Coconut Grove Bridge House

Coming to the hotel through the chaotic streets of Elmina caused us to reconsider our decision to stay here. But, then the reality of staying in a hotel room that looks over the lagoon toward Elmina Castle more than supported our choice. The room was quite large and comfortable although the air conditioner didn't seem to be up to the task of keeping the room as cool as we would have liked. None-the-less we would highly recommend a stay here because of the amazing location. We saw the colorful arrival of the fisherman with their day's catch and thoroughly enjoyed our breakfast and lunch on the patio next to the lagoon.

The hotel is in a superb location in the fishing village of Elmira, this is the reason why I would recommend it. We got up at 6.00 am, the early morning light was magical and it was fascinating to observe the boats coming in and to wander the fish market. This was a memorable Ghana experience. Good things about the hotel itself: a minor problem about the booking was investigated politely and sensibly by the staff; there was some internal dripping from an air-con unit in the bedroom, someone came to sort it out immediately and was friendly. The bathroom was excellent - smart and clean. All netting intact on windows so no mosquitoes in room. Air-con and ceiling fan both worked well. Breakfast was served promptly on the terrace. This hotel is standard West African good quality accommodation. It is not really up to Western standards so I feel 'OK' is fair response. Main thing which needs improvement (as with so many hotels in Ghana) is the general demeanor of the staff which ranges from faint smiles (at best) to impassive face; this is typical of Ghana and it is so frustrating that the service sector cannot raise its game and provide upbeat engaging service in this country (especially when people in Ghana are so warm and friendly beyond hotels walls!).

I would definitely stay at Coconut Grove Bridge House again. The staff was very kind and attentive, and the rooms very clean. Power went out occasionally, but that is no fault of the hotel. When it did go out, the generator was turned on quickly. This isn't going to be like a fine European hotel, but for Africa it is very nice. Also, the location is spectacular - right in the heart of things.

This is an oddball place/location smack in the center of Elmina life, which is what I was hoping for. We had a terrific view over both the Elmina castle (which was hopping at sunset) and the inlet/harbor (which wakes up early so be prepared to do the same). Service in Ghana leaves a lot to be desired compared to US standards, so factor that in regardless of where you stay. The desk and housekeeping staff here work and try hard. The beds were comfortable, not luxurious, the baths adequate. Not sure I can say the same for the kitchen, which had very limited choices at both breakfast and dinner, despite a standard Ghana menu. The biggest issue for our 3 night stay was that the air conditioning did not work in our lovely room, so it was extremely uncomfortable the first night. We were moved to another room - not quite as nice but still charming and somewhat cooler. My guess is that the air conditioning is never cold, just cool, even when it is fully operational. And note that the inside dining room is not air conditioned at all, which we did not mind since we took all our meals on the terrace for max people watching as well as breeze. A wonderful side benefit is that when you've had enough of the hubbub/heat, the desk will arrange a taxi to their upscale sister beach hotel, which is only a short ride and another world all together. Certainly a great value for the price, as long as you are up for experiencing local life up close.

So the staff was very nice but the electricity went out in the middle of the night which meant that there was no A/C and no water to take a shower in the morning. I guess this may not be a crazy phenomenon in Ghana but when we asked we learned it was because they didn't pay their bill. Also they didn't have my reservation. The people were nice but management was not good.

Elmina is a fascinating place and the Bridge House Hotel is situated opposite the castle and right by the lagoon which is alive with fishermen, boats, people selling things so you can sit in the outside area of the hotel and just watch the world go by and it is extraordinary. It is worth staying simply for the proximity to life as it flows past My room had the same view and I loved just watching the boats come and go in the morning and night What spoils it is the service. Working backward when we came to check out we were given a bill which included the rooms which I had already paid for. The manager had disappeared to "meetings" and I refused to wait the hour suggested for her return Eventually after much hesitation they let us go on our way after I had left a photocopy of the email saying " you have paid in full" . The availability of food was patchy- fish on the menu was not available despite the fishermen selling fresh fish no more than 10 feet from where we were sitting. Ditto tomatoes and other fresh produce. And any deficiencies took on average 45 minutes after ordering to be relayed back to us Meals took an hour to arrive.A request for coffee one morning met with the demand that I would have to pay for it as I had already had my breakfast ration ( I hadn't I had just walked in from a stroll on the beach) So yes go for the experience but be prepared to wait for everything and make sure you establish your booking status on arrival

From the patio of this hotel, we ate dinner and breakfast within just a few feet of locals scurrying to prepare the boats to go out fishing in the evening and returning and sorting the fish the next morning. The low stone wall kept us safe and clean without blocking the views of Elmina Castle, the bridge, fishing boats and local life. The room was clean and air-conditioned. So glad we took a chance on a lower cost hotel and weren't stuck out at a boring beach resort!

The hotel is in the heart of Elmina's harbour area, with great views of the fishing boats coming and going, and of Elmina's historic castle. This is a bustling area by day, but quiet by night time. Few tourists seem to stay in the town of Elmina itself, rather than at the nearby beaches, but I really enjoyed walking around the town early in the morning and in the evening to see a real, working town. This hotel is a good option at a much more reasonable rate than the beachside resort hotels out of town. The hotel staff were helpful and friendly, and the restaurant food was good. I would stay there again to enjoy the atmospheric town, though you would need to decide whether you'd prefer to pay more and stay at a beach resort.

We had a lovely stay which turned into 3 nights at this bed & breakfast. For us, the place was just right- affordable and comfortable, located in the center of a bussling historic town, providing free access to a beautiful beach resort with pool down the road; & easily accessible to Kukum National Park & Cape Coast for day trips. Plus, the staff are professional and friendly. Just be aware that taking taxis everywhere will eat into your wallet. Taking shared taxis or the tro-tros is much more affordable if you're on a tight budget. Overall- staying at Coconut Grove Bridge House was a great experience.

I will come back to this hotel.