As part of a press trip, Seneweb explored the four Accor Group hotels in Senegal: Pullman Dakar Teranga, Novotel Dakar, ibis Styles Dakar, and Mövenpick Resort Lamantin Saly. For four days, each of these hotels opened its doors to us and offered its hospitality. For this first installment, we focus on the Pullman Dakar Teranga, for a rediscovery of this iconic Dakar hotel.

In Dakar, some places maintain a certain continuity despite the city's transformations. The Pullman Dakar Teranga is one of these establishments that blends history and renewal without ever losing its identity. This 5-star hotel faces the Atlantic Ocean and Gorée Island. Originally opened in 1973, it recently underwent a complete overhaul of its offerings and identity, following a first "complete facelift" in 2017. The renovation encompassed the entire structure, including the façade, guest rooms, the Junction by Pullman (the lobby), seminar rooms, and the restaurant. The new design blends contemporary style with African inspiration. A testament to its commitment to art, visitors can admire a mural by Zeinixx and Kashink on the hotel's first terrace, part of the "Playwall" project, co-organized in partnership with Delphine Buysse, exhibition curator.

An establishment that lives and breathes art

The space opens onto the city center, just minutes from Independence Square, with architecture that prioritizes open air and convivial areas. A security checkpoint, followed by a thorough inspection by a guard, leads to the reception area. Soft lighting envelops a flexible lobby where works by several internationally renowned artists, including Audrey D'erneville, adorn the space. The Franco-Senegalese artist exhibits scenes of Senegalese life. In this lobby, the exhibitions evolve throughout the year, reflecting the flow of guests. The hotel uses this space for its own events and reconfigures the lobby according to the specific requirements. The staff sometimes removes all the furniture to install a new set design or to accommodate an artistic opening.

Breakfast and local flavors

The hotel's focus becomes clearer as you continue towards the dining area. Breakfast, the first meal of the day, is a key element for the establishment, and they go all out for their guests. The menu offers at least 20% vegan options. Breads are baked on-site, including gluten-free varieties. The cold buffets feature products from local farms, including cheese supplied by an organic Senegalese farm in Sangalkam, a supplier to the hotel for about ten years. A "healthy" area showcases cold-pressed juices, detox waters, and a selection of milks to suit various dietary needs.

The service prioritizes a direct relationship with customers. Servers come to the table with an initial hot drink, then return as needed. An express option allows customers in a hurry to grab a meal to go. Various adaptable spaces also host concerts or work sessions. In one corner of the restaurant, the walls display portraits of artists who have stayed at the hotel: Daara J, Ismaël Lô, Tony Allen, Youssou Ndour, Viviane Chidid, and Fally Ipupa.

The terrace often comes alive at the end of the day with "Sunset Hour" events. Local artists perform there according to a weekly schedule. Themed after-work gatherings also bring together companies wishing to showcase their sector or projects.

Teranga Beach Club, for relaxing moments with a new menu

The hotel's pathway then leads to the Teranga Beach Club, located opposite the hotel. Here, the family pool has been a fixture for years. The establishment now aims to transform it into a fully-fledged gastronomic destination. A kitchen garden provides aromatic herbs, chilies, tomatoes, parsley, mint, and lemongrass. Chef Aïcha, the driving force behind this project, personally harvests her ingredients. A few months ago, she launched the restaurant's new menu. This new offering includes an open kitchen, allowing for cooking over a wood fire. The team prepares seafood, grouper, prawns, and meats such as Black Angus tomahawk steak. The restaurant also maintains a snack menu to preserve the family atmosphere. Thieboudienne, prepared by Fatou since 1990, remains one of the most popular dishes. The icing on the cake is the opportunity for guests to enjoy their meals while gazing at the blue horizon and Gorée Island.

The vision of the general manager

Enjoying a cocktail and tapas while watching the sunset, all accompanied by the sounds of the kora. It's Sunset Hour. The perfect moment to chat with Stéphane Jamin, General Manager of the Pullman Dakar Teranga. He has been managing the hotel since April 2024 and describes it as a deliberate return: "It's a return to my roots, as I was at this same hotel between 2016 and 2018 and actively participated in the renovation of this hotel and in implementing all the new guidelines and procedures related to the Pullman brand."

Upon his return, he was delighted to be reunited with some of the team who had remained loyal to the establishment. He immediately identified several priorities: "The challenge here is meeting customer expectations. That's the first challenge. Then there's the customer experience. We need to be able to offer the best possible service. And we have to compete with the competition, because there are some." He also addressed the importance of the human factor: "The biggest challenge for a general manager in any country, whether in Africa or elsewhere, is to develop the teams just as we develop the hotel." The hotel comprises 100 Superior Premium Sea View Rooms, 110 Superior City View Rooms, 11 Deluxe Sea View Rooms, 25 Junior Sea View Suites, and a Presidential Suite. Furthermore, these fully renovated suites and rooms are all equipped with Wi-Fi, LCD satellite TV, a minibar, a safe, air conditioning, and a complimentary tray of local fruit and juices. In order to further personalize the experience, customers can find a welcome message signed by the general manager.

Event excellence and customer loyalty

Furthermore, since 2024, the hotel has been enhancing the quality of its event services. Regarding this, the director explains: "We've regained a significant market share because we have unparalleled experience in the MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) sector." He specifically mentions the coffee breaks where the hotel incorporates Rubik's Cubes made of fruit, checkerboards, and games to create a playful atmosphere. The political context is another factor considered by the establishment. The 2024 elections have allayed the concerns of some of its corporate clientele. The Pullman has therefore reconnected with its clients to reassure them and present the new features, including the complete renovation of the Teranga Beach Club.

Local commitment and sustainable development

Given the global emergency, environmental issues also play a dominant role at the Pullman. The manager explains this commitment: "We try to work as much as possible with local producers and suppliers." The kitchen garden is one of the main drivers of this commitment. The hotel also uses the Winnow system, which weighs and analyzes food waste to adapt its menus. He continues: "So we work with local suppliers and producers for food, but also, when I'm refurbishing furniture, etc., we try to work with local suppliers as much as possible. It's very important for us to have this real impact on the environment."

The social aspect follows the same principles. The Pullman carries out initiatives to support the women's prison, a prestigious secondary school in Yeumbeul, and a village in the Diass municipality. The hotel also organizes food distributions during Ramadan in Independence Square. It considers this local presence an integral part of its mission.

Gastronomy designed for everyone

Regarding its cuisine, the hotel aims to cater to all tastes. The general manager summarizes their approach: "We can meet all of our guests' expectations." He cites vegan, vegetarian, low-calorie, and traditional diets. With this in mind, local juices feature prominently on the menu. He also emphasizes the contribution of Chef Aïcha: "She brings her own vision. She's a Senegalese woman who brings her own way of working."

The "sharing food" concept recently introduced at Teranga Beach Club as part of its new menu reinforces this convivial atmosphere. He explains, "These are dishes to share. It's about creating connections." Sharing also acts as a way to combat food waste: "We weigh all the food that comes in."

Art as a guiding thread

What might strike guests first is the Pullman's commitment to culture. This is confirmed by its manager, who states that art plays a vital role in the brand's DNA: "Pullman has always been a pioneer, showcasing artists from the countries where it operates." The hotel exhibits artworks, redesigns its spaces according to artistic cycles, and is preparing a new exhibition dedicated to Baba Ly, a member of the Village des Arts.

The Pullman Dakar Teranga is built on three pillars: customer experience, local roots, and cultural dimension. This philosophy is summarized by the general manager, who also states that the hotel must create "a complete experience" where the rooms are just one element among many.