Ibis Styles Dakar: Your Dream Senegalese Escape Awaits!
Senegal Dreams & Sandy Slippers: My Ibis Styles Dakar Ramblings
Okay, so I'm back from Dakar, and my brain is still marinated in the colours, the smells, and the sheer vibrancy of Senegal. And you know what? Ibis Styles Dakar? It's not just a hotel; it's a vibe. Now, I'm not one for gushing reviews – I'm more of a "tell it like it is" kind of traveller, so buckle up. This is going to be a bumpy, but honest, ride.
First Impressions (and the all-important Accessibility!)
Right, let's be real: the first thing I'm looking for is Accessibility. Because, honey, I'm not about that stairs life. And Ibis Styles scores pretty well here. The Elevator is a lifesaver, obviously. They have Facilities for disabled guests, which, good! Wheelchair accessible is a big plus (though I didn't specifically test it, I saw enough to be optimistic). The hallways seemed wide enough, and the overall layout was manageable. They even had this sweet Exterior corridor setup that made me feel like I was cruising the French Quarter. Honestly, a good start.
Getting Connected (Gotta Stay Online!)
Now, let's be honest, I’m completely addicted to the internet (don't judge me!), so Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! was a huge win. And not just some Wi-Fi, either – it actually worked! Okay, it wasn't blazing fast, but it was consistent enough to stream a movie or two (thanks, On-demand movies!). Internet access – wireless in the rooms? Check. They also had Internet [LAN] if you’re a dinosaur who still uses that. I’m not. I did see Wi-Fi in public areas too, but who wants to sit in the lobby when you have a comfy bed?
Rooms: Cozy & Convenient (with a few quirks)
My room was… well, it was clean. Seriously, Cleanliness and safety seemed to be a priority. (And in these times, that's HUGE.) The Rooms sanitized between stays promise made me feel better too. The Air conditioning was a godsend – Dakar gets HOT. And the Blackout curtains? Absolute gold for a sleeping-in enthusiast like myself.
The room itself had the usual suspects: a Desk (finally somewhere I could do some work!), a Seating area, a Closet, a Coffee/tea maker (thank god for the Complimentary tea!), a Mini bar (a little pricey, though), and a Refrigerator. Basic, but functional.
Okay, here's where it gets a little… messy.
The Bathroom phone was a cute touch (who uses those anymore?!), but the water pressure in the shower? Let's just say it was more of a gentle trickle than a power wash. And the Toiletries? Well, let's just say I’m glad I brought my own. BUT, the Additional toilet was a lifesaver, especially after the spicy food! The room’s Soundproofing was decent, but I could still hear the Dakar nightlife – a distant rumble of music and laughter – which, honestly, I kind of loved. (Added to the Senegal experience, baby!) Food, Glorious Food! (And the Dining Dilemma)
Alright, let's talk about the grub situation. Dining. Drinking, and snacking… it's important, right?
Breakfast [buffet] was included. Now, I'm a huge fan of a good breakfast buffet. I'm talking the Buffet in restaurant with all the options. The Asian breakfast was a nice touch, and there was the usual Western breakfast fare, too. They also had an A la carte in restaurant, with a Salad in restaurant, and Soup in restaurant. This was something. They did have some Desserts in restaurant, too. Unfortunately, it's all very typical. The Coffee/tea in restaurant was decent. Coffee shop? No idea, didn't go. They did a Breakfast takeaway service, which some people would like, I suspect.
And the Happy hour was fantastic. The Poolside bar was the perfect place to unwind after battling the Dakar heat. The best part? The bartenders were super friendly, and the drinks were strong. Which is exactly what I needed. I spent one afternoon by the Swimming pool [outdoor] losing track of time, and it was glorious. The view from the pool was just stunning. I'd go again just for that.
However, and this is where my opinion gets a little… spicy, there was a lot of the same food. And, honestly, I got a bit bored of it. I'm not a fussy eater, but I think some more variety will make the food far better.
Oh, and Alternative meal arrangement? I didn't need it, but good to know it's there.
Relax & Rejuvenate (Spa Delights & Fitness Fumbles)
Alright, let's talk ways to relax. The Pool with view was brilliant I already said that! Sauna, Spa/sauna, Spa, and steamroom? I sadly didn't get a chance to try these, but I heard good things.
