We love the Ilomba--right next to a gorgeous beach, good restaurant, and very nice rooms. The standard rooms are quite reasonable, but a bit small, particularly for families. You have to rent two rooms for four people but neither has much space to stretch out (although they are VERY clean and nice).
Since our kids were visiting us over the Christmas holidays from university, we were worried about space. Luckily, some friends recommended we book either the Palissandre or Ebene apartments located on the small hill just behind the other buckaroo style rooms.
We booked the Palissandre (could house at least six, maybe more) since the Ebene (houses four or five people) was already taken. It was pricey at almost $300 per night (Ebene is about $240 night) but the apartment is HUGE: full size living room with cable TV, a dining room, two bedrooms, two baths, large front and side porches with lots of chairs and outdoor sofas, and a loft (which could hold at least two extra beds).
If you need more than that--rent both as they are side-by-side and share the front porch and yard.
Downsides: without a refrigerator or microwave, the dining room is almost useless for its intended purpose unless you have your restaurant food delivered to the apartment. There is also no internet service. Also, the cable TV works on a six-hour time card, so you have to go to the office and get it renewed (no charge) each time you complete six hours of viewing.
Bottom line: despite the minor downsides, the Ilomba can't be beat for a great getaway. For families--splurge on the apartments.
- Ilomba Hotel Kribi
