HOTEL SOFITEL ESSAOUIRA MOGADOR GOLF & SPA Luxe

The hotel itself was beautiful and the staff are very amenable, although quite slow. The rooms are in desperate need of renovation, or at least the floors need making good. The first room we were shown to was shabby to say the least with the painted floor very marked and peeling and the bathroom stained. We asked for a different room, but this was the same but with the addition of a damp musty smell. We opted for the first room as at least it smelled ok. Over the course of the week we grew to overlook the floor and bathroom and learnt to love it. The bed was exceptionally comfortable and the patio was a real sun trap with a very comfy day bed to lounge upon, sheltered slightly from the wind(which is constant making the 30degree heat very bearable). It was a shame there was no tea/coffee making facilities in the room which you would expect from even a 3 star hotel. There was no towel rail, so you had to drape the used towels on the edge of the sink, which meant they often got wet. There seemed to be no option to re use towels or not have the bed changed as in some hotels with eco intentions. The restaurant buffet was acceptable, but not exceptional. Plenty of choices for vegetarians which was great. The pool was very cold for swimming and the beach, although lovely, was a climb over very steep sand dunes and when you get there, there are no facilities. No toilets, no refreshments, no chairs or parasols. This could be improved although maybe the hotel doesn't own the beach. Tip for the British traveller - ask for 2 or 3 teabags in your teapot otherwise you will get only one in a 4 cup pot !

Although the staff are very pleasant, the rooms are in dire need of renovation. Apparently all the rooms are the same (according to the reception), with only the view providing the difference. The doors to the bathroom didn't close, the small domestic fridge acting as a mini bar didn't work, an extrodinary design for bathroom itself and fittings that are a throwback to the 1970's. Finally, small details like no glasses or coat hangers in the room didn't add to the experience.

To put this review into perspective this was our third visit to this hotel. The first visit was for our honeymoon in 2013 - we loved the hotel so much we visited again the following year in 2014. On both occasions we were impressed with the running of the hotel. There were some negative reviews at the time on trip advisor which we disregarded based on the more positive reviews that featured. I would certainly visit the hotel again but I might be more mindful when booking again at looking at the price. The breakfast was great and there was a fantastic range of delicious food to choose from. If you would like an espresso you do need to explain that you would like a shot of coffee otherwise you end up getting a mug of black coffee. The pool area was the same as 2013 & 2014 - nice comfy loungers with attentive staff for drinks and food etc. We did find the pool bar menu a bit boring- we wanted simple fresh salads or light dishes not great bowls of pasta and pizza- whilst the pizza we had was quite tasty we would have liked to see some lighter options available. We were particularly impressed with the pool bar manager Rachid who would bring on frequent occasions a replacement wine cooler filled with ice for our water. We did not request this it was just something he offered and this little kind gesture impressed us. The things that bugged us was the cleaning or should I say lack of cleaning of our room. We are not neat freaks and happy if the odd bit of cleaning is not done but on several occasions we would return to a half assed job. They merely made the bed and changed the towels.

This is our 2nd time at the hotel and everything was perfect for our 2 night break. The rooms are modern and stunning, both the pools are calm and peaceful and the hotel grounds itself are beautiful. The hotel is ideally situated just a 7 minute drive from the medina. Its a 15-20 minute walk through the golf to the beach. Would highly recommend checking the beach out. The service is one of the best that we have experienced, whether it be by the pool, at breakfast, at the reception or room service. They are extremely helpful and well trained with a smile on their face. I would recommend one of the rooms on the 2nd floor as the view of the golf course and the sea is mesmerizing. Even the balconies are very well furnished. Looking forward to our next visit!

The overall satay was very good, we had a nice weather. The walk through the beach is amazing, the site and venue are just outstanding. The kindness of the staff at the restaurants, pool, and bar was amazing, specially mustapha Rehani. The room cleaning was not that neat, as some glasses were dirty for the 3 days we stayed there, the toilet and sink were clogged. Breakfast buffet was perfect, can not say the same about dinner. lunch at the pool was excellent