Benin - West Africa - page 104

Auberge Le Jardin Secret - Chez Pascal GUESTHOUSE $
( 96 66 90 14; www.lejardinsecretouidah.net ; near Radio Kpassé; r CFA10,000; ) An atmosphere of
dreamlike tranquillity wafts over this well-organised guesthouse tucked away in a side von
in a tranquil neighbourhood. The neatly tended garden has places to lounge, the six rooms,
though not luxurious, are crisp and spruce, and there's an on-site restaurant (meals from
CFA3500). Everything was built using natural materials. Bike rental is available. It's run
by a Frenchman who travelled around West Africa by moped.
Le Jardin Brésilien Auberge de la Diaspora HOTEL $$
( 94 56 96 73; www.bda2.com ; Porte du Non Retour; r CFA8000-30,000; ) Just off the beach
near the Point of No Return, rooms here occupy two characterless, muscular buildings.
Opt for the air-con rooms, which are spacious and meticulously clean. Avoid the fan
rooms, which are overpriced and furnace-like. Also available is a cluster of modern, well-
appointed bungalows. The real draws are the large pool and the restaurant (mains
CFA4500 to CFA6500) slap bang on the beach.
Casa Del Papa RESORT $$$
( 95 95 39 04; www.casadelpapa.com ; Ouidah Plage; d incl breakfast CFA47,000-68,000; )
Squeezed between the ocean and the lagoon, Casa Del Papa is the closest thing to an ex-
clusive resort you'll find on the coast. It features a host of facilities and amenities, includ-
ing three pools, a volleyball court, two bars and a restaurant overlooking the beach. There
are numerous activities on offer as well as excursions across the lagoon and to nearby vil-
lages. The hotel is 7km beyond the Point of No Return.
Côté Pêche SEAFOOD $$
( 96 82 27 03, 97 46 43 79; Rte des Esclaves; mains CFA2500-3500; breakfast, lunch & dinner daily) Fish
lovers, you'll find nirvana here: Côté Pêche has a wide assortment of fish delivered daily
from the harbour, including barracuda and grouper. The menu also features meat dishes,
pasta, salads and sandwiches. The owners have three rooms for rent (CFA6000). It's at the
beginning of Rte des Esclaves.
Information
There are several internet cafes in town but only one bank (UBA) with an ATM (Visa
only).
Tourist Office ( 21 19 35 11, 97 87 80 93; [e-mail]; 8.30am-6.30pm daily) Has various
brochures and can arrange cultural tours. Ask for Modeste Zinsou. Near the post office.