King Fahd Palace Hotel

Built in the 1980s on the Almadies headland and gifted by the late King Fahd of Saudi Arabia, this is one of Dakar's two grande-dame five-stars. The site occupies the westernmost point of mainland Africa, with sweeping Atlantic views, a clifftop pool, a 9-hole golf course, four restaurants and the city's largest conference facilities. Free airport shuttles and a private beach round it off.