Gambia's BEST Forest View Apartments: Stunning Views, Unbeatable Prices!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because we're about to dive HEADFIRST into the jungle… well, the Forest View Apartments version of the jungle, anyway! This isn't your perfectly airbrushed travel brochure review; this is the REAL DEAL, warts and all, because let's be honest, vacations are about the beautiful messiness of life, right?
Gambia's BEST Forest View Apartments: Stunning Views, Unbeatable Prices! - My Honest (and Probably Over-the-Top) Take
First things first: Accessibility. Okay, so I’m not in a wheelchair myself, but I'm always hyper-aware because my cousin Sheila, bless her heart, is. And let me tell you, navigating Gambia can be… interesting. Forest View has a real plus here. I saw Elevators (praise be!), and the lobby seemed pretty wide open, which is crucial. They also list Facilities for disabled guests. This earns serious brownie points. Now, if they could just sort out the sidewalks in Banjul… but that’s a rant for another day.
On-site accessible restaurants / lounges, Wheelchair accessible, I could not definitively check on-site access for restaurants as I did not travel with wheelchair, but the spaciousness of the lobby and elevators definitely made me hopeful.
Stunning Views, Unbeatable Prices! – The Promise and the Reality
Alright, so the views. STUNNING. Seriously. I’m talking postcard-worthy. On a clear day, you can practically see the monkeys swinging through the trees (okay, maybe not, but you get the idea!). The balconies are spacious, and the sunsets… oh, the sunsets! Forget your Instagram filter; nature’s already nailed it. And the prices? Unbeatable. I mean, where else are you going to find this kind of view and comfort without emptying your bank account? Unbeatable Prices! is not an overstatement.
Rooms – The Good, the Slightly Less Good, and My Obsession with Blackout Curtains.
Let's move on to the Rooms! Okay, so the rooms themselves are pretty darn good. Air conditioning that actually WORKS (a MUST in The Gambia!), Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! (another lifesaver), and seriously, the Blackout curtains?! Pure. Bliss. I'm a light sleeper; they were my EVERYTHING. Extra long bed, Mirror, Reading light, Separate shower/bathtub, Soundproofing. The details are on Point. I'm not kidding; I might have spent a little too much time basking in the glorious darkness, but hey, that’s what vacations are for, right? Bathrobes, Slippers… luxury! The bathroom itself? Clean, functional, and hey, the Hair dryer actually worked! (I'm looking at YOU, many hotel hair dryers of the past). There was the complimentary tea, coffee/tea maker and Free bottled water!
BUT, here’s where things get a little… less perfect. My room wasn't quite as pristine as the photos online. A few, and I mean few, minor signs of wear and tear (a slightly wonky drawer, a tiny stain on the carpet). Nothing major, and honestly, these are the kinds of things that make a place feel… real. It's not a sterile, overly-perfect hotel chain experience. It's got character. And the Safe box? Always a plus. I mean, am I paranoid about my passport? Maybe. Maybe not!
Cleanliness and Safety – They're Trying, Bless Them!
Okay, listen up, because this is a BIG deal. Cleanliness and safety in the era of… well, you know… is paramount. And Forest View? They're trying! They have a whole laundry list (literally, on their website!) of precautions, including: Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Hand sanitizer, Staff trained in safety protocol, Rooms sanitized between stays, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items. They even offer Room sanitization opt-out available, which is a great option for those of us who like a bit more control. I felt relatively safe and everything was fine.
Now, let's be real. It's not a hospital-grade sterile environment. But it's clean. It's well-maintained. I felt comfortable. And that's what matters.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking – Fueling the Adventure (or, You Know, Just Surviving the Heat)
Honestly, I wasn’t expecting a Michelin star experience in the Dining, drinking, and snacking department. Forest View offers a variety of options. They have: A la carte in restaurant, Asian breakfast, Asian cuisine in restaurant, Bar, Coffee/tea in restaurant, Coffee shop, Desserts in restaurant, International cuisine in restaurant, Poolside bar, Restaurants, Room service [24-hour], Salad in restaurant, Snack bar, Soup in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant, Western breakfast, Western cuisine in restaurant. Pretty good, and the prices, again, were reasonable.
The poolside bar was a godsend. After a day of exploring, chilling by the pool with a cold drink… pure heaven. And the Snack bar was perfect for when hunger pangs struck between meals. My go-to? Gotta be the juicy mangoes.
Things to Do – More Than Just Chilling by the Pool (But Mostly Chilling by the Pool)
Okay, so there’s a ton of stuff to do in The Gambia. But Forest View is also great for those of us who lean towards "relax… and occasionally move." They have: ways to relax, Body scrub, Body wrap, Fitness center, Foot bath, Gym/fitness, Massage, Pool with view, Sauna, Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom, Swimming pool, Swimming pool [outdoor].
