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 Marrakech Medina Hotels
Marrakech has it all: sunshine, gorgeous gardens, ridiculously exciting shopping, exotic music, trendy restaurants, history, romance, atmosphere. What is more this so near, so far idyll comes complete with a host of seriously cool hotels. There are large hotels for sure (famous La Mamounia is due to reopen its doors this year after a two year closure), but for those who want to join in the party the rise of the riad is a revelation. These converted townhouses, deep in the heart of the hub, are transforming the hot, dusty, noisy medina into a 21st century lifestyle destination. Characterized by plain facades, duck-your-head doorways, and decorative interior courtyards, the bliss of staying in a riad is that you are so close to the action, and yet in your own utterly authentic oasis. They are intimate affairs, most with less than ten beds. The trick is to stay in the medina for a few nights before heading to the Palmeraie, Marrakech's answer to a weekend in the country, or a little further afield (see Marrakech Palmeraie and Marrakech Environs for our favourite addresses). It only takes twenty minutes to plunge back into the souks from La Palmeraie and you swap roosters and the call of prayer for views of the majestic Atlas Mountains, herb gardens, lawns for the children to run around on, spacious bedrooms and grown up sized swimming pools. For a long weekend away it really doesn't get any better. The hotels are listed by price category, and their order bears no reflection on our preference.
 Reviews by Daisy Finer |
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| Luxury: Designer riad, owned by Vanessa Branson and furnished with flair |
| Location: In the medina, close to the Bab El Ksour, five minutes walk from Djeema-El-Fna square. |
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| A hip, carefree and deeply restful hangout ablaze with artistic details. Silver buckets burst with roses, tables are covered in silks and walls are punctuated by paintings from owner Vanessa Branson's stunning collection. Email wirelessly from one of the tree (and tortoise) filled courtyards, lounge against piles of Berber cushions on the rooftop, indulge in the hamman, screening room, library and two pools. Much of the food is from the Riad's own garden, there are open fires in the evening and bedrooms are glorious giants with big beds, deep baths and soothing oils in glass jars. Heaven. |
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| Luxury: Elegant, spoiling mini hotel with 24-hour room service |
| Location: In the oldest part of the medina, around the corner from the Medersa Ben Youssef museum. |
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| Hotelier Johnathan Wix spent two years transforming his home into a five-suite baby hotel. He personally hammered the pictures on the wall, imported Philippe Starck bathroom fittings and duck feather pillows and commissioned furniture to be manufactured locally. The result is crisp and comfortable, with the added boon of 24-hour room service and knock-out massages. There is nothing manager Lynn Perez cannot sort. |
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| Luxury: Iconic restaurant turned luxury hotel with magnificent interior |
| Location: Near the Bab Doukkala mosque, a 5-minute walk from Djeema el-Fna square |
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| In its heydey Marrakech's most talked about restaurant, this elegant riad was turned into an understated luxury hotel with good facilities in 1997 by Fabrizio Ruspoli. Outside splashing fountains play in flowered patios where you can take drinks and light meals, while the interior is a sublime combination of traditional Moroccan craftsmanship and smart European style - one of the city's iconic places to stay. |
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| Luxury: Smart French-owned hotel with authentic Moroccan decoration |
| Location: Next to Djemaa el-Fna square, in the heart of the city |
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| The Villa des Orangers is owned by renowned French hoteliers the Beherecs and their influence is apparent at this popular and well-appointed hotel. Orange trees fill the patios and one of the two swimming pools can be found on the rooftop sun terrace with views over the medina - all the polish you'd expect at a top-quality hotel but housed within a traditional Moroccan home. |
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| Luxury: Unbeatable service at this cosy romantic riad |
| Location: Close to Djemaa el-Fna square in a lively yet tranquil part of the old city |
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| This small, romantic riad has just six rooms, an intimate atmosphere and is renowned for its outstanding service. The décor has been kept clasically Moroccan and the swimming pool in the central courtyard is surrounded by trees, bougainvillea and rose-filled fountains. There are great social spaces to relax in and even a grand piano for the musically inclined. A refined yet traditional option in central Marrakech. |
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| Mid Price: Stylish combination of Moroccan and European styles in two riads |
