Riad Villa Damonte - Essaouira, Morocco 

We - my wife, daughter of 3 and I - have been to Villa Damonte at the end of April this year. We were travelling by public transport and hey, somewhere we had in our minds that it was close to the cost - walking distance - and a couple of km's from Essaouira. The last was true. A couple of km's from Essaouira but unfortunately also far away from the coast. Taxi's drive by but are always packed with people as this Riad lays in between two villages. Busses go on certain times and seem to be strict so ask the reception. Apart from that, we have been picked up a couple of times by people passing in their cars. Friendly Maroccans mostly and the French woman that has the restaurant opposite of the Riad. The staff is overfriendly and very willing to make your stay as good as they can get it for you. When we arrived it was quite empty and we got the biggest room in the Riad. A clean and spacious room with a large balcony. Breakfast is on the patio and is what you get everywhere in Morocco. No surprises but okay. Staff was very friendly for our 3-years old daughter. No single negative point I can mention on the staff in the 7 days we stayed in Damonte. Staying here is possible without having your own transportation. If you have however, this is a very nice spot with good value for money. For sure recommended.

After experiencing the madness and pollution of Marrakesh, and an extremely small, pretentious "boutique riad" in the medina, what a wonderful surprise when we arrived at the charming Hotel Villa Damonte! The location was home from home, as we live on the Welsh coast. A beautiful countryside location, ideal for us as we were touring by car, near the beaches, airport and roads to Agadir, Safia, Marrakech etc. Safe secure parking, and a short drive to the town. Mind you taxis were only 30dhs, and there were plenty of buses, and shared taxis. An excellent French restaurant is a short walk away, a shop opposite, and just down the road at Diabat is a fabulous beach, views of Essaouira/Mogador, camel/horse riding, quad biking and of course Jimmy Hendrix old house. The twin room was big, with windows(missing at the previous riad)overlooking the swimming pool and hills. It was full of charm and character, with the towels and sheets being changed regularly. A wonderful breeze swept through the room at night, accompanied by numerous bird and animal noises. Breakfast was predictable, but we had our first Tagine, and it wasexcellent, as was the attentive genuinly friendly service, a little manyana, but hey ho, whats the rush? We are planning to hold my partners 50th birthday there, and possibly buy a local villa, and use their facilities. Thank you, Hotel Villa Damonte.