The Atlas Riad Essaouira is a beautifully designed hotel with an excellent location. The lobby area is warm and welcoming, creating a great first impression. However, when I arrived early, I had to wait at the bar, which unfortunately wasn’t serving any soft drinks. As a tired and thirsty traveler, it would be great if the bar or coffee area could be open for early arrivals to offer refreshments while waiting for the room to be ready. Fortunately, the reception staff were accommodating and managed to prepare our room by 1 pm, which was much appreciated.
Our room had a lovely and impressive sea view, but it was somewhat outdated and did not meet the standards of a 5-star hotel as advertised. For example, the room lacked basic amenities like an iron, which is typically expected in 5-star accommodations. Additionally, the sink in the bathroom did not drain properly, requiring manual adjustment to prevent overflow. Despite calling reception three times, it took some persistence before someone finally came to assist.
The WiFi on the third floor was also quite poor, which was a bit frustrating. On a positive note, the swimming pool was delightful, although the bar service there could be improved. The waiter was unable to recommend any cocktails, leaving me to choose one at random.
Overall, while the hotel facilities are decent, there is a need for significant improvements in customer service and attention to detail to truly meet the expectations of a 5-star rating. That said, it