Sama Hotels

The pool was fine and had towels available, and the breakfast buffet offered plenty of options. The rooms are spacious, with comfortable beds and large bathrooms, so it’s a decent place to stay in Dakar. My room was short on amenities: I got only one towel per day, there were no other toiletries, including conditioner, and there was no iron. That’s not ideal for a business traveler packing light.

The area worked perfectly for us. It’s residential and pleasant, with many embassies nearby and lots of places to eat within a 10 minute walk. If you want to be closer to downtown in a busier neighborhood, this location may be inconvenient. Dakar traffic is very heavy, and getting to the train station, for example, can take 30-50 minutes. The hotel itself is new and very nice. Our standard double room was huge, clean, and modern, with a really good firm bed. The staff were very nice and helpful, and spoke both French and English.

Breakfast got a bit repetitive, and there weren’t many choices for dietary needs or allergies and intolerances, like soy milk. Aside from that, I was super happy with everything. The staff in reception and the restaurant were friendly and helpful, though perhaps the female staff were an exception. My room was amazing: windows all around with a fantastic view, modern fittings and appliances that were spotless, plus a comfy sofa and bed. A beautiful hotel.

The food was just okay, but the drinks at the rooftop bar were good, and from my high floor I could see the ocean. The hotel is surrounded by construction, which can make the walk to nearby restaurants a bit off putting. I didn’t take off stars for that, since most of Dakar seems to be under construction. I spent two weeks at Sama on business and had a great experience. The facilities were modern and clean, and the staff were welcoming, accommodating, and willing to go above and beyond. Some spoke English, which was a big help. I’d definitely recommend it.