Your stay — Matta
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Your Perfect Room
✨ AI-generated · Jul 2026Before you check in to Matta, here's what to know about choosing the right room.
Best rooms to request
Request a room on a higher floor, ideally above the 3rd floor, to minimize potential street noise from the main road. Considering the 3-star rating and the hotel's location in Essau, it's likely that the higher floors will be less prone to street noise and have more modern amenities.
Rooms to avoid
Avoid rooms that are close to the service entrance or lift, as they may be subject to more foot traffic and noise from staff and guests.
Best views
Given the hotel's address in Essau, rooms with a view of the surrounding area may offer a glimpse of the nearby landscape or the local market, but this will depend on the specific room's orientation and position.
Quietest floors
Floors 4-6 are likely to be the quietest, given the hotel's layout and the assumption that higher floors are less likely to be near noisy areas such as the ground floor or service entrance.
🔊 Noise notes
Guests may be disturbed by the sound of traffic on the main road, especially if they're allocated a room on a lower floor or near the service entrance.
Insider tips
1. When checking in, ask if the hotel has any rooms with a balcony or a small outdoor area, as this can be a nice perk for a 3-star hotel. 2. Consider requesting a room with a fridge, as this is not a standard amenity for a 3-star hotel in Essau, but it's worth asking about.
- 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 — Matta
Free tier, 2 Mbps; paid tier, 10 Mbps, WPA2 encryption, no login constraints
Serves all floors, but one wing has stairs-only access due to historic building constraints
Complimentary digital newsstand on PressReader and FT; physical papers available in lobby
Check-in from 14:00, early bag-drop available from 08:00; late check-out until 12:00, D500 fee after 12:00
Available 24/7, D200 per day
Step-free access, wheelchair ramp at entrance; one room adapted for guests with disabilities
On-site parking available, D500 per night; nearest public car park, Essau Park, is 500m away, D300 per night; no EV charging
Fees, Taxes & Deposits
City / tourist tax: D20 per person per night
Deposit & card hold: D1000 advance deposit + incidental card hold of D500 at check-in
Money & Currency
Get a travel card →Dalasi, GMD
You can change money at the banks and currency exchange offices in the town centre, or at the airport, but be aware that rates may not be favorable, and some places may charge commission. It's best to exchange a small amount at the airport for immediate needs and then use an ATM for the rest.
Major credit cards are accepted at most hotels, restaurants, and shops, but you may need to show your passport. Contactless payments and mobile payments are not as common, but some larger establishments may accept them.
Tipping is not expected, but rounding up the bill or leaving 10-20 Dalasi for good service is appreciated. For taxi drivers, you can round up the fare or add 10-20 Dalasi to the metered price.
Eat, Shop & Travel on a Budget
Cheap car hire →You can find a strong and affordable coffee at a local café for around 20-30 Dalasi.
A plate of jollof rice or fried rice from a street vendor costs around 50-70 Dalasi.
A traditional Gambian dish like benachin or yassa can be found at a local restaurant for around 150-200 Dalasi.
The streets of Essau are lined with food stalls and vendors selling a variety of local dishes, including fried fish, suya, and groundnut rice.
You can find basic groceries at local markets or small shops like 'Soko' or 'Market' for around 500-1000 Dalasi.
Traditional Gambian clothing and fabrics can be found at local markets or 'tailor' shops for around 500-1000 Dalasi.
A daily bus pass costs around 100-150 Dalasi, and you can also take a taxi for around 50-100 Dalasi, depending on the distance.
Use local transportation and walk or cycle whenever possible to save money.Eat at local markets or street vendors for affordable and authentic food.Avoid exchanging money at the airport or tourist areas, as the rates may not be favorable.
Emergency Contacts
EssauGambia's national emergency numbers are reliable in urban areas but may be patchy in remote places like Essau. For serious incidents, contact the National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA) on +220 449 7358 or head to the nearest health centre. The Essau police station (BP 123, Essau) is the local point for non-critical issues.
💡 Save these numbers in your phone. In life-threatening emergencies, call immediately.
Where to Eat
💡 Booking tip: For popular restaurants in Essau, book at least a week ahead — especially for weekend evenings and during festival season.
Your arrival at Matta
🕒 Check-in is from . Arriving earlier? Most hotels store luggage free — just ask at reception.
🚐 Pre-book an airport transfer →Getting Around
Essau town centre → Mandela Lodge entrance
💡 Agree price before getting in. If alone, join a shared ride heading to the Barra ferry—the lodge is on that route.
Banjul International Airport (BJL) → Mandela Lodge, Essau
💡 Arrange a lodge pickup directly via staff for fixed price; avoid airport touts by walking to the main road if arriving outside flight times.
Banjul main bus station → Essau junction (Barra Ferry terminal)
💡 Get off at the Barra Ferry terminal, then walk or take a donkey cart (20 GMD) for the last mile to Mandela Lodge. Gele gele buses can be cramped; carry bags on your lap.
Essau market junction → Mandela Lodge (direct roadside drop-off)
💡 Flag down any white van heading south on the main road—they'll drop you at Lodge's gate. Confirm fare before boarding; keep small notes handy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best rooms at Matta?
Request a room on a higher floor, ideally above the 3rd floor, to minimize potential street noise from the main road. Considering the 3-star rating and the hotel's location in Essau, it's likely that the higher floors will be less prone to street noise and have more modern amenities.
Which rooms should I avoid at Matta?
Avoid rooms that are close to the service entrance or lift, as they may be subject to more foot traffic and noise from staff and guests.
Is Matta noisy?
Guests may be disturbed by the sound of traffic on the main road, especially if they're allocated a room on a lower floor or near the service entrance.
Which rooms have the best views at Matta?
Given the hotel's address in Essau, rooms with a view of the surrounding area may offer a glimpse of the nearby landscape or the local market, but this will depend on the specific room's orientation and position.
What are insider tips for staying at Matta?
1. When checking in, ask if the hotel has any rooms with a balcony or a small outdoor area, as this can be a nice perk for a 3-star hotel. 2. Consider requesting a room with a fridge, as this is not a standard amenity for a 3-star hotel in Essau, but it's worth asking about.
What time is check-in at Matta?
Check-in at Matta is from null. Check-out is by null.
Does Matta have Wi-Fi?
Free tier, 2 Mbps; paid tier, 10 Mbps, WPA2 encryption, no login constraints
Is there a city or tourist tax at Matta?
D20 per person per night
Where can I eat cheaply near Matta?
A plate of jollof rice or fried rice from a street vendor costs around 50-70 Dalasi.
What is the cheapest way to get around from Matta?
A daily bus pass costs around 100-150 Dalasi, and you can also take a taxi for around 50-100 Dalasi, depending on the distance.
Top Attractions in Essau
💡 Stand at the far end at sunset for a clear view of the river bending inland. No charge, but a small donation to kids who chip wood is polite.
💡 Bring your own water and snacks—there's no kiosk. Watch for the rip current near the river mouth if you swim.
💡 Go early, around 8am, to see the fish catch still wet. Haggling is expected, but keep it light and friendly.
💡 Entrance costs 50 dalasi (about £0.75). The guides rely on tips, so bring small change. Go before 11am when the crocs are sleepy.
💡 Negotiate a fee directly with a guide at the village entrance—expect 100–150 dalasi. Wear rubber sandals as trails are muddy. No facilities, so carry water.