Atlas Imoula

The breakfasts and evening meal were good, and Saïd and Hossein knew the hiking routes and kindly arranged a guide for us. He could follow the route, though he didn’t have much to share about the local plants, wildlife, or region. The room was cold at night, and the extra blanket didn’t look clean. The bathroom area was cramped, the water pressure was weak, and the towels stayed damp. The dining room was dark and cold. We’d been drawn by the roof terrace, but it was closed during the construction. There was a nearby celebration on our first night, with music until at least 4am. Traffic from heavy vehicles on the road below started early, apparently because a road is being built farther up the hill. Construction on a new floor at Atlas Imoula guest house meant banging overhead too. Those noises weren’t under Saïd and Hossein’s control. The stay didn’t match the reviews, though perhaps it was still the best guesthouse in the area.

Of all the places on my Morocco trip, this was my favorite hotel. Said and his brother welcomed us like we were at home. Their warmth and kindness are what I’ll remember.

The journey there was beautiful, and the owner was really nice. We got great hospitality and advice, and both dinner and breakfast were good.

After our Toubkal hike, we stayed one night at Atlas Imoula and slept like babies. The spacious triple room had comfortable mattresses and beds, and the clean, functional bathroom had a good shower for washing off the mountain dust. Saeed was the highlight. He welcomed us warmly and was so kind and helpful that he even drove us around downtown when we were too exhausted to walk. The terrace had breathtaking views, and breakfast the next morning set us up well for the day. For the comfort, price, and hospitality, this was the best value of anywhere we stayed on the trip. If I could give it six stars, I would. Highly recommended.