Auberge Restaurant La Petite Gorge

We spent 2 weeks in Morocco, staying in 7 different hotels. Most were more expensive, but this one was the best! My girlfriend and I were supposed to stay here for one night, however due to a problem at a previous hotel (earthquake damage), we arrived at La Petit Gorge two days early, staying a total of three nights. I am pleased to say there is no damage to the hotel following the earthquake and everything is absolutely fine. We arrived at about 8.30pm, and Hamid was straight outside to greet us before we had even turned off the cars engine. We then met the owner, Hussein, who later told us he comes from a traditional nomad Berber family and that he was born in a cave. Our room was on the top floor at the back, with a balcony and great view. The air conditioning worked well. The bathroom was quite small, but absolutely fine and very clean. We ate all our meals at the hotel, which were excellent. Hamid and Hussein are happy to arrange food at any time. One morning, we left at 6am and went for a circular walk through the mountains (Hamid showed us the route on a map). Before we left, Hussein had already said there was no problem if we were late back and food would be there for us. We were able to have a full breakfast at around 10.30am! At most hotels we would've missed it! Meals are generally served in the sun lounge/terrace at the rear of the hotel, however you can sit wherever you like. There's a central lounge (which is cool and darker - very nice when it's hot), another lounge at the front of the top floor, and also a big roof terrace with panoramic views and some tables in the shade. All these areas are available to use at any time. It is easy to walk to the Gorge from the hotel. On the first day we drove, then realised it was so close we didn't need to take the car. It takes about 15 minutes on foot, maybe 20 for slower walkers. If you enjoy walking and exploring, stay here at least 2 or 3 nights. We were only supposed to do 1 night as a stopover on our drive to Merzouga. In hindsight, that wouldn't have given us enough time. On our first of our two full days, we visited the Gorge went to look at the old part of Tinghir. On the second day, we went for an early morning walk in the Atlas (straight from the hotel, no need to drive). The scenery is incredible. The walk took us through a nomad Berber village, with houses built into the ground (they are friendly and will offer you tea!) In the evening, Hussein took us out in his own car to visit an Oasis where locals grow crops using clever irrigation systems. There's abosolutely no way we would've known about it or been able to find it on our own! Next, he took us to an abandoned, traditional village. Then, he took us to a cave to meet a berber family he knows! This was only supposed to be an overnight stop en-route to Merzouga, but it was the best part of our 2 week trip. I can't praise Hussein and Hamid enough. They also speak very good English, which was excellent for us. Highly recommended!