The Fitness center was… well, it existed. Let's leave it at that. The Gym/fitness was basic. I'm not going to sugarcoat it. If you’re a serious gym rat, you might want to skip this. But it had enough to keep me from gaining too much weight from all that lovely food. (And those cocktails!)
I heard about the Massage and the Body scrub and Body wrap in the Spa, but I’m not really a spa person. Sorry guys.
Services & Conveniences (The Good, the Bad, and the Slightly Weird)
The Staff trained in safety protocol, and there was a Doctor/nurse on call if you need it. Excellent. Emergency protocols. The Hand sanitizer was plentiful. Physical distancing of at least 1 meter was enforced.
The Concierge was super helpful. Needed to get a SIM card? They're on it. Need help finding a decent restaurant? Sorted.
The Cash withdrawal was convenient. The Cashless payment service was a godsend. I didn't have to worry about carrying loads of cash.
Now, a little rant (I can’t help it!). The Gift/souvenir shop was a bit… sparse. Seriously, guys, you need more Senegalese-themed goodies! I mean, come on!
Things To Do & Being a Tourist (Dakar Delights!)
While the Hotel itself is a good base for exploring everything Dakar has to offer, the hotel is not necessarily a tourist location in and of itself. The airport transfer: Convenient Taxi service: Available Car park [on-site], car park [free of charge]: Perfect Bicycle parking: Available.
The Quirky Details (And the Things I Missed)
The Shrine. Huh? I didn’t see it. Proposal spot: I certainly didn’t use that. The Couple's room. Nice, but not applicable. Kids facilities, and Babysitting service: Seems great though, but didn’t have the opportunity.
Cleanliness & Safety (The Important Stuff)
This is where Ibis Styles Dakar really shines. Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, First aid kit, Hot water linen and laundry washing, Hygiene certification, Individually-wrapped food options, Professional-grade sanitizing services, and Room sanitization opt-out available… all these things made me feel safe and secure. Safe dining setup and Sanitized kitchen and tableware items were also a huge plus. They had a Fire extinguisher, Security [24-hour], and Smoke alarms.
My Ibis Styles Dakar Verdict: A Solid Choice (with a Few Caveats)
Ibis Styles Dakar is a solid choice, especially if you are on a budget! The location is great, the staff is friendly, and the overall vibe is relaxed and welcoming. The Wi-Fi is good. The pool area and the bar are fantastic. But, the food could be better, and the gym needs an upgrade.
But here's the thing – you're not just paying for a hotel room. You're paying for an experience. And Ibis Styles Dakar delivers that experience. It's a comfortable, convenient base from which to explore the wonders of Dakar and Senegal. And for that? It’s a thumbs up from me.
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Okay, buckle up, buttercups. This isn't your glossy brochure itinerary. This is real life, Ibis Styles Dakar style. Prepare for potential sand in your sandals, broken promises, and maybe, just maybe, a moment or two of sheer, unexpected joy.
Subject: Dakar: Expect Chaos (and Maybe Fall in Love With It)
Hotel: Ibis Styles Dakar (Let's hope the AC actually works this time, huh?)
Day 1: Arrival - Jet Lag, Jollof Rice Dreams, and a Prayer
- Morning (or what feels like morning after that 12-hour flight): Landed at Blaise Diagne International Airport. The heat hits you like a brick wall. Seriously, it's like stepping into a hairdryer. Immigration? A gentle dance of patience and smiling (and maybe slipping a few extra bills into your passport… just kidding… mostly). Grabbed my luggage, fought off about a dozen eager taxi drivers promising me "the best price, Madame/Monsieur!" Settled on a guy who seemed less predatory. Prayed to the travel gods the car didn't spontaneously combust on the way to Dakar.
- Afternoon: Arrived at the Ibis Styles. Check-in. Prayed the room wasn't a closet. It wasn’t! (Victory!). Settle in. Shower. (Glorious shower). Face planting into the bed for an hour nap. The jet lag is a real beast, y'all.
- Evening: Jollof Rice Mission: Success! Found a restaurant near the hotel (the wifi there was more reliable than the hotel's, let’s be honest). Ordered Jollof rice and was completely blown away. So. Damn. Good. Seriously, the flavors… the spices… it was a party in my mouth. The rice was perfect, the chicken was falling off the bone. Heaven. I had a tiny moment where I considered ordering a second plate, but my stomach won out. Strolled back to the hotel, still buzzing from the rice and the sheer fact that I hadn't completely messed up my first day.
