We returned to Qualidia In June 2006 , a year after our stay at Hippocampe. This time we stayed at a lovely private apartment at Jardins de Les Lagunes. We coudn't wait to visit Hippocampe but were sorely disappointed., It had changed so much that we asked the waiter (when we eventually found one) whether it had changed owners. It hadn't apparently. The place looked deserted in the middle of the day and a little run down. Lunch seemed to put them out. I think the waiter was sleeping when we arrived. I don't know what has happened but it was a different hotel to the busy place we stayed in the year before. A great pity as it's such a fantastic location. I would still return to Qualidia though.

we wanted to spend a few days on the beach and opted for Oualidia instead of Essaouira because we wanted a less windy beach to lie on.

booked Hippocampe as there was not much else. it was ok, but we checked out after 1 day instead of 3. reasons- it is overpriced for what it is.

rooms clean but no character which is a shame compared to places to stay in marrakech. also no fan or air con so we could not sleep.

cost was £110 per night incl a meal, the food was ok, but there was only 1 other couple in the restaurant, so no atmosphere.

the pool is a good size but no character and no beds to lie on. the beach is right on the middle of the bay but the view is spoiled by the buildings at teh head of the beach.

all in all a very average place.

we spent a day at the newly built Sultana hotel which is very nice and will be ready to stay in early 2007. there is also a new hotel beach view which is horrible and ugly with no character. we stayed 2 days at Initiale, which although smaller than hippocampe was much better value and nicer atmosphere and by the good bit of the beach with a bit of surf.

LOCATION - 5
The hotel is located near the entrance of Oulidia’s great bay, directly on the beach. The hotel has its own parking.
ROOMS - 5
Rooms are nice, bright and clean. Many offer sea view or a view on the awesome colourful garden. They have neither TV nor a safe deposit, except for the two suites, but all have their own terraces.
SERVICE - 4
The hotel staff was very friendly and helpful, although no one spoke proper English (and some even worse French than I do). The restaurant staff was rather lazy and slow.
FOOD - 3
Breakfast and food (half board is mandatory in high season) was ok, mainly sea food. We once had lunch at L’Initiale, which was much better (its hotel is much simpler though, without direct beach access or pool, but seamed quite nice to us).
FACILITIES – 5
There is a large pool, which you usually have to yourself, and a great beach directly in front of the hotel. Due to its position in the bay you can swim easily and without danger. Due to tide change you have the impression of swimming in a river, which changes direction four times daily. Internet access was possible.

The main asset of this hotel is its great location. You will find few places on Morocco’s Atlantic coast, where you can go swimming as well as here. The whole complex with its blossoming garden is great, too. The quality and variety of food and the waiters' service is inadequate for the price (only half board is too expensive, rooms are worth the money).