We stayed at Mercure after a disappointing night at the Berber Palace, Ouazarzate. I have to say that Mercure was much better value than Berber Palace (around 800 Dh for a room at the Mercure vs. 2300 for a room at the Berber Palace). However, the tired attitude and facilities were still a let down. This seems to be an endemic problem of Ouazarzate.
We found the staff throughout the hotel to be quite sullen. Definitely not eager to welcome guests at check-in. We asked about the internet connection - "The connection is down. Go next door to get Wifi in the lobby of the Ibis". No apology, not a hint of regret. In the morning at breakfast, there was a buffet for self-service. That is fine. But the staff went about their business without greeting any guests - as if we were an obstacle to their work. I understand self-service is self service, but failure to reply to "salam alaikum" can only be interpreted as a snub. The food was very stale. The moroccan crepe was completely hard - inedible. It was in every way inferior from the fresh food that we could find at any cheap stall in Morocco. I guess that's why the staff can't take any pride in their situation.
On reflection, we should have stayed at the Ibis, immediately next door - almost half the price for a room there (420 Dirhams).