Monotel Dar El Barka

The restaurant was a highlight for me. My colleague and I tried several things, and all of it was good; the service was great too. Staff were welcoming and helpful, and the hotel has a pleasant pool plus plenty of comfortable seating areas. It's spacious throughout, including the rooms, and tastefully decorated. The location works well for the embassy district, right beside the large French Embassy complex, with shops, restaurants, and cafes nearby. Since Nouakchott doesn't have a huge amount to see or do, having a nice place to spend time matters. Monotel fits that role well, and I'll stay here again when I'm back in town.

I found the security disappointing. I walked in and out without going through the metal detector, and nobody checked my luggage. Anyone could waltz in. The rooms were also old, worn, and dirty, with basics missing, even a coffee maker. Guests get one thin, old towel. For what is apparently the most expensive hotel in Nouakchott, that's disgraceful. There's nothing even two-star about it, and calling it four stars is a joke. The restaurant was embarrassing too. Menu items were covered with electric tape, and market price stickers had handwritten prices. It all felt so cheap. Nouakchott isn't really dangerous anyway, so stay at Hotel Hiba or Semiramis instead. They're much cheaper, nicer, newer, and better value.

The food was good, though breakfast options were limited, as was the dinner menu. For the price, the value seems okay for now, and my stay was fine overall. It's a decent place for business, but the design feels dated and could use a full refresh. I like to work out when I travel, but the gym was still being developed while I was there, so jogging was all I could do. I saw that Hilton is developing a hotel expected to open next year. I'm sure they'll set the benchmark for the whole industry. We'll see.

The rooms were clean, and the staff were friendly. We felt safe inside the hotel's compound, and both the AC and WiFi were top class. By Nouakchott standards, I'd rate it five stars; by world standards, a solid three.