Dunia Hôtel Bissau

We booked without realizing the pool was closed for renovation, since the website didn't publicly mention it. We decided to leave early because of that and got a refund for the nights we chose not to stay. Our room was 318, and perhaps other rooms are better. The rooms themselves were fine, but I'd rate them no higher than 3 out of 5, rather than the advertised 4.5. The current photos aren't accurate, and the property feels dated and rundown despite the well-kept grounds. It seems like there hasn't been much investment in maintenance for 6-8 years. Given the condition of the rooms and property, the price is double what it should be for a hotel that ought to offer much better value. There were several other hassles: no tap-to-pay, the internet only allowed three devices at a time although we had five, and our shower curtain was moldy. The shower rod was hanging from a metal wire. These were inconveniences, but still nuisances. We won't stay again until the property is fully renovated.

Breakfast was okay, with fruit, cereal, bread, butter, and other choices, and the staff were okay too. The room had a persistent damp smell, and lizards came in at night. We also got stuck when the doors wouldn't work properly, and had to climb out the window to open it from outside. It's comfortable enough, though not fancy, so don't expect too much when booking. Still, I think it's the best place to stay in Bissau.

I was visiting West Africa for the first time and wasn't sure what to expect from the hotel, but I was really pleased with my stay. The room and bathroom were comfortable, and the air conditioning worked well. The service stood out most. Everyone was so kind and helpful, especially Raisa, Nilde and Candidu, who went out of their way to make sure we had what we needed. They made the stay wonderful, and I'll remember them for a long time.

The little restaurant is well worth trying. The staff were professional and helped us with all sorts of problems. They welcomed us in Portuguese, French, and even English, which is unusual for a hotel in West Africa.