Balafon Beach Resort

3.5 star property
Beach hotel with a full-service spa and a private beach

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Photo gallery for Balafon Beach Resort

Private beach, free beach cabanas, sun loungers, beach umbrellas
Outdoor pool, free cabanas, pool umbrellas
Interior detail
Premium Room, Garden View | Terrace/patio
Garden view
Balafon Beach Resort offers a perfect blend of tropical relaxation and genuine hospitality. Visitors unwind with refreshing drinks at the swim-up bar while others opt for rejuvenating treatments at the spa, creating their own version of beachside bliss.

Reviews

7.6 out of 10
Good

Popular amenities

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

Room options

Available filters for rooms
Showing 16 of 16 rooms

Premium Room, Private Pool, Ocean View

Highlights

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

Premium Room, Ocean View

Highlights

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

Premium Room, Private Pool, Garden View

7.0 out of 10
Good
(2 reviews)

Highlights

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

Premium Room, Garden View

Highlights

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

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
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed and 1 Twin Sofa Bed

Standard Room, Garden View

9.4 out of 10
Exceptional
(3 reviews)

Highlights

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

Standard Room With Garden View

  • Sleeps 3

Swim Up Pool Deluxe Room With Garden View

  • Sleeps 3

Swim Up Pool Deluxe Room With Ocean View

  • Sleeps 3

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
  • 2 bedrooms
  • Sleeps 5
  • 1 King Bed, 1 Queen Bed and 1 Twin Sofa Bed

Premium Room Ocean View

  • Sleeps 3

Premium Room Garden View

  • Sleeps 3

One-Bedroom House

  • Sleeps 3

Two-Bedroom House

  • Sleeps 5

Premium Room, Private Pool, Ocean View

  • Sleeps 3

Premium Room, Private Pool, Garden View

  • Sleeps 3

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.) - 32 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Mango Indian Global Kitchen, Bar and Restaurant - ‬12 min walk
  • ‪African Queen - ‬12 min walk
  • ‪Samba's Kitchen - ‬18 min walk
  • ‪3 Chicks & a grill - ‬11 min walk
  • ‪El Sol - ‬10 min walk

About this property

Balafon Beach Resort

Hotel near Senegambia Craft Market
Located close to Bijilo Forest Park, 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 manicure/pedicure, a body scrub, and a body wrap 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 along with a lazy river, free cabanas, and sun loungers
  • Free self parking
  • A roundtrip airport shuttle (surcharge), barbecue grills, and a 24-hour front desk
  • Outdoor furniture, concierge services, and a front-desk safe
  • 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:
  • Shared bathrooms with in-room sink with showers and free toiletries
  • TVs with premium channels
  • Balconies or patios, wardrobes/closets, and separate sitting areas

Similar properties

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 cable/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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Reviews

Balafon Beach Resort Reviews

7.6

Good

7.8

Cleanliness

7.4

Amenities

8.0

Staff & service

7.2

Eco-friendliness

7.0

Property conditions & facilities
Rating 10 - Excellent. 35 out of 102 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 29 out of 102 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 22 out of 102 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 9 out of 102 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 7 out of 102 reviews

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Jason

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

8/10 Good

M

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Great stay

Everything was ok apart from been a room with limited entertainment i.e the atv was not functioning properly.
Stayed 5 nights in Apr 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

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

6/10 Okay

Corrine

Disliked: Property conditions & facilities

Balafon experience

Cleaning staff were lovely. Very friendly. There was one restaurant staff, who.was rude and unfriendly. Ordered chicken n chips for lunch. The chicken came out cold. When asked for it to be warmed up, they refried the chips n heated up the chicken. Meal wasnt that great. Great place to stay for exploring the city. There was no entertainment, so spent evenings out of the complex. There was a few blackouts but electricity came back promptly. The room were spacious but gloomy. Gambia is beautiful country to visit and will definitely visit again. Different hotel though.
Stayed 7 nights in Apr 2025

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

6/10 Okay

DeAndrea

Liked: Cleanliness, room comfort

Preparing for our wedding

Checking in was pretty easy. Got to the room, and it was clean. The couch cushions could use some fluffing. That's no big deal. My husband wanted to watch football, and the TV would NOT come on at all. As we were heading out we we stopped by the front desk, and we are informing the young lady, and her response was I tried to tell you, but you wouldn't be quiet. Not a very nice response, and besides we didn't turn the TV on before she left the room. We were told NONE of the TVs worked because they were all in Chinese. Well the TV in the sports bar worked. Supposedly the tech was working on them. 2 nights and 3 days and the TV didn't even come on. Views from our room were great. The cleaning and restaurant staff were very kind and welcoming.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

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

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

Verified traveler

Disliked: Cleanliness

Ok but won’t book again

The set up of the room makes watching the TV an uncomfortable watch. Cleaners were not consistent which often led to an invasion of ants. The WiFi was decent most of the time and the private beach is amazing. Most staff are friendly and welcoming especially the restaurant team. Hotel could benefit from having some hand wash and daily fresh towels. I’ve stayed apartments where cleaning is done daily therefore would expect the same from a 3 1/2 star hotel. I’m honestly not sure if I would stay here again but thought my stay was average and ok.
Stayed 14 nights in May 2023

6/10 Okay

Frode

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities

January stay with beach view

Had a stay at Balafon for a week in the beginning off January. Rented their most expensive room with my own pool and seaview. Not worth it at all. The pool and the location is good. The staff are very polite and friendly. But the standard off the room is really not good enough. When you pirce this high the quality off the room should be much better. There is no door to the bathroom. It`s very close to the bedroom. Their is not possible to keep the sun out do to curtains than dont cover the actual space off the terrace door/window. So forget about sleeping after 0800. Needs a serious renovation and then they could have this price or even more.
Stayed 7 nights in Jan 2024

6/10 Okay

Valeria

Disliked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
My room was directly across from the kitchen and dining area. The noise often woke me in the morning. My room was not well maintained and upon arrival, the mirror had toothpaste spots which made me unsure of the cleanliness of my entire room. I saw a rat on the sidewalk one evening. The property was also not maintained well with broken fences and other repairs needed and a full paint refresh is necessary. The courtyard was not clean and the reception area was not welcoming.
Stayed 8 nights in Nov 2023

2/10 Terrible

Lynn

Disliked: Staff & service

Dishonest or incompetent?

