Iberostar Founty Beach

There’s a relaxed, family-oriented vibe here, and low-rise white buildings look chic against well-tended grounds that include palm-tree-lined lawns, stone pathways, and colorful flowerbeds. A star-shaped fountain lined with Moroccan tiles adds a dose of local color. The large, inviting outdoor pools are fringed by a paved deck, and the golden-sand beach is wide and attractive. Indoors, the bright lobby is slightly old-fashioned but full of local charm, with high ceilings, large patterned dark-blue-and-brown pillars, and suspended dream-catcher-like light fixtures. The pool bar and entertainment bar have simple, but elegant, outdoor seating, but the main restaurant -- complete with tan-wood, red-upholstered seating, and garishly colored floor tiling -- looks like a cafeteria. Guests here are a mix of families and couples, both tourists and Moroccans who want a relaxing beach holiday. 

Only a pleasant promenade sits between Agadir Beach and the Iberostar, which is surrounded by other hotels. But there’s otherwise little to do in the immediate area; it’s a short drive or taxi ride to Agadir proper and most tourist attractions.

• Six minutes to Agadir Birds Valley by car
• Seven minutes to La Grande Roue d’Agadir ferris wheel by car
• Eight minutes to Agadir medina, Souk El Had, and Agadir Golf Training Center by car
• 10 minutes to Amazigh Heritage Museum by car
• 11 minutes to Agadir's city center by car
• 15 minutes to Golf du Soleil by car
• 14 minutes to Agadir Marina by car
• 16 minutes to Agadir Kasbah and Agadir port by car
• 38 minutes to Agadir Al-Massira Airport by car

Rooms are spacious and fairly comfortable, but undeniably bland. There are cream walls with small framed prints, beige-brown floor tiling, tan-wood headboards, and bedside tables with built-in lamps. Similar built-in closets and cabinets have mirror-fronted sliding doors, and there are decently sized desks, plus wooden chairs and coffee tables set on traditional Moroccan rugs. Ceiling-height patterned curtains cover smaller patio doors that lead to pleasant balconies with attractive whitewashed walls, more beige-brown floor tiles, and cheap plastic tables and chairs. Many rooms have pleasant views of the pool and sea, but others lack views altogether. Junior Suites have larger balconies and sleep four, while Suites have separate living rooms, two bathrooms, and two balconies.

Generously sized bathrooms sport similar beige-brown flooring, plus white and blue wall tiles. Large stone vanities are accented with colorful Moroccan tiles and submerged sinks. Shower/tub combos have power showerheads, and bidets, toiletries, and wall-mounted hairdryers are provided.

Amenities include air-conditioning and heating, flat-screen cable TVs, free Wi-Fi (though it’s spotty in rooms), phones, safes (for an extra charge), and mini-fridges -- but no coffee- or tea-making facilities. All rooms have space for an extra bed, and family and connected rooms are available. Note that some double beds are actually two single beds pushed together. Some rooms are far from the lobby, restaurants, and other facilities.

Most guests spend entire days at the Iberostar’s beautiful outdoor pool complex, which is daisy-shaped and divided into two pools, plus there's a small kids' pool. Lounge chairs are ample, but there's a deposit required for towels. Guests can also use loungers and umbrellas at the beach, which is just across a pleasant promenade from the hotel. Entertainment facilities include two outdoor tennis courts, a small archery range, ping-pong tables, bike rentals, and other sports equipment and fitness classes. There’s also a small gym with some dated machines, a spa offering a range of treatments and a tiled indoor pool and sauna, and a sandbox-style playground, as well as three kids’ clubs (though the teenagers’ club only runs in the summer).

For dining, all guests get a free breakfast buffet with room rates. Half-board and all-inclusive options are available. Mercure restaurant serves the Moroccan and international breakfast, lunch, and dinner buffets, which all offer good variety. Note there’s a dress code, and the restaurant isn’t open between meals. Antares restaurant offers a Moroccan set dinner menu, and the all-day Founty Snack Bar, Orion Lobby Bar, and Cassiopee Entertainment Bar are open until the evening. There’s also live music and entertainment on most nights. There’s free parking and Wi-Fi is free throughout (but can be spotty in rooms).