MLI: Azalai Grand Hotel

Avenue Al Quds, Bamako, Mali

Azalai Hotels Group operates a few hotels in West Africa, three of which are in the capital city of Mali. My BFF and I made a decision to stay at Azalai Grand Hotel (4*), a secure hotel in the northern part of the city that's approximately 1 km away from National Park and National Museum of Mali.

We'd booked a free shuttle service from Modibo Keita International Airport to the hotel. Take note that there are lots of aggressive touts and conmen who can communicate in decent English at the arrival area. My advice is to quickly find your driver holding a signboard with your name written on it. As soon as we boarded the van, our driver gave each of us a bottle of mineral water.

The structure ahead of us is the city gate of Bamako.

Crossing Niger River~

The hotel is surrounded by walls with barbed wires. The road outside is quite a busy one during the day. 

In comparison to the rather chaotic outside, the hotel compound is peaceful.

We were dropped off directly in front of the entrance to the hotel building. The front desk people are able to speak some English.

We were treated to some peanuts and mint tea.

The hotel seemed quite empty when we were there.

I certainly appreciated the presence of that simple Christmas tree to herald the Christmas season

Most, if not all, of the books at the bookshop are in French.

We went up to our room on the second floor.

I'd actually booked the cheapest type of room, but I believe we were upgraded to a superior room without being told about it.

The size of the room is 31 square metres.

There were only one sachet of coffee, one tea bag and one bottle of mineral water.

The bathroom doesn't feel claustrophobic.

The water pressure of the shower at the hotel isn't that strong.

There are lots of peddlers outside the hotel.

Have you seen West African CFA Franc before?

Before going for dinner, we explored the first floor a bit more.

The hotel website says that there are eight meeting rooms available.

Souvenirs for sale are displayed along one corridor.

Would you like to wear that pink straw hat?

Some spices, anyone?

There's only one restaurant inside the hotel. 

We decided to try the buffet breakfast on the last day. Find out more about it by clicking here.

At first glance, I was really tempted by the glossy pastry.

Freshly squeezed orange juice!

Swimming pools and gym are available for you to keep fit.

The swimming pools (and possibly the gym) are accessible from 9.00am to 7.00pm.

During our stay at the hotel, we saw quite a number of United Nations and French peacekeeping soldiers.