Best Hotels in Gambia – Top Luxury & Budget Stays

Planning a trip to The Gambia? Whether you are after sun and surf on the Atlantic coast, a resort-style break or a comfortable base for exploring nature and culture, here are some of the best hotel options in the country.

Our Selection Criteria

We selected these hotels based on multiple factors including guest experience, service quality, location (especially beachfront), amenities and overall value. Each property listed is among the more highly regarded in its category in The Gambia. We looked for strong beachfront settings, consistent reviews and reliable comfort.

Best Luxury Stays in The Gambia

Coco Ocean Resort & Spa (Bijilo)

This 5-star beachfront resort in Bijilo offers elegant suites, spa facilities, indoor and outdoor pools, and top-tier service — considered one of the finest luxury experiences in The Gambia.

African Princess Beach Hotel (South Kotu)

A modern beachfront hotel featuring stylish suite-style rooms, swim-up access options, infinity pools and strong guest ratings — an excellent luxury-value blend.

Senegambia Beach Hotel (Kololi)

One of the country’s most well-known resorts, located directly on Kololi Beach and the famous “Senegambia Strip.” Expansive gardens, pools and full resort facilities make it a standout for travellers seeking a lively yet beach-accessible experience.

Best Mid-Range / Comfortable Hotels

Kairaba Beach Hotel (Kololi)

A long-established beachfront hotel offering comfortable rooms, a relaxed vibe and strong value. A good choice for mid-range travellers who want resort amenities without luxury pricing.

Tamala Beach Resort (South Kotu)

A stylish adults-only beachfront resort offering modern rooms, large pools and good dining. Highly rated for comfort and mid-range value.

Top Value / Budget-Friendly Options

Smaller Boutique / Guest-House Style Hotels (Various Coastal Areas)

Across The Gambia’s coastline you’ll find boutique hotels and guest-house style accommodations offering clean rooms, friendly service and excellent value — perfect for budget-conscious travellers wanting proximity to the beach.

Regional Lodge or Value Stay (Less-Crowded Beach Zones)

Outside the main resort belts, lodges and simpler hotels offer very good comfort and attractive pricing — particularly appealing for travellers prioritising a peaceful beach location over full resort-style amenities.

Hotel Comparison Table

Tips Before You Book

• Focus on beach-resort zones: The most dependable hotel infrastructure lies along the Atlantic coast (Kololi, Kotu, Bijilo). These areas offer modern resorts, amenities and strong beach access.
• Match your preferred vibe: Some hotels lean toward a lively, social atmosphere (e.g., Kololi), while others offer calmer, more secluded beachfront stays. Choose the vibe that suits your travel style.
• Payments & amenities: Luxury hotels accept international cards and provide full amenities. Smaller value hotels may have limited services — check for included WiFi, breakfast, airport transfers and mosquito-protection features.
• Value & timing: The Gambia is known for strong value in the beach-holiday segment. Booking ahead helps secure premium hotels, while shoulder seasons offer excellent deals.

FAQs

Which region has the best hotel options in The Gambia?

The Atlantic coast resort belt — covering Kololi, Kotu and Bijilo — offers the strongest selection of high-quality hotels, beachfront amenities and reliable infrastructure. Outside these areas, hotel options are more basic.

Are luxury hotels in The Gambia good value compared to other destinations?

Yes. The Gambia’s top beachfront resorts provide strong service, excellent locations and comfortable rooms at generally lower rates than many comparable global beach destinations.

Can I find comfortable budget-friendly hotels in The Gambia’s scenic regions?

Absolutely. Well-reviewed boutique hotels and guest-houses across the coast offer clean, comfortable stays and excellent value — especially just outside the main resort zones.

Summary

From top-tier beachfront stays such as Coco Ocean Resort & Spa and African Princess Beach Hotel, through mid-range favourites like Kairaba Beach Hotel and Tamala Beach Resort, to excellent budget-friendly guest-houses, The Gambia offers a varied and appealing hotel market across budgets. Choose your hotel based on beach location, ambience and value — and you will be well-prepared for a memorable coastal stay in this welcoming West African destination.

Next destination: Continue your journey with our next article, Top Hotels in Georgia.