aware there is no Television in rooms the rooms badly need a refurbishment fridge door hanging off our room was one of the most expensive ones breakfast was ment to start at seven but there was never anything out and had to wait for the lady to come to cook the eggs I know this is Gambia but these our basic things . Also found the beach boys spent most of the day chatting to the young single girls,and finally people were just coming off the beach and the boys were letting them when there was signs saying guests only
Stayed 28 nights in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jose Luis

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Everything was ok. I’ve stayed at this hotel three times.
Stayed 12 nights in Jun 2023

4/10 Poor

diane

Disliked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Not to clean grddn mkjlded walls kutside..black mould all over shower floor; wLls stzined from air ck dionef more care needs putting into this hotdl has lkvely location
Stayed 14 nights in Oct 2024

8/10 Good

Luud

Liked: Staff & service, amenities
Good and save hotel. Water in the pool little bit cold. Nice Staff. Entertaiment mediocre. Wifi can be better
Stayed 10 nights in Feb 2024

10/10 Excellent

Kay

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Beautiful grounds and rooms, access to beach for walking or swimming plus on site pools. Major negative is no relationship with taxis; I feel I was gouged every time I tried to take one.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2023

8/10 Good

Stacey

Liked: Cleanliness
Waiters and waitresses not very professional.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Rekitha

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The staff was friendly and respectful from the time I arrive to the time I departed. Always a smile on everyone face was amazing. I love it there and wish I didn’t have to leave. The breakfast buffet is the best. I’m a breakfast person. The lunch was nice but the dinner was ok.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2022

10/10 Excellent

Heather

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
All that a really good african experience should be. Lovely ambience from stunning beach views with palm lined sands and plenty of grass covered canapied umbrellas. The pool was crystal clean everyday and the food in the beach restaurant was amazing quality at really good prices. The breakfast was of high standard with plenty of choice everyday. There was different entertainment every night from african dancers and authentic drum players,to bands playing regiee music. The staff warmth and customer service was the best I have encountered in the 15 years I have been visiting the Gambia. Altogether a fantastic holiday experience
Stayed 10 nights in Mar 2024

2/10 Terrible

Takunda

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Bad internet, bad service, rooms not very clean. The tropical theme is good but Hotel maintenance is way below standard
Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2023

2/10 Terrible

Dabington

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Don’t stay here !!

Terrible! Total scam . Filthy and unfinished. Please do not include on the hotels.com website. Complete scam !!!
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2023

6/10 Okay

Mussa

Liked: Amenities
Disliked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Customer service is poor in here, house keepers opens up your door without knocking, there’s no sign for “do not disturb”, and staff at the entrance does not welcome you at the check in or even at the checkout you do not get a simple “have a good day” from them.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

William

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Great Choice!

I was very pleased with my stay at Balafon. All the important things were in place. Clean, quiet, good bedding, attentive staff, several pools, on the beach, in-room safe, good breakfast, good restaurant. Also had live music several nights a week. The only thing I would like to see improved is the wi-fi. It's very strong in the lobby, but spotty in the pool/restaurant area where you may spend a lot of time. It comes and goes, perhaps depending on how many people are using it, but it's not too bad. It usually comes back on relatively quickly.
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2022

6/10 Okay

Sabine

Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
The area is fine. I really didn't like that they don't change your towels regularly and when you do get new towels they get thrown on the shelf. No care at all. The rooms are old and could really use an upgrade
Stayed 7 nights in Feb 2022

6/10 Okay

Sheila

Liked: Staff & service, amenities
The size of the room was spacious/layout was good. But i only stayed in my room 4 nights out of 14, due to it smelling like a public toilet! I brought this to the house keepers attention & she would use detol to disinfect the floor but this would only camouflage the smell before it returned. I did share this information with the night manager on duty on the 08/10 before vacating the hotel.
Stayed 14 nights in Sep 2023

2/10 Terrible

Tonya

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Bad run down hotel

I was not impressed. The pictures online indicate leisure and comfort, which is not what we had. The air in room was not cold. Very old air condition units. We were put in a room, where it didn't get cool, and switched to another room that had us up half the night, due to cool air not working. The TV never worked. The kitchen manager was rude, after staff worker explaining to me the process of taking breakfast to sick husband. The outside and parking not kept up, potholes with mud puddles in parking lot. I was ready to checkout the 1st day, but hotel would not refund money. Safe to say We will not be staying here again.
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2024