Hotel El Aurassi

The bed was comfortable, the balcony was nice, and the view was beautiful. The location also works well for walking around the city. But for a place rated five stars, there are far too many basic disappointments. The A/C makes a deafening noise even when it’s switched off. There’s no kettle, coffee machine, or tea and coffee setup in the room. They won’t provide an iron, citing “fire prevention,” which feels behind the times. I won’t even get into the TVs. The “Do Not Disturb” sign doesn’t seem to count for much either. Bar service was scandalous. At checkout, no one even asked how the stay had been. Those are just the obvious problems in a long list.

The view was the only real bright spot. The hotel is very old, and even after attempts to renovate it, it still doesn’t feel worth the price. The rooms were quite dirty, especially the sheets. The mini fridge had only water, with nothing else provided, and outside food or drinks, even water, weren’t allowed. Prices inside were very high too. The staff weren’t friendly. When I came in to check in, the receptionist gave me angry looks, as if I’d interrupted her.

Getting hot water meant waiting two hours, and the elevator was painfully slow. The staff weren’t friendly either. The room had nothing in it, and I had to ask for things like a toothbrush or shaving kit. The key kept giving me trouble, so I had to go to reception four or five times a day. A very bad experience.

With its five-star label, I expected hotel hospitality, but it felt more like walking into a government office. Security at the entrance came across as authoritarian instead of welcoming, and basic standards of service were missing. Even details like serving tea in a cup rather than a pot didn’t fit the advertised level. Guests should be treated as customers, not subjects.