Your stay — Chez Binette
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The Property — Chez Binette
Chez Binette is a 3-star hotel in Dakar, Senegal, offering a blend of French colonial and African architectural influences. The lobby features a high ceiling, dark wood accents, and rich textiles, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. Guests can expect a no-frills, laid-back vibe, with a focus on comfort and practicality. This hotel is best suited for budget-conscious travelers and those looking for a genuine, local experience.
Chronicles of Dakar
Dakar, the capital of Senegal, has a rich history dating back to the 15th century when it was a major port for the Mali Empire. The city's architecture reflects its colonial past, with a mix of French, Portuguese, and African influences. From the 19th century, Dakar became a major hub for the transatlantic slave trade, and its cultural identity still bears the scars of this period. Today, Dakar is a bustling metropolis, known for its vibrant arts scene, rich cultural heritage, and stunning natural beauty. The city's famous Corniche, a scenic coastal road, offers breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean.
Best Time to Visit
Full Dakar guide →Best months
The best months to visit Dakar are June and July, with warm weather, average highs of 28°C, and relatively low humidity. These months are ideal for outdoor activities like surfing, hiking, and exploring the city's markets. The crowds are manageable, and hotel prices are relatively stable.
Peak / festival surge
The peak tourist season in Dakar is August, driven by the Dakar Rally, which attracts thousands of visitors from around the world. Expect high prices, large crowds, and a lively atmosphere. Hotel prices can increase by up to 20% during this period.
Budget shoulder season
The shoulder season in Dakar runs from September to November, offering a more relaxed atmosphere, lower prices, and pleasant weather. This is an excellent time for budget-conscious travelers to explore the city's cultural attractions and natural beauty.
Weather & packing
Dakar's climate is characterized by a dry season from November to May and a wet season from June to October. Be sure to pack light, breathable clothing that can keep you cool in the dry season and warm in the wet season.
Live City Briefing — Dakar
- The Dakar Light Rail system, a new metro line, is currently under construction and expected to be completed by 2027. New restaurants and cafes are opening in the Plateau district, offering a range of local and international cuisine. The 2026 Dakar International Festival of Black Arts is scheduled to take place in July, featuring music, dance, and visual arts performances from across Africa.
Your Perfect Room
✨ AI-generated · Jul 2026Before you check in to Chez Binette, here's what to know about choosing the right room.
Best rooms to request
Request a room on a higher floor (above the 3rd floor) for a quieter stay, as the lower floors may be more prone to street noise from the bustling streets of Dakar. Additionally, ask for a room facing the interior courtyard for a more peaceful view.
Rooms to avoid
Avoid rooms on the ground floor or near the street, as they may be noisier due to street traffic and pedestrian activity.
Best views
Rooms on the higher floors facing the interior courtyard offer a peaceful view, while rooms on the front-facing side may have a view of the city skyline.
Quietest floors
5th floor and above
🔊 Noise notes
Be prepared for some ambient street noise, especially on the lower floors, due to the hotel's location in the heart of Dakar.
Insider tips
Take advantage of the hotel's 24-hour front desk and ask for assistance with parking, which may be limited in the area. Request a room with a fan or air conditioning, as the Senegalese climate can be hot and humid, especially during the summer months.
- Call the hotel directly 24–48 hours before arrival and ask for a specific room type
- Add a note in your booking comments field
- Ask at check-in — front desk staff can often accommodate if a room is available
Hotel Facilities — Chez Binette
Free, 50 Mbps speed, no login constraints
Serves all floors, with two staircases for access to the upper floors
Complimentary digital newsstand (PressReader) and Senegalese daily Le Soleil, with some limited physical papers available at the lobby
24/7 check-in, early bag-drop from 08:00, late check-out until 14:00, 1,500 CFAF (approximately $24.50 USD) fee after 12:00
Available at the front desk, free for up to 24 hours
Step-free access, wheelchair accessible entrance, and adapted rooms available on request
On-site parking available for 2,000 CFAF (approximately $33 USD) per night, with valet service; public parking nearby at Parking de la Liberté for 1,000 CFAF (approximately $16.50 USD) per night; no EV charging available
Fees, Taxes & Deposits
City / tourist tax: 250 CFAF (Senegalese Francs) per night, payable upon check-out
Deposit & card hold: 200,000 CFAF advance deposit (approximately $330 USD), plus a card hold for incidentals
Faith & Dietary Nearby
- Mosque: Mosquée Zone A (412 m · ~5 min walk)
- Mosque: Mosquée Bopp (574 m · ~7 min walk)
- Mosque: Mosquée Kognou Saf Sap (670 m · ~8 min walk)
- Place of worship: Rrt (726 m · ~9 min walk)
Local Lifestyle & Recreation
SENTRADE — 881 m · ~11 min walk
Raw Material Company — 1.4 km · ~17 min walk
5-Minute Radius Essentials
Nearest — 1.6 km · ~20 min walk
Pharmacie Grand-Dakar — 114 m · ~1 min walk
La Sénégalaise De Distribution De Matériels Industriels — 272 m · ~3 min walk
Gare Routière de Colobane — 1.7 km · ~22 min walk
Money & Currency
Get a travel card →West African CFA Franc, XOF
Change money at local banks or exchange bureaux, such as those at the airport or in the Plateau district. Be aware that rates at the airport may be unfavourable.
Major credit and debit cards are widely accepted in Dakar, including Visa, Mastercard, and Amex. Contactless payments are also accepted at many shops and restaurants.
Tipping is not expected but is appreciated for good service. 100-200 West African CFA Francs is sufficient for a taxi ride, and 100-500 West African CFA Francs for a meal in a mid-range restaurant.
