Discovering The Rooftop Boutique Hotel – Serekunda’s Hidden Gem
If you’re searching for a true hidden gem in The Gambia and a unique alternative to a bustling resort, look no further than the Rooftop Boutique Hotel. Tucked away on the roof of a charming building in the heart of Serekunda, this intimate retreat offers stunning views, a peaceful escape, and plenty of personal touches that make for an unforgettable stay in West Africa.
The Décor & Roof Terrace
You are immediately struck by the elegant décor, carefully accented by antiques and beautiful, tasteful furniture, with an unobstructed 360-degree panoramic view of the town’s surroundings. The hotel’s lush greenery and plants contribute to a jungle-like atmosphere, offering an oasis of calm in an otherwise dry and arid environment. The sweet sounds of chirping birds — something The Gambia is known for — fill the air, enhancing the serene ambiance. Thanks to the elevated nature of the building, a gentle breeze cools the space, adding to the tranquility.
The pièce de résistance has to be the roof terrace’s four-poster-style sunbeds, complete with cushions that are swapped from day to night. Here you can catch the sunrise in the morning, lounge in tranquil respite for sunbathing during the day, or watch the sunset on the horizon with a cup of tea in the evening. There are also picturesque breakout areas located throughout the property, perfect for soaking up the relaxed atmosphere.
A Cosy & Intimate Vibe
With only seven rooms — each named after a famous hotel around the world — the Rooftop Boutique Hotel is designed for travellers seeking a cosy, personalised experience that feels more like staying at a good friend’s home than at a traditional hotel.
The small-scale nature of the hotel ensures a warm and inviting ambiance, ideal for unwinding after a day of exploration. It’s also perfect for couples seeking a peaceful stay, as the hotel is adults-only.
A Convenient Location
One of the standout features of the Rooftop Boutique Hotel is its prime location. Not only does it provide easy access to the vibrant surroundings of Serekunda, but it also offers incredible convenience. A currency exchange is located just downstairs, eliminating the hassle of finding a place to exchange money — particularly valuable in The Gambia, as it operates a closed currency. This means you cannot bring local currency (Dalasi) with you, and it can only be obtained once you arrive.
Nearby, small, hole-in-the-wall kiosks and mini marts provide snacks and essentials, such as fresh local bread (tapalapa) and crisps. Additionally, The Neem Tree, a casual dining restaurant just across the road, offers a variety of local and international dishes, juices, and beers at very reasonable prices.
Serekunda is a well-known resort town, located approximately a 30 minute drive from Banjul International Airport. While most larger-scale hotels are situated within the Senegambia ‘strip’ area, the beauty of the Rooftop Boutique Hotel lies in its peaceful residential location, just a 20 minute walk from the bustling resort area. The beach and Bijilo Monkey Park are also around a 15 minute walk away.
The hotel also offers airport transfers, making the journey to and from Banjul Airport quick, easy, and convenient. This service costs £30 per vehicle, and the trip takes around 30 minutes.
Exceptional Service & Warm Hospitality
From the moment you arrive, you are welcomed with warmth. The owner, Urban, greets guests personally—often with a cold beer in hand!—and is always ready to share his fascinating life stories. Meanwhile, the hotel’s concierge, Abdou, is always available to assist with transportation arrangements and any other needs, ensuring a smooth and stress-free stay.
The hotel is very private, with round-the-clock security and no outside visitors, meaning you and your belongings are entirely safe at all times. And the attention to detail overall is exceptional. After one excursion where our shoes got muddy, a member of the housekeeping team kindly offered to dry-wash our hiking boots—such a thoughtful and generous gesture!
Something else worth noting is that the hotel has its own electricity supply, which is particularly useful during the occasional power cuts in the area (a common occurrence in the country). The Rooftop Boutique Hotel ensures power is restored almost immediately, meaning your comfort is never interrupted.
Beautiful Rooms Full of Character
Our stay was made that much more special by a surprise room upgrade upon arrival, and it exceeded our expectations. The room featured plush furniture for a cosy, homely feel, a fully stocked kitchen for added convenience, a unique raised bed with a mosquito net, a beautiful bathroom with a separate toilet, and a luggage room. Ample storage space, including a safe for valuables, made us feel completely at home.
Air conditioning is available in every room for an additional £10 per day—a reasonable cost given the high price of energy in The Gambia. However, ceiling fans are provided as standard, and we found them more than sufficient for staying cool during our stay.
A Self-Serve, Trust-Based Bar System
A charming highlight of the hotel is its self-serve bar, which operates on a trust system. Guests can help themselves to a wide variety of alcoholic beverages, spirits, juices, beers, and water, as well as ice. You simply note what you take and settle your bill at the end of your stay. This relaxed approach fosters a sociable atmosphere, something that Urban is very proud of.
A Made-To-Order Fresh Breakfast Spread
Mornings at the Rooftop Boutique Hotel are truly special, with a long table set up in the centre of the communal space by the bar. It’s deliberately arranged to encourage guests to mingle and chat in the mornings, creating a sense of community.
Breakfast costs just £10 per person, per day, and guests are asked to inform staff the day before, as Tamara, the head housekeeper, goes out to purchase fresh produce daily. She and her team of friendly young ladies serve the spread, which includes fresh yogurt and fruit, eggs (boiled or an omelette), a variety of vegetables, cheese and bread, fresh juice, tea, and coffee. The quality and variety make it absolutely worth it!
A Peaceful Getaway in The Gambia
Whether you’re seeking a relaxing retreat or a well-located base for exploring The Gambia, the Rooftop Boutique Hotel ticks all the boxes. With its spacious and well-thought-out rooms, warm hospitality, and unbeatable convenience, I would highly recommend it for travellers looking for something special.
If you’re planning a trip to The Gambia, be sure to add this boutique stay to your itinerary.
Until next time,
Lica xoxo
