Question 1

Which are the best hotels to stay in Dakar as a budget traveler?

Accepted Answer

The best hotels to stay in Dakar as a budget traveller include Sama Hotels, Wakola business hotels, and Hôtel Le Djoloff.

Sama Hotels boasts a superb 10.0 rating, with guests consistently praising the helpful staff and clean rooms. It offers excellent value with free buffet breakfast, free Wi-Fi, and complimentary toiletries.

For those travelling with pets, Wakola business hotels, rated 9.6, is a great choice as pets stay free. It also provides free continental breakfast, free self-parking, and free Wi-Fi, ensuring a comfortable and convenient stay.

Question 2

How much does a budget hotel in Dakar cost?

Accepted Answer

Budget hotel prices in Dakar vary, but you can find a great deal from CA $109 on Expedia. To find the cheapest budget hotels, be flexible with your dates—typically, off-peak and mid-week stays are cheaper. Stretch your budget further by looking for hotels with free breakfast, free parking or free airport shuttles. Sort your search results by "Price: low to high" to see our lowest rates.

Question 3

Which area of Dakar is best to stay in for cheap hotels?

Accepted Answer

For solo travellers seeking cheap hotels in Dakar, the Médina and Grand Dakar areas are generally your best bet, offering a good selection of budget-friendly accommodation options. These neighbourhoods are known for their vibrant local life and offer a more authentic, less touristy experience.

In Médina, you'll find numerous guesthouses and smaller hotels that are often significantly cheaper than those in more affluent areas. It's a bustling district, rich in local markets and street food vendors, providing plenty of opportunities for affordable dining and cultural immersion. The area is also relatively central, making it easier to access other parts of the city using local transport, such as shared taxis or 'car rapides'.

Grand Dakar also presents good value for money when it comes to accommodation. While perhaps less historically picturesque than Médina, it offers a practical base with a range of budget hotels and guesthouses.

Question 4

What are the top-rated cheap hotels for families in Dakar?

Accepted Answer

For families seeking top-rated, affordable accommodation in Dakar, Ibis Styles Dakar and Hotel du Phare are excellent choices.

The 3-star Ibis Styles Dakar, with an 8.0 rating, is particularly well-suited for families, offering free self-parking and complimentary WiFi. Children are well catered for with a free children's club, a playground, and free cribs available. Reviews highlight the nice, newly remodelled rooms.

Another great option is the 3-star Hotel du Phare, also with an 8.0 rating. This hotel provides free self-parking, complimentary WiFi, and free toiletries.

Question 5

What cheap hotels in Dakar offer complimentary breakfast?

Accepted Answer

When seeking budget-friendly accommodation in Dakar that includes complimentary breakfast, Sama Hotels, Wakola business hotels, Hotel Le Littoral des Almadies, Hotel Fleur de Lys Almadies, and Hôtel Résidence La Corniche are all excellent options.

Sama Hotels, with a superb 10.0 review rating, offers free buffet breakfast daily, ensuring a great start to your day. Guests frequently praise the helpful staff and clean rooms, and free WiFi is also included.

Wakola business hotels, rated 9.6, provides a complimentary continental breakfast and free WiFi. Additionally, if you're travelling with pets, they stay free of charge, and self-parking is also free.

The 3-star Hotel Le Littoral des Almadies, rated 7.8, includes a free continental breakfast daily and free WiFi. Guests will also appreciate the free self-parking.

Another excellent choice is the 3-star Hotel Fleur de Lys Almadies, with a 7.2 rating. This hotel offers a free buffet breakfast daily, including on weekends. Reviewers often mention the friendly and helpful staff, and its great location. Free WiFi is also provided.

Question 6

When is the most affordable time to visit Dakar?

Accepted Answer

The most affordable time to visit Dakar is typically during the off-peak season, which aligns with the rainy season from July to October. During these months, demand for flights and accommodation is lower, leading to more great prices.

While it is the rainy season, showers are often short and intense, leaving plenty of sunshine to explore. For solo travellers, this period offers a quieter experience, with fewer crowds at popular sites and potentially more personalised service. You might find better deals on guesthouses and local 'auberges', especially in areas like the Medina or near the bustling markets, which offer an authentic glimpse into daily life without breaking the bank.

Couples looking for value can also benefit from these months. Many hotels, particularly those further from the city centre, offer reduced rates. This allows for savings that can be redirected to experiences like visiting Gorée Island, exploring the Pink Lake (Lac Rose), or enjoying the vibrant music scene in the evening.

Question 7

What are the best cheap hotels in Dakar with a pool?

Accepted Answer

For budget-friendly hotels in Dakar that feature a pool, consider Sama Hotels, Lodge Des Almadies, Hôtel Le Sokhamon, Ibis Styles Dakar, and Hotel Le Littoral des Almadies.

Sama Hotels boasts a great 10.0 review rating, and guests frequently mention the helpful, great staff and clean rooms. It offers an outdoor pool, free WiFi, and complimentary toiletries, along with free buffet breakfast on weekdays and weekends.

The 3-star Lodge Des Almadies, rated 8.2, features an outdoor pool with sun loungers, free WiFi, and complimentary toiletries. Free self-parking is also available, adding to its convenience.

Another 3-star option, Hôtel Le Sokhamon, rated 7.4, provides an outdoor pool and a poolside bar. It also offers free WiFi, free self-parking, and a convenient 24-hour airport shuttle.

