28 Reviews
Traveller Rating
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Excellent0
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Very Good9
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Good11
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Average6
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Poor2
Review Overview
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Cleanliness
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Entertainment
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Food
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Service
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Location
17 years 8 months ago
Myself and my husband have just got back from a week at the Palma Rima and must say what a fantastic time we had in The Gambia and the hotel. We could not believe the heat when we got off the plane (36 degrees!) We knew we were off to a good start when we left the terminal building to be met by a group of African dancers/drummers all dressed up and out to impress with their musical skills.
The hotel:
We stayed in a bungalow room which was very large with it
The hotel:
We stayed in a bungalow room which was very large with it
Travel operator: First Choice
Recommended
17 years 8 months ago
The Palma Rima is basic, the bungaloes are better than the main block by the pool. The food, even at breakfast was poor. This hotel is 'tired' and the management need a kick up the a**e, lazy, arrogant and uncaring. The rooms are 'cleaned' every day, we went for a week thank God not for two. If you go to Gambia you will love it, if you stay at the Palma Rima then just use it for sleeping, don't eat there and above all dont drink there unless you want to pay London hotel prices.
Travel operator: thomas cook
Recommended
17 years 10 months ago
There were 6 adults and 6 children in our party.
We were a bit apprehensive as to our what our accomodation would be like but were really pleased.
The staff were really friendly and helpful, and the hotel was clean. The only draw back was the boys who hassled you the minute you set foot out of your hotel.
There is a little shop opposite our hotel who were really helpful when my son was taken ill with an upset stomach.
Look for a guide called Armstrong, he was great.
Already booked to go back next January.
We were a bit apprehensive as to our what our accomodation would be like but were really pleased.
The staff were really friendly and helpful, and the hotel was clean. The only draw back was the boys who hassled you the minute you set foot out of your hotel.
There is a little shop opposite our hotel who were really helpful when my son was taken ill with an upset stomach.
Look for a guide called Armstrong, he was great.
Already booked to go back next January.
Travel operator: Sunset
Recommended
17 years 11 months ago
Have been to the Gambia many times. This hotel is basic, but that is all you need unless you are going to spend your holiday in the hotel. We like to go out and about, there are two reasons I want to write this report and both are to help you.
Firstly contact a local called smiley he will take you on all the trips at a third of the price of the reps, like lamin lodge charlie the croc, paradise beach etc go find him in the Churchills bar just down the road.
Secondly as I said we have been going to the Gambia for many years, and this year we have found the best taxi driver ever, is name is Baks they will phone him, he does not stay with you he goes he his just your taxi driver not glued to you what more could you ask for.
Take my advise and enjoy the smiley coast
Firstly contact a local called smiley he will take you on all the trips at a third of the price of the reps, like lamin lodge charlie the croc, paradise beach etc go find him in the Churchills bar just down the road.
Secondly as I said we have been going to the Gambia for many years, and this year we have found the best taxi driver ever, is name is Baks they will phone him, he does not stay with you he goes he his just your taxi driver not glued to you what more could you ask for.
Take my advise and enjoy the smiley coast
Travel operator: thomas cook
Recommended
18 years ago
The hotel was great the staff where friendly and very helpfull. Our rooms were cleaned very day and was always willin to help you. Very layed back hotel somewhere were you feel safe.
Travel operator: first choce
Recommended
18 years ago
This was our first time on holiday as a couple without the children in 17 years.
It was very hot, close to the beach and only a short walk or taxi ride away from the centre.
The bungalow rooms were very clean and spacious and the breakfasts were plentiful.
I would definitely go to the Palma Rima hotel again. If you can get past the hassle(even though the Gambians are only being friendly)you will enjoy it.
We did a day trip with ARCH tours and I would highly recommend them.
The pool was great at the hotel also.
The only place I would steer clear of are the small craft shops by the reception, the people would not let us out of the shop and barred the doors till we bought something from them.
All in all its a lovely place if you like the hot weather and pool.
It was very hot, close to the beach and only a short walk or taxi ride away from the centre.
The bungalow rooms were very clean and spacious and the breakfasts were plentiful.
I would definitely go to the Palma Rima hotel again. If you can get past the hassle(even though the Gambians are only being friendly)you will enjoy it.
We did a day trip with ARCH tours and I would highly recommend them.
The pool was great at the hotel also.
The only place I would steer clear of are the small craft shops by the reception, the people would not let us out of the shop and barred the doors till we bought something from them.
All in all its a lovely place if you like the hot weather and pool.
