Morocco has long been my favourite destination. While Marrakech often dominates travel itineraries with its labyrinthine souks and sensory overload, Agadir offers something altogether different. Situated on Morocco’s Atlantic coast, the city is defined by its golden beaches, year-round sunshine and slower pace of life. It is a destination that encourages you to switch off, slow down and simply enjoy being present.
Overlooking Agadir’s sweeping shoreline, Pickalbatros Palais Des Roses is one of the city’s most recognisable resorts. Following a recent refurbishment, the property combines grand architecture, generous outdoor spaces and a prime beachfront location. Yet while the hotel certainly impresses visually, what stayed with us most was not the building itself, but the people within it.
A Grand Welcome
From the moment we arrived, the scale of the hotel was immediately apparent.
The lobby is vast, airy and flooded with natural light, creating a sense of openness that continues throughout the resort. High ceilings, elegant interiors and views stretching towards the gardens make it feel more like a grand coastal retreat than a conventional all-inclusive resort.
Each evening, guests gathered in the lobby for traditional Moroccan tea while a violinist performed live. It quickly became one of our favourite moments of the day. There was something wonderfully understated about sitting beneath the soaring ceilings, listening to music drift through the space as the sun disappeared outside.
It is these thoughtful touches that elevate the experience beyond simply somewhere to sleep.
Rooms Designed For Relaxation
Our Partial Sea View Room exceeded expectations in almost every way.
The room itself was spacious and beautifully maintained, with plenty of room to unwind after a day spent exploring Agadir or relaxing by the pool. The bed was enormous, among the largest we have experienced in any hotel, and delivered exactly the sort of comfort you hope for whilst on holiday.
The real highlight, however, was the balcony.
Far larger than anticipated, it offered uninterrupted views across the resort towards the Atlantic Ocean. Whether enjoying a morning coffee or watching the sunset in the evening, it became our favourite place to pause and appreciate the setting.
For travellers seeking a room that feels genuinely spacious rather than simply functional, Pickalbatros Palais Des Roses delivers.
The Heart Of The Hotel
Luxury hotels are often judged by their facilities.
The size of the swimming pools. The quality of the rooms. The restaurants. The location.
Yet long after those details fade, it is usually the people who remain in your memory.
For us, that person was Naeema.
Working in the Blue Restaurant, Naeema quickly became one of the defining figures of our stay. One evening, she prepared what would become one of the standout meals of our holiday: a beautifully cooked prawn pasta in a rich, creamy white sauce. It was simple, comforting and executed perfectly.
Yet what made the experience memorable was not just the food itself.
In an era where service can often feel scripted, Naeema reminded us what true hospitality looks like.
Before leaving, we asked if we could take her portrait.
The photograph captures exactly what we experienced throughout our stay: warmth, pride and the welcoming spirit that defines Moroccan hospitality. Whilst hotels often invest millions into architecture, interiors and facilities, some of their greatest assets wear a name badge.
Naeema is undoubtedly one of them.
Entertainment Done Right
Another area where the hotel excels is its entertainment offering.
The animation team worked tirelessly throughout our stay and deserve significant recognition. From daytime activities around the pool to evening performances and shows, they brought an infectious energy that helped create a lively atmosphere throughout the resort.
What impressed us most was their ability to engage guests without ever becoming intrusive. Whether encouraging participation in activities or simply checking that guests were enjoying themselves, they struck exactly the right balance.
The evening shows became a regular part of our routine and provided a fun, social end to each day.
I sat down with Nada from the hotel’s entertainment team. Like many of the staff members at Pickalbatros, she seemed to be everywhere at once. Leading activities in the morning, organising sports during the day and performing in evening shows, she represents the energy that quietly powers the resort.
“We do everything in the hotel,” she laughed. “We work from morning until night. We do activities, sports, shows, dancing. We want people to laugh. We want people to be happy.”
It sounds simple, but it perfectly captures the atmosphere guests experience throughout their stay. There is a genuine sense that the team is invested in ensuring visitors enjoy themselves.
For Nada, the highlight is performing.
“My favourite part is the shows and dancing,” she told me. “But I also love meeting people. We learn about different cultures. We have conversations. We laugh together. That means a lot to me.”
That enthusiasm is difficult to fake and impossible to miss. Whether it is an activity by the pool, a conversation over coffee or an evening performance, the staff bring a warmth that elevates the entire experience.
When asked why travellers should choose Pickalbatros over other hotels in Agadir, her answer came immediately.
“The first thing is how clean it is,” she said. “It’s luxury. The food is very good. The entertainment is very good. People won’t feel bored here.”
The Zenith Verdict
Pickalbatros Palais Des Roses offers everything most travellers could want from a Moroccan beach escape.
The rooms are spacious. The location is excellent. The atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming. The entertainment is engaging without being overwhelming.
Yet what truly distinguishes this hotel is its people.
Weeks after returning home, we still remember sitting in the lobby with a glass of Moroccan tea as a violinist played softly in the background. We remember evenings spent watching the entertainment team bring guests together. We remember mornings spent on our balcony overlooking the ocean.
Because whilst beautiful hotels can be found all over the world, genuine hospitality is much rarer.
And at Pickalbatros Palais Des Roses, it is hospitality that leaves the strongest impression.
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Zenith Rating: 9/10
Best For: Couples, families and travellers seeking a relaxed beachfront escape in Morocco.
Standout Moment: Watching the evening violin performance in the lobby with Moroccan tea in hand.
