.jpg)
Conakry, Guinea isn’t on every tourists’ bucket list, yet – but it should be, if only to experience the luxurious Noom Hotel. An oasis in a bustling capital city, this hotel was developed as a concept to create a gathering place for local and international visitors to relax, dine and stay awhile – all while peering out over the open Atlantic Ocean.
Guinea, located in West Africa, has received a good deal of attention lately for its business prospects and rapid rate of development (natural resources, new infrastructure and more). The capital, Conakry, is chaotic and hectic – but has areas of respite and calm – in the form of hotels, museums, private islands and more. But, it’s at the Noom, where everything is happening.
Walking-in to the Noom you instantly feel a sense of quiet, security and luxury – with modern furnishings and design, the lobby offers seating areas to take a cup of coffee or tea, relax with friends, or hold a meeting.
There’s a lobby bar and restaurant toward the back of the hotel lobby and large sliding glass doors that open-up to the lively pool deck where an infinity pool juts-out over the sea.
Guest rooms at the Noom are tastefully decorated and feature comfortable beds, work stations, ample bathroom space, safety boxes, flat screen televisions and views of the ocean.
Shampoos, conditioners and lotions area ready for use and rain showers are perfect for washing the day away.
Noom does a good job of branding in various places around the hotel, from bathrooms, to the gym – pool and lobby.
Outside of the lovely guest rooms, my favorite place to relax is the pool area. Guinea is typically humid and hot, so a swim in the infinity pool is always welcome.
You can sit by this architecturally innovative pool and order everything from cocktails to ice cream.
The pool is the perfect temperature to pop in and out of, especially during sunset when the light dips below the horizon to cast a warm glow on the entire city.
The bar in the lobby of the Noom is equipped with menus that offer salads, sandwiches, fish and more. Being that Conakry is right on the sea, seafood here is excellent and a great choice for those who love it.
I found the staff at the Noom to be one of its best assets. Guineans are naturally warm, welcoming and friendly and that resonates in every corner of the Noom experience.
Dining at the Noom is an experience.
Breakfast is typically served buffet style, but you can order a-la-carte as well.
Locally made sweets are to die for, being that the pastry chef was trained in Belgium.
Dinner at the fine, yet still casual dining establishment, L’Adresse, is truly fantastic.
Seafood is the absolute focus here with gorgeous shrimp, fish, octopus and other sea fare on the menu.
The wine list tends to lean heavily French, which makes sense since Guinea was a French colony at one point in its history. Every dish here has a French flair.
And, just like dessert at L’Adresse, a stay at Noom is a sweet experience. When you combine the visuals of your surroundings, the warmth of the staff, the quality of the food and the overall experience – you won’t find better in Conakry, or West Africa as a whole.