Travel operator: first choice
Recommended
18 years 11 months ago
We were allocated a room in the pool block when we arrived, it was clean if rather basic but perfectly functional with everything in working order, ie shower and ceiling fan. The only thing to note is that the corridors to the pool rooms seem to attract an array of different insects, (probably looking for shade) and if you leave your door open they will of course come into your room but this was not a problem for us. If you feel the need you can buy a can of bug-spray locally which will quickly take care of this.
Towards the end of the first week we went to visit some friends who were staying in the Bungalow rooms and we thought WOW, so promptly upgraded for the last week of our holiday. The bungalow rooms are really spacious and in my opinion a lot cooler than the pool rooms. All of the windows have intact mosquito netting so perfectly safe to leave open at night so that it was comfortable to sleep at night without the need for the air-conditioning unit, which was a bit of a blessing because that was priced at
Towards the end of the first week we went to visit some friends who were staying in the Bungalow rooms and we thought WOW, so promptly upgraded for the last week of our holiday. The bungalow rooms are really spacious and in my opinion a lot cooler than the pool rooms. All of the windows have intact mosquito netting so perfectly safe to leave open at night so that it was comfortable to sleep at night without the need for the air-conditioning unit, which was a bit of a blessing because that was priced at
Travel operator: Thomas Cook
Recommended
18 years 11 months ago
We went to the Gambia after having a recommendation from the travel agent. We were all inclusive and my boyfriend was diabetic and required sugar free drinks. A memo was sent from the UK stating this and a reply was received acknowledging receipt of this request. When we got there there had been no provision made and we were told we would have to negotiate a price with hotel management. The brochure also stated we would have a fridge in our room for storing my partners insulin. This was not the case and when we explained the situation we were told it would have to be kept in the kitchen fridges or behind the bar! In addition to this a number of items went missing from our room, when reported to hotel staff they were very unhelpful, came to our room to search for the missing items and then explained that if anything is left on bedside tables or in the bathroom the cleaning staff see it as a gift from god and it's theirs to do with what they want!
Travel operator: first choice
19 years 7 months ago
We have just returned from an amazing week in the Palma Rima Hotel and wanted to set the record straight for those who are considering travelling there.
We were allocated one of the bungalow rooms for no extra cost (probably because the season was winding down and the hotel was not too busy). The room was basic but very clean and spacious. It was cleaned daily by our maid, Anti, who left a welcome message written in flowers on the first day-lovely!
Breakfast was delicious with a wide choice although the earlier you got there the more that was on offer. Every day there was a good choice of delicious fresh fruit the like of which you would never get in the UK. We stayed Half Board so ate in the Rim restaurant each evening. Again there was always a good choice with a different theme each evening. I am vegetarian so the options were a bit limited on some evenings but I never went hungry. Apparently, the fish in particular was always delicious.
The hotel was well located - just a short stroll to the beach and a quick taxi journey to Sennegmbia. Of course we got some hassle from the bumsters but I think if you make it clear that you are not interesting in chatting they soon get the message and leave you alone. Suggestions that they might ruin our holiday were completely unfounded!
Everyone in the hotel was very friendly and welcoming although as two girls we did get some unwelcome attention round the pool side and in the evenings - but we were well able to deal with it and it didn
We were allocated one of the bungalow rooms for no extra cost (probably because the season was winding down and the hotel was not too busy). The room was basic but very clean and spacious. It was cleaned daily by our maid, Anti, who left a welcome message written in flowers on the first day-lovely!
Breakfast was delicious with a wide choice although the earlier you got there the more that was on offer. Every day there was a good choice of delicious fresh fruit the like of which you would never get in the UK. We stayed Half Board so ate in the Rim restaurant each evening. Again there was always a good choice with a different theme each evening. I am vegetarian so the options were a bit limited on some evenings but I never went hungry. Apparently, the fish in particular was always delicious.
The hotel was well located - just a short stroll to the beach and a quick taxi journey to Sennegmbia. Of course we got some hassle from the bumsters but I think if you make it clear that you are not interesting in chatting they soon get the message and leave you alone. Suggestions that they might ruin our holiday were completely unfounded!
Everyone in the hotel was very friendly and welcoming although as two girls we did get some unwelcome attention round the pool side and in the evenings - but we were well able to deal with it and it didn
Travel operator: Sunset
Recommended
19 years 7 months ago
I have just returned from this hotel, the room I stayed in was filthy! It was not cleaned in over a week! Despite 4 complaints to reception it took 12 days to get a light bulb!
All I can say is if you plan to go there take a huge bottle of flash to clean it, saves going to the supermarket as I had to!
All I can say is if you plan to go there take a huge bottle of flash to clean it, saves going to the supermarket as I had to!
Travel operator: Sunset
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