Valeria Madina Resort

Please take the negative reviews as a pinch of salt! We had a mixed party of 22 (adults and kids) many of us were worried based on reviews we have read online! I can absolutely say I had no substantial problems whilst staying at the hotel, nothing that would prevent me from returning again!

The location of the hotel is about 25/30 minutes from Marrakech centre & airport so short transfer journey and short journey into town. There are plenty of taxis that sit outside the resort, just ask at reception and they will call a taxi to come pick you up. Abedo was our taxi driver the whole holiday and is the sweetest man!

We stayed in block 900 which was I think the furthest from reception but not terribly far, if you have mobility issues you can ask at reception, they have a buggy and if able to do so they are happy to take you to your riad. We arrived late at night, the check in process was smooth and we were all in our rooms within about 30 mins of arrival. The rooms are spacious, well equipped with a fridge and a hairdryer (no iron or kettle) plenty of lighting and plug sockets. Little balcony area with a table and chairs.

Housekeeping - Our room was immaculate every day and that is thanks to ‘Shabila’ (I think this is her name) the kindest, sweetest lady thank you for looking after our whole family. We will miss you! We had one day that our regular house keeping wasn’t there and had an issue with the stand in, which was handled by the manager swiftly.

Management & Staff - The service is great, Hicham (manager) was a fantastic help in many ways during our stay helping our party out with anything we needed whether that be recommendations or issues we had at hotel. The entertainment staff are fantastic they always had something going on for the kids and had all the energy in the world (in that heat) the staff at the kids club were also fab I cannot fault them.

Pools & Amenities - There was a total of 6 pools (I think) I didn’t actually make it to them all, the complex is huge! The main pool was always relatively busy but there is plenty of loungers around the area. We often went to the small pool with the pillars near to the main restaurant as was a cooler pool. There was a kids play area/water area which is beside the water slides which is fab, and there is snack bar over there which has to be paid for (no issue either take your own snacks over or get the all inclusive when you return to the main area) it is what it is! You also have the mango pool area which we visited one day. Access to the pool with a cabana bed and towels, 2 main meals, 2 cocktails, 2 soft drinks was £48 which I don’t think was bad. There is also a kids club which is great and the staff are great there too!

The spa services were fab, majority of our party went for a haman massage which is highly recommended!

Have medic/pharmacist on site which is good.

Food & Restaurants - I cannot fault the food, it is what it is, it’s all inclusive! Yes you will have times where it seems repetitive (that’s what all inclusive is - cooking for thousands of people they do what’s easy) but everyone in our party ALWAYS found something to eat. Breakfast was the same every day. Toast, eggs, beans, omelettes, pastries, salad, breads and cereals.

Lunch was burgers, chips, pizzas, salads, paninis, wraps, grilled meats, tagines, plenty of sweet treats and ice cream.

Evening meals lots of meats, tagines, casseroles, veggies, rices, potatoes, grilled meat and veg, pasta bakes, noodles, burgers and again plenty of sweet treats the list was endless there was ALWAYS something to eat!

There is also a snack bar between main pool and kids pool which serve pizza, burgers, paninis and fries through the day and other things. Yes there is little birds in the restaurant, no I didn’t see them on any food and there was always someone there with a palm leaf to deter them if they flew too close. Also never had any issues with the temp of the food, yes there is a microwave but I never had to use it as the food was always warm.

The only small issues I would potentially raise is that English and French guests get different coloured bands upon check in and I assume this is to allow the staff to know what language to speak to guests in. But I did find that sometimes French guest were getting prioritised at the bar when being served, or the service was slightly better for the French guests, again not something that would prevent me from returning. My second issue is the bar service was quiet slow I feel like they should maybe have more staff on the bars especially in the evening or at busy times majority of the time there was only 2 staff on a bar at at time.

I give 4/5 all over as there is room for improvement in certain areas but would definitely return! ☺️

Tips - Bring thermal cups to keep drinks cold (also saves you waiting in bar line for a small drink)

Bring insect spray if you’re prone to bites

Avoid leaving opened snacks/drinks beside your loungers as bees will swarm!

Just returned from a 10 day stay and can have no real complaints. Prior to going we had noticed negative social media feedback, but these people must have been at a different hotel.

Is it perfect, no it's not. Yes there are birds in the restaurant and wasps around the bar, but when people leave food lying around at the back of them then birds and wasps etc will be attracted.

I was in Riad 800 and the room was basic, but very comfortable and clean. The cleaning staff are excellent and attend daily with bottled water left in the room. I believe there is an ongoing modernisation of the rooms throughout the resort.

Food choices were excellent with several options to suit all tastes, while the pools and waterpark are superb.

Without doubt though the biggest strength the hotel has is with its staff. From cleaners, catering team, bar staff to animation team they are the friendliest group you could ever wish to meet. Nothing is too much trouble and they are always polite and helpful.

Ignore negative social media posts and visit with an open mind, I'm sure you won't be disappointed, I'd happily recommend Valeria to anyo e considering a visit.