The Swimming pool [outdoor] is lovely. It's clean, and the view from it is INSANE. The Fitness center looked decent (didn’t use it, I’m not going to lie), and I heard decent things about the Massage. I'm a sucker for a spa day so the Spa, Spa/sauna is really nice!
But, let's be honest. Sometimes the best thing to do is absolutely NOTHING. And Forest View is PERFECT for that. Especially if you are looking for Couple's room.
Services and Conveniences – The Perks That Make Life Easier
Forest View has definitely thought of everything to make your stay smooth sailing. Air conditioning in public area, Airport transfer, Audio-visual equipment for special events, Babysitting service, Bicycle parking, Business facilities, Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site], Cash withdrawal, CCTV in common areas, CCTV outside property, Check-in/out [express], Check-in/out [private], Concierge, Contactless check-in/out, Convenience store, Currency exchange, Daily housekeeping, Doorman, Dry cleaning, Elevator, Family/child friendly, Facilities for disabled guests, Fire extinguisher, Food delivery, Front desk [24-hour], Gift/souvenir shop, Hotel chain, Indoor venue for special events, Invoice provided, Ironing service, Kids facilities, Kids meal, Laundry service, Luggage storage, Meeting/banquet facilities, Meetings, Meeting stationery, Non-smoking rooms, On-site event hosting, Outdoor venue for special events, Projector/LED display, Proposal spot, Safety deposit boxes, Seminars, Shrine, Smoking area, Soundproof rooms, Terrace, Wi-Fi for special events, Xerox/fax in business center.
The Concierge was amazing, always ready with a smile and helpful recommendations. The Daily housekeeping kept the place spick and span. Oh, and the dry cleaning service? Lifesaver, after I managed to spill something (of course). Laundry service is also a big plus for longer stays.
Getting Around – Ease of Exploration
If you're looking to get out and explore, Forest View is well-positioned. Airport transfer, Bicycle parking, Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site], Taxi service, Valet parking. The Car park [free of charge] is super convenient. The staff can help arrange Taxi service, but I recommend trying to find a local taxi - the prices are often much better.
For the Kids – Family-Friendly Fun
Families, rejoice! Forest View is definitely Family/child friendly, Babysitting service, Kids facilities, Kids meal.
The Verdict – Go, and Don't Think Twice!
Look, I'm not going to lie. The Forest View Apartments aren't perfect. Nothing ever is. But, they are AMAZING. The views alone are worth the price of admission. The staff is friendly, the rooms are comfortable (especially with the blackout curtains!), and the overall vibe is relaxed and welcoming. It's an excellent launchpad for exploring The Gambia and has enough amenities to make you want to stay put!
Here’s the Deal – Book Now!
Ready to escape to paradise? Book your stay at Gambia's BEST Forest View Apartments today! I promise you won't regret it.
Here’s why you NEED to book NOW:
- Unbeatable Prices: Seriously, don't wait. These rooms book up fast!
- Stunning Views that Will Blow Your Mind: Instagram doesn't do it
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because this isn't your average, sterile, "perfect itinerary" – this is my trip to the Gambia, and you're coming along for the bumpy, sandy ride. Forest View Apartments, here I come! Let's see if I can even remember how to pack a suitcase… (Spoiler alert: I probably can’t).
The Unofficial, Whimsical Guide to My Gambian Adventure (or, "How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Sandflies")
Day 1: Arrival of Epic Proportions (and Mosquito Bites)
- Morning (Approx. 8:00 AM): Okay, so the flight…let’s just say I’m pretty sure the guy next to me spent the entire journey wrestling a rogue inflatable flamingo. Airport chaos – check. Luggage roulette – praying it makes it. My emotional state? A nervous wreck mixed with a frantic need for a decent cup of coffee. Thank God for duty-free, eh?
- Late Morning/Early Afternoon (Approx. 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM): Arrived at Banjul Airport. Oh. My. Goodness. The heat! It hit me like a wall of delicious, humid air. Immigration was… well, let's say I may or may not have accidentally called the officer "Sunshine." Not my finest moment. Found my pre-booked transfer to Forest View. The streets were so different from home.
- Afternoon (Approx. 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM): Finally at Forest View! The apartment? Charming. Probably a slight exaggeration – it's “rustic” (a polite way of saying "needs a good scrub"). But the view? Stunning. Palm trees swaying, distant drumming… instant relaxation? Nope. Instant panic about the potential for mosquito-borne illnesses. Slapped on a metric ton of DEET. Regret.
- Evening (Approx. 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM): Sunset! Absolutely gorgeous. Watched it with a local beer (Julbrew, a beautiful name) on the balcony, feeling like a proper explorer. Ate dinner at a small local restaurant, the food was okay. Did I mention the sandflies? They are relentless. My legs look like a polka dot disaster.
