Radisson Blu Hotel, Bamako

The food that was available was generally good, and the steak was especially nice. The staff are clearly trying hard, though there seem to be too few of them. The beds are great, and the rooms and bathrooms are spacious, but the place smells of dust. Power and internet cut out often, and the roof dripped for several days. There’s good security, and the area around the hotel is very quiet. Still, it doesn’t really meet a four-star standard.

The staff were kind, and the hotel itself is nice, but I stayed one night and found the room cleanliness could be better. There were no towels, and none of the usual soap, shampoo, or shower gel either.

It’s a nice hotel, and it feels surprisingly different from the neighborhoods around it. When I visited, things felt aggressively casual, so I’m glad to hear the place has fortifications. Take time to understand the area instead of assuming you’re in Cannes or somewhere similar, especially if you’re traveling casually. Knowing the local customs and history is a basic matter of respect. It’s the right thing to do.

The rooms are spacious and clean, but they weren’t what I expect from Radisson Blu. The floor tiles were missing across the whole floor, and with no slippers provided it was uncomfortable. Internet kept cutting in and out, and breakfast felt limited, with poor presentation compared with my other Radisson Blu stays. At arrival, reception was rigid and unwilling to consider any approach beyond what staff had been trained to do. The hotel is heavily guarded, which may make sense for the area, but it also suggests something is wrong. Checkout staff were friendlier, though still not very hospitable. I left with a poor impression.