Royal Mirage Agadir Hotel

This former Sheraton property, popular with families, was renovated in 2011, but could use further modernization. The imposing high-rise exterior benefits from a striking patterned central column, and there’s a sense of faded grandeur to the elegant lobby. Individual, mosaic-fronted reception desks are set at an angle to the rest of the room. Attractively ornate white vaulted ceilings, and black and brown marble-effect flooring look modern, but wall panels, chandeliers, and black leather sofas are old-fashioned. The restaurant and bars are hit and miss, from a beautiful sundeck set with wicker-style sofas and pool views, to a cluttered oriental-themed lounge bar, and the large but antiquated, overly gray Atlantis restaurant.

On a fairly busy road, the Royal Mirage is right across from Agadir Beach. Central Agadir’s shops, restaurants, and nightlife are just within walking distance, as are a number of popular attractions.

• Five-minute walk to Agadir Beach and La Grande Roue d’Agadir Ferris wheel
• Six-minute walk to Agadir Birds Valley
• Eight-minute walk to Agadir Golf Training Center
• Eight minutes to Souk El Had by car
• Nine minutes to Agadir Marina by car
• 10 minutes to Agadir port and Agadir Medina by car
• 11 minutes to Agadir Oufella by car
• 13-minute walk to Amazigh Heritage Museum
• 15 minutes to Golf du Soleil by car
• 20-minute walk to Agadir city center
• 32 minutes to Agadir Al Massira Airport by car

The majority of the spacious rooms are smarter than the dated decor in public areas might indicate. There are dark-wood, wall-mounted headboards, slightly old-fashioned paintings and wall lamps, and dark-wood bedside tables with marble-effect countertops. Small rugs lend a lovely touch to complement modern wood-laminate flooring, and there are small wooden tables and chairs, decently sized closets, and glass-topped dark-wood cabinets, but no work-friendly desks. Balconies with simple outdoor furniture have good pool or sea views from most rooms, though some are boxed in by neighboring walls and are a tad dark.

Amenities include air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs, phones, safes, mini-fridges, bathrobes, slippers, hairdryers, and miniature toiletries. But there are no coffee- or tea-making facilities. There’s wired internet (costs extra) but no in-room Wi-Fi. 

Bathrooms are generously proportioned but dated, featuring brown and cream patterned floor and wall tiling, old-fashioned brown granite vanities, submerged sinks, bidets, and shower/tub combos with power showerheads. Some guests like the towels scattered with flower petals (and folded into swans in the bedrooms), but others think it's tacky.

Huge suites attempt an opulent look, but it’s overdone and garish. Bedrooms have button-effect sofas, and extravagant mirrors and curtains, while separate living rooms -- with elegant red floor runners, and royal-blue-and-gold-striped sofas -- are still a bit old-fashioned, but will appeal to those with a hankering for grand Moroccan design. Large dressing rooms sport teal color themes, and better bathrooms feature whirlpool tubs, separate walk-in showers, and double sinks.

The two well-sized, attractive outdoor side-by-side pools are the lead features here, complete with sunbeds and attractive thatch-style parasols. There are also basic sunbeds and umbrellas reserved for Royal Mirage guests on the public beach across the street. All-inclusive rates are available. Atlantis restaurant serves decent, but repetitive, international buffets, while the good breakfast buffet runs until late. Bella Vista, Sunset, Tajine, and the poolside bar all serve a limited selection of drinks and snacks, and 24-hour room service costs extra. There’s a large, well-equipped gym, plus a dated spa and hair salon including sauna and plunge pool. Additional activities include outdoor tennis courts, mini-golf, giant chess, kids’ clubs, and popular evening entertainment. There’s plentiful parking (fees apply), while Wi-Fi is free in the lobby but costs extra elsewhere.