Day 2: Ile de Gorée – History, Heartbreak, and a Seriously Bad Boat Ride
- Morning: Woke up feeling slightly less like a zombie. Decided on a trip to Gorée Island. The ferry terminal was a chaotic symphony of shouting vendors, insistent touts and, well, more heat. Found myself squashed onto a boat that looked like it had seen better days. Didn't feel great.
- Afternoon: Gorée Island. Okay, the island itself is small, colorful, and beautiful. BUT. The weight of history. The Slave House. Standing there, feeling the ghosts of the past… it’s heavy. The tour around was sobering, heartbreaking. I was speechless. I needed some time to be silent, to think.
- Evening: Spent the late afternoon relaxing by the beach in Gorée, walking back to the hotel. Dinner at the hotel restaurant. (Fine but nothing special).
Day 3: Markets, Madness, and a Mango Thief (Maybe Me?)
- Morning: Marché Kermel – Let the negotiation commence! Plunged headfirst into the sensory overload of the Marché Kermel. The colors, the smells… the sheer noise! Learned to haggle like a pro (or at least, I think I did). Got a beautiful scarf for a ridiculously low price. Felt like a queen. Bought a fresh mango that turned out to be the taste of pure sunshine.
- Afternoon: "Taxi! Taxi!" I will never understand how they can drive so fast. Found myself lost in the streets, the driver dropping me off in a district that looked like a scene from a movie. I was scared, but also… intrigued. Wandered aimlessly. My sense of direction is notoriously bad, so that wasn't a surprise.
- Evening: Rambling: I had booked a tour of the local museums, but I was so exhausted by the day’s adventure that I went back to the hotel and spent the evening reading. Another bad choice.
Day 4: Beach Bliss (Sort Of) and a Cultural Clash
- Morning: Hit the beach at Plage de N'Gor. The sand was gorgeous, the water was warm. Tried to relax. But the constant hustling by vendors selling everything from sunglasses to camel rides was annoying. My peaceful moment was disturbed.
- Afternoon: Tried to find a local cultural center. Got hopelessly lost again. Ended up accidentally stumbling into a lively neighborhood. Met some friendly locals. My French is rusty, but we managed to communicate through laughter and gestures. They shared some bissap juice and told me about the local music scene.
- Evening: Ate at a small restaurant. Food was great, but the music blasting from the speakers was, let's just say, an… acquired taste. I would had preferred something more authentic, but it was fine. I smiled anyway.
Day 5: Departure – Feeling a Littler Worn, but Mostly Wonderful
- Morning: Last breakfast at the Ibis Styles. Tried to savor the moment. Packed my bags. Checked out. Headed to the airport.
- Afternoon: Flight home.
- Evening: Arrived at home.
My Final Thoughts:
Dakar is… challenging. It's messy. It's overwhelming. It will test your patience, your sense of direction, and your ability to cope with heat. BUT it's also vibrant, full of life, and utterly unforgettable. Would I go back? Absolutely. In a heartbeat. This time, I would come better prepared, with better instructions, and would learn a few more french words.
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Ibis Styles Dakar: Seriously, Is This Place as Cool as It Sounds? (Spoiler: Mostly!)
Okay, real talk: Is Ibis Styles Dakar actually a good place to stay? I'm seeing all these pictures...
Alright, so here's the deal. The pictures? They're probably, like, 80% accurate. It's *definitely* stylish, you've got that covered. The pool is legit, not some tiny kiddie pool pretending to be something it's not. The colors are vibrant, and it *does* feel like a cool, modern escape right in the heart of Dakar. I went in expecting a slightly… sterile experience, you know? Like a textbook hotel. But nope, it's got personality. That said, remember you're in Senegal, so don't expect Swiss clockwork precision. Sometimes, the elevator might be a *little* slow. Or the Wi-Fi... well, let's just say it keeps you 'grounded' in the African experience. Which, honestly, is sometimes a blessing, right?
What's the vibe like at the hotel? Is it… boring? (I'm not trying to be a snob, I just don't want to feel like I'm in a museum).
