Il tuo soggiorno — Chez Claude
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La proprietà — Chez Claude
Chez Claude is a modest three-star hotel on Bolama's main square, a faded colonial building with high ceilings, a tiled lobby and a quiet bar that feels more like a guesthouse. The USP is location: steps from the ferry dock and the old cathedral ruins. It suits independent travellers who want an affordable, no-frills base in a town that sees very few tourists.
Cronache di Bolama
Bolama was the first capital of Portuguese Guinea, founded in the 18th century on an island. During the 19th century it grew as an administrative centre, with a grid of neoclassical public buildings, a cathedral and a grand governor's palace. After the capital moved to Bissau in 1941, the city went into decline; its architectural core survives largely intact but heavily weathered. Today Bolama feels like a slow-moving museum of tropical decay, with a small population and a potent sense of colonial history.
Il momento migliore per visitare
Guida completa di Bolama →I migliori mesi
January, February and March: the long dry season, with less humidity, clear skies and temperatures around 28-32°C. Very few tourists, easy travel on unpaved roads.
Peak / Festival Surge
December to February: the coolest, driest months and the main season for expats and aid workers on leave. Hotel prices at Chez Claude may rise 10-20% above the year-round rate. No major festival drives this peak—it's purely weather-led.
Stagione di spalla
November and April: the edges of the dry season, with still good weather, lower humidity than the wet months, and fewer visitors. April brings some dust from the harmattan wind.
Meteo e imballaggio
June is the start of the six-month wet season: expect heavy afternoon downpours and high humidity. Pack a rain jacket, quick-dry clothes, mosquito repellent and sturdy sandals that can handle puddles.
Briefing della città — Bolama
- The Bolama–Bissau ferry service has been running on a revised schedule since early 2025, with fewer departures due to maintenance issues; check the latest departure times at the dock the day before travel.
- A small new eco-lodge opened in March 2026 on the far side of the island, but Chez Claude remains the only hotel in the town centre.
- The rainy season flooding of 2025 caused some road damage on the island's interior dirt tracks – driving to the old gunboat wrecks requires a 4x4 and caution.
Your Perfect Room
✨ AI-generated · Jul 2026Before you check in to Chez Claude, here's what to know about choosing the right room.
Best rooms to request
Request a ground-floor room for easier access and proximity to the step-free entrance. Given the two-storey building with stairs only, you'll want to avoid rooms on the upper floor to minimize the need for climbing stairs.
Rooms to avoid
Upper floor rooms due to the lack of a lift and stairs-only access.
Best views
Unfortunately, the hotel's location does not offer scenic views due to its urban setting. However, you may be able to catch a glimpse of the surrounding streets and local activity.
Quietest floors
Ground floor
🔊 Noise notes
Street noise, potential noise from the parking area due to the presence of an unmarked parking lot for 8 cars.
Insider tips
Take advantage of the free basic Wi-Fi in the lobby and ground-floor rooms for messaging, or upgrade to the premium tier for faster speeds in all areas. Consider parking at the Bolama Market (500 m, 2,000 XAF/night) if you prefer a more secure and reliable parking option, especially if you have a larger vehicle or prefer to leave it unattended for an extended period.
- 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
strutture alberghiere — Chez Claude
Free basic Wi-Fi (2 Mbps, good for messaging) in lobby and ground-floor rooms; premium tier 5,000 XAF/day for 10 Mbps in all areas
No lift—two-storey building with stairs only
No printed newspapers; free access to PressReader via lobby computer
Check-in from 14:00; early bag drop available from 09:00; late check-out until 18:00 for 15,000 XAF surcharge
Free storage in reception office during operating hours (07:00–22:00)
Step-free entrance; no wheelchair-accessible rooms or lift; limited to ground-floor rooms with wide doorways
Unmarked on-site parking for 8 cars, free; nearest public car park at Bolama Market (500 m, 2,000 XAF/night); no EV charging
Tasse, imposte e depositi
City / tourist tax: None
Deposit & card hold: 50% advance deposit required at booking; 20,000 XAF incidental hold on credit card at check-in
Moneta e moneta
Get a travel card →West African CFA franc, XOF
Change cash euros or dollars at banks in Bolama town; avoid the airport in Bissau where rates are poor.
Cards are rarely accepted outside major hotels in Bissau; carry cash in small denominations.
Tipping not expected but rounding up taxi fares or leaving 5-10% in nicer restaurants is appreciated.
Mangiare, fare shopping e viaggiare su un budget
Cheap car hire →Instant coffee or sweet black tea from small street stalls: around 200-300 XOF.
Grilled fish or chicken with rice from a local 'botequim': about 1,500-2,000 XOF.
A main of fish stew or mafe with rice: roughly 2,000-3,000 XOF.
Bolama market and main road stalls offer grilled skewers, fresh fruit, and fried dough balls in the evenings.
