The trip was terrific. All of the places we visited were wonderful and the guides that took us around were very capable. They were well spoken and had a wealth of information on the sites in that area. All of our meals, at the hotels, riads and restaurants, were great.
Our first night at the Royal Monsour was wonderful. The room was luxurious and the service excellent. Our last night at the same hotel was not as good. We were given a smaller room with fewer amenities. When I inquired about the difference I was told it was what was available at that time.
The Riad Fes was beautiful (some plumbing problems aside) and the service was outstanding. The Hotel Chergui was great as was the Xaluca Dades. Both places had beautiful rooms and the food was excellent.
Riad Kniza was outstanding. The meals, service and room were all excellent.
We did encounter a problem on the day in the Sahara. The weather was first heavy rains and sleet and then a wind storm. We left Rissani in a four wheel drive vehicle and, instead of being taken to a hotel before the trip to the Belle Etoile we were taken directly there. We were dropped off in a large reception area with no one available to ask about our accommodations or the camel ride. By then the rain had stopped. We waited in this area for one hour. Finally someone took our bags and led us to camels for our ride. The
experience was amazing! We returned about an hour later to the same reception area which was now filled with people. We sat again for over an hour with no one giving us any information. Finally I asked for the manager and inquired about our tent and dinner. He said we would not have dinner at the restaurant in the deluxe tent area but rather in the dining room at the reception area. He said we might be able to get to the tents after dinner but insisted that all of this was due to the windstorm. We, and another couple from Australia, were the only guests for the deluxe tents. The manager seemed far more interested in the large number of people who were staying at the tents nearby and we had no one to advocate for us.
The good news is that we were able to reach Jeff by cell phone. He quickly arranged for us to return to Erfoud for an additional night at the Chergui. It was reassuring to know that he was there to resolve our problem.
The whole trip was enhanced by the assignment of our driver Khalid. He was superb! He’s a smart man with a very caring and sensitive demeanor. We enjoyed every moment with him. He cared for us in every way. We had great discussions about the Moroccan people and the characteristics of the region. We shared stories and laughed throughout the trip. He made our experience the best!
I will remember this trip for many years and will recommend your company without reservation.
Thank you.
Elliott, April 2011