Boring? Heck no! Ibis Styles Dakar feels like a social hub. There's usually a nice hum of activity, people chatting in the lobby, maybe a group chilling by the pool. I spent a whole afternoon just people-watching, and lemme tell you, Dakar is a fascinating city in microcosm. The staff are super friendly, always smiling, even when I was struggling with my atrocious French (a real learning opportunity!). Also, the bar... that's where the magic happens. Great cocktails, perfect for easing into the Senegalese vibe. On my second night, I met an Australian couple who'd been traveling around for six months. We ended up swapping travel disasters and laughing until the early hours. Good times. Just be prepared for a bit of a language barrier if you're not fluent in French or Wolof. But hey, pointing and smiling go a long way!
The rooms... are they actually "stylish"? Or are they just, you know, a room?
Okay, "stylish" is accurate. The rooms *are* genuinely well-designed, with pops of color and modern touches you won't find in some of the more basic hotels. They actually *feel* nice to be in. The bed, bless it, felt like a cloud after a day sweating it out in the Dakar heat. The air conditioning is a godsend – trust me on this one. I loved the little details, like the artwork on the walls. My only tiny (and I mean *tiny*) gripe? The bathroom was a bit… compact. But hey, it's Dakar, not a palace! And honestly, after a day exploring and eating way too much thieboudienne, all I needed was a clean shower, which the hotel certainly supplies.
What about the food? I'm a foodie, and I'm worried about hotel food being… blah.
The food is… surprisingly good! The breakfast buffet is decent, nothing groundbreaking, but totally sufficient to get you going. Loads of fresh fruit (mangoes, mangoes everywhere! Heaven!), pastries, and the usual continental breakfast suspects. Don't expect gastronomic pyrotechnics. But the key is that there's a restaurant, so you're not just stuck with your choices. They would vary the menu every day, so you won't feel like stuck in a rut, and that's a win in my book.
Is the hotel in a good location for exploring Dakar? Is it easy to get around?
Totally. The location is fantastic! You're close to a bunch of key areas, including the city center and the airport. Walking is… possible, but Dakar is hot and busy, so I'd recommend taxis or ride-sharing apps. They are cheap and readily available. Ask the hotel staff to help you arrange a taxi - they're super helpful with that kind of stuff. Just be prepared for some *interesting* driving – Dakar traffic is, shall we say, an experience. Buckle up, hold on tight, and enjoy the ride!
What about the pool? Is it as good as it looks in the photos?
Oh. My. God. The pool. Alright, so the photos don't lie. The pool is a *lifesaver*. It's big enough to actually swim in, and it’s surrounded by comfy loungers and umbrellas. Seriously, after a day of battling the Dakar heat and dust, plunging yourself into that cool water is pure bliss. They even have a little pool bar, so you can sip a cocktail while you're enjoying the sun. I spent a solid afternoon there, just reading my book and avoiding the chaos of the city. It's a perfect oasis of calm. One word of warning, I went during peak travel time, so sometimes it was a bit busy. But with some careful timing, you should be able to find a spot to unwind. Just go, you won't regret it.
Are there any downsides? C'mon, spill the tea.
Okay, fine, the downsides. Nothing major, but here's the lowdown. As mentioned, the Wi-Fi can be spotty. Be prepared to disconnect, and embrace the digital detox. The language barrier can be a tiny challenge if you don't speak French. Learning a few basic phrases beforehand is a good idea. Oh, and sometimes, the service can be a little… leisurely. Don't be in a massive rush, and you'll be fine. It's all part of the Senegalese charm, you know? And the last thing, the noise. Dakar can be a noisy city, so if you're a light sleeper, ask for a room away from the street. But hey, even with those minor things, I'd still 100% recommend the Ibis Styles.
What's the staff like? Are they helpful?
The staff are absolutely lovely! Seriously, they're one of the best parts of the whole experience. They're friendly, helpful, and always smiling. Their English is variable, so you may need to practice your French (or use Google Translate!), but they always go out of their way to help. I had a minor issue with my air conditioning, and they fixed it immediately. They're also great at giving recommendations for things to do and places to eat. They arranged a taxi for me and even gave me some tips on haggling (very important!). They made me feel welcome and comfortable, which is invaluable when you're in a new country. I'd rate them a solid 10/1Find That Hotel
