Argana Hotel

Naira amina looked after me and were very polite, helpful.

I would defiantly come again.

Good hotel Marwan is on the top The excursions Guy

Hotel Argana, Agadir – Relaxing? Absolutely Not!

If you’re looking for a quiet, calm and relaxing holiday, then Hotel Argana in Agadir is absolutely NOT the place for you!

We stayed for four nights, and I can honestly say the noise levels were something else. If you enjoy the atmosphere of an Ibiza nightclub, complete with music, screaming children and constant entertainment until just before midnight, then you’ll be in your element.

Our original room overlooked the pool, which also happened to be the location of the children’s disco. The noise was unbearable, and we eventually requested a room change. To the hotel’s credit, the staff were accommodating and moved us to a quieter room.

The swimming pool was another interesting experience. It would start the morning looking a lovely shade of blue, but by the evening it had turned an alarming shade of green. Not exactly the inviting swimming experience you hope for on holiday!

Then there’s the buffet. The best way I can describe it is feeding time at the zoo. It was chaotic, noisy and anything but relaxing. On one occasion, a child vomited in the dining area, and it took nearly 30 minutes for the mess to be properly attended to. Not particularly appetising when you’re trying to enjoy your meal!

My advice? Venture outside the hotel. Within a ten-minute walk, you’ll find some fabulous restaurants where you can enjoy three beautiful steaks, a bottle of wine and desserts for under €100. Far better food, atmosphere and value for money.

And then there was the ongoing saga of the towels!

Every single day, we seemed to have an issue getting enough towels for three people. By our final day, I actually found myself having to argue for three towels instead of two.

The situation became utterly ridiculous when a member of staff came to our room to check for herself that we weren’t hiding or stealing towels! I genuinely had to prove that there were no additional towels in the room.

Four nights into a holiday, and I’m having to justify why three guests might require three towels. You really couldn’t make it up!

Now, let’s talk about the massage experience. Because apparently even the spa couldn’t escape the chaos!

My husband and I decided to treat ourselves to a massage. He booked 45 minutes, and I booked an hour. We were in separate treatment rooms, presumably for a little peace, quiet and relaxation.

Well, that was wishful thinking!

The noise from the children around the pool was so loud that it carried straight into the treatment rooms. Now, that’s not necessarily the salon’s fault, but it certainly doesn’t create the relaxing atmosphere you’d expect when paying for a massage.

Unfortunately, the noise was the least of my concerns.

I can say without hesitation that this was the worst massage I have ever had in my life. Honestly, I think a child could have poured oil over me and rubbed their hands around with about the same level of technique. There was absolutely nothing therapeutic or remotely enjoyable about it.

Then there was the massage table. As I lay face down, looking through the face hole, I could see what appeared to be cobwebs, loose plastic or some other material hanging underneath. Whatever it was, it certainly didn’t inspire confidence in the cleanliness of the facilities.

To make matters worse, the towels had a distinctly musty smell. Not particularly pleasant when you’re lying face down with your nose practically buried in one!

But the most concerning part was the complete lack of privacy.

During my massage, I was lying on the treatment bed, undressed and only partially covered by a towel. Unbeknownst to me, the door to the treatment room had been left wide open.

And how do I know this?

Because my husband finished his 45-minute massage before I finished my hour-long treatment, walked past my room, saw me exposed on the massage bed and actually popped his head in to tell me he was heading back to our room!

Yes, you read that correctly.

The treatment room door was wide open while I was lying there partially naked.

Privacy and dignity should be absolute basics in any massage treatment, regardless of where you are in the world. The fact that someone could simply walk past and see a client in such a vulnerable position is completely unacceptable.

So, if you’re thinking of booking a relaxing massage here, I’d seriously reconsider. Between the noise, the questionable cleanliness, the unpleasant towels, the poor treatment and the complete disregard for privacy, it was anything but relaxing.

Another small but noticeable detail was the lack of complimentary bottled water in the rooms, something you might reasonably expect from a hotel catering to international tourists.

To be fair, there were positives. The rooms were clean, the staff were generally helpful and accommodating, and there was certainly no shortage of entertainment for children. For families wanting a lively, activity-filled holiday, I can understand the appeal.

However, there is a significant difference between a family-friendly hotel and a hotel where peace and quiet are virtually impossible to find.

My final verdict?

Great for energetic families, perhaps.

For a peaceful getaway? Absolutely not!

And as for the spa? Let’s just say I’ve had more relaxing experiences lying on a beach surrounded by screaming seagulls!