Uncover the Hidden Gem: Hotel Zaghro, Ouarzazate's Best-Kept Secret
Hotel Zaghro: Ouarzazate's Hidden Gem…Or Is It? (A Surprisingly Honest Review)
Okay, buckle up, buttercups. We’re going to Ouarzazate. And not just any Ouarzazate, but Hotel Zaghro. They call it a "hidden gem," and frankly, the thrill of the unknown almost got me. The website was all polished desert sunsets and promises of a Moroccan dream. So, did Zaghro deliver? Let's unpack this, shall we?
First Impressions & Getting There (The Grind)
Accessibility: This is where things get interesting. The website claims facilities for disabled guests. I, thankfully, am not disabled, but I did a little recon. The elevator is a godsend, at least to get around. But honestly, the website description of “accessible” seemed a bit… optimistic. I’d call ahead and triple-check if true accessibility is a must. Don’t want any unexpected hurdles.
Getting Around: Airport transfer? Check. Free on-site parking? Double-check! And for a lazy bum like me, valet parking is offered. That's a win in my book.
Now, let's talk about the journey to paradise. From the airport, it's a quick hop – but traffic in Ouarzazate has a personality all its own. Be prepared for a bit of a slow crawl, and maybe pack some patience.
Inside the Fortress: Rooms and Comfort (The Surprisingly Cozy Nest)
Available in all rooms: Okay, here's the laundry list: Air Conditioning (Hallelujah!), Alarm Clock (for those of us who hate letting the sun dictate our schedule), Bathrobes (yes, please!), Bathtub (bubble bath time!), Blackout Curtains (sleeping in? Yes, please again!), and more. The rooms themselves? Clean. Very, very clean, which, after a long journey, is pure godsend. The beds? Comfortable, with extra-long options available, so a proper sleep is an understatement. I slept like a baby.
Internet? Free Wi-Fi in ALL rooms! Not just in the lobby! Hallelujah Part Deux! And a LAN connection too, for the old-schoolers (or those who, like me, sometimes need a reliable connection for a Zoom call).
The Little Things (The Devil's in the Details): They've nailed the essentials. A coffee/tea maker, complimentary tea, and a mini-bar (stocked – bonus!). The bathroom? Private, with a shower and a toilet. And the best part? Strong water pressure. A proper shower can make or break a vacation, and Zaghro delivers.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking (The Food Adventures)
Restaurants: Okay, let's be honest, one of my biggest hotel pet peeves is boring food. The Zaghro, thankfully, offers something for everyone. They have a buffet, A la carte, Asian (a SURPRISE!), Western, Vegetarian options, and Room service (24-hour! Score!).
The Breakfast Buffet Battle: I decided to wage war on the breakfast buffet. The spread ranged from the usual suspects to some truly delectable local treats. Now, I don’t speak any Arabic, and the waiters were a bit bewildered at first, but they were genuinely helpful, and the food was delicious. I would recommend it.
Happy Hour & Beyond: A Delightful Surprise: The bar is decent. Prices are competitive, the cocktails are creative, and the bartender? Surprisingly talented. I'm a firm believer in a good happy hour to unwind after a day of exploring. The poolside bar is the perfect spot to watch the sun vanish behind the Atlas Mountains. The pool itself is a real stunner, offering a view that genuinely takes your breath away.
Cleanliness & Safety (The Peace of Mind)
COVID-19 Protocols: A Little…Overzealous? I appreciated the effort, but I'd say the hygiene measures are taken very seriously. Hand sanitizer everywhere, staff trained in safety protocols – it was reassuring, if a little intense. They disinfect damn near everything. Rooms sanitized? Check. Daily disinfection in common areas? You betcha. It felt…safe. Maybe a tad too sanitized for my liking, but hey, I'm not complaining.
Things To Do & Ways to Relax (The Spa and the Pool)
The Spa: Okay, so there's a Spa. And it's a bit incredible. I, being the stressed individual I am, decided a massage was in order. The masseuse was a miracle worker. She kneaded out every knot. The body scrub? Heavenly. There’s a sauna and steam room too. In short, it's a full-blown relaxation station. My shoulders finally dropped.
The Pool: The pool. Oh, the pool. It's an outdoor swimming pool, with a view, and it is simply spectacular. Picture this: azure water, the desert landscape stretching out before you, and the sun beating down. Utter bliss. I spent a whole afternoon just floating, reading, and occasionally sipping a cocktail. It's the kind of pool that makes you want to live there.
