3 Best Hotels in M'Hamid, The Great Oasis Valleys

One of a string of kasbah-style hotels in palm groves as you approach M'hamid, Chez le Pacha is a well-run establishment that offers a lot at a reasonable price. The main building has a selection of spacious, traditionally designed rooms with all the creature comforts—suites even have four-poster beds; alternately, you can settle into a round African hut, complete with grass roof and woven matting on the floor. The swimming pool (wittily called "Lac Irikki" after the nearby dried-up lake) is immaculate, and ice-cold poolside drinks are available at the bar. The hotel owns camels, a donkey, and a peacock to amuse the kids. Rates include dinner and breakfast.

The only luxurious lodging actually in the village of M'hamid is this Spanish-owned kasbah hotel at the edge of the palmery. Named after the camel caravans that once passed through M'hamid, Kasbah Azalay has boldly colored tadelakt rooms with enormous bathrooms finished in traditional tiles. There is a courtyard garden, a roof terrace with expansive views, and a bar serving possibly the last cold beer for miles. The cavernous hammams and huge indoor swimming pool with domed ceiling and mosaic-tiled pillars are architectural wonders worthy of a royal palace.

Hidden in the palm groves of Bounou, this guesthouse has simple en suite rooms set around a central patio, plus nomad-style tents and self-contained pisé bungalows in the garden. Meals are served in the small Moroccan salon or outside on the canopied terrace, which doubles as a spot for relaxing and stargazing. Le Drom' Blanc has a traditional tiled hammam for guests to use; camel trekking through the palmery can be arranged, too. Price includes breakfast and dinner.