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Balafon Beach Resort

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

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for Balafon Beach Resort

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

Reviews

7.6 out of 10
Good

Popular amenities

  • Bar
  • Spa
  • Pool
  • 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

Premium Room, Garden View

Highlights

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

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

Premium Room, Private Pool, Ocean View

Premium Room, Private Pool, Ocean View

Highlights

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

View all photos for Standard Room, Garden View

Standard Room, Garden View

Standard Room, Garden View

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful
(2 reviews)

Highlights

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

View all photos for Premium Room, Ocean View

Premium Room, Ocean View

Premium Room, Ocean View

Highlights

Balcony or patio
Separate sitting area
Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Air conditioning
Fridge
TV
Ceiling fan
  • 30 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Partial sea view
  • 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
Fridge
TV
  • 40 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • 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

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
Fridge
TV
  • 30 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • 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
Fridge
TV
  • 60 sq m
  • 2 bedrooms
  • Sleeps 5
  • 1 King Bed, 1 Queen Bed and 1 Twin Sofa Bed
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About the area

Located in Serrekunda, Balafon Beach Resort is in the suburbs and on a private beach. Shoppers can visit Senegambia Craft Market, while everyone can enjoy the natural beauty of Bijilo Forest Park and River Gambia National Park. Gambia National Museum is another place to visit that comes recommended. Fishing offers a great chance to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with horse riding nearby.
Visit our Serrekunda travel guideOpens in a new window
Map
Kololi Beach, Serrekunda

What's nearby

  • Kololi Beach - 8 min walk - 0.6 km
  • Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara International Conference Center - 19 min walk - 1.6 km
  • Bijilo Beach - 2 min drive - 1.8 km
  • Bijilo Forest Park - 3 min drive - 2.4 km
  • Senegambia Craft Market - 7 min drive - 4.2 km

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 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 body wrap, a body treatment and a body scrub at the on-site spa. Enjoy on-site activities, such as 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 sunloungers
  • Free self-parking
  • A round-trip airport shuttle (surcharge), a 24-hour front desk and luggage storage
  • Tour/ticket information, beach towels and a front desk safe
  • Guest reviews say great things about the helpful staff
Room features
All 88 individually furnished rooms include perks such as premium bedding and air conditioning, in addition to amenities such as 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/cupboards and separate sitting areas

Languages

English

Property amenities

Internet

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

Parking and transport

  • 24-hour return 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 lift

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 and check-out are available
Minimum check-in age - 18

Check-out

Check-out before noon
Contactless check-out

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.
Cots (infant beds) are not available

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 and terraces, which may not be suitable for children; if you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that they can accommodate you in a suitable room

We should mention

This property does not have any lifts
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?

Checkout 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

7.6

Good

Rating 10 - Excellent. 31 out of 97 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 29 out of 97 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 21 out of 97 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 9 out of 97 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 7 out of 97 reviews

7.6/10

Cleanliness

8.0/10

Staff & service

7.6/10

Amenities

6.8/10

Property conditions & facilities

7.2/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

8/10 Good

Gary

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

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

10/10 Excellent

pau

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

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

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

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

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

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

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

10/10 Excellent

Mahamadu

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

8/10 Good

Stacey

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

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

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