Lonely Planet Review

This excellent French-run hotel has much to commend it. The rooms are stylish and each is different - some are brightly coloured, others have dark wooden beams. The bathrooms are also outstanding and, unusual for mid-range Malian hotels, come with shampoos, soaps and fluffy towels.

Other features include satellite TV, fridges, safes and a video machine that becomes all the more appealing when you peruse the hotel's small but carefully selected video library; it sure beats the steady diet of Jackie Chan extravaganzas that seem to predominate in Bamako's cinemas. The swimming pool, with a small footbridge to add a touch of luxury, is easily Bamako's most inviting. There's also a shady garden area out the front which is a lovely place to pass the afternoon hours. The cosy bar is similarly attractive for the time around sunset when Bamako's mosquito armies drive you indoors. Throw in some boutique-style shops (from local jewellery to wooden handicrafts) and a small hairdressing salon and you'll soon see why we think this place is worth every ceefah.