Hôtel de la Poste

A group of men hung around the hotel and restaurant, constantly harassing guests, and the staff and “security” did nothing. They aggressively kept asking me for money after I told them no. Not long after I told them to stop again, a huge scratch appeared across my driver’s side door and front bumper. The place didn’t feel safe, and the security seemed fake. They had confirmed a double room with a river view, but when we arrived, a man said they were fully booked. I asked three times because the room was terrible, and they only moved us after I showed the confirmation. The next morning there were about three guests in the whole place, so it definitely wasn’t full. Terrible experience. I wouldn’t recommend staying here.

The courtyard was glorious, full of mature plants, and the hotel is steeped in history. Everything was clean and well kept, and the staff were very helpful. The laundry service was like magic. So glad we stayed here.

The central courtyard, with palms, flowers and other ornamental plants, was beautiful. Rooms facing the river have small balconies, and the rooms are arranged around the courtyard. The restaurant serves a delicious breakfast buffet, while vintage posters and wall lamps with aeronautical designs decorate the rooms. The gift shop has souvenirs at reasonable prices. There are also old aviation posters and historic photos along the hotel. African elephant tusks are part of the decor at the bar and reception. The parking area is spacious and felt safe for cars and motorcycles. Hotel de la poste, BP. 48 Saint Louis (Senegal), St. Louis, Senegal, is next to the Faidherbe bridge over the Senegal River. The Post Office and Tourist Office are directly across the street, and the hotel is connected to Flamingo Restaurant, near the river in front of the hotel. Guests can use Flamingo’s pool. This hotel is closely tied to the early history of airmail, with pioneering flights from Brazil to the Cape Verde Islands, then to St. Louis, Senegal, and north to Europe. It originally dates to 1850, though Richard Bradshaw told me the present structure dates to the 1920s. He also said the hotel was designed by Gustav Eiffel. It has 40 rooms, all with a bathtub, A/C, TV and other modern conveniences. I have wonderful memories of staying here. The comforts and the hospitality of the attendants who serve guests would make me glad to return one day. My American friend Richard Bradshaw recounts his experience, which is at the core of this review. For all these reasons, I rated the hotel 4 stars.

The ambience made me feel as if I’d stepped into another era. The rooms are basic and there’s no lift, but it’s still well worth a stay.