HotelChatter

The NYT's main complaint: Location. "This is why vehicles have GPS systems." Hidden "behind anonymous high walls at the edge of a vast unpaved and unmarked dirt explanse," the Villa Rose Sultan is inconveniently far from town and you shouldn’t expect taxis to be able to find the place. (Though on the flip side, the spot is perfect if "you’re trying to evade paparazzi, creditors or the law" and affords a "stellar view of the Atlas Mountains, fresh air and tranquility.") Also, the hotel's hammam wasn't operational, "nor was the Wi-Fi system." A lamp in the bathroom fell apart upon being touched; the non-guestroom parts of the hotel weren't heated.

On a brighter note, the hotel's kitchen whips up tasty fare, from "very good kefta tagine" to "a fine breakfast of Moroccan-style pancakes, hot breads and fresh orange juice." Rooms have a "lovely back patio" lined with privacy walls and accented with an orange tree. And the glassy outdoor pool has nice mountain views.

Bottom line: "Every rose has its thorns, and the Villa Rose Sultan, alas, had plenty," concluded the Times’ Seth Sherwood. "Though it is beautiful to look at and well outfitted, a number of irritations marred my stay."

[Photo: Ingrid Pullar for The New York Times]