Cape Coast
Like a hip party spot, a night at Oasis is loud, hot and sweaty. Backpackers, volunteers and Cape Coast's beautiful people gravitate towards the…
Must-see hotels in West Africa
Dakar
Known for its fabulous grill, this place has a hotel floor perched above the restaurant like a half-forgotten afterthought (or your little hideaway). The…
Casamance
Never mind the tongue-twister of a name – this place ticks all the boxes, with attractive, handsomely furnished rooms overlooking the river, an appealing…
Mindelo
Above the restaurant of the same name, you'll find charming, simply furnished rooms, the best of which have sparkling views over the bay. It's set in a…
Mindelo
In a good location in the town centre, Café Royal has comfortably furnished midrange rooms in a colonial building, the best of which are fairly spacious…
Complejo Turistico Las Islas de Corisco
Rio Muni
Currently this is the only place to stay on Corisco and it is in a perfect spot. Rooms have air-con and a fridge though the electricity is turned off at…
Ghana
Set in flourishing tropical gardens, this tranquil eco-lodge offers rustic, handmade bungalows as well as camping. The vegetarian restaurant (mains C15 to…
Liberia
Adina's has several basic rooms with fans, but it's a spotless place to rest your head and is arguably the best place to stay in town. Be sure to book as…
Ghana
Set in a charming old stone building opposite St George's Castle, this is certainly the most atmospheric place to stay in town, even if the rooms are…
Casamance
In a central location, Le Flamboyant offers comfort well above the price you pay. The clean, well-equipped rooms open on to a small flower- and palm…
Sierra Leone
Though the building is profoundly ugly from the outside, all 38 of the large rooms have a balcony with beautiful views out over the bay.
Accra
Long one of Accra's more upscale addresses, Esther's is not as flashy as some of Accra's newer boutique hotels, but for many that's a bonus. It's homely…
Senegal
This tiny guesthouse in the north of the island has a handful of simple but brightly painted rooms; the best has a balcony that opens on to the waterfront…
Casamance
On the main road leading into town, Casa Star has the most comfortable rooms here, with decent-sized windows, mosquito nets over the beds and clean…
Cabo Verde
An understated, impeccably run hotel built around an old colonial home and a new adjacent building. Rooms, some with ocean views, are well furnished if a…
Senegal
Essamaye is highly recommended for family vibes and its impressive Casamance-style case à impluvium (a large, round traditional house). It has a peaceful…
Nigeria
Lovely suites, a lively outdoor thatch-roof bar with secluded cabanas, and a restaurant serving Cross River specialities and grilled fish, Jacaranda is an…
Accra
A good deal, right in the centre of the action. Smart modern rooms come with all the necessary amenities, and there's Frankie's restaurant downstairs if…
Ghana
A good-value guesthouse with spotless (if basic) rooms with air-con and free wi-fi. A decent breakfast is included and home-cooked meals are sometimes…
Hotel Oásis Atlântico Praiamar
Cabo Verde
On a breezy bluff pointing out to sea is this glossy Praia address. Though similar to business-class hotels around the world, the spacious rooms are…
Sal
The hotel is a little dull, but otherwise these spacious rooms are spick and span, with air-con and balconies (in some). It also has a small pool and a…
Ghana
This superchic boutique hotel, decked out in shades of white and red, is one of the best places to stay in town. There's a pool, a garden and a balcony to…
Casamance
Dozens of yellow-billed storks attract you with their noisy chatter to Zig's favourite budget place. Invest in an upstairs room for the small balconies…
Senegal
The large Hôtel du Djoudj, near the headquarters of the Parc National des Oiseaux du Djoudj, has comfy rooms and a very inviting swimming pool. They offer…
Cabo Verde
A pretty spot with lime and lavender trim, Casa Lavra Cicilio has rooms set around a small lava-rock courtyard. Good meals (CVE800) available upon request…
Senegal
The Bancals, the old Saint-Louisian family that owns this classic place, have done a great job of evoking history. Each item and picture in its 24…
Ghana
The rooms in Amedzofe's only hotel are a little uninspiring, but the views – right over Mt Gemi and the hotel's own lawns – are fabulous. There's also a…
Hostellerie du Chevalier de Boufflers
Senegal
Set in one of Gorée's classic, elegant old homes, this places is mainly famous for its garden restaurant (mains CFA4500 to CFA8000) serving seafood…
Benin
Set in a rambling garden, the Bellevue is a charming collection of sweet bungalows and paillotes. Rooms are simple yet spotless, as is the food in the…
Senegal
Try Oasis Oriental Club for some comfort and service. It has attractive rooms set in bungalows surrounding a pool and restaurant. It's outside of town, a…
Ghana
This solid budget offering has clean and simple rooms with TV, air-con and free wi-fi. There's a decent on-site restaurant or you can pop next door to…
Malabo
Hotel Yoly is a good midrange hotel: the rooms are pleasant and have a fridge, and bathrooms are large. Wi-fi only works in the large, wood-panelled lobby…
Mindelo
Cosy guesthouse with rooms piled around a sunny, glass-roofed courtyard. In-room amenities include safes, air-con and free wi-fi. The rooms out back are…
Senegal
A friendly, locally owned spot with a clean-swept rooms and a fine waterfront position (plus an open-sided thatched-roof restaurant for simple meals)…
Casamance
This riverside hotel is one of the more upmarket options and sits among lovely mangroves. Decent facilities, with a pool flanked by palms, a pleasant…
Serekunda & Atlantic Coast Resorts
Although it's not on the coast, this friendly low-key spot has six well-equipped rooms, each painted in different light shades (think powder blue, pink,…
Santo Antão
Takrida is a friendly, family-run option that makes guests feel right at home. It has six rooms (three with sea views) and books up, so reserve ahead. It…
Ghana
Spacious huts and a dorm sit in plant-filled grounds on a glorious stretch of unspoilt beach. The friendly staff can arrange tours around the region…
Ghana
This plush resort has a slight corporate feel with its manicured lawns and impersonal bungalows. That said, you can't fault the service and facilities …
Ghana
The most upmarket of the lodges on the lake, this place has spacious, pristine rooms, and a host of activities, including pedal boats, kayaks and beach…