For the Kids (The Babysitting Question)
If you're traveling with kids, you're in luck. They have babysitting services to keep the young ones entertained.
Services and Conveniences (The Helpful Extras)
The Concierge: They're incredibly helpful. They can arrange anything from airport transfers to tours. The Staff: Helpful staff. Everyone was polite, helpful, and genuinely wanted to make my stay enjoyable.
The Verdict: Should You Book? (The Final Truth)
Look, Hotel Zaghro isn't perfect. It's got a few quirks, and the "hidden gem" label is a little bit overdone. But… it’s good. It's really, really good. The rooms are comfortable, the pool is amazing, the food is decent, and the staff are lovely. It's a fantastic base for exploring Ouarzazate and the surrounding area.
The Offer: Your Desert Oasis Awaits!
Ready to ditch the ordinary and dive into an unforgettable Ouarzazate experience? Uncover the Hidden Gem: Hotel Zaghro, where luxury meets authentic Moroccan hospitality.
Book your stay now and receive:
- 15% Discount: On all room types for stays of 3 nights or more.
- Complimentary Welcome Drink: Enjoy a refreshing cocktail upon arrival.
- Free Airport Transfers: From Ouarzazate Airport to Hotel Zaghro.
- Priority Access: Get a better room.
- Complimentary Breakfast! Get it while you can!
Why Hotel Zaghro?
- Unwind in Style: Our stunning outdoor pool offers breathtaking views.
- Indulge Your Senses: Treat yourself to a rejuvenating spa experience.
- Explore the Desert: The perfect springboard for desert adventures.
- Experience Authentic Hospitality: Enjoy warm and welcoming service.
Don't miss out! This offer won't last forever. Click here to book your escape to paradise!
Hotel Zaghro: Your secret getaway in Ouarzazate starts here… or so. I suggest you give it a try.
Escape to Paradise: Hotel Grien Ortisei, Your Italian Dream Awaits
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because this isn't your beige-toned, perfectly-formatted travel itinerary. This is a chaotic dance with sand, sunshine, and the sheer, glorious absurdity of being me in Ouarzazate. We're staying at the Hotel Zaghro, apparently a big deal, so let's see if it lives up to the hype, shall we?
Day 1: Arrival and Desert Dreamin' (or trying to, at least)
10:00 AM (Give or take… the flight was hell): Arrive in Ouarzazate. Okay, first impression: the airport is TINY. Adorable, even. But I'm already sweating. I swear, the second I stepped off that plane, a wave of heat hit me like a physical blow. And my luggage? Still MIA. Fantastic. I blame the airport in Paris. They probably sent my suitcase to… I don’t know, the moon?
11:00 AM (ish): Taxi to Hotel Zaghro. The driver, a charming man named Hassan (or at least, that's what I think he said), was already attempting to up-sell me on a camel trek. "Very authentic, my friend! Desert! Sunset! You won't regret!" I'm still mentally battling my luggage, so, "Maybe tomorrow, Hassan, maybe tomorrow." He winked. I think I got a good deal on the taxi fare. I hope so.
11:30 AM - 1:00 PM: Check-in. The lobby is… grandiose. Like, seriously gold-plated. I feel underdressed in my travel sweats. The staff is polite, bordering on too polite. I got a suite. I'm wondering if I should have tried to be a bit more rude during negotiations. It does, however, have air conditioning that's actually working. Praise be. Room service menu, though? Slightly underwhelming. I'm starving.
1:00 PM - 3:00 PM: Lunch. I ordered the tagine, because, duh. It smells amazing coming to my room - and then I realize the waiter forgot my cutlery. I try to grab a fork from my tiny purse (why do I still carry those things?). I drop the fork from my bag and I'm instantly regretting packing a white shirt. The tagine, though? Divine. Truly, the best lamb I've ever tasted. In fact, I'm going to demand the recipe. I'm sure they'll be thrilled.
3:00 PM - 6:00 PM: Poolside Bliss Attempt. The pool looks divine. I apply copious amounts of sunscreen (finally, some sanity). Sadly, it doesn't live up to expectations. Too many screaming children. A guy is hogging a sunbed with a towel and no person. I start contemplating the etiquette of "accidental" water splashing.
