Mauritania offers an authentic Saharan adventure with ancient caravan cities, vast desert landscapes, and unique cultural heritage. Discover UNESCO World Heritage sites like Chinguetti, explore Banc d'Arguin's pristine coastline, and experience traditional nomadic culture in one of Africa's most unspoiled destinations.
Accommodation overview
Hotels by budget
Find accommodation that fits your travel budget.
Budget-friendly (under $50/night)
Auberge Menata
Popular backpacker hostel in Nouakchott offering clean dormitory and private rooms at budget prices. Friendly atmosphere and good source of travel information.
Hotel Le Diplomate
No-frills budget hotel in Nouakchott offering basic but clean rooms. Good value for travelers on a tight budget.
Auberge Zahra
Simple budget guesthouse in Nouakchott with friendly owners. Clean rooms and helpful staff make up for basic facilities.
Campement Touristique (Chinguetti)
Basic but atmospheric accommodation in Chinguetti offering traditional desert camping experience. Simple rooms or tent options with authentic Saharan hospitality.
Auberge Chez Ali (Atar)
Budget-friendly guesthouse in Atar run by friendly hosts. Basic but clean with helpful advice for desert adventures.
Hotel de la Plage (Nouadhibou)
Basic budget hotel near the beach in Nouadhibou. Simple rooms at low prices, convenient for budget travelers.
Auberge Tiviski (Nouakchott)
Simple but clean budget guesthouse popular with overland travelers and backpackers. Central location near Marche Capitale. Helpful owner provides reliable desert travel advice.
Mid-range ($50-150/night)
Comfortable hotels
Mid-range hotels offer good value with private rooms, reliable amenities, and often include breakfast. Popular with business travelers and tourists alike.
Luxury ($150+/night)
Azalaï Hotel Marhaba
Nouakchott's premier luxury hotel offering international standards with modern amenities, multiple restaurants, and a pool. Popular with business travelers and diplomats, it provides a comfortable oasis in the capital.
Hotel Halima
Upscale hotel in Nouakchott featuring spacious rooms, excellent dining options, and professional service. Known for its restaurant serving both international and local cuisine.
Monotel Dar El Barka
Boutique luxury hotel with traditional Moorish design elements combined with modern comfort. Features authentic decor, personalized service, and a renowned restaurant.
Azalaï Hotel Nouadhibou
Top hotel in Nouadhibou offering comfortable accommodations, ocean views, and professional service. Ideal for business travelers and tourists exploring the northern coast.
Etoile du Sud
Well-appointed hotel in Nouakchott known for excellent service and comfortable rooms. Popular with international visitors and NGO workers.
Auberge du Sahara (Chinguetti)
Charming desert lodge in Chinguetti offering comfortable rooms with traditional architecture and modern amenities. Perfect base for exploring the ancient city and surrounding dunes.
Hotel Atar
Best hotel in Atar offering comfortable rooms and serving as the ideal base for Adrar region explorations. Features helpful staff who can arrange tours and guides.
Best neighborhoods to stay
Choose your base based on your interests and travel style.
City Center
The heart of Mauritania with easy access to main attractions, restaurants, and transportation.
Best for: First-time visitors, short stays
Old Town
Traditional architecture and local character. Walking distance to historical sites and authentic dining.
Best for: Culture enthusiasts, photographers
Our top picks
Handpicked recommendations for every type of traveler.
Azalaï Hotel Marhaba
Nouakchott's premier luxury hotel offering international standards with modern amenities, multiple restaurants, and a pool. Popular with business travelers and diplomats, it provides a comfortable oasis in the capital.
Hotel Wissal
Reliable mid-range option in Nouakchott offering clean, comfortable rooms and friendly service. Good value for money with basic amenities and convenient location.
Auberge Menata
Popular backpacker hostel in Nouakchott offering clean dormitory and private rooms at budget prices. Friendly atmosphere and good source of travel information.
Hotel Halima
Upscale hotel in Nouakchott featuring spacious rooms, excellent dining options, and professional service. Known for its restaurant serving both international and local cuisine.
Hotel Al Mouna
Mid-range hotel in central Nouakchott with comfortable rooms and helpful staff. Good base for exploring the capital with reasonable prices.
Hotel Le Diplomate
No-frills budget hotel in Nouakchott offering basic but clean rooms. Good value for travelers on a tight budget.
Booking tips
Get the best deals and avoid common mistakes.
Book Azalaï Hotel Marhaba and Monotel Dar El Barka well in advance (2-3 months) — only a handful of quality rooms and they fill quickly with NGO and diplomatic visitors
In Chinguetti and Atar, walk-in or direct phone booking is the norm — most desert auberges don't appear on booking platforms
Hotels in Atar are the best base for Adrar region exploration — more comfortable than camping and cheaper than desert lodges
Check if hotel price includes breakfast — many Mauritanian hotels include a simple continental breakfast
During Ramadan, hotel restaurants may not serve food during daylight hours — confirm meal arrangements before booking
For desert areas, payment is almost always cash only — MRU or USD accepted at most tourist-facing establishments
Alternative accommodations
Beyond traditional hotels, consider these options.
Guesthouses
Family-run guesthouses offer authentic local experiences and often include home-cooked meals. Great for cultural immersion.
Serviced apartments
Ideal for longer stays or families. Kitchen facilities help save money and provide flexibility.
Hostels
Budget-friendly option for solo travelers. Dorms and private rooms available with social common areas.