Riu Palace Tikida Agadir

Our first visit to a Riu Hotel - could not fault the cuisine (Moroccan influence) - Hotel very impressive grounds and we found the staff to be very helpful and friendly at all times. Yes occasional tipping did no harm but not every time a member of staff did something, as some people seemed to do. We saved most of our tipping to regular members of staff who looked after us, not only in the restaurants.Excellent room located on main floor - easy access to all facilities. Evening entertainment could have been a little more professional at times, however we chose what we wanted to see. Access to very clean beach with private area almost immediate from hotel grounds.

The first thing to know about the Tikida Palace is that it's not really a 5-star hotel.  This hotel does not belong in the same category as the Ritz-Carlton, Four Seasons, or the Bellagio. Before arriving I did not think too carefully about the fact that it is all-inclusive, but after arriving you can see the impact of this right away.  The beer, wine, and other alcohol is all low quality.  The buffet (which is the default option for every meal) has many available items, however none of them seems to shine.  For 50 dirhams ($5) outside of the hotel you can easily find a much better tagine or couscous.  The sushi is what you will find at a grocery store.  The juice is flavorless and so pulpy it's like a soup. There are two other restaurant options in the hotel, one international and one Moroccan.  What you do not realize until you arrive is that you may not go to these restaurants without making a reservation one day in advance.  When we went to make a reservation the next day was fully booked.  For the day after that, the lady at the desk accepted our reservation and asked us if we wanted to reserve both restaurants for the same meal.  No wonder the restaurants are being fully booked if they're offering up front to double book you. In the Tikida's favor, the grounds are very well kept with beautiful trees and lush grass.  I didn't go into the pools but they look nice. Many employees are friendly and helpful, but unfortunately not all of them. On my last night, a waiter accosted me at the buffet line and asked me to leave because I was wearing shorts.  Mind you, this place is essentially a Cheesecake Factory done in buffet style, and among the other patrons are women who are essentially naked but wearing sheer robes, etc.    I told the waiter that if he wanted to throw me out in the middle of my meal he better get a manager to do it (but not before the waiter compared me unfavorably to the other guests).   I sat back down and, sure enough, a few minutes later the waiter is back with manager in tow.  After a brief discussion the manager graciously (i.e. pompously) informed me that I had his authorization to frequent the buffet for the rest of the evening, but after that I'd better wear long pants.  This was the most memorable but not the only instance of poor service during my stay. Bottom line: the Tikida has some redeeming qualities, but that "all-inclusive" business model leads to tasteless food and occasionally to very rude service.

Absolutely love this Hotel but have to say it’s the staff that really make it. I have returned many times. It is looking a little tired now but easily see past this. The rooms are lovely and spacious, food is always spot on, location right on the beautiful promenade. As soon as we walk through the door we feel relaxed and chilled.