6:00 PM - 7:30 PM: Sunset drinks on the hotel's rooftop terrace. This is more like it. The view! Breathtaking. The cocktails? Strong. The feeling of utter relaxation, finally setting in. Maybe this trip won't be a total catastrophe after all. I find the local wine to be a bit too sweet, but the gin and tonic is spectacular.
7:30 PM - 9:00 PM: Dinner at the hotel. The "international buffet" is… well, it's a buffet. The sushi is questionable. I stick to the Moroccan dishes. Decent. Now, where's that luggage…?
9:00 PM: A walk to the town, with a camera. Feeling myself get into the vibe. I'm walking into the center, and suddenly I find myself surrounded by street musicians! I start really getting into the moment.
Day 2: Ait Benhaddou and Desert Mayhem (and, hopefully, my luggage)
8:00 AM (If I can drag myself out of bed… which I probably won't): Breakfast at the hotel. I'm going to need a LOT of coffee. And maybe some of those lamb tagine leftovers.
9:00 AM - 1:00 PM: Day trip to Ait Benhaddou. Okay, this is what I've been waiting for. I'm gonna have to call Hassan. Hopefully, he speaks English. I've seen the photos—that kasbah is magnificent. I'm praying it's as visually stunning as it is in the pictures. Also, praying I don't fall flat on my face in the desert heat. Must. Remember. Water.
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM: Lunch near Ait Benhaddou. Okay, by now, I can totally be that adventurous tourist so I pick a restaurant with a view and order the local specialty. I'm gonna get so dirty but at the same time, I don't care.
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM: Explore the kasbah. (Hoping the other tours are over and it won't be too crowded.) Climb the walls, get lost in the maze-like streets, and soak up the history. Maybe buy a rug. Probably regret buying a rug.
4:00 PM - 6:00 PM: Free time. Thinking of a massage at the hotel… but also considering a camel trek. I'm torn. Is the desert truly more beautiful than a massage? I'm going to go with the massage…
6:00 PM - 00:00 AM: Dinner at the hotel and early night. Maybe by then, my luggage will have arrived. If not, I buy a new outfit, one that is worthy of tonight's dinner venue!
Day 3: Hollywood and Departure (or, hopefully, a smoother send-off)
9:00 AM: The breakfast is not bad. Fresh juice, omelets… I actually think I'm starting to enjoy the buffet. I did not sleep well though. The air conditioning broke and I had to try to endure.
10:00 AM: A visit to the Atlas Film Studios. This is a must, apparently. I adore movies, so I'm excited. I hope they have some Star Wars stuff.
12:00 PM: I feel like I should get a lunch in town. I am going to trust my gut and look for some more local restaurants.
14:00 PM: Another visit to the pool. I am really trying to soak up as much sun as I can. But I don't stay long.
16:00 PM: Last-minute souvenir shopping. I'm going to find a trinket to remember my adventure..
6:00 PM: Pack. Check out. Say goodbye to the staff (they're really very nice).
7:00 PM: Taxi to the airport. Hoping my flight isn't delayed, and that my luggage finally decides to show up.
8:00 PM: Flight home. I'm already planning my return trip. Maybe next time, I'll bring a translator. And, you know, pack my luggage.
Post-Trip Ramblings:
So, there you have it. A slightly unhinged, definitely imperfect, and hopefully entertaining itinerary. I will report back with the full details when I return. Wish me luck. And, seriously, send prayers for my luggage. I'm gonna need them.
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Okay, spill: Is Hotel Zaghro *really* a hidden gem? Or just another dusty desert dream?
What's the *vibe* at Hotel Zaghro? Like, is it for Instagram influencers or actual humans who like… silence?
The Rooftop, you mentioned. Give me the lowdown. And no, I don't want a listicle, I want *feeling*.
So, the rooms? Pretty? Or… "rustic"? Be honest. My standards are low, but…
Food! Let's talk food. Is the tagine worth writing home about? (And is there actual coffee?)
What's the deal with Ouarzazate itself? Worth leaving Hotel Zaghro for a few hours? Or just stick to the pool?
Okay, I'm sold. Tell me the *biggest* problem with staying there. The actual, real, nitty-gritty downside.
Would you recommend it for solo travelers? Or am I going to be lonely and bored?
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