Liers.

My parents saved money for 3 years to come and visit me here and this hotel ruined their first impression of Morocco and hurt our relationship.
I called the hotel several times to confirm our reservations to ensure two things: that we would have nice rooms with a view of the ocean and would have quiet at night. Our initial rooms were on the ground floor with a bad view and the noise from the club with inexcusable. No one could sleep and we all got sick because of it.
We arrived at 10pm and despite the fact that I called twice to confirm that day the staff didn’t know were coming. Can you imagine bringing your family to a hotel after forty hours of travelling to a hotel where they were going to pay a lot of money and almost be turned away?!!! Then we couldn’t eat because it was too late. There are prostitutes going in and out of the hotel and the music from the club starts at midnight at goes until 5 am. They play the loudest music I have heard here, after living in Morocco for a year.
The staff was part of a scheme that cheated us. Before we left we asked about transport to Marrakech. The staff at the hotel said they could arrange a grand taxi for us the next day. We were told that it would cost a certain amount of MAD and we agreed. Even after waiting for an hour with the owner of the taxi service, once we were in the vehicle we were told that it would cost more. When I argued, the man insulted me and my family in a very disgusting way. Furthermore, they insisted on us paying before leaving and during the trip to Marrakech the driver insulted me further. They should be ashamed to do business with such people.

They lied to us about the condition of the hotel, the noise and the transport to Marrakech made me very ashamed to live in Morocco.

We arrived at Essaouria for four days of our holiday after staying in Marrakesh for eight days and it was certainly alot quieter here. We travelled with Supatours, a very pleasant and comfortable journey. The barrow men descended on you as soon as the coach arrived which was a little intimidating but as we knew the hotel was only a short walk away we stuck to our guns and continued to say no thank you, no matter how many times they told us there was no taxis into the square! The hotel staff are very friendly and the restaurant staff were especially attentive, they would jump up and ask what they could do for you if you so much as glanced at them! They were really lovely, chatty and friendly. The food was ok. The hotel is a little dated and could do with a little work on it but no major problems. The pool was a definite no no when we were there but they were sorting that out. The square is only a very short walk away and nice to walk around, people didnt seem to be too overpowering. There was a little man in the port that struck up a conversation with us, he had a pocket book full of pictures and a wealth of information about fishing etc and the island. We knew he would expect money after taking us on a tour of the port and talking for about half an hour about all sorts of stuff and were quite happy to give him some because he was quite interesting really, but I think what ever we had offered him he would have wanted more, so start low and go up slowly!! We found the noddy train a good little ride around for about 15 mins and saw parts we may not have done otherwise and it was really cheap. If you go in summer dont be fooled into thinking you will not get burnt because it is quite windy, I didnt wear a hat or much sun cream one day and was ill the next day with what felt like sunstroke.

We were stuck for a place to stay and were so tired after a tonne of travel that we settled on this one.

Positives: It's on the beach, close to the medina and has wifi in the lobby. There is also a bar/lounge and a pool. AC in room.

Negatives: The room had a huge sewage drainage issue so the place reeked like poo all night. There is a HUGE nightclub attached (which is not noted or advised to you) which was rocking ALL NIGHT from about 11pm to 3am. And I mean ROCKING. Staff is "fine". Hotel is old, dirty and rooms reek like mildew/mold. Sheets/pillows were dirty. Pool is like a cenote, dark and "iffy" on chemicals.

Would I stay there again? No, there are far newer and better kept hotels for the money. Beats a hostel I guess at 1000 a night.

Arrived in Essaouria via Supratours and was aware that the 'barrow boys' would be waiting-no taxi's at the bus station, so you have little choice unless you want to drag your luggage yourself! Walked a few minutes around the corner to Des Iles Hotel. Greeted by some extremely friendly and smiling receptionists. Shown immediately to our rooms, which were still being cleaned, but dumped the cases and off to explore the area.

Essaouria is a very beautiful coastal resort, with a fabulously wide and clean beach. The petite train stop is directly outside the hotel 15dh for adults, 5dh for small children. The trip is probably only 30 minutes, but it's pleasent. Turning right out of the hotel takes you into the medina. They don't appear to haggle here-you ask the price, they tell you, if you say no too much, they LET you walk away! It's very easy to get lost in the medina-we did! And ended up coming out on to what appeared to be a building site, but my daughter spotted the Supratours station across the way and we were able to regain our barings. Just inside the walls of the medina is a lovely little courtyard of cafes, reasonably priced, with a lovely atmosphere. Street musicians come along and play while you eat-for money of course! Not everybodies cup of tea, but an experience all the same.

Whilst visiting a cafe along the beach front, my young daughter was in need of the toilet-only to be shown to a traditional Moroccan toilet-suddenly she wasn't desperate anymore! So be aware incase you get caught short too ;-)

Back to the hotel for a shower-fantastic! Shampoo etc provided. No air-con in the room, but even in July it wasn't needed-to my surprise. Essaouria has a cool breeze which is most welcome.

Dinner was served in a very lavish decorated restaurant. We stayed half board-the menu was brought to us in french (we can't speak french, so the waiter helped us out!) starter was soup or salad. Main was turkey, fish or kofte style meatballs-all served with carrots potaotes and rice. We all opted for creme caramel for dessert, and I dont remember the other options. All served with a smile in a very pleasent atmosphere.

After dinner, we had a walk along the promenade where street sellers sell candy floss, nuts, ice cream etc. Women are selling henna tattoos and so forth, but a no thank you is all it takes-no hassle!

Next morning was a delicious breakfast, pancakes and pastries with freshly squeezed orange juice and coffee.

The pool area was very clean with plenty of sunbeds. On the day we arrived there was music coming from the pool area but it was not intrusive. The next morning we had the whole pool to ourselves for most of the morning and it was very quiet-but in a nice way. Free wifi in the reception for those that need it.

We only stayed in Essaouria for one night (only because I made an error with my booking) but wish we'd stayed for at least two nights as planned. Would I go back? Like a shot! It was lovely! Oh and the King of Morocco has stayed here-there is a large photo in the reception to prove it! If it's good enough for the King, it's good enough for me! Enjoy!