Maison Tamaright

We felt so welcome and well looked after. The vegetarian meals were available when we asked, and both dinner and breakfast were some of the best food we had in Morocco. Such a lovely stay, and I’d absolutely recommend it. Thank you!

Mustapha was genuinely warm and welcoming, so I’m giving him an extra star. My stay at the hotel was a different story. I’m a solo backpacker and spent one night there after arriving in Merzouga late and finding a hostel full. Youssef approached me on the street and offered a bed and breakfast for 100dh. There was sand on the sheets, and I saw a live cockroach on its back on the floor. Later it crawled through my room. Youssef soon brought up a desert camp. I said I needed time to think and would tell him my plans at breakfast, which was meant to be at 8 AM. The next day he raised the camp again as soon as I saw him. I said I’d found other options I liked. Breakfast was already late when I asked about it at 8:45, and it didn’t arrive until 9:30. After I said I wasn’t booking his camp, Youssef told me 100dh wasn’t enough for the hotel and that I wasn’t being fair. I paid the 100dh and left. He acts friendly, but it felt like he just wanted to sell me things, and when he didn’t get his way, his attitude changed. One star for him and the hotel.

For 75 DH, this is a good-value place to stay. It felt clean and safe, there’s WiFi and a hot shower, and you can ask for breakfast. The receptionist was very kind. I’d recommend it, and I’m sure I’ll come back.

Mustapha arranged everything at about local prices, much less than what you might otherwise get charged, and he knows so many local stories. We did a day-long mixed tour with some “quatquat” (4x4) driving, helped some tourists who were stuck, visited a nomad family’s home, heard traditional music, and had lunch. Then we ended with an unforgettable night at a desert camp, reached by camel. We were invited to treat the place like home, and that’s exactly how it felt. It may not be for someone looking for a spa, but the hospitality, food, help with holiday plans, and local knowledge and wisdom were outstanding. We’re already looking forward to coming “home” again, inshallah.