EstherP1882
Google
5 stars for sea-front views and lovely lobby|3 stars for maintenance |1 star for housekeeping||This was once a premier hotel in Essaouira and it is trying to hold on to this reputation. It is a beautifully designed property that is hampered by poor maintenance and sloppy housekeeping.||You should check everything when you get to your room - make sure everything works and housekeeping has left coffee/tea supplies, has refilled the soap/shampoo containers, that there are towels and that the shower and toilet work properly.||The door locks to my first room (garden view) did not work. When I want to reception to get re-keyed, I asked the additional cost for a sea view room. It was just $40. a night and worth it for the larger room and especially the view. I had room 136.||Unfortunately, the room had maintenance problems. Shower function did not work and had to be repaired twice, chair upholstery is stained, mirror had discoloration, some furniture was banged up/scratched and needed polishing, there were insufficient towels, and the coffee/tea set up was incomplete||It would take so little effort and not much money to again make this one of the most desirable hotels in Essaouira. The rooms are well designed with good lighting and electrical outlets everywhere, and all it needs is attention to details.||Some recommendations:||*work on the anemic air conditioning|*polish the scuffed, unsightly furniture with a bit of stain to make the furniture look better (especially the coffee table)|*re-do the chair upholstery|*put some towel racks in in the bathroom in the large space across from the toilet area|*give housekeeping a checklist to insure that rooms are setup properly||On a more positive note, reception staff is friendly and helpful and the the breakfast buffet is generous and there is an egg chef.||It is about a 20 minute (1 mile) walk along the seafront to the medina. It is inexpensive to take a taxi (7 dirham) if you want to save your energy for shopping. I especially recommend the Jewelry Souk with store after store of dazzling silver and gold jewelry at the best prices I saw in Morocco.||With the hotel room in the same condition, I would not want to return. If a little attention was paid to the rooms, I would love to stay at this hotel again.