Les Amandiers

Dinner and breakfast were good, and parking was available and fine. The hotel is just outside town in a reasonable spot. Rooms are basic, and the atmosphere felt more Soviet and less appealing in person than the photos suggested.

The rooms are a little worn, but the pool is well kept, the dining room and waiters are lovely, and the view is spectacular. Breakfast is generous, too. I have a soft spot for old hotels with nostalgic charm, and this must have been a fabulous place in its day.

The mountain and rock scenery around Tafraout is hard to beat from Hôtel Les Amandiers, which sits on the highest hill within walking distance of the downtown area. Most people drive up, and there’s plenty of parking out front. The bar and dining room serve beer and wine, and cards are accepted. I didn’t stay overnight, but I wandered around the landscaped grounds and had coffee on the terrace to the right of the main entrance. The receptionist was polite and showed me a large bedroom with an en suite bathroom and superb views. Inside, it was very quiet. I also saw the spacious, elegant dining room and a big lounge with plenty of comfortable seating. There’s a large outdoor pool with loungers for relaxing in the sun and fresh air.

The views from up above the village are the best of any hotel in town, and the service was warm and professional. Everyone spoke good to excellent English. The place has some shabby spots, but it still feels quite grand, and at this price I can’t complain. We really enjoyed the food, and breakfast and dinner service were excellent.