Small family-run shops and the weekly market provide basic provisions; no budget supermarket chains exist here.
Second-hand clothing stalls at Bolama market; for new basics, buy in Bissau's mercado.
Shared minibus or 'toca-toca' within Bolama town: 150-200 XOF per ride; from the airport, take a shared taxi to the ferry then a local bus.
Eat where locals queue for street food; use shared minibuses not private taxis; buy bottled water in bulk from market stalls.
Emergency Contacts
BolamaNumbers may not always connect reliably. For serious emergencies, contact your embassy or the nearest hospital in Bissau. Local police in Bolama are best reached via the district administration office.
💡 Save these numbers in your phone. In life-threatening emergencies, call immediately.
Where to Eat
💡 Booking tip: For popular restaurants in Bolama, book at least a week ahead — especially for weekend evenings and during festival season.
Your arrival at Chez Claude
🕒 Check-in is from . Arriving earlier? Most hotels store luggage free — just ask at reception.
🚐 Pre-book an airport transfer →Girare intorno
Osvaldo Vieira International Airport (Bissau) → Hotel Lodge Ponta Anchaca, Bolama
💡 Negotiate the taxi from Bissau airport to the ferry terminal (Porto de Bissau) separately—expect 3000-5000 XOF. The ferry to Bolama costs around 1000 XOF per person. Larger taxis on Bolama island can take you to the hotel for an extra 2000-3000 XOF.
Bissau – Praça dos Heróis Nacionais → Hotel Lodge Ponta Anchaca, Bolama
💡 The minibus drops you at Bolama town market, a 30-minute walk to the hotel. Carry small change—drivers rarely have change for 5000 XOF notes. For the return, the last minibus to Bissau leaves Bolama market around 5pm.
Bissau Airport or City → Hotel Lodge Ponta Anchaca, Bolama
💡 Contact the hotel at least 24 hours before arrival. They arrange a private 4x4 and speedboat from Bissau to the hotel’s private jetty—faster and more comfortable. Payment in cash (CFA) expected; no card facilities on Bolama.
Bissau city centre → Hotel Lodge Ponta Anchaca, Bolama
💡 From Bissau’s main market, share a 'toca toca' minibus to the ferry port for 200 XOF. Ferries leave when full, so arrive early. The Bolama ferry dock is a 20-minute walk to the hotel, or ask for a moto-taxi.
Domande frequenti
What are the best rooms at Chez Claude?
Request a ground-floor room for easier access and proximity to the step-free entrance. Given the two-storey building with stairs only, you'll want to avoid rooms on the upper floor to minimize the need for climbing stairs.
Which rooms should I avoid at Chez Claude?
Upper floor rooms due to the lack of a lift and stairs-only access.
Is Chez Claude noisy?
Street noise, potential noise from the parking area due to the presence of an unmarked parking lot for 8 cars.
Which rooms have the best views at Chez Claude?
Unfortunately, the hotel's location does not offer scenic views due to its urban setting. However, you may be able to catch a glimpse of the surrounding streets and local activity.
What are insider tips for staying at Chez Claude?
Take advantage of the free basic Wi-Fi in the lobby and ground-floor rooms for messaging, or upgrade to the premium tier for faster speeds in all areas. Consider parking at the Bolama Market (500 m, 2,000 XAF/night) if you prefer a more secure and reliable parking option, especially if you have a larger vehicle or prefer to leave it unattended for an extended period.
What time is check-in at Chez Claude?
Check-in at Chez Claude is from null. Check-out is by null.
Does Chez Claude have Wi-Fi?
Free basic Wi-Fi (2 Mbps, good for messaging) in lobby and ground-floor rooms; premium tier 5,000 XAF/day for 10 Mbps in all areas
Is there a city or tourist tax at Chez Claude?
None
Where can I eat cheaply near Chez Claude?
Grilled fish or chicken with rice from a local 'botequim': about 1,500-2,000 XOF.
What is the cheapest way to get around from Chez Claude?
Shared minibus or 'toca-toca' within Bolama town: 150-200 XOF per ride; from the airport, take a shared taxi to the ferry then a local bus.
When is the best time to visit Bolama?
January, February and March: the long dry season, with less humidity, clear skies and temperatures around 28-32°C. Very few tourists, easy travel on unpaved roads.
Principali attrazioni a Bolama
💡 Go early morning (around 7-8 AM) for the best selection and to watch fishermen bring in the catch.
💡 Visit in the late afternoon for softer light and fewer people; bring mosquito repellent.
💡 Ask a local guide (often hanging nearby) for the history—they'll give you a short tour for a small tip.
💡 Check with the caretaker if any events are happening—sometimes they have drumming or dance sessions open to visitors.
💡 Bring your own water and a mat; it's a short walk, not a swim spot due to currents—better for relaxing or picnicking.