Fodor's Expert Review Kasbah Tombuctou

Another of the Xaluca luxury hotels, this rather ostentatious faux kasbah rises from the sand like a mirage; crenulated turrets and inner corridors lead to attractive, air-conditioned rooms with huge en suite bathrooms finished in colored tadelakt. The property gets a lot of complaints for being big and noisy, but the fact is that the facilities here are excellent. Desert outings depart right from the door—including camel rides, quad-bike trips, and nights in private bivouacs. The huge pool is popular with nonguests, as is the restaurant, which serves passable buffet-style meals. Rates include breakfast and dinner. To find the hotel, look for the sign with two enormous kissing camels.