auberge menata in nouakchott
Replies: 11 - Last Post: May 5, 2012 9:14 PM Last Post By: Simsy
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auberge menata in nouakchott
hey all,just wanted to post an experience we had in auberge menata in nouakchott - we stayed there for three nights, and the facilities were fine (running hot water was a plus, flushing toilets, good backpacker feel) but there were some security issues I wanted to share.
Menata is in a compound, and a security guard is meant to be at the gate but there isn't one generally. When there is, they let anyone in - this means you are sitting in your hotel, and are confronted from when you get up in the morning to bed at night with waves of people trying to sell you trinkets, or be your guide, etc. There are also groups of young men who lounge around, and the feeling is that it's not secure
1
I also stayed at the Menata a couple of years ago and the issues were the same then.I was in the section up stairs so it was sort of secure but it rained one night and we went downstairs and there were hangers on galore. The woman who used to run it is no longer there or doesnt appear to be around when I was there.
It is however one of the better Auberges in the city!
Cheers.
4
I've seen this also on the French forums, since Olivia left, her husband Maloum has let things slide. When I was there last early 2009 there was always somebody at the gate. I would also vouch for the Jeloua, lovely rooms, very clean and tidy, nice terrace for having a glass in the evening and free internet (after asking permission).5
Auberge Sahara, on the road from Nouadhibou is a nice place owned by a friendly french guy.7
We stayed in Menata for two days, but nobody was bothering or trying to sell anything. The management was friendly and knowledgeable, central location, spotless with superb fascilities. There were people coming and going, true, a few friends and relatives mostly, but how is this unusual or different to any other auberge in Mauritania?8
I can see how experiences in the place would differ if you had a security guard rostered on, and perhaps they rectified the situation. However, I reiterate that over the three nights we stayed at menata, we were offered atar guides, mauritanian cloth and other assorted trinkets at least twice each day inside the compound by random people who wandered in.9
HBM, I don't think anyone questions legitimacy of your claims. Maybe, hopefully, the management of Menata visits LPTT too and decided to do something about the visiting businessmen - hence no reports of bother since you posted your experience. Let's hope more people come back here and report their experiences with Menata.10
I have stayed at Menata twice and the security situation is VERY BAD the second visit saw my vehicle relieved of GPS, Camera, Torch, Medical bag, Pocket knife and a few other small items.(the only time it was unlocked when i was makeing an urgent trip to the facilities and was gone for 10 mins) No help from the staff they even refused to tell me where the nearest police post was and got agresive when i went on my own to report the theft. 14 years travelling and this is the worst experience in a LP recomended hostel. Just stay at auberge sahara.11
Things change in Africa quickly as we all know.Always take up to date advice and if there are two independent views and they come to the same conclusion then common sense dictates there advice is the one to follow.
Change of ownership brings change for the better or worse even in the west as we all know.
The Menata was the place to go 3 years ago. It obviously isn't now.
Saying that, a first time poster bagging another outfit should be treated with scepticism IMO.
Cheers.
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