126,7: I actually live in Bamako (though I'm not involved in aviation); I can give you some names of places to go if you'd like.
On the Hotel front, most of the guys that work for us (we're a drilling company) stay in Le Campagnard. Went there for lunch today, actually.
FWIW, the General Manager stays at Le Plaza when he's in town, though the daily rate is a little more, I think.
Drop me an email if you'd like to catch up for a beer, I'd be only too happy to show you around (though I've only been here a short while).