The 3-star Ibis Styles Dakar, with an 8.0 rating, has an outdoor pool and is highly praised by guests for its nice, newly remodelled rooms. It also provides free self-parking, free WiFi, and a complimentary children's club with a playground.

Finally, the 3-star Hotel Le Littoral des Almadies, rated 7.8, offers an outdoor pool and a children's pool.

Question 8

Is Dakar a budget-friendly destination?

Accepted Answer

While Dakar is generally considered more expensive than some other West African cities, travellers can absolutely experience its vibrant culture on a budget with some smart planning.

For accommodation, look for guesthouses or smaller hotels in areas like the Medina or Point E, which offer more local prices than the central business districts. These neighbourhoods provide a more authentic experience and are well-connected by local transport. Solo travellers might also find good value in hostels, particularly those offering communal kitchens to save on food costs.

Couples can save on dining by exploring the local markets, such as Kermel Market, for fresh produce and ingredients to prepare their own meals. Eating at "dibiteries" (local grill houses) or street food stalls offers delicious and incredibly affordable meals. Many of Dakar's most engaging experiences are also free or low-cost, including relaxing on the beautiful beaches like Plage de Ngor, exploring the colourful markets, or simply soaking in the lively option of the city.

Question 9

What cheap hotels in Dakar offer cooking facilities or kitchenettes?

Accepted Answer

For cheap hotels in Dakar offering cooking facilities or kitchenettes, consider AfricaWorks Suites and Résidence paryss 3.

The 3-star AfricaWorks Suites, with an impressive 9.8 rating, provides convenient kitchenettes in its rooms. Guests can also enjoy free WiFi, free self-parking, and a rooftop terrace.

Question 10

Which cheap hotels in Dakar have good reviews for customer service?

Accepted Answer

For affordable hotels in Dakar with great customer service, travellers often praise Sama Hotels, Hotel du Phare, Hotel Illiyin, and Hotel Fleur de Lys Almadies.

Sama Hotels, with a great 10.0 rating, stands out for its exceptional staff, consistently described as great and helpful by guests. The hotel provides excellent value with complimentary buffet breakfast, free Wi-Fi, and free toiletries, ensuring a comfortable stay.

The 3-star Hotel du Phare, rated 8.0, offers helpful staff and convenient amenities like a 24-hour airport shuttle, free Wi-Fi, and complimentary toiletries. Free self-parking is also available, adding to its practical appeal.

Another strong choice is the 3-star Hotel Illiyin, also with an 8.0 rating. Guests appreciate the helpful staff, along with a 24-hour airport shuttle, free Wi-Fi, and complimentary toiletries. Free self-parking further enhances its convenience.

The 3-star Hotel Fleur de Lys Almadies, with a 7.2 rating, is known for its great service and friendly, helpful staff.

Question 11

How can I save on a budget hotel in Dakar with Expedia?

Accepted Answer

There are plenty of ways to save on a budget hotel in Dakar. Unlock our lowest prices by joining One Key™, Expedia's travel rewards program. It's free and easy to sign up, and you can access member perks too. Typically, booking in advance will help you save on your hotel booking. If you're feeling spontaneous, be sure to check for last-minute deals.

Question 12

What free activities should we do in Dakar?

Accepted Answer

Dakar offers a surprising number of free activities that allow budget-conscious solo travellers to immerse themselves in the city's vibrant culture without spending a penny. You can explore the city's bustling markets, relax on its urban beaches, and discover historical sites that tell Senegal's rich story.

For solo travellers, a wander through the Medina market is an essential, free experience. This sprawling labyrinth of stalls, located near the Grand Mosque, offers a sensory overload of sights, sounds, and smells. You can browse local crafts, textiles, and street food, soaking in the lively option, even if you don't buy anything. It's a fantastic way to observe daily life and interact with locals.

Another great free option is to visit the beaches along the Corniche Ouest. While some areas have paid access, many stretches like Plage de Soumbédioune or Plage de Ngor are open to the public. Here, you can enjoy a refreshing swim in the Atlantic or simply relax on the sand, watching the local fishermen and surfers. The coastal road itself is pleasant for a stroll, offering views of the ocean and the city skyline.

Finally, a trip to the African Renaissance Monument, while the interior museum has an entry fee, the monument itself and its surrounding plaza are free to visit. This imposing bronze statue, symbolising the rise of Africa, offers panoramic views of Dakar from its elevated position on one of the Deux Mamelles hills.

Question 13

Is it cheaper to book flights and a hotel in Dakar as a package?

Accepted Answer

Booking a hotel and flight package on Expedia can be cheaper than booking flights and hotels separately. Bundling can lead to significant savings, especially for international travel or when booking well in advance. However, savings vary depending on factors like destination, travel dates, and availability, so it’s wise to compare options. With access to over 300,000 hotels worldwide, Expedia makes it easy to build the perfect travel package.

Question 14

Can I cancel my budget hotel reservation on Expedia?

Accepted Answer

Many Expedia hotel reservations are refundable, provided that you cancel before the hotel's cancellation deadline. This is often within 24-48 hours of your scheduled arrival. Be sure to check your booking confirmation for the exact cancellation policy. For maximum flexibility, use Expedia's "Fully refundable property" filter during your search to find the right budget hotel in Dakar for you.

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