Day 2: Sun, Sand, and Shaky Boats (and maybe a little existential crisis?)
- Morning (Approx. 8:00 AM - 10:00 AM): Breakfast on the balcony. Coffee (instant, but I’ll take it) and the sound of birds chirping. Feeling optimistic. Ready to conquer the day! (Also, reapplied DEET. Again.)
- Mid-Morning (Approx. 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM): Beach day! Hired a taxi to take me to a beach close to the apartments, that I can remember, but wasn’t too far – wanted to experience more of the local vibe. Sunbathing, swimming, and people-watching. This is the life! And then, wham. A rogue wave nearly took me out. My dignity (and my towel) were briefly sacrificed to the Gambian ocean gods. Sand in places I didn't know existed.
- Afternoon (Approx. 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM): Lunch at a beach shack. Amazing grilled fish, freshly caught, very tasty.
- Late Afternoon/Evening (Approx. 4:00 PM - on wards The main attraction of today, the main reason I selected the area. A boat trip up the Gambia River. Now, THIS was an experience. The boat was…let’s call it “characterful.” The engine coughed and sputtered, the boatman kept smiling, and I prayed to whatever gods were listening that we wouldn't end up as fish food. Saw monkeys, birds, more monkeys (they are everywhere). The sunset on the river was breathtaking. Almost makes up for the lingering fear of capsizing and the fact I’m pretty sure I swallowed half the river. Dinner at a small local place, trying to keep a straight face and avoid the river-water taste in the fish.
Day 3: Market Madness and Money Mishaps (and the Eternal Search for Wi-Fi)
- Morning (Approx. 8:00 AM - 10:00 AM): Decided to wander around, find a small breakfast shop. A slight misunderstanding about the price of a mango. Let’s just say I'm starting to understand the value of "haggling."
- Mid-Morning (Approx. 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM): Visited the local market. Sensory overload! The colours, the smells, the noise… absolutely amazing. Bought vibrant fabric, spices that I can't even pronounce, and a possibly-fake-but-who-cares necklace. Got completely scammed. Found myself bartering for a pair of sunglasses. I am pretty sure I overpaid. I need to get better at this.
- Afternoon (Approx. 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM): The quest for Wi-Fi. Crucial for remaining connected to reality. Found a café with… intermittent Wi-Fi. Spent two hours trying to upload a single photo. My emotional state fluctuated wildly between frustration and despair. Managed to upload one. Victory!
- Late Afternoon/Evening (Approx. 4:00 PM - on wards - Decided for a relaxing evening at the apartment. I can finally relax, and not feel the need to go anywhere; I needed that, because my skin was burning.
Day 4: More Exploration (and Mild Panic About My Lack of Laundry)
- Morning/Mid-Morning (Approx. 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Decided to go on a tour, a walk in the local area. I booked a tour, and it included a few places. Found a nice spot.
- Afternoon (Approx. 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM): Lunch and exploration.
- Evening (Approx. 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM): Dinner at the apartment.
Day 5: The Beach Again (and a Sudden Realization)
- Morning/Mid-Morning (Approx. 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Beach - This time, I'm smarter – I brought a book and a massive sun hat. The ocean feels like an old friend by now. I am falling in love with the beach vibe.
- Afternoon (Approx. 12:00 PM - 3:00 PM): Lunch at a beach shack.
- Late Afternoon/Evening (Approx. 4:00 PM - on wards: - Time to pack. I realize I have a mountain of dirty laundry that will probably require a hazmat suit to handle. Also: Am I actually starting to… relax? Actually, I think yes.
Day 6: Departure (and the Promise to Return)
Morning (Approx. 8:00 AM): Breakfast on the balcony. One last look at those palm trees swaying in the breeze. Tears. Seriously!
Mid-Morning/Early Afternoon (Approx. 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM): Check-out, transfer to the airport. Last-minute souvenir shopping (more spices, of course). Attempted to bargain for a taxi. This time, I think I won.
Afternoon (Approx. 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM): Goodbye Gambia. Waiting for the plane. The sun has already left us, but the memories will last a lifetime.
Evening (On the Plane): Okay, so the flamingo guy is back. But who cares? I've got stories, souvenirs, and a thousand mosquito bites. Gambia: you’ve officially stolen a piece of my heart. Now, to start planning my return… (just maybe without the flamingo).
Okay, so... "Stunning Views"? Really Stunning? Like, *really* really stunning? Because I've seen some 'stunning' that was more 'meh' than magnificent.
