Tropic Gardens Hotel

The room was very clean. The duty manager for the hotel was great. Friendly, helpful and professional.

The staff were either rude or too friendly! No happy medium. The reception staff appear to have a job description of unhelpful and surly. The ‘chefs’ are frankly terrible. The rest were either trying to chat me up, asking for contact details relentlessly or ogling me whilst I tried to sunbathe. I’ve never felt so conscious of being in a bikini in my life! Made my stay, as a single woman really uncomfortable. Made worst by the fact there was only a tiny handful of other guests, who did not hang around in the day. For the same reason, I couldn’t venture out. Unwanted male attention was even worse outside! A nice pool but sadly the ‘attendant’ sat on his phone or slept most days instead of scooping out the ton of dead bugs and plant bits from the pool. You’ve got one job, dude! The ‘private beach’ is a tiny strip of sand and a platform down, straight into the sea. Sounds idyllic but without any shade on offer, no thanks. Shade around the pool only marginally better. Far too small, thatched umbrellas meant only one bed got shade between 12 and 13.30ish. Not adequate in the heat and blazing sun.

The restaurant has a great outside dining area, with fantastic views over the Atlantic Ocean, ideal for winding down and ruminating. Breakfast is hearty and filling, as is dinner. Tried some dished unknown to me before, like the chicken yassa, and everything was really delicious. The room was nice and clean. Actually, on arrival, I noticed a not-so-clean bedsheet, and it was changed immediately, with an extra cleaning of the room, so I was left with nothing to complain about. Yes, slip-ups can happen, but I was impressed with how quickly and efficienty it was fixed. A quiet and private beach is just down the stairs if you want to get a swim in the Atlantic - I did and I liked it.

Nothing, really. As I wrote above, there was a minor issue with the original bedsheets, but it was immediately and expressly fixed.

Location & food

No Internet connection inside

Wonderful management and very friendly staff, plus a beautiful location on the beach. Great restaurant with lovely servers and delicious food for a great price.

Reception staff seemed very incompetent, aloof, and dismissive. Touts are allowed (encouraged?) to spend time by the beach area, making any attempt to use the beach turn into dealing with potential scams and uncomfortable pushing about giving money or joining activities one may not want to do. Pool was being worked on.

The meal was very good and the staff too. I enjoy the place and I will recommand it for everyone who would like to go to Gambia. A very good staff there!

The lack of toilet shower is the only thing I didnt like.

staff was friendly, place was clean. Nice view to the ocean.

Where shall I start? Fawlty Towers in Gambia. The most confused guy ever checked me in. Staff is very kind but incompetent. No water in pools, should have got a discount for that. Room was very dark. Bar not open. They have everything to make this place great, but right now it is a mess. They should really step up on all fronts. Moved to another place after 2 days, Cheaper and ten times better. All promises kept there.