Ocean Bay Hotel & Resort

I need to find better

A wonderful holiday again made even more special by excellent staff. Comfortable bed ( though the sheets and duvets don’t fit a double bed set up), tea/coffee making facilities. Easily usable and accessible safe but surprisingly not actually fixed into anything so could have been removed! All staff make this holiday fantastic as they are all so helpful and friendly but particular mention to the following: Mariama( Beach bar), Ebrahim and Musa (Beach boys), Anna (Room cleaning), Jim (Front desk), Lobbeh (Guest relations), Mariama S Ceesay ( trainee breakfast chef). I would recommend BB as there are excellent restaurants outside or within a short taxi ride. Get to know the taxi controller ( Mr Kite) and go to the local money exchange for good rates ( currently GMD 86 to £1) There is a great fisherman on the beach (EJ) who can offer fishing trips or beach fishing. Try to support people locally. Small but friendly small supermarket outside run by No. 56 who loves to chat and be helpful. There is no hassle on the beach and the general feeling is always of being safe.

Ocean bay is a fantastic hotel, as other reviews state the staff are so friendly and helpful, food is fresh with plenty of variety, our room was modern, large with comfortable beds. But what really made our holiday the best experience ever was our tour guides Ousman and Eddi we went on lots of trips with them, very knowledgeable and friendly guys that have become our friends . They are the guides in the orange shirts at the front of the hotel, they are much cheaper than your own tour operator and know so much more about the local area. We will definitely be back to ocean bay and will enjoy many more trips with our wonderful new friends.

Wij hebben genoten van 6 overnachtingen op onze "Deluxe kamer met uitzicht op de Oceaan". De kamer is heel ruim en voorzien van airco en televisie. Het bed is erg fijn en schoon en heeft geen klamboe. We hebben overigens geen last van muggen gehad (feb). De kast is lekker ruim en voorzien van een fatsoenlijke kluis. Er is een relax stoel op de kamer met een tafeltje. De badkamer is wat kleiner en douche is een cabine welke behoorlijk water overlast geeft. Wij vonden het uitzicht op de oceaan wel heel beperkt. Als je op je zitje op het terrasje kon je een beetje de zee zien. Dus ja, er was zeezicht maar heel beperkt. Het personeel is heel vriendelijk en spreken je altijd aan. De spa is een echte aanrader, een geweldige massage voor een prijs welke voor Europese begrippen heel laag is. Het ontbijt is echt fantastisch. Er is ontzettend veel keuze en alles ziet er netjes en hygiënisch uit. Wij vonden de a la carte van het restaurant wat minder van kwaliteit. We hebben ook het diner buffet gedaan en deze is prima, maar wel behoorlijk aan de prijs. Het zwembad is druk en veel stoelen zijn bezet. Wij hebben vooral voor het strand gekozen en hier zijn strandstoelen (met tafel) in overvloed. Ook hier is een handdoekenservice. Op het strand wordt je wel regelmatig aangesproken door verkopers. Het strand is breed en er zijn voldoende parasols en palmbomen zodat je ook in de schaduw kunt liggen. Dit resort heeft ook nog het Buddah restaurant. Wij zijn hier een avond gaan eten en de bediening en het eten was prima. Het viel ons op dat wij maar halve glazen wijn kregen en mensen met geel armbandje glazen tot de rand toe vol kregen. Onze ober was wel continu aan het opdringen om nog wijn te bestellen. Toen we wilden afrekenen en zeiden dat we dit contant wilden doen moesten we met de ober naar buiten en hij schreef wat getallen op een blaadje. We maakten hem duidelijk dat we een rekening wilden. Dus door naar de poolbar van het hotel en hier kregen we ineens een korting welke we anders te veel hadden betaald. Er lopen dus gewoon oplichters tussen het personeel. (zie foto van onze bon). Conclusie, dit hotel is een absolute aanrader. Wij zouden hier zo weer boeken.

Just back from a wonderful 10 days break at this hotel. This was our first visit to Gambia, and we were not disappointed. This hotel is situated on Cape point and the area is very quiet with few facilities outside the hotel. The hotel is like a small oasis in a very poor area, the surroundings reflect that. Having said that don't let that put you off. The locals are always smiling and are friendly towards visitors. The hotel and its staff were welcoming and could not do enough for you. The facilities at the hotel were good, the rooms were well appointed, if not a little dated. The were clean and housekeeping kept it like that, with daily towel and linen changes. ( thank you anna).We were there on a B&B basis and I would recommend that as opposed to All inclusive. The food at buffet breakfast was good with a good choice for every taste. There was a choice of cereals, fruit, omelettes, pastries etc. The facilities at the hotel are good with a good size clean swimming pool. gym, and various other activities. The place is kept spotless with an army of groundsmen working very hard. The beach at this hotel is something to behold, It is massive and clean. The are plenty of sun beds all orchestrated by the staff on the beach(no sunbed wars here). There are a few hawkers on the beach selling bits and pieces, but you are not pestered. You can buy fresh fruit and juices from the ladies on the beach ( recommended). The economy is Cash . There are few places that take cards in this area. The hotel takes card payments, you are charged 3.8% on transactions if you use your card in places that accept them. Money exchange can be done at the hotel, but you can get a better deal just outside the hotel from the locals. If you are going to do any trips do not be afraid to use the local guides and taxis outside the hotel ( they wear orange tops), they are cheaper and will tailor your trip to suit you. We did a few trips, one was to Senegal for the safari, we could not have done this without the local knowledge of the guide and driver. We used Edie(guide) and Jack(Driver), they were knowledgeable, great fun and most of all trustworthy. they will look after you. Room tips: 501-505 (facing the beach) Trips: Monkey park, Senegambia Strip ( Restaurants) Alligator pool. Senegal safari. Would I go back? Yes for sure, thank you Gambia for a great holiday .

Wonderful holiday. The staff were superb, kindly, friendly and attentive. The food was excellent, especially the fish (red snapper, barracuda, butterfish and more!) and there was a wonderful range of fresh fruit. The beach was lovely with very easy access (not many hotels have this in the area) and the sea great to swim in, if somewhat bracing. A big thank you to the ladies at the spa. Both excellent value and wonderful massages. The hotel grounds are beautiful and very well looked after and the room had the three facilities we needed: a good shower, a safe and a very comfortable bed. The local trips are well worth the money and the Gambia is a country worth exploring. The botanical garden up the road is worth a quick trip and supporting with a donation! The two young gentlemen with the white horses on the beach are just lovely and what an amazing sight! All in all, excellent value for money, more than worth the flight and a wonderful experience all around. Thank you for looking after us so well.