Alright, alright, let's get real. Look, I'm not gonna lie, I was skeptical too. "Forest View Apartments" in the Gambia? My brain immediately pictured *maybe* a tree or two. But, oh MAN, I was wrong. Stunning? Yup. Seriously, I spent the first HOUR just kinda, *whimpering* with joy looking out the window. The way the light hits the trees... the wildlife chirping... I actually think I saw a monkey *doing yoga* in the branches one morning (probably just stretching, but whatever, it was magical!). My first trip I remember opening the curtains fully prepared for disappointment, and what happened next was just... Wow. I went in for a drink of the water, then I forgot ALL about. The view just kind of swallowed me up. My jaw hit the floor. It's a proper 'lost-in-the-moment' kind of breathtaking. And that's coming from someone who thinks most "panoramic" adverts are just a trick. No, trust me. Get ready to lose hours just staring. Bring binoculars. You'll need them. And maybe a box of tissues. For the beauty. (Don't judge me!)
"Unbeatable Prices"? Is that code for "Falls Apart After a Week and the Hot Water's Always Cold?"
Okay, fair point. Budget travel *can* be a gamble. Believe me, I know. I've stayed in places where the only thing 'unbeatable' was the smell of mildew. But here? The price is *genuinely* good. I mean, I almost didn't believe it. My friend, bless her heart, she's a bit of a diva. She was utterly convinced she'd hate it. "Oh, the bugs! The heat! The *rustic* charm!" she'd wail. But when she saw the price, even *she* grudgingly admitted, "Well, for *that* price... maybe I can tolerate a few mosquitos." And you know what? She loved it! The hot water was good. The place was clean. Sure, the power flickered *once* (hey, welcome to Africa!), but the staff were on it IMMEDIATELY. No, the prices aren't a sign of shoddy quality. They're just GOOD. I'm pretty sure they're practically giving them away. (Don't tell them I said that, though, I want to keep getting in!)
What about getting around? Is it right near anything, or am I stuck in the middle of nowhere? I need my coffee, okay?
Okay, coffee is a necessity. I GET IT. And no, you're not *completely* stranded. The location is great. I mean, it's not *right* downtown Banjul, but who wants to be right downtown anyway? The noise, the traffic... It's far more relaxing. There is a local taxi rank that will get you to different locations. I made a few local friends this way. They are incredibly friendly and make sure you don't get scammed by other taxis. But look, walkability? Not great. You've got to embrace the local transport, and that's part of the adventure! Think cheap taxis - haggle a little, it's expected - or maybe rent a scooter if you're feeling brave. The coffee situation? There are a few little cafes / shops nearby, and most places will have simple coffee like instant coffee. Bring your own if you’re particular! But honestly, after a few days, you won't care about fancy lattes. You'll be too busy staring at that view, remember? Or maybe the monkeys.
What's the Wi-Fi like? Because, you know, #influencerlife... (Just kidding... mostly.)
Okay, let's be honest. Wi-Fi in the Gambia isn't precisely on par with Silicon Valley. It's... okay. It *works*. You can check emails, browse, stalk your ex on Facebook (don't judge!), and upload the occasional Instagram pic of that stunning view. BUT, and this is a big but, don't expect to stream entire seasons of Netflix. At peak times it's… patchy. My advice? Embrace the digital detox. Go outside. Breathe the air. Listen to the birds. Talk to people. Seriously. It's liberating. I actually started *reading books* again! (Gasp!) Plus, let's be real, the slower internet is a built-in excuse for not responding to that annoying group chat. Win-win, right? Though if you really can't live without constant connectivity, I'd recommend investing in a local sim card for your phone - speeds are generally better that way. And that, my friends, is the honest truth.
What's the atmosphere like? Is it all tourists, or is there a bit of local flavour? And are the staff helpful and kind?
I have had many trips abroad, and have stayed at many places, and the staff are genuinely some of the kindest people I’ve met. Seriously, they go above and beyond. They’re warm, friendly, and always happy to help. They'll remember your name. They'll offer advice on where to go. They'll probably offer you tea. And they're not fake about it - it comes from the heart. Atmosphere? Wonderful! The beauty of this place is that it is a great mix of tourists and locals. It's not a sterile, all-inclusive resort vibe. You can chat with the locals. You can learn about their culture. I will say the number of tourists fluctuates throughout the year, but that's to be expected!
Okay, I'm almost sold. But what's the *worst* thing about it? Gotta be something, right? Nothing's perfect!
Alright, truth time. No place is perfect. Let's see... the worst thing? Hmm... I'd probably say the lack of a dedicated gym… Seriously, you’ll be tempted to stay in the apartment all day, however, that's a good thing in a way. It's that relaxing. The location requires taxis or local transport, so the walking isn't an option. But honestly? These are minor gripes. I mean, if the biggest problem I have is that I can’t work out, I’m doing pretty darn well. And the pros (the view, the price, the people) *massively* outweigh the cons. Look, just pack your bags. Go. You won't regret it. And if you do, come find me. I'll be the one still drooling over the forest view. Just don't tell them I sent you. I don't want the prices to go up!
