We really enjoyed our stay here. It is a beautiful setting and the place is very relaxed in every way. The swimming pool was a great size and the pool area in general was lovely. The staff were all very friendly and helpful and Philippe, the manager, couldn't have been more charming and genuinely interested in making sure we were enjoying ourselves. It is a little way out of Essaouira - about 8km - but it was easy to get a taxi there and back for about 9 euros each way. There are some very good restaurants in the medina, but I have to say, 2 of our best meals of the holiday were actually at L'Arganeraie - a delicious lamb tagine on our last night and an amazing fish tagine prepared for us by Jawad who managed the restaurant and bar - it was superb! In addition, Jawad also arranged a 'meshwi' (lamb cooked Berber-style in an underground oven) one evening which included Berber musicians, and a fantastic belly-dancer (who was actually one of the other hotel guests!).

We rented a ground floor half-riad. It was spacious and comfortable and pleasantly decorated, and the young lady who cleaned for us each day did a great job. We loved the breakfasts - moroccan pancakes with a selection of jams, home-made peanut butter, freshly squeezed orange juice and a choice of eggs. All of the meals were freshly prepared with excellent local produce to a very high standard. I would say that the charm of this place is in its very personal service, in the interaction with individual staff and the great ambience. We will definately be returning!

Just spent a week at this place with friends and families. We were all very disappointed with the place and spent a full day trying to find another place to move to at the last moment. Unfortunately, all the other riads with pools were already booked by then so we ended up staying.
First, they told us we had 6 rooms (which we paid for) and then gave us a villa with 5 but told us there were 6 rooms when we checked in. We also found out there was also no hot water in the half the bathrooms or the kitchen.
The pictures on the internet are very misleading. The place was not a hotel or anything resembling it. More like a collection of empty houses that they are trying to rent out. No hot water, the wrong number of bedrooms, kids had to sleep on sofas in the salon, kitchen had almost nothing in it - even the stove was not connected to anything. THe only things they provided were beds, towels/linens and a sofas to sit on. We booked for a party of 13 (6 rooms) and they gave us a villa with a table with 4 chairs and 3 lounge chairs outside. It really didn't work for a group of 13.
You are also far from town and shopping or restaurants and have to prearrange transport - cost is about $20 each way to town.
It was very hot in July, so you could really only swim in the morning or late afternoon. There was nothing to do the rest of the day unless you hired a car and went in to town. THere is no AC in the houses and it's quite hot during the day, but cools off at night as long as you leave all windows open and don't mind a few flying friends coming in.

On the positive side, the pool was very nice for the kids, breakfast was fine and the bartender was good but that was about it.

L'arganerie is 8km from essaouirea town, a cheap taxi ride and one you'll be glad you took!.
It's a magical place, the stunning majestic riads pepper the beautifully well kept grounds( with tortise!!), the main house with pool are in the middle of the property, it's a sight to behold. The staff here are exceptional and the food is scrumptious, i'm still dreaming about the home made peanut butter- I kid you not it's amazing!
We had a wonderful time here it's very relaxing, serene and calm- just what we needed. Our riad was very comfortable and tastefully decorated. This place is ideal for families, friends, couples.....just about everyone in fact! we met friendly donkeys, goats and cats on our way to the shop and the locals are very hospitable and friendly.
Phillipe is a true gentleman and he and his staff will do their utmost to make your sojourn a very pleasant one. You won't be dissapointed and you'll keep coming back here.
Sinéad & Denise ( Ireland)