Lonely Planet Review

This peaceful hotel comes warmly recommended by travellers and by us. Rooms are cool, well-equipped, modern and spotless, if a little lacking in character. You're a fair hike into the centre of town here, but if proximity to the Niger River and quiet African streets appeal, Le Refuge makes for a wise choice.

It's not often that a nearby school is part of a hotel's attraction, but if you're here in mid-afternoon when school's over for the day, you'll understand what we mean - it's a great chance for them to practise their English and for you to take the pulse of Mali's next generation. Once they've returned home, you can pass the time in the hotel's immaculate swimming pool or enjoying the satellite TV in every room. The bar is another plus - well-stocked and brimful with the buzz of chatter in the evenings. The Lebanese owner is well-versed in the art of hospitality for which his homeland is renowned. When we think about it, you could easily spend a whole day here without ever needing to leave.