Lonely Planet Review

Opened in 2003, this is probably Bamako's most intimate and atmospheric top-end hotel. The public areas boast African art and the rooms are large, supremely comfortable and have all the luxury bells and whistles. Unlike other riverbank hotels in Bamako, every room has a river view.

The more you pay the better the view - the river suites have balconies overhanging the river while the ambassador suite is fit for, well, an ambassador, stretching around the side of the building in a great sweep of floor-to-ceiling glass; it's more like an apartment than a hotel room. When we were in Bamako, we heard rumours that a local designer was about to give the place a loving overhaul to complement the wonderful vistas. The service is also that elusive mix of attention to detail, friendliness and discretion. If we had to identify a drawback, it would be that the pool is visible from the bridge and doesn't feel like Bamako's most private spot.