It is a lottery to stay here. You can book their best beachfront plunge pool rooms 10 months ahead. You can email to confirm many months ahead. But if the administration book the same rooms multiple times it is tough. Rooms would seem to be overbooked and from what I saw randomly assigned to people who booked many months later. Whether the administration is handled manually it is hard to say. Whether the overbooking is accidental or intentional is hard to say. What I can say for definite is that it is not a one off. I overheard exactly the same conversation with another guest. Coming to any conclusion with the management proved impossible. When the story constantly changes and memory contested all faith in the managements honesty and integrity was lost. After 7 days of lies & obfuscation we realised that the non resolution was interfing with our ability to enjoy the holiday and felt that the only option was to leave and look for a property run with integrity. It is a shame it was a nice location and had potential were it not for the appalling management.
Stayed 14 nights in Dec 2022

8/10 Good

Gary

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Nice accommodations. Attentive staff.
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Nomi

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

Balafon Beach resort

The stay was super Pleasant and the staff is super friendly. There is a private Beach with guards to make sure all people staying here are safe😀 Nice pool and rooms with aircondition
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2025

8/10 Good

Bianca-Maria

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
.
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2025

6/10 Okay

Birgit

Liked: Amenities
Leider bin ich nicht so zufrieden. Der Hinweis auf die Regeln des Hotels, keine Getränke oder Lebensmittel außerhalb des Hotels kaufen zu dürfen, war etwas befremdlich. Aber das keine Gäste, auch nicht nach Anmeldung in die Zimmer dürfen ( es handelte sich um meinen Bruder ) hat mich extrem gestört. Die Zimmer waren sehr schön und geräumig, aber sehr dunkel, die Badezimmerfenster sind mit einer Folie angeklebt und dadurch noch dunkler. Hätte es Fliegengitter vor dem Fenster oder der Tür gegeben, wäre ein Lüften möglich gewesen. Die Vielzahl an Katzen, die im Restaurant über die Stühle toben, bei offener Tür in die Zimmer kommen, oder sich auf der zum Trocknen abgelegten Kleidung bequem machen, und leider vom Personal nicht gehindert werden, hat mich gestört, auch wenn ich Tiere sehr gern habe. Die Zimmerkarte wurde nach jeweils 1 Woche gesperrt, mit der Erklärung ich hätte sie gesperrt, da ich sie zu nah am Handy hatte….was nie der Fall war. Nachdem pünktlich nach 1 Woche die Karte wieder gesperrt war, hätte man von Anfang an darauf hinweisen können, dass die Karten jede Woche neu aktiviert werden müssen. Das Restaurant enttäuschte mich leider auch, entweder dauerte das Servieren des Mahlzeit 55 Minuten, auch die Tomatensoße der Nudeln, war mir leider deutlich zu scharf. Die Securitie war sehr freundlich, saß jedoch direkt an meinem Zimmer, dadurch konnte ich sämtliche Gespräche und Funksprüche mithören. Von den restlichen Mitarbeitern fehlte leider oft die Freundlichkeit.
Stayed 18 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

johnny

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Fint läge direkt vid stranden. Bra frukostbuffé.
Stayed 12 nights in Feb 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

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

8/10 Good

Matthias

Der Hotelstrand ist nah und recht gepflegt. Viel freundliches und hilfsbereites Personal. Frühstück typisch afrikanisch sehr eierlastig. Wir fanden es reichhaltig. Wurstfreunde kommen allerdings zu kurz. Zimmerservice sehr gut!
Stayed 10 nights in Jan 2025

6/10 Okay

Allan

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Disliked: Room comfort

Super ophold. Vanvittigt larmende restaurant.

Rigtigt fint hotel med super beliggenhed. Man skal kunne acceptere at der hver aften er live musik, som spiller VANVITTIGT højt, man kan ikke tale sammen undrr middagen. Vi prøvede at bede dem skrue ned, men det var mærkeligt nok ikke muligt, til trods for at flere gæster spurgte om det samme. Der ligger heldigvis andre restauranter i området, hvor de har forstået europæernes ønsker. Derfor spiste vi kun på hotellets restaurant én gang. Der mangler parasoller ved poolen, man kan kun ligge direkte i solen. Resten af opholdet var super fint, rent og pænt, god service og søde medarbejdere. Poolen er spotless ren og fin.
Stayed 5 nights in Jan 2025

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

6/10 Okay

Doris

Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
Hotel in die Jahre gekommen was leider von der Geschäftsleitung ignoriert wird . Trotz allem war es ein schöner Urlaub
Stayed 14 nights in Sep 2024

6/10 Okay

Gundula

Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
Leider sehr in die Jahre gekommenes Hotel und sehr Renovierungsbedürftig was leider vom Management ignoriert wird. Trotz allem hatte ich eine schöne Zeit da weil der afrikanische Stil dieses Hotel gefällt mir sehr und das es direkt am Strand liegt
Stayed 14 nights in Sep 2024