Eat, Shop & Travel on a Budget
Cheap car hire →A typical cup of coffee costs around 200-300 West African CFA Francs at a local café.
A plate of thieboudienne, a local fish and rice dish, costs around 500-700 West African CFA Francs at a street food stall.
A main course at a mid-range restaurant costs around 2,000-3,000 West African CFA Francs.
Street food is widely available in areas such as the Grand Marché and the Plateau district.
Local supermarkets such as Auchan and Spar have branches in the Plateau district.
Affordable high-street shopping can be found at markets such as the Grand Marché and the Marché HLM.
The cheapest way to get around is by taking a taxi or a bush taxi (around 500-700 West African CFA Francs per ride). A day pass for public transport costs around 500 West African CFA Francs. From the airport, take a taxi or a bush taxi for around 5,000 West African CFA Francs.
Bargain at markets to get the best prices for goods.Avoid eating at touristy restaurants, as prices are inflated.Use local currency to avoid poor exchange rates at tourist bureaux.
Emergency Contacts
DakarTourist Police: 33 889 46 58. For non-urgent medical help, call the US Embassy: 33 879 40 00. Keep a local SIM or use hotel front desk for dialling.
💡 Save these numbers in your phone. In life-threatening emergencies, call immediately.
Where to Eat
💡 Booking tip: For popular restaurants in Dakar, book at least a week ahead — especially for weekend evenings and during festival season.
Your arrival at Chez Binette
🕒 Check-in is from . Arriving earlier? Most hotels store luggage free — just ask at reception.
🧭 First things nearby: cash · Nearest — 1.6 km · ~20 min walk — pharmacy · Pharmacie Grand-Dakar — 114 m · ~1 min walk
🚐 Pre-book an airport transfer →Getting Around
Blaise Diagne International Airport (DSS) → Hôtel Faidherbe, Plateau
💡 Use the official prepaid booth just outside arrivals. Ignore touts. Pay in local CFA, not euros. For return, ask your hotel to call a reliable driver—street hail can double the price.
Hôtel Faidherbe, Plateau → Anywhere in Dakar (e.g., Médina, Almadies)
💡 Download Orange Taxi in advance—it shows a fixed price and avoids haggling. Works best on Plateau. At rush hour, be prepared for surge pricing. Not for airport trips because drivers often refuse long hauls.
Hôtel Faidherbe (stop: Avenue du Président Lamine Guèye) → Marché Kermel / Sandaga / Médina
💡 Hop on going west for Marché Kermel, east for Sandaga. Wave it down clearly. Stops are unmarked—tell the driver 'hôtel' as you near your drop. Women: sit in the front section; men usually fill the back.
Airport (stop: Aéroport) → Place de l'Indépendance (10 min walk to hotel)
💡 Cramped and very hot. Only do this with a small backpack. Have exact change—the conductor won't break notes. The bus terminates at Place de l'Indépendance; walk south on Avenue Pasteur for Hôtel Faidherbe.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best rooms at Chez Binette?
Request a room on a higher floor (above the 3rd floor) for a quieter stay, as the lower floors may be more prone to street noise from the bustling streets of Dakar. Additionally, ask for a room facing the interior courtyard for a more peaceful view.
Which rooms should I avoid at Chez Binette?
Avoid rooms on the ground floor or near the street, as they may be noisier due to street traffic and pedestrian activity.
Is Chez Binette noisy?
Be prepared for some ambient street noise, especially on the lower floors, due to the hotel's location in the heart of Dakar.
Which rooms have the best views at Chez Binette?
Rooms on the higher floors facing the interior courtyard offer a peaceful view, while rooms on the front-facing side may have a view of the city skyline.
What are insider tips for staying at Chez Binette?
Take advantage of the hotel's 24-hour front desk and ask for assistance with parking, which may be limited in the area. Request a room with a fan or air conditioning, as the Senegalese climate can be hot and humid, especially during the summer months.
What time is check-in at Chez Binette?
Check-in at Chez Binette is from null. Check-out is by null.
Does Chez Binette have Wi-Fi?
Free, 50 Mbps speed, no login constraints
Is there a city or tourist tax at Chez Binette?
250 CFAF (Senegalese Francs) per night, payable upon check-out
Where can I eat cheaply near Chez Binette?
A plate of thieboudienne, a local fish and rice dish, costs around 500-700 West African CFA Francs at a street food stall.
What is the cheapest way to get around from Chez Binette?
The cheapest way to get around is by taking a taxi or a bush taxi (around 500-700 West African CFA Francs per ride). A day pass for public transport costs around 500 West African CFA Francs. From the airport, take a taxi or a bush taxi for around 5,000 West African CFA Francs.
When is the best time to visit Dakar?
The best months to visit Dakar are June and July, with warm weather, average highs of 28°C, and relatively low humidity. These months are ideal for outdoor activities like surfing, hiking, and exploring the city's markets. The crowds are manageable, and hotel prices are relatively stable.
Top Attractions in Dakar
💡 Free entry applies to the main exhibition hall only. Check if temporary shows have separate pricing. Allow 45 minutes to an hour.
💡 Arrive by 10am to see the most activity. Come with cash if you want to buy — fish is cheap but you'll need to cook it yourself. Avoid touching anything unless buying.
💡 The boat costs about 500 CFA round trip. Bring water and snacks — the island has few facilities. Best on weekdays when locals are at work.
💡 Go late afternoon to avoid the heat and catch sunset views over the city and Atlantic. The escalator up the hill costs extra but saves a steep walk.
💡 Entry is 500 CFA. The zoo portion is extra and run-down — skip it and stick to the forest trails. Bring insect repellent.