Argana Hotel

A convenient location between Agadir's city and seafront is a draw here, although like many Agadir properties, this 1976-built hotel is showing its age. Renovations in 2013 have helped modernize colorful rooms and some common areas, though the property is still in need of a full refresh. Much like the welcome mint tea, decor is traditionally Moroccan here. The lofty lobby's stained glass, intricate carvings, and hand-painted tiling are charming, and indoor or outdoor draped tents have Berber influences from woven rugs, floor cushions, and hookah pipes, which attract locals. Thatched structures are pleasant amid flowering plants, lawns, and palms surrounding the outdoor pool. Daytime music and evening shows are provided, but there have been complaints of late-night noise reaching rooms. Couples dominate the property in winters, while summers draw many families and conference groups.

Though not beachfront, the hotel's location between Agadir's shorefront and town is appealing, and many attractions can be reached on foot, or via quick and cheap taxis. Argana Hotel opens onto Agadir's old town square, market, and Museum of Amazigh Culture on one side, where accompanying shops and a McDonald's require walks of no more than six minutes. The other side gives way to Agadir's seafront promenade and expansive sands, and entrance 12 affords private beach access, and a multitude of restaurants and nightclubs fill the area. Numerous market stalls at Souk El-Had and Berber-oriented Agadir Medina are within a seven-minute drive. Multiple golf courses are slightly farther. Agadir-Inezgane Airport is 16 minutes by car.

The 2013-renovated rooms are mostly contemporary, featuring Moorish accents in drapes, Islamic wall art, satin or velour bed throws, and either chain-like or traditional furniture. Palettes range from pistachio greens, to jewel, earth, or neutral tones, and the rust-colored tile floors are dated. Dimensions measure 183 square feet (17 square meters) in Standard Rooms, while entry-level Suites are 280 square feet (26 square meters) and have living areas. All rooms are bright, thanks to glass doors that open to furnished balconies facing the garden, pool, or sea. Bathrooms have shower/tub combos, bidets, basic toiletries, and hairdryers. Phones, glass-topped desks, mini-fridges, AC, free Wi-Fi, and flat-screen TVs with limited English-language channels come standard, but no tea- and coffee-making facilities are provided, and use of safes incur fees. Unfortunately, rooms suffer noise from nearby nightclubs, and beds can be two twins pushed together. 

Features here embrace the North African climate and the region's heritage. The unheated outdoor pool is a good size, surrounded by plastic loungers and umbrellas. Raised or sheltered structures here offer al fresco spaces for the pool bar, and brick, thatched, or draped features forming them are atmospheric, as are rich fabrics and motifs. The poolside hookah bar is a tent structure with large cushions and traditional rugs, and alongside music and Moroccan evening dancers, it honors local culture. Children are catered to with a small but cheerful kids' club, where animation and activities are more plentiful in summers, and a kiddy pool offers splash space. Breakfast buffets are underwhelming despite the made-to-order eggs, but all-you-can-eat lunch and dinner meals offer variety, as well as themed nights. Unfortunately, much like the wood-paneled bar, the restaurant's bland blue-and-white decor is dated. The on-site nightclub is rarely frequented. The spa's sauna and Turkish hammam require fees, and the gym is low on frills, but massages are popular. Private beach access, conference facilities, a mini-market, on-site ATM, currency exchange, and free parking and Wi-Fi complete the list of available features.