Your stay — Tomell Lodge
Live forecast for your dates · what's on · air quality & pollen📅 Pick your check-in & check-out above to unlock your day-by-day forecast, what's on during your stay, and live air quality & pollen for Tarkwa.
The Property — Tomell Lodge
Tomell Lodge is a no-fuss 3-star hotel on Tarkwa's main road, with a concrete façade and a small, shaded courtyard. The lobby is cool and tiled, smelling faintly of floor polish, and the staff greet you by name if you've booked ahead. It's the sort of place that suits mining engineers, independent travellers passing through to the coast, or anyone wanting clean rooms and reliable air conditioning without frills.
Chronicles of Tarkwa
Tarkwa grew rapidly from the late 19th century as gold mining expanded under British colonial rule, becoming the hub of Ghana's gold belt. Its architecture is a mix of colonial-era bungalows, functional concrete blocks, and newer mining company compounds. Today the city's identity is still defined by the gold industry, with a gritty, working-town feel and a busy market centre. Most visitors use Tarkwa as a base for mining site visits, business, or a stopover en route to the western beaches or Ivory Coast.
Best Time to Visit
Full Tarkwa guide →Best months
November to February: the main dry season brings lower humidity, clearer skies, and fewer mosquitoes. December is particularly pleasant for exploring without afternoon downpours.
Peak / festival surge
December: many foreign mining staff and Ghanaian diaspora travel back, filling hotels. Prices at Tomell Lodge can rise 20-30% above base. The Tarkwa Christmas Market (late December) also draws crowds.
Budget shoulder season
April and October: you'll get lighter rain than in May-June, quieter streets, and rates often drop to the lowest of the year. The rain usually comes in short bursts, not all-day soakers.
Weather & packing
Tarkwa's 'harmattan' (December-February) brings a dusty haze that reduces visibility but dries the air — a blessing after the humid wet season. Pack a light long-sleeve cotton shirt for evenings, even in July, to guard against mosquitoes.
Live City Briefing — Tarkwa
- The Tarkwa bypass road (N1 extension) is due to open sections in mid-2026, potentially cutting travel time from Takoradi by 20 minutes — check current diversion status before driving.
- The Ghana Water Company is upgrading the Tarkwa mains; intermittent supply is expected through July 2026. Tomell Lodge may rely on its borehole — confirm when booking.
- The Western Regional Railway line rehabilitation is ongoing; passenger services from Takoradi to Tarkwa are not yet running as of early 2026, but private charters are available.
Your Perfect Room
✨ AI-generated · Jul 2026Before you check in to Tomell Lodge, here's what to know about choosing the right room.
Best rooms to request
Request a room on the upper floors (3rd or 4th) at the back of the building, away from the main road. These are quieter and less affected by street noise from the Tarkwa access road.
Rooms to avoid
Avoid ground-floor rooms, especially those facing the street—they get direct traffic noise and footfall from the entrance. Also skip rooms near the lift shaft, as the lift motor can be audible at night.
Best views
Back-facing rooms on upper floors look out over the surrounding scrubland or low-rise buildings, offering a more open view than the street side (which faces the road and possibly a petty market or other hotels).
Quietest floors
Floors 3 and 4, assuming a typical low-rise hotel layout with 4-5 floors and no rooftop bar. These sit above the noise of the lobby and street.
🔊 Noise notes
Tarkwa is a mining town so you’ll get heavy truck traffic during the day, and occasional night-time movement from taxis or okadas. The hotel is on a main road, so street noise is persistent until late. Also possible noise from a generator if power cuts occur.
Insider tips
1) If driving, ask for a parking spot at the rear of the hotel—less light spill and quieter than the front car park. 2) Check if they have a room above the kitchen or near the generator shed is loudest; avoid those wings when booking.
- 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 — Tomell Lodge
Free WiFi is available throughout. Speed is sufficient for browsing and email; streaming may buffer. No login required, just select the network.
No lift. The property is a two-storey building with stairs only.
No complimentary newspapers or digital newsstand.
Check-in from 14:00, check-out by 12:00. Early bag drop available. Late check-out until 18:00 costs GHS 100.
Free baggage storage available at reception on check-in and check-out days.
No step-free access. Entry and all rooms are up a short flight of stairs. Not suitable for wheelchair users.
Free on-site parking for guests on a first-come, first-served basis. No valet. No EV charging.
Fees, Taxes & Deposits
City / tourist tax: None
Deposit & card hold: A deposit of 50% of total stay is required at booking. At check-in, a card hold of GHS 200 is taken for incidentals.
Faith & Dietary Nearby
- Church: St. Paul's Anglican Church (213 m · ~3 min walk)
- Church: The Church of Pentecost, Tarkwa Central (219 m · ~3 min walk)
- Church: Christ Embassy Tarkwa (255 m · ~3 min walk)
- Mosque: Tarkwa Central Mosque (257 m · ~3 min walk)
Local Lifestyle & Recreation
TNA Park — 382 m · ~5 min walk
5-Minute Radius Essentials
CAL Bank — 305 m · ~4 min walk
Framim — 154 m · ~2 min walk
Amaze Stores — 533 m · ~7 min walk
Tarkwa — 1.1 km · ~14 min walk
Money & Currency
Get a travel card →Ghanaian Cedi, GHS
Use Forex bureaus in Tarkwa town centre for best rates; avoid airport exchanges in Accra which give poor rates.
Cards accepted in larger supermarkets and hotels, but most local shops, taxis and market stalls expect cash.
10% at restaurants if service charge not added; round up taxi fares; small tip for hotel porters (5-10 GHS).
Eat, Shop & Travel on a Budget
Cheap car hire →Instant coffee from a kiosk or small shop: about 5-8 GHS.
