The Atlantic is Banjul's only first class hotel. An easy cool-weather walk from the town centre, opposite the Gambia's Foreign Ministry on the old Marine Parade, the capital's shadiest and most 'colonial' thoroughfare, which Tomkinson (Gambia book) tells us began as the protectorate's Regent Place and in 1999 became Muammar al Gadhafi Avenue.

The Atlantic has a spacious, landscaped frontage with a drive in past security to the front doors. To the right is parking space and a small taxi park.

The reception area is massive and sweeps left between the boutique, hairdresser's & offices, Bar and 'High life' al a carte restaurant. At the end is the Tropicana Patio and the Katcha Dula Bar and the 'Bantaba' restaurant, which has an open-air entertainment area beside it.

There is a good sized the kidney-shaped pool, with sun loungers round it, a pool bar and thatched umbrellas beneath some tall palms. Snacks are served here and at seats outside and above the beach.

The 200 rooms and 4 suites occupy 3 wings looking like a letter Y from the air (see David McKee's picture).

The hotel boasts its own clinic, a satellite TV room and 3 pool tables, there are volleyball, croquet, squash and floodlit tennis courts

Clive Barlow, the writer of the excellent 'Birds of the Gambia' has created the 'Atlantic Bird Garden' which has attracted 155 bird species and even rare forest varieties have started breeding here. It is also his base since 1990 and houses the offices of his 'Gambia Bird-watchers Ltd.

Bed & breakfast is £65 per room per night.