Hotel Timoulay & Spa Agadir

Guests get a welcome of mint tea and pastries at Hotel Timoulay, where the atmosphere caters to couples and solo travelers looking for a relaxed spot away from the beach crowds. Traditional Moroccan design and Berber influences can be found throughout, while the black marble floors and neon signs and accent lighting liven up the lobby and lounge a bit. Though there may be live music on occasion, even the vibe at the swanky pink bar is otherwise whisper quiet. The sundeck and large outdoor pool with a hot tub is the main attraction here, with a steady stream of guests coming and going. 

The hotel is in a residential area, surrounded by upscale private houses and luxury hotels. It isn't within walking distance of the beach, but it's only a five-minute drive from the hotel. Shopping and dining in the city center isn't close either, and takes about 10 minutes by car. The 27-hole Club Med Les Dunes golf course south of the city is about an 11-minute drive from the resort. The Suq al-Had market and the Agadir Kasbah are a 10-minute drive deeper into the city. The marina is a 13-minute drive to the north and is surrounded by shopping and dining. Guests can expect a 35-minute drive to Agadir International Airport. 

While guest rooms and suites are dated, they're comfortable and well-equipped. Units are dressed in an array of warm desert colors, with terra-cotta tile floors, and North African textiles and artworks as accents. Private balconies, with attractive brown lattice railing and pool views, are their top feature. Standard rooms have double, or two twin beds, and seating areas with cushioned loveseats and large coffee tables, but furniture shows some wear. All guest rooms have AC, flat-screen TVs -- though some are only 18 inches -- mini-fridges, and free Wi-Fi. Bathrooms are basic but tidy, and have shower/tub combos and hairdryers, but the only toiletries are wall-mounted dispensers. 

Upgraded rooms have 32-inch flat-screen TVs and larger balconies with partial sea views. The Timoulay Suite adds a separate living room, and a second bathroom with a walk-in shower.

Hotel Timoulay's top feature is the outdoor pool situated in a quiet central courtyard with palm trees and flower beds. It has a sundeck with loungers and umbrellas, as well as a hot tub, plus an outdoor terrace with sunbeds and couches. The full-service spa is another highlight, which has a decoratively tiled hammam, plus a sauna and a treatment room with a jetted tub and a shower bed. But the fitness room is small, with just a few cardio machines, and a weight training machine. 

For dining, there's a free hot buffet breakfast at Ayour, the hotel's restaurant, which has a full bar and lounge, and a covered outdoor terrace that faces the pool. There are two meeting rooms and a public computer that's free to use, and Wi-Fi throughout and on-site parking are also free. All-inclusive rates are available.