Hotel Agadir Beach Club

The Agadir Beach Club is one of the oldest and largest hotels in the region, and '80s grandeur here hits you from the get-go. The lobby's powder-blue marble columns are accented with gold, while colorful rugs in different prints clash against seating arrangements of green-and-gold patterned loveseats. This dated look continues throughout the interiors, though an atrium-style hallway with green banisters and potted plants is charming. The hotel's real allure is outdoors at the extensive pool areas and private beach -- accessed via a public walkway, but feels exclusive. Note that smoking regulations indoors are relaxed in Morocco. Overall, until this hotel undergoes a renovation, there are better options in the vicinity. The Sofitel Agadir Royal Bay Resort and Royal Atlas are both pricier, but far more modern and upscale.

The hotel's beachfront location is unbeatable. A footpath offers direct access to a long stretch of oceanfront sands, of which the hotel has a private section. Agadir's wide avenues and boulevards are fine to wander, although cheap taxis offer easier alternatives to long walks. The main promenade is a 10-minute walk away, and cafes, restaurants, and nightclubs here are plentiful. Souk El Had's over-3000 market stalls offer an insight into Moroccan culture, and are an eight-minute drive. Agadir Marina's trendy boutiques are a 30-minute beachfront stroll (or 10-minute drive). Downtown Agadir's business districts are an eight-minute drive, and it's a few minutes farther for the 1541-built Agadir Kasbah. Allow 40 minutes by car from Agadir International Airport.

Like common areas, rooms are dated, though they're well-appointed. Decor varies from peach accent walls and watercolor-like linens to bold plum bedspreads clashing with colorful floral carpet. Hand-painted ceramic lamps and tiles around carved arches add more attractive traditional touches. All rooms have sitting areas, while upgraded rooms have sash curtains dividing living spaces with crystal chandeliers and decadently Arabian satins. Amenities across the board include desks, satellite flat-screen TVs, phones, mini-fridges (minibars in higher-category suites), and AC, but no tea- and coffee-making facilities. 

Clean but underwhelming bathrooms have shower/tub combos, toiletries, and hairdryers. Furnished balconies are small in Standard Rooms, but those in upgraded suites have loungers, can be huge, and guarantee sea views. The alternative pool or promenade vistas aren't too shabby, either. Rooms can be fitted with cribs, but note, there's a charge for safes. It's also worth noting that some maintenance issues have been reported.

The standout features here is the private beach lined with loungers and umbrellas. It also offers a volleyball net and snack bar. There are several dining options on-site, including a buffet restaurant, Italian and Moroccan eateries, and seafood spot. The bar's belly dancing and live music nights are popular. Guests can partake in everything from daily "morning stretches", to water polo at the vast outdoor pool. Terraces around it are huge, and loungers are plentiful -- though umbrellas are less so. There are fees to access the tennis courts and spa, the latter of which has a sauna, Turkish hammam, whirlpool, and hair salon. A small gym has a mix of old and new equipment in a spacious but unappealing room. There's more cheer at the kids' club, which offers scheduled activities, plus a mini-disco. Corporate guests can make use of the conference room, and reception offers currency exchange, plus an on-site ATM. Parking and Wi-Fi throughout are free.