Terrou-Bi

Terrou-Bi is Dakar's best-known seafront resort hotel, set on the Corniche Ouest in the Fann Hock district between the Plateau and the western suburbs. It has been founded and owned by the Rahal family for three generations and has recently marked its 40th anniversary. The hotel describes itself as a five-star resort, and its combination of beach, pool, casino and restaurants means many guests barely need to leave.

Rooms are arranged in standard, superior comfort and suite categories, and all have a private balcony. A business travel guide counted 168 rooms including ten suites. The property suits both business travellers, thanks to its central position, and leisure guests who want a beach holiday with the city on the doorstep.

The facilities are extensive. There is a private beach with calm water and palm trees, a swimming pool about 34 metres long and a fitness centre with sea views. The spa offers massages and treatments and a hammam, and there is a beauty salon. The casino has around 140 slot machines, electronic roulette, table games and a quieter poker room, and is one of the hotel's main evening attractions.

Eating and drinking is a big part of a stay. La Terrasse, a seafood and brasserie restaurant under a pergola, has been running for 35 years and extends out over the Atlantic; Le Grain de Sel looks over the marina; Le Solarium sits between the ocean and the pool and is the place for sunset drinks; and Le Cube, a pop-art bar inside the casino, serves food continuously. Le Diamono is a hi-fi listening bar. Le Petit Journal's Dakar edition notes that pool day packages here have been popular with Dakar residents at weekends.

The Plateau, the Musée Théodore Monod d'Art Africain and the Grand Mosque are a short drive away, and the port for Gorée is easy to reach by taxi. Westwards along the corniche lie the Soumbédioune craft market, the boats to the Îles de la Madeleine and, further on, the African Renaissance Monument. Book directly through the hotel's sales team or website, and ask for a sea-view room on a higher floor if views matter to you.