Diner at the poolside is only for the brave. As soon as darkness sets in, the place is overrun by rats who have clearly lost all fear of people. More than disgusting. Never experienced anything like it in Africa. The ownership of this place has lost all interest in running a half decent hotel. They got enough feedback from guests... More

This hotel, despite the reviews is not a very pleasant place. The rooms here are very dingy and dark- atleast the one I got in the main/old house. Perhaps the new clock is a bit better. My room had no view whatsoever except a dirty shed and rotting mangoes. The bathroom is also very outdated. But I guess this is... More

Nice hotel, very friendly staff (also madam is very friendly!), good place to relax. Although the building looks a little bit 'old and colonial' the rooms are good, quiet and the menu in the restaurant is very good. good icecream! Massage and pedicure available! If you expect luxury, go elsewhere, if you want good value, and nice atmosphere: choose le... More

Room was okay for price. Breakfast was very poor. Do not exchange money here. Was given 25,000 CFA for 70 USD.

The Rabelais looks very basic from the outside - but has a great pool, a very good restaurant , and clean quiet rooms. The real plus is the staff's willingness to please, which cannot be found in other more expensive hotels in Bamako.

Stayed for three nights. Rooms were small and simple but the airconditioning worked well and the wifi was functional, though the speed was variable. The proprietress is a cranky french woman (Madam Martin, I believe), but everybody else was friendly and helpful. The price was about 36,000 cfa or $80 US a night. Also, there is an excellent french restaurant... More

Pleasant hotel with two good restaurants, a nice pool and excellent (homemade) icecream. Two elderly french ladies run the hotel and the reception. Hotel has its own "patisserie". Experienced personnel. There's even a beauty parlour. Most rooms are near the pool and restaurant. They are clean, light, carefully decorated in european style. Things (taps, lights, airconditioning, television, roomservice) actually work... More

We have stayed in this hotel for three nights, with a group of journalists and businessman on a fact finding mission on faretrade cotton. We had a room in the rearbuilding next to the pool. Clean, reasonable bed, good AC and given expectations a reasonable to good breakfast. Outside of the centre but some nice restaurants in the area. The... More

I usually stay at La Chaumiere, next to the Rabelais, when I come to Bamako. Unfortunately La Chaumiere was booked this time. I stayed in a room at Rabelais that was not very clean and full of mosquitos - even after spraying the room several days in a row. The staff are friendly and the food is just okay. I... More