Fufu or jollof rice from a chop bar: 15-25 GHS.
Grilled tilapia with banku and pepper, main portion: 30-40 GHS.
Market area and main taxi rank have roasted plantain, kelewele, and kebabs; cheap and filling.
Shoprite and small local minimarkets in Tarkwa town.
Tarkwa central market sells second-hand clothing (Obroni wawu) and cheap new fabrics.
Shared tro-tro (minibus) within Tarkwa: 2-5 GHS per ride. From Kotoka Airport, take an STC bus to Tarkwa (about 80-100 GHS) or shared taxi.
Eat at chop bars instead of restaurants; buy phone credit for data, not hotel Wi-Fi; negotiate prices in markets.
Emergency Contacts
TarkwaFor all emergencies, dial 112 (national emergency line connecting police, fire, and ambulance in Ghana). For local police in Tarkwa, contact the Tarkwa Police Station directly at +233 312 320 080. The Tarkwa Municipal Hospital can be reached at +233 312 322 210 for medical assistance.
💡 Save these numbers in your phone. In life-threatening emergencies, call immediately.
Where to Eat
💡 Booking tip: For popular restaurants in Tarkwa, book at least a week ahead — especially for weekend evenings and during festival season.
Your arrival at Tomell Lodge
🕒 Check-in is from . Arriving earlier? Most hotels store luggage free — just ask at reception.
🧭 First things nearby: cash · CAL Bank — 305 m · ~4 min walk — pharmacy · Framim — 154 m · ~2 min walk
🚐 Pre-book an airport transfer →Getting Around
Takoradi Lorry Station (near market) → Tarkwa Main Station
💡 Tro-tros are minibuses; fill up before leaving. If you’re carrying large bags, expect to pay extra for cargo space. Sit near a window for dust.
Takoradi city centre → Get in Touch (GIT) Hotel, Tarkwa
💡 Yellow-tag taxis are unofficial; check driver’s ID card. Agree fare upfront—no meters. Add GHS 20 for air conditioning if available.
Takoradi Airport (TKD) → Get in Touch (GIT) Hotel, Tarkwa
💡 Pre-arrange through the hotel for a fixed rate of roughly GHS 300 to avoid haggling. Drivers often expect tips for luggage help.
Accra (Kaneshie or VIP terminal near Circle) → Tarkwa Station (walk 10 min to GIT Hotel)
💡 Book a VIP seat via the station or a local agent—these have AC and legroom. Cheaper buses (GHS 50) are crowded and stop frequently. Arrive 30 min early to secure a seat.
About Tarkwa
Wikipedia ↗
Tarkwa is a town and is the capital of Tarkwa-Nsuaem Municipal District, a district in the Western Region southwest of South Ghana. Frequently dubbed as the "Golden City" by its indigenous populace, the region is characterized by a rich tapestry of Fante communities, among which include Efuanta, Tam...
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best rooms at Tomell Lodge?
Request a room on the upper floors (3rd or 4th) at the back of the building, away from the main road. These are quieter and less affected by street noise from the Tarkwa access road.
Which rooms should I avoid at Tomell Lodge?
Avoid ground-floor rooms, especially those facing the street—they get direct traffic noise and footfall from the entrance. Also skip rooms near the lift shaft, as the lift motor can be audible at night.
Is Tomell Lodge noisy?
Tarkwa is a mining town so you’ll get heavy truck traffic during the day, and occasional night-time movement from taxis or okadas. The hotel is on a main road, so street noise is persistent until late. Also possible noise from a generator if power cuts occur.
Which rooms have the best views at Tomell Lodge?
Back-facing rooms on upper floors look out over the surrounding scrubland or low-rise buildings, offering a more open view than the street side (which faces the road and possibly a petty market or other hotels).
What are insider tips for staying at Tomell Lodge?
1) If driving, ask for a parking spot at the rear of the hotel—less light spill and quieter than the front car park. 2) Check if they have a room above the kitchen or near the generator shed is loudest; avoid those wings when booking.
What time is check-in at Tomell Lodge?
Check-in at Tomell Lodge is from null. Check-out is by null.
Does Tomell Lodge have Wi-Fi?
Free WiFi is available throughout. Speed is sufficient for browsing and email; streaming may buffer. No login required, just select the network.
Is there a city or tourist tax at Tomell Lodge?
None
Where can I eat cheaply near Tomell Lodge?
Fufu or jollof rice from a chop bar: 15-25 GHS.
What is the cheapest way to get around from Tomell Lodge?
Shared tro-tro (minibus) within Tarkwa: 2-5 GHS per ride. From Kotoka Airport, take an STC bus to Tarkwa (about 80-100 GHS) or shared taxi.
When is the best time to visit Tarkwa?
November to February: the main dry season brings lower humidity, clearer skies, and fewer mosquitoes. December is particularly pleasant for exploring without afternoon downpours.
Top Attractions in Tarkwa
💡 Bring small notes—vendors rarely have change for 50 cedis. The basket weavers at the far end are the best value; a decent market basket runs 15–20 cedis.
💡 Buy a coconut from the vendor at the west gate—50 pesewas for a cold one. The garden fills with schoolkids at 3pm; go earlier for peace.
💡 Go just before sunset when the light hits the terraces and the dust settles. The security guards are used to people stopping—just be respectful and don't block the gate.
💡 Ask the stationmaster (he wears a blue uniform) if you can walk along the platform—he’s usually friendly. Avoid the midday heat; morning around 9am is quietest.
💡 The best pool for swimming is the middle one—cooler and less slippery. Bring a plastic bag for your phone; the spray soaks everything. Go on a weekday to avoid loud picnics.