Hotel Colonia

The rooms are clean, and you get two large bottles of water in your room each day. I also met one staff member who was very helpful. Still, I’m unhappy with this hotel and won’t come back. For where it is, the nightly rate felt too high, and I expected more for the price. The common areas are hot and humid, and the all-tile spaces carry sound everywhere. I was on the third floor, with breakfast on the sixth, but could hear the staff setting up every day around 6 a.m. Voices and doors carry from this floor and others, so bring earplugs. The pillows are very tall and made sleeping uncomfortable. Bring your own shampoo and conditioner. Communication was difficult because the language here is French, and if you don’t speak it, keep a close eye on your restaurant bill. The food was decent, though some dishes took a long time to arrive. I was told I could exchange money at the hotel, but that wasn’t true. A refund to my credit card takes days and has to go through a manager. It’s been three days, and I still haven’t heard about the double room charge or refund. Sharing a room with a friend, we couldn’t get two key cards, which was really annoying. The AC and lights only work when your card is in the wall slot inside the room. When one of us was out and the other asleep, we had to leave the door open so I could get back in without waking my roommate. I’m usually not one to write a negative review and try to see the bright side, but this stay left me dissatisfied.

Hotel Colonia is right in the heart of Colonia del Sacramento, making it easy to get to local sights and places to eat. The central courtyard is a peaceful place to sit, and the rooms are comfortable, with classic decor and modern conveniences. The historic atmosphere is a big part of the appeal. The architecture and details bring out the colonial character of the area, and the welcoming staff made check-in smooth. It feels like stepping into another era while still having the comforts travelers need. Some parts could use minor updates, and a wider selection of facilities might improve the stay. Even so, Hotel Colonia offers a distinctive, authentic base for exploring the city's past.

The view is priceless, and the location is amazing. The staff are so welcoming, and for the money, this is one of the best hotels in Dakar. I’ve really enjoyed my time here.

You’re just steps from the monument, with a great view over the ocean. Breakfast is good too.