| Location: In the heart of the medina, a five minute walk to the Djeema el-Fna square and with street access |
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| Well-known architect Charles Boccara was involved in the design of this chic retreat and the result is a sophisticated marriage of Moroccan style and European design sensibilities. Made up of two riads joined into one by a bridge over a small alleyway, each room is unique; a spa, hammam and jacuzzi will help you to unwind and the restaurant serves excellent Moroccan and Mediterranean food. |
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| Mid Price: Intimate, modest and painstakingly restored family home |
| Location: In the heart of central Marrakech, down a winding alley from Djemaa el-Fna square |
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| Although facilities are basic, this riad, lovingly restored by the husband and wife team who still run it like an informal family home, is beyond beautiful. Elaborate tiles, fountains filled with rose petals and a wild garden contrast with edgy designer furniture and eclectic ornaments. Traditional food and music is served up in what was once the hammam and the spa offers indulgent and unusual treatments. |
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| Mid Price: Calm, stylish refuge, filled with fine furniture and art |
| Location: In the heart of the old town, a 3-minute walk from Djemaa el-Fna square |
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| You leave the bustle of the medina behind when you step through the ancient door into this elegant riad. Formed from several mansions, connected by a maze of corridors, handsome rooms and calm courtyards, it houses a fine collection of antiques, ceramics, textiles and paintings, and makes a very special place to stay. Open fireplaces, a small pool and hammam add to the air of stylish simplicity. Staff are attentive and the chef prepares delicious Tajines. |
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| Mid Price: A riad of character crammed with antiques and knick-knacks |
| Location: A few minutes walk from Djemaa el-Fna square and the souks |
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| This popular riad is owned by an expert city guide and his wife who is an antique dealer. Interiors are, of course, full of interesting Moroccan antiques and objets d'art and the whole home has a rich, traditional feel. The service at Riad Kniza goes beyond the call of duty and Mr Bouskri makes for an extremely informative host. |
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| Mid Price: An eclectic mix of furniture fills a warren of rooms at this unique riad |
| Location: Close to Djemaa el-Fna square on derb Moulay Abdelkader |
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| This unusual riad occupies a vast area and its warren of bedrooms, courtyards and salons are filled with an eclectic mixture of Moroccan antiques and twentieth century design classics. More shabby chic than trendy pristine, the Madani feels like staying at the home of an eccentric but tasteful friend and its central location, heated swimming pool and pretty garden make it a real oasis. |
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| Mid Price: New boutique riad in a great location |
| Location: Easy to reach from Bab Laksour gate, near the Mouassine Fountain |
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| Superbly located within the heart of the medina, yet very simple to find and moments from both the city gate of Bab Laksour (taxis) and Djemaa el-Fna Square, this newly refurbished bolthole will suit modern sensibilities perfectly with its seemless mix of chic boutique style and traditional Moroccan decoration. Plus two courtyard patios, rooftop terrace, plunge pool, Hammam and six luxurious bedrooms. |
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| Inexpensive: Carefully displayed artworks at this chic, minimal hotel |
| Location: Five minutes from Djemaa el-Fna square in the heart of the medina |
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| Less is more at this ultra-minimal riad in the heart of the medina. Well-chosen pieces of pottery and local craftmanship stand out from stark white walls, classical music plays softly in the communal areas and host Jean-François will make sure your stay is an unforgettable experience. Breakfast is served on the roof-terrace with views over the city and the mountains beyond. |
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| Inexpensive: Simple but stylish rooms in a well-located and inexpensive riad |
| Location: in a very quiet part of the old city, a 15-minute walk from the D'Jemaa el Fna |
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| Arranged around an attractive paved inner courtyard, Riad Honey provides a tranquil refuge from the heat and dust of the medina. It has eight air-conditioned double bedrooms, decorated unpretentiously but with panache. With their Oriental rugs, wrought-iron and wooden furniture, low brass-topped tables and natural cotton fabrics, the style is authentically Moroccan. After dark, a host of lanterns light the atmospheric roof terrace, bringing a